Risk assessment of adherence in hypertensives and diabetics in a subSaharan African outpatient clinic

Medication nonadherence is a significant burden to health care utilization[1], in addition to poor disease control. But there is a paucity of structured adherence counselling as a thematic area of care. We have used a modified adherence tool for patients living with HIV and AIDs which incorporates social background, treatment preparation, adherence habits, disclosure of illness, the use of treatment partners, and assessment of potential barriers to adherence. This form was designed only to explore known characteristics that are important for adherence, but patients were asked to make judgement on their own level of adherence. Of the one hundred and eighty one eighty six (47.5%) were males while 95(52.5%) were females. The mean age was 50.83 years (SD 12.54). Majority of the patients were married (81.8%) and had at least primary education. Most of the patients whom we interviewed were hypertensives (65%). One hundred and twelve (61.88%) were taking medications during a daily routine, such as eating. Most of the patients, 116(64.10%) had some knowledge about their illness and the medications they were taking by names. Majority of patients (72.4%) had disclosed their illness to their spouses. Many patients selfreport that their adherence is good

DIABETES RISK SCORE OF STAFF OF AN URBAN MISSION HOSPITAL IN NIGERIA

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health problem which in hospital staff poses a major stress and can lead to migration away from health related posts. Certain features of health work e.g. long hours, shifts and uncertain break times increase the risk for hospital staff. It is critical to predict chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus that have a definable onset in adults so that morbidity and mortality can be mitigated through early recognition and treatment. Aims: To determine the diabetes risk score of health workers in an urban hospital and the associated risk factors. Methods and Materials: A correlational cross sectional survey of staff was conducted and diabetes risk was determined using a modified form of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score questionnaire. Results and Conclusions: A total of 220 staff representing a response rate of 69.8% completed the study. The mean age was 41.6±9.88, Median duration of employment was 7.2years with a range of (0-37). Majority (66.4%) were in the 25-44 years age group, and most were female (66.4%) and married (70.5%). Mean BMI was 26.62±4.85. The mean Diabetes Risk score for the entire study group was 7.43±4.46 with a median score of 7 and a range of 0-19. About 40.5% had slightly elevated risk, 14.5% had moderate risk, and 5% had high risk. Female gender (AOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.33), and duration of employment (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.18-4.37) were significant predictors of higher diabetic risk score category. KEYWORDS: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes risk; Risk score; Health workforce

DIABETES RISK SCORE OF STAFF OF AN URBAN MISSION HOSPITAL IN NIGERIA

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health problem which in hospital staff poses a major stress and can lead to migration away from health related posts. Certain features of health work e.g. long hours, shifts and uncertain break times increase the risk for hospital staff. It is critical to predict chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus that have a definable onset in adults so that morbidity and mortality can be mitigated through early recognition and treatment. Aims: To determine the diabetes risk score of health workers in an urban hospital and the associated risk factors. Methods and Materials: A correlational cross sectional survey of staff was conducted and diabetes risk was determined using a modified form of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score questionnaire. Results and Conclusions: A total of 220 staff representing a response rate of 69.8% completed the study. The mean age was 41.6±9.88, Median duration of employment was 7.2years with a range of (0-37). Majority (66.4%) were in the 25-44 years age group, and most were female (66.4%) and married (70.5%). Mean BMI was 26.62±4.85. The mean Diabetes Risk score for the entire study group was 7.43±4.46 with a median score of 7 and a range of 0-19. About 40.5% had slightly elevated risk, 14.5% had moderate risk, and 5% had high risk. Female gender (AOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.33), and duration of employment (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.18-4.37) were significant predictors of higher diabetic risk score category. KEYWORDS: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes risk; Risk score; Health workforce

Evaluation of the environmental noise levels in Abuja Municipality using mobile phones

Background: Noise remains a nuisance which impacts negatively on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of man. It aggravates chronic illnesses like hypertension and other cardiopulmonary diseases. Unfortunately, increased activities from industrialization and technological transfers/drifts have tumultuously led to increased noise pollution in most of our fast growing cities today and hence the need for concerted efforts in monitoring and regulating our environmental noise.Objectives: To assess the equivalent noise level (Leq) in Abuja municipality and promote a simple method for regular assessment of Leq within our environment.Methods: This is a cross-sectional community based study of the environmental Leq of Abuja municipality conducted between January 2014 and January 2016. The city was divided into 12 segments including residential, business and market areas via the Abuja Geographic Information System. The major markets were captured separately on a different scale. Measurements were taken with the mobile phone softwares having validated this withExtech 407730 digital sound level meter, serial no Z310135 . Leq(A) were measured at different points and hours of the day and night. The average Leq(A) were classified according to localities and compared with WHO standard safety levels.Results: LeqD ranged 71-92dB(A); 42-79dB(A) and 69-90dB(A) in business/ parks, residential and market places respectively. The Night measurements were similar 18dB(A)-56dB(A) and the day-night Leq(A)=77.2dB(A) and 90.4dB(A) for residential and business zones.Conclusion: The night noise levels are satisfactory but the day and daynight levels are above the recommended tolerable values by WHO and therefore urgently call for awareness and legislative regulations

Research capacity. Enabling the genomic revolution in Africa.

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