The modified NCEP ATP III criteria maybe better than the IDF criteria in diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome among Malays in Kuala Lumpur

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metabolic Syndrome is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, different diagnostic criteria have been recommended by different expert groups. In Malaysia, there is a lack of research comparing these different diagnostic criteria. Therefore, it is our aim to study the concordance between the IDF and the modified NCEP ATP III definitions of Metabolic Syndrome among a Malay cohort in Kuala Lumpur; and to demonstrate if all participants have the same cardiometabolic risks.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was an analytical cross sectional study. Ethics approval was obtained and informed consent was given by all participants. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were taken following standard protocols.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Metabolic Syndrome was diagnosed in 41.4% and 38.2% participants using the modified NCEP and IDF criteria respectively. Among those diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome by modified NCEP, 7.6% were missed by the IDF criteria. Participants diagnosed by the modified NCEP criteria had lower BMI and waist circumference but had higher cardiometabolic risks than those diagnosed with both criteria. Their blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride were more adverse than the IDF group. This demonstrated that central obesity may not be a prerequisite for the development of increased cardiometabolic risks within this Malay cohort.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Metabolic syndrome is common in this Malay cohort regardless of the criterion used. The modified NCEP ATP III criteria may be more suitable in diagnosis of metabolic syndrome for this Malay cohort.</p

The effects of noise levels on nurses in intensive care units

Background Intensive care units (ICUs) are noisy environments, which may have negative psychological effects on nurses. Aims and objectives To investigate the effects of the noise level of ICUs on nurses' burnout, job satisfaction, anxiety, psychological symptoms and general psychopathology level. Design A descriptive and correlational study. Methods The study was conducted with 150 intensive care nurses. A Type 2250-L Bruel & Kj AE r hand-held sound level meter was used for noise measurement. A Nurse Information Form, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Minnesora Satisfaction Questionnaire, Self-Report Inventory and Symptom Checklist-90 Revised were used for data collection. Results The highest levels of noise (71 dB(A) and above) were measured in the neonatal, neurology and cardiovascular surgery ICUs. It was observed that noise level affected extrinsic satisfaction (F = 3 center dot 704; p = 0 center dot 027) and trait anxiety (F = 3 center dot 868; p = 0 center dot 023) of nurses. Conclusions Noise levels in ICUs are well above the recommended levels, and this affects nurses' job satisfaction and anxiety levels. Relevance to clinical practice More studies on the effects of noise levels on the physical and mental states of nurses working in ICUs are needed. Increased quality of patient care can be achieved by providing healthy working conditions for nurses working in special units such as ICUs