The Role of Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus: A 24-year Review

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a widespread and devastating disease. Diabetes is associated with several mechanisms of tissue damage, one of which is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and oxidative damage to tissues are common end points to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of and the complications of diabetes. Hyperglycaemia results in overproduction of oxygen free radicals which contributes to the progression of diabetes.Objective: This review aims at determining the role of oxidative stress in diabetes and diabetic complications.Method: Relevant literatures were reviewed from medical journals, library search, Pub Med search, Google search and other internet search engines (Google Scholar, Hinarii, Ask.com) from 1987 to 2011.Results: Several studies demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a role in the progression of diabetes and also in the development and progression of diabetic complications.Conclusion: Increasing evidence has implicated a role for oxidative stress in progression of diabetes and diabetes associated complications. Antioxidant therapy has been effective in management of diabetes and diabetic complications. In addition, physical exercise and insulin therapy can also improve diabetes through the reduction of oxidative stress.Keywords: Oxidative stress, free radicals, antioxidants, diabetes, diabetic complications

Adolescent Sexual Behaviour and Practices in Nigeria: A Twelve Year Review

Background: Adolescence is a time of opportunity and risk. During this time, attitudes, values and behaviours that forms a young person's future begin to develop and take shape. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of premature deaths among adults are largely due to behaviours initiated during adolescence. Age of sexual debut is generally low, yet there is dearth of knowledge on sexuality.Objective: The article reviewed the sexual practices and behaviours of Nigerian adolescents in the last twelve years.Methods: Available publications in local and international journals on adolescent sexual behaviour and practices covering a twelve-year period from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrieved from the Library (NAUTH Medical Library). Additional search for published articles was done on the internet from Pubmed/Medline and other search engines.Results: Adolescents engage in unhealthy sexual behaviours, characterized by early age at sexual initiation, unsafe sex and multiple sex partners. Reasons given for this include curiosity, peer influence, pleasure and financial benefit, amongst others.Conclusion: The strategies given in this review have the potential to increase sexual awareness in adolescents, encourage contraceptive use and improve adolescent reproductive and sexual health in the country.Keywords: Adolescent sexual behaviour, Adolescent health and development, secondary school students, adolescent pregnancy

Patients Characteristics and Perception of Quality of Care in a Teaching Hospital in Anambra State, Nigeria

Introduction: Patients' assessment of quality of health care despite its importance in uptake of available services has not been closely examined in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to assess patient's perception of the quality of healthcare services as offered at the General Outpatients Department (GOPD) of a Teaching Hospital in order to obtain rational information for effective policy formulation on improved patient care in our hospitals. Methodology: This was a four-week duration descriptive cross-sectional study involving three hundred and ninety (390) new adult patients seen at the General Out-Patients' Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. Using a self-administered pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire in English language, relevant information was obtained from the participants. Results: A total of 390 adult new patients with mean age 31.4 years participated in the study of which females 216 (55.5%) were slightly more than males 174 (45.5%). About 225 (57.7%) of the respondents received at most a primary school education. The major reasons for seeking care at the GOPD were expectations of being attended to by qualified doctors and nurses (38%); receiving efficient and quality service (36%) and obtaining cheaper and affordable drugs (14.5%). Aquarter of the patients (25%) waited for up to one hour to register, while 38% spent more than an hour before being attended to by a doctor. Seventy percent (70%) of the patients opined that the nurses were friendly, 94.5% of the patients rated the doctors as being friendly while 82.5% expressed satisfaction with the care received from the doctors. The conditions of the waiting hall were deemed very comfortable by 42%,and 42% felt that it was uncomfortable. In all 79% of the patients felt that the quality of care was good and 82% were willing to return for consultations in future if need be. Conclusions: The waiting time for obtaining the patients' card and doctors' consultation appeared to be unacceptably long in this hospital and some respondents were not satisfied with the services rendered. Further studies should be directed at ascertaining the cause of their dissatisfaction and strategies put promptly in place to reverse them. Keywords: quality of care, policy formulation, patient consultation, GOPD, rational informatio

Nutrition Transition in Developing Countries: A Review

Background: Over the centuries there have been changes in the diet of man. This is accompanied by changes in the level of activity and body composition. These changes have effects on the health of man. Modern science has continued to reveal the relationship between the changes in diet, physical activity, body composition of man and his health and the general effect on his life expectancy and quality of life. These changes occur at different rates in different parts of the world. Objective: This paper aims at studying these shifts in pattern of diet, physical activity and body composition with special interest in developing countries. Method: Relevant literature was reviewed from medical journals, library search, PubMed search, google search and search using other internet search engines. The key words employed were: Nutrition transition, with particular emphasis on developing countries. Result: Several studies have given perspectives on nutrition transition, the factors that are responsible for the transition, the effects on the health of man, the scenarios in developed world and in the developing countries. Also highlighted are the challenges it poses to humanity and possible measures to arrest the situation. Conclusion: It is obvious that nutrition transition is a reality that is present with humanity. In the developing world we have more problems on our hands as we have not succeeded in controlling the communicable diseases and the non-communicable diseases most of which are nutrition related are becoming predominant. This calls for action to prevent the dire consequences of inaction. Keywords: Nutrition Transition, Developing countries

Prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

Background: In developing countries, biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food‑borne diseases often transmitted through food, water, nails, and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly, food‑handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro‑organisms. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects’ stool, urine, and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized. Results: Fingernail bacteria isolates include: E. Coli (1.8%), coagulase‑negative staphylococcus (17.9%), Staphylococcus aureus(7.1%), Klebsiella species (2.4%), Serratia species (1.2%), Citrobacter species (1.2%), and Enterococcus species (1.8%). The subjects’ stool samples tested positive: For A. lumbricoides (14.9%), T. trichuria(1.8%), S. starcolaris (3.0%), E. histolytica (10.7%), G. lambilia (1.8%), S. mansoni (1.2%), and Taenia species (4.8%). Furthermore, 42.3% and 15.5% of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species, respectively. Conclusion: Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness, and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices.Keywords: Bacteria, federal capital territory, food handlers, intestinal parasitesNigerian Medical Journal | Vol. 53 | Issue 3 | July-September | 201