Is bioelectrical impedance accurate for use in large epidemiological studies?

Percentage of body fat is strongly associated with the risk of several chronic diseases but its accurate measurement is difficult. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a relatively simple, quick and non-invasive technique, to measure body composition. It measures body fat accurately in controlled clinical conditions but its performance in the field is inconsistent. In large epidemiologic studies simpler surrogate techniques such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio are frequently used instead of BIA to measure body fatness. We reviewed the rationale, theory, and technique of recently developed systems such as foot (or hand)-to-foot BIA measurement, and the elements that could influence its results in large epidemiologic studies. BIA results are influenced by factors such as the environment, ethnicity, phase of menstrual cycle, and underlying medical conditions. We concluded that BIA measurements validated for specific ethnic groups, populations and conditions can accurately measure body fat in those populations, but not others and suggest that for large epdiemiological studies with diverse populations BIA may not be the appropriate choice for body composition measurement unless specific calibration equations are developed for different groups participating in the study

Healthy adolescents’ knowledge of diabetes mellitus in a semi-urban community in South-South Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus has become an important public health challenge affecting both the young and adults. This study was carried out in order to determine the knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus among adolescents in Oghara, South-South Nigeria.Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in which a structured questionnaire on the various aspects of diabetes mellitus was administered to 250 students followed by a health educational talk on the disease. Three weeks later, the same questionnaire was re-administered to find out if the talk had made an impact.Result: About 20% of the students could tell the cause of diabetes before the health talk and this increased to 86% after. Excessive passage of urine was the most frequent symptom of diabetes mellitus identified by the subjects but only 13% of them could identify more than one symptom of diabetes before the health awareness talk. The kidney was the most common organ identified as being affected, with the retina being the least. Majority of the respondents believed erroneously that urine sugar could be used to diagnose diabetes mellitus. The respondents were also more aware of the importance of weight reduction, exercise, insulin and oral medication, for treatment of diabetes mellitus after the health educational talk.Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness of certain aspects of diabetes mellitus among adolescents is poor. However, adequate health education had a positive impact on their knowledge and awareness. Sustained health educational programmes in schools and communities about this condition are advocated.Keywords: Health education, insulin, kidney, risk factors, urine suga

Prevalence of obesity among diabetics seen in a tertiary health care centre in south-south Nigeria

Background: Obesity is a leading determinant for diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity among diabetic patients seen at a tertiary hospital in South-South Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study of 244 diabetic patients seen between January 2010 and June 2012. Weight and height was obtained from hospital records and BMI calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. The presence of hypertension was also obtained at first clinic visit . Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 48%. Female and male prevalence was 25.8% and 22.1% respectively. Obese diabetics also showed worse glycaemic control and higher blood pressure than non-obese diabetics. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among diabetics in this study is fairly high. It is worthwhile to target educational strategies and interventions to reduce  obesity prevalence as a cardiovascular risk. Keywords: Obesity, prevalence, Diabete

Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus And Thyroid Disease: Importance Of Screening

Diabetes and thyroid disorders have been shown to mutually influence each other and associations between both conditions have long been reported. Thyroid dysfunction has been found to be chiefly hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Recent findings have evidenced the intricate bond between subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus that contributes to major complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy. Insulin resistance has also been shown to play an indispensable role in connecting type 2 diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction. Failure to recognize the presence of abnormal thyroid hormone levels in diabetes may be a primary cause of poor management sometimes encountered in some diabetics on treatment. This review seeks to bring to awareness of clinicians the evidence based relationship between diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction and need for early detection and management of both conditions.Keywords: diabetes mellitus; thyroid dysfunction; relationshi

Patterns and Outcomes of Diabetic Admissions in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing globally. It also constitutes one of the common indications for admission into the medical wards of most hospitals. This study is aimed at examining diabetes –related admission and outcomes in a tertiary hospital located in a semi –urban community in Delta state, South-South Nigeria. A retrospective analysis of diabetes related admissions to the adult medical wards of Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara in Southern Nigeria between January 2010 and December 2012 was carried out using hospital discharge records of patients. A total of 953 patients were admitted into the medical wards during the period under review. Diabetes related admission accounted for 153(16.1%). The average age of subjects was 59.3+16.36 years. Indications for admission were uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (39.2%), diabetic foot syndrome (38.6%), hyperglycaemic emergencies(15.7%), and hypoglycaemia (6.5%). In-hospital diabetic mortality was 15% with patients admitted for diabetic foot ulcer accounting for 52.2% of deaths and 80% of those who left against medical advice. Diabetic foot ulcer with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus constituted the most common indication for admission of diabetes patients with prolonged hospital stay and high mortality in medical wards. It is important that factors responsible for this be identified and tackled in order to reduce hospitalization and mortality.Keywords: diabetes, ward admission, outcome

Strategies Aimed at Helping African American Male Students Succeed in United States Secondary Schools: A Metasynthesis

The persistent disparity in graduation rates between Black and White male students in U.S. secondary schools (the achievement gap) despite repeated efforts to even it out, is a thorn in the flesh of educators, the country over. The elimination of this continuous disparity through viable solutions, is the focus of this study. A problem is ninety percent solved when it is thoroughly understood, with its comprehension necessitating a large investment of thought, time, and resources (Einstein, 1879-1955). To fully grasp the inner pinning of the achievement gap dilemma, this researcher selected, read, and reviewed 50 subject matter-related archived articles/studies obtained from Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses web sites through Pepperdine University’s Databases and E-Journals. From a thorough thematically-based qualitative metasynthesis of the selection, through the lenses of three research questions and the backbone of four related theories, emerged two overarching themes that put a spotlight on: (a) the urgency to stop disregarding the positive efforts made by African American male students and laud/report on them, and (b) the need to celebrate the lives and lived experiences of Black boys. The two emergent themes of this study could, indeed, be the achievement gap gamechanger. They amplify the importance of using the positive approach when interacting with Black high school boys in particular who hitherto have experienced adversities like racism, stereotyping, discrimination, and the marginalization of the positive events in their lives. Great benefits abound from using positive approach strategies to educate all high school students, however, positivizing the lived experiences of Black high school boys is monumental

Foot-care practices among diabetics seen in a tertiary hospital in South-south Nigeria

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Water purification properties, Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of potash alum (Trona)

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.10(2) 2000: 132-13