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Behavioral Problems in Offspring of Bipolar Mothers
S. Mohammad Moosavi,
Mahshid Ahmadi,
Mani B. Monajemi
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
167-171
Received:
22 July 2015
Accepted:
26 September 2015
Published:
29 September 2015
Abstract: Background and purpose: The prevalence of behavioral problems in children with mentally ill parents may be higher compared to children with mentally healthy parents. This study was carried out to assess the behavioral problems in children with bipolar mothers. Material and methods: This case-control study was conducted between 50 children (6-11 years) of mothers with bipolar I disorder as a case group and 50 children of healthy mothers as control group in Sari, Iran, during 2011-13. With psychiatric interview based on DSM-IV-R and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), bipolar disorder in mothers was confirmed and other prominent psychiatric disorders were ruled out. The psychological health of control mothers was confirmed using psychiatric interview and general health questionnaire (GHQ). The behavioral problems of children in two groups were compared using Achenbach child behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-19, Chi- Square and Student’s t-test. Results: Somatic complaints, anxiety and depression, social problems, externalization and internalization scores and also behavioral problems total scores were significantly higher in case group compared to control group (P< 0.05). No significant differences between case group and control group were mentioned with respect to isolation, attention problems, thought problems, antisocial behaviors. Conclusion: Psychiatric and behavioral problems in children with bipolar mothers were higher, compared to children of healthy mothers. Child psychological counseling and psychiatric management in along to mothers’ treatment is advisable.
Abstract: Background and purpose: The prevalence of behavioral problems in children with mentally ill parents may be higher compared to children with mentally healthy parents. This study was carried out to assess the behavioral problems in children with bipolar mothers. Material and methods: This case-control study was conducted between 50 children (6-11 yea...
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Workplace Perception and Attitude Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS of Persons in Senior Administrative Positions in Public Universities in Nigeria
Mabel Omonigho Akpede,
Austin Itohan Ojugo,
Gloria Omolegho Omi-Ujuanbi,
George Obozokhale Akpede
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
172-179
Received:
5 September 2015
Accepted:
26 September 2015
Published:
13 October 2015
Abstract: Persons in senior administrative positions (SAP) in public universities are an important segment of the workforce, which could play an important role in the control of HIV/AIDS through their impact on the attitude to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) both within and outside the university community. However, there is a gross dearth of information on their perception of HIV/AIDS and the corresponding attitude to PLWHA. This is unlike the profusion of data on the perception of students in tertiary institutions of higher learning. The objective of this study was thus to determine the level of awareness and perception of HIV/AIDS, and the workplace attitude to PLWHA, of persons in SAP in public universities and the association with the demographic factors of age, gender and religion. A self-administered questionnaire, ‘Awareness and Attitude towards PLWHA scale’ was used to elicit responses from 250 persons, representing 91.6% of those eligible, in a cross-sectional survey of Deans of Faculties, Directors and Heads of Departments in two public universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Mean scores and mean percentage responses were compared between groups using Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA. The level of significance was set at P <0.05. The mean (standard deviation, SD) of Respondents with correct answers to the questions on perception was 72.7 (12.8)% on perception of the nature of HIV/AIDS, 45.1 (38.6)% on transmission, 90.9 (7.4)% on diagnosis and 85.8 (10.8)% on perception of its prevention (P = 0.034). The mean (SD) of the responses on general attitude was 96.8 (2.9)% and that on workplace attitude 85.2 (7.5)% (P = 0.036). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean overall scores on perception and attitude in relation to age, gender and religion. We conclude that the perception of HIV/AIDS and workplace attitude to PLWHA among persons in SAP in public universities in Nigeria are quite favourable, except in relation to the transmission of infection. We also conclude that the perception is unrelated to the demographic factors of age, gender and religion. These findings are relevant to the development of HIV/AIDS control messages, particularly those targeted at the reduction of stigmatization and discrimination, important attitudinal problems fueling the transmission of HIV/AIDS in resource-poor countries.
Abstract: Persons in senior administrative positions (SAP) in public universities are an important segment of the workforce, which could play an important role in the control of HIV/AIDS through their impact on the attitude to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) both within and outside the university community. However, there is a gross dearth of information...
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Optimizing the Effect of ω-3 Fatty Acids on the Lipid Profile in Metabolic Syndrome Patients
Ghada Mahmoud Khafagy,
Mayssa Ebrahim Ali
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
180-183
Received:
4 August 2015
Accepted:
27 August 2015
Published:
3 November 2015
Abstract: Background: The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors. It is vital to start the lifestyle interventions and treatment early in patients with metabolic syndrome to prevent the twin global epidemics of type 2diabetes and CVD. Objective: to investigate the overall effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation In addition to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) nutritional intervention on the lipid profile in patients with metabolic syndrome and to study if the addition of DASH diet will alleviate the rise in LDL- C that occurs with ω-3 fatty acid supplementation. Research design and methods: This was a prospective interventional outpatient trial conducted on 42 patients with the metabolic syndrome. They received ω-3 fatty acid supplementation 1 g/d in addition to DASH nutritional education for 12 weeks: the DASH diet with increased consumption of fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains and lower in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol. The main outcome measures were the lipid profile of the patients with metabolic syndrome. Results: ω-3 fatty acid together with The DASH diet significantly changed the mean of all parameters of lipid profile in metabolic syndrome patients. After 12 weeks, there was a significant increase in HDL-C (14%), significant reductions in TG (37.7%), LDL (29.4%) and a significant reduction in Non HDL-C (24.7%). Conclusion: this study demonstrated that the DASH diet optimizes and complements the effect of ω-3 fatty acid on the lipid profile of patients with metabolic syndrome by alleviating the rise in LDL- C that occurs with omega supplementation.
Abstract: Background: The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors. It is vital to start the lifestyle interventions and treatment early in patients with metabolic syndrome to prevent the twin global epidemics of type 2diabetes and CVD. Objective: to investigate the overall effects of omega-3 fatty acids s...
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Screening of Depression in Infertile Females Attending Infertility Clinic in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study
Marwa Mostafa Ahmed,
Nagwaa Eid Saad
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
184-187
Received:
29 September 2015
Accepted:
15 October 2015
Published:
10 November 2015
Abstract: Background: Infertility can have an extravagated impact on the psychological wellbeing of the couple and subsequently affect the marital relationship and the quality of life. Objective: To screen for depression in infertile female attending infertility clinic and to determine the severity of depression in relation to duration of infertility and other socio-demographic characteristics in an Egyptian setting. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from June 2014 to December 2014 in the infertility clinic in Kasr Al-Ainy hospital. Three hundred infertile females were screened for depression using the Arabic version of the Patient Heath Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: According to (PHQ-9), 62.3% of the studied infertile females suffer from moderate to severe depression. The score of PHQ-9 was inversely proportionate to both the duration of marriage (P value=0.038, person correlation:-0.12) and duration of infertility (P value=0.025, person correlation: -0.13) and was directly proportionate to age of studied females (P value =0.032, person correlation: 0.124), their educational level (P value =0.000, person correlation: 0.312) and number of trial of assisted reproductive technique (P value=0.001, person correlation: 0.189), and these data were statistically significant. Conclusion: A large percentage of Egyptian infertile females suffer from depression. And this highlights the challenging need for providing individualized bio-psychosocial care for all infertile Egyptian females.
Abstract: Background: Infertility can have an extravagated impact on the psychological wellbeing of the couple and subsequently affect the marital relationship and the quality of life. Objective: To screen for depression in infertile female attending infertility clinic and to determine the severity of depression in relation to duration of infertility and oth...
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Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors Among Adama Hospital Medical College Staff, Ethiopia
Alem Deksisa Abebe,
Ephrem Mamo Gebrehiwot,
Seblewengel Lema,
Tilaye Workineh Abebe
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
188-192
Received:
28 June 2015
Accepted:
24 July 2015
Published:
19 November 2015
Abstract: Back ground: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common work–related health problems among hospital workers. Work–related activities such as twisting, bending, sustained posture, repeated movements are regarded as associated risk factors for low back pain. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of Low Back Pain among hospital workers. Methodology: An institution based cross sectional survey design was conducted among employees in Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC), Adama Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were performed. p<0.1 in univariate is considered for multivariate analysis and p<0.05 was used to define statistical significance. Result: Of 263, 137(52.1%) were males and 126(47.9%) were females. The result indicated that the mean and median age of the respondents were 33.5 and 33 years respectively. The life time prevalence of LBP was found to be 50.6% and the 12 month LBP prevalence was 41.4%. Staff not participating in any physical activity (exercise) were more likely to report presence of low back pain (AOR (Adjusted Odd Ratio)=1.75, CI, 1.02-3.02). On the other hand, staff who worked sitting more than 6 hours were associated with increased risk of low back pain(AOR=2.78, CI, 1.09-7.07). Perceived stress often increased risk of low back pain (AOR=2.60, CI, 1.06-6.36). Conclusion: LBP was significantly associated with the obesity, stressed often, those worked in seated position more than six hours and those with long year experience; but doing physical exercise has rather a preventive effect. The findings of this study suggest that primary prevention of LBP should be considered.
Abstract: Back ground: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common work–related health problems among hospital workers. Work–related activities such as twisting, bending, sustained posture, repeated movements are regarded as associated risk factors for low back pain. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of Low Back ...
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Iodine Deficiency in Shendi Area in River Nile State, Northern Sudan
Faroug Bakheit Mohamed Ahmed,
Esam-eddin Bakheit Mohamed Ahmed
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
193-196
Received:
10 October 2015
Accepted:
21 October 2015
Published:
19 November 2015
Abstract: The study was conducted to assess iodine status of Shendi area inhabitants by determination of urinary iodine excretion of Shendi basic school children. Shendi area was divided into four geographical zones according to the difference in water sources.353pupils were included in the study. Most of cases (68.6%) showed a urine iodine concentration between 10 - 30 µg/dl (normal). 7.9% of cases had urinary iodine excretion more than 30 µg/dl (above normal) and 23.5% of children were suffering from iodine deficiency; 16.4% of them had mild iodine deficiency, 4.5% of pupils showed moderate iodine deficiency and 2.6 % had severe iodine deficiency according to WHO, 2001 standard. The high urinary iodine excretion was in the east of Shendi (23.40 ± 30.64 µg/dl) and the low urinary iodine excretion was in the north of Shendi (13.86 ± 3.88 µg/dl).Analysis of water samples from study zones showed some minerals which are goitrogenic such as fluoride and nitrate.
Abstract: The study was conducted to assess iodine status of Shendi area inhabitants by determination of urinary iodine excretion of Shendi basic school children. Shendi area was divided into four geographical zones according to the difference in water sources.353pupils were included in the study. Most of cases (68.6%) showed a urine iodine concentration bet...
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Professional Diploma of Family Medicine in Egypt and Sudan: Face-to-Face Versus Synchronous Distant Learning
Marwa Mostafa Ahmed,
Ghada Mahmoud Khafajy,
Nagwa Eid Saad
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
197-200
Received:
15 November 2015
Accepted:
24 November 2015
Published:
8 December 2015
Abstract: Background: Videoconferencing technology reduces time and costs between remote locations, fill gaps in teaching services, enables meetings that would not be possible due to prohibitive travel costs, and improves access to learning Aim: To explore the effectiveness of the theoretical module of PDFM (Professional Diploma of Family Medicine) in Sudan delivered via distant learning compared to that of PDFM in Egypt delivered via conventional learning by comparing the achievement level in the post-theoretical-module exam and the results of the exam analysis. Methods: This comparative study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015. In PDFM Egypt and Sudan, the theoretical part was delivered via face-to face learning and synchronous videoconference respectively. The same exam was used to assess candidates' knowledge in PDFM in Egypt and Sudan at the same time. Item analysis was done to obtain item and test statistics. Also, candidates' feedback was assessed using a Web-based questionnaire Results: Thirty-two candidates (84.2%) passed the exam of PDFM in Egypt while 77 candidates (86.5%) passed it in Sudan. The reliability co-efficient of the exam in Egypt and Sudan were 0.9188 and 0.8140 respectively. There was no significant difference between the discrimination index of the exam (p value=0.074), while there was significant difference between the difficulty index; 70% of the exam questions were considered easy in PDFM Sudan compared to 40% in PDFM Egypt. Conclusion: Synchronous videoconferencing can be used to expand educational capacity and international cooperation between academic institutions in developing countries, a particular priority in the growing field of Family Medicine.
Abstract: Background: Videoconferencing technology reduces time and costs between remote locations, fill gaps in teaching services, enables meetings that would not be possible due to prohibitive travel costs, and improves access to learning Aim: To explore the effectiveness of the theoretical module of PDFM (Professional Diploma of Family Medicine) in Sudan ...
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Assessment of Antibiogram of Biofield Energy Treated Serratia marcescens
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Mayank Gangwar,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
201-208
Received:
23 October 2015
Accepted:
4 December 2015
Published:
22 December 2015
Abstract: Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) has become an important nosocomial pathogens and increased resistant isolates were reported. The current study evaluates the impact of an alternate energy medicine i.e. Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on S. marcescens for changes in sensitivity pattern of antimicrobial, biochemical characteristics, and biotype number. S. marcescens cells were procured from MicroBioLogics Inc., USA in sealed pack bearing the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC 13880) number and divided into two groups, Group (Gr.) I: control and Gr. II: treated. Gr. II was further subdivided into two sub-groups, Gr. IIA and Gr. IIB. Gr. IIA was analyzed on day 10, while Gr. IIB was stored and analyzed on day 159 (Study I). After retreatment on day 159, the sample (Study II) was divided into three separate tubes as first, second and third tube, which were analyzed on day 5, 10 and 15 respectively. All experimental parameters were studied using the automated MicroScan Walk-Away® system. Antimicrobial susceptibility results showed that 42.85% of tested antimicrobials results in altered sensitivity pattern, while decreased minimum inhibitory concentration values in 40.62% tested antimicrobials as compared to the control after biofield treatment on S. marcescens. The biochemical study showed that 12 out of 33 tested biochemicals (36.36%) were reported for alteration of biochemical reactions pattern as compared to the control. Biotype study showed an alteration in biotype number in all the experimental treated groups as compared to the control. These results suggested that biofield energy treatment has a significant impact on S. marcescens. Overall, it is expected that Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment as an integrative medicine could be better therapy approach in near future.
Abstract: Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) has become an important nosocomial pathogens and increased resistant isolates were reported. The current study evaluates the impact of an alternate energy medicine i.e. Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on S. marcescens for changes in sensitivity pattern of antimicrobial, biochemical characteristics, and bi...
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Impact of Malnutrition and Measles Mortality on Underfives All-Cause Mortality in Gweru City, Zimbabwe, in 1960-89
Tawanda Marufu,
Seter Siziya,
Willard Tinago
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
209-212
Received:
30 November 2015
Accepted:
10 December 2015
Published:
30 December 2015
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine secular changes in all-cause mortality rates for children aged < 5 years in 1960-1989 and their association with measles and malnutrition mortality rates in the same age group in the same period in city of Gweru, Zimbabwe. The study utilized under-fives mortality data from births and deaths registration office and measles and malnutrition surveillance data obtained from Gweru city’s public health department. Data was analysed in SPSS version 20 for windows and linear regression analysis was used to determine whether measles and malnutrition mortality rates were independent predictors of all-cause underfives mortality rates. It was found that in 1960-1989 underfives mortality rates from all causes were 10.2-63.7/1000 live births (median: 28.7, Q1 = 16.2, Q3 = 42.6) and these rates significantly and linearly declined in this period (χ2 for linear trend=165.74, p < 0.001). Measles mortality rates among underfives significantly and linearly declined (χ2 for linear trend = 812.49, p<0.001) while malnutrition mortality rates in the same age group also significantly and linearly declined (X2 for linear trend = 2411.54, p<0.001) in underfives in 1960-1989. Linear regression analysis indicated that malnutrition mortality rates (Regression Coefficient = 0.072, 95% CI = 0.039 - 0.104, p < 0.001) and measles mortality rates (Regression Coefficient = 0.029, 95% CI = 0.006-0.052, p=0.02) were independent predictors of all-cause underfives mortality rates with an adjusted coefficient of determination of 70.5% (Adjusted R2 = 0.7048) with malnutrition mortality rates uniquely explaining 21% of the variance in all-cause mortality (semipartial correlation squared = 0.21) while measles mortality rates uniquely explained 7% of the variance in all-cause mortality rates (semipartial correlation squared =0.068). It was concluded that decline in malnutrition and measles mortality rates among underfives significantly contributed to decline in all-cause underfives mortality rates in 1960-89 in Gweru city, Zimbabwe. On account of these findings, it is critical that efforts directed at controlling malnutrition and measles be intensified in areas and populations of similar settings.
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine secular changes in all-cause mortality rates for children aged < 5 years in 1960-1989 and their association with measles and malnutrition mortality rates in the same age group in the same period in city of Gweru, Zimbabwe. The study utilized under-fives mortality data from births and deaths registration office and measles and malnutrition surveillance data obtained from Gweru city’s public health department. Data was analysed in SPSS version 20 for windows and linear regression analysis was used to determine whether measles and malnutrition mortality rates were independent predictors of all-cause underfives mortality rates. It was found that in 1960-1989 underfives mortality rates from all causes were 10.2-63.7/1000 live births (median: 28.7, Q1 = 16.2, Q3 = 42.6) and these rates significantly and linearly declined in this period (χ2 for linear trend=165.74, p < 0.001). Measles mortality rates among underfives significantly and linearly declined (χ2 for linear trend = 812.49, p<0.001) while malnutrition mortality rates in the same age group also significantly and linearly declined (X2 for linear trend = 2411.54, p<0.001) in underfives in 1960-1989. Linear regression analysis indicated that malnutrition mortality rates (Regression Coefficient = 0.072, 95% CI = 0.039 - 0.104, p < 0.001) and measles mortality rates (Regression Coefficient = 0.029, 95% CI = 0.006-0.052, p=0.02) were independent predictors of all-cause underfives mortality rates with an adjusted coefficient of determination of 70.5% (Adjusted R2 = 0.7048) with malnutrition mortality rates uniquely explaining 21% ...
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