Spatial Analysis of Environmental Noise and Auditory Health of Abeokuta Residents, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed environmental noise levels, mapped the spatial pattern at different times of the day and examined the association with morbidity of auditory ailments in Abeokuta metropolis. The entire metropolis was divided into 80 cells (areas) of 1000 m2 ; out of which 33 were randomly selected for noise levels assessment. Portable noise meter (AR824) was used to measure noise level and Global Positioning System (Garmin GPS-72H) was employed to take the coordinates of the sample sites for mapping. Risk map of the noise levels were produced using Kriging interpolation techniques based on the spatial spread of measured noise values across the study area. Data on cases of hearing impairments were collected from four major hospitals in the city. Data collected from field measurements and medical records were subjected to descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential (Mean, ANOVA and correlation) statistics using SPSS (version 20.0). ArcMap 10.1 was employed for spatial analysis and mapping. Results showed mean noise levels range at morning (42.4±4.14 – 88.2±15.1 dBA), afternoon (45.0±6.72– 86.4±12.5 dBA) and evening (51.0±6.55–84.4±5.19 dBA) across the study area. The interpolated maps identified Kuto, Okelowo, Isale-Igbein and Sapon as high noise risk areas. The monitored noise levels varied significantly among the sampled areas at morning, afternoon and evening (p <0.05). Significant correlation was found between diagnosed cases of auditory ailments and noise levels measured in the morning (r=0.39 at p<0.05). Common auditory ailments found across the metropolis included impaired hearing (25.8%), tinnitus (16.4%) and otitis (15.0%) respectively.Keywords: Abeokuta metropolis, Noise, spatial pattern, auditory impairment

Prevalence and characteristics of anaemia in diabetes

There are an increasing number of patients with diabetes who have been found to be anaemic without underlying evidence of chronic renal disease. The cause of this anaemia is mainly unknown. This study set out to determine the prevalence and characteristics of anaemia in our local diabetes population. Five hundred and thirty-one patients attending the diabetes outpatient department were consecutively screened for anaemia with a full blood count after written informed consent was taken. Anaemia was defined by World Health Organization criteria (<13g/dl for men, and <12g/dl for women). The urinary albumin-creatinine ratio, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate were determined. Of the 531 screened, anaemia was present in 134 (25%) patients. Only 26 (19%) of those with anaemia had previously known nephropathy and 16 (12%) had microcytic anaemia. The majority of the anaemic population were previously undetected with no obvious cause for the anaemia. Anaemia was common in the study population. Screening routinely for anaemia at annual diabetes follow-up clinics may be a cheap and effective way of identifying patients at risk of impaired quality of life and increased cardiovascular risk. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons