Age at menarche and its association with overweight/obesity among adolescents in Kano

Background: There was a dramatic decline of adolescents' menarcheal age worldwide; Africa is witnessing a secular trend of this reducing menarcheal age among its black adolescents. A transition of overweight/obesity among adolescent is believed to be associated with reduced menarcheal age. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among female adolescent girls from January to December, 2016. Ethical approval was obtained from the management concerned. All consenting adolescents were recruited for the survey. Information was recorded on a structured, pretested questionnaire. Their respective weight and height were also measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the formula: BMI = weight (kg)/height (m2). The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., SPSS Statistics for Windows, Chicago, IL, USA). Fishers' exact test was used, and the P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Two hundred and nineteen female adolescents participated in the survey. The mean age ± SD at menarche was 12.83 ± 1.312 years. The median and modal ages were both 13 years. There was no statistically significant association between the mean age at menarche and the ethnic groups (P(Fishers') = 0.150). However, mean age at menarche was statistically associated with their BMI (P(Fishers') = 0.00). Obesity was associated with reduced menarcheal age. Conclusion: The median and mean ages at menarche were 13.0 and 12.8 years respectively, which were in accordance with secular trend of reduced menarcheal age among black adolescents. Our study also showed an inverse association between the age at menarche and overweight or obesity among adolescents

Age-group differences in risk perceptions of non-communicable diseases among adults in Diepsloot township, Johannesburg, South Africa: A cross-sectional study based on the Health Belief Model

Background. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa (SA) occur simultaneously with an ageing HIV-positive population, resulting in premature deaths in persons <70 years of age. Poor risk perception of NCDs results in poor adoption practices of NCD preventive measures. There is a gap in age-related research regarding risk perceptions of NCDs among the SA population.Objective. To investigate age-group differences in risk perceptions of NCDs based on the Health Belief Model.Methods. This cross-sectional design used secondary data obtained from Community AIDS Response (CARe), Johannesburg, SA. Data were collected by means of a cross-sectional survey in Extension 2 (Blocks I, J, K and L) of Diepsloot township, Johannesburg, SA. The Pearson χ2 test of independence was used to examine the relationship between age groups and risk perceptions of NCDs. A p<0.05 value was considered statistically significant.Results. A total of 2 135 participants were included in the analysis, of whom 71.5% were young adults (18 - 35 years). The mean age of the study participants was 32.1 (standard deviation 9.87) years. Significant associations were found between age groups and risk perceptions of NCDs. More middle-aged adults than young adults and older-aged adults perceived family history (74.00% v. 72.74% v. 62.39%, p=0.045) and smoking (83.80% v. 77.20% v. 74.31%, p=0.004) as risk factors that would increase their risk of NCDs. A higher proportion of older-aged adults than young adults and middle-aged adults perceived effects on life and family (89.91% v. 77.39% v. 75.40%, p=0.004) as risks of NCD morbidities. More middle-aged adults than young adults and older-aged adults perceived the usefulness of not smoking (84.60% v. 81.06% v. 74.31%, p=0.028) as an effective NCD preventive measure. More young adults than middle-aged and older-aged adults considered health check-ups (59.31% v. 58.00% v. 41.28%, p=0.001) as a time-consuming process to prevent risks of NCDs.Conclusion. Young adults had poorer risk perceptions of NCDs than middle-aged and older-aged adults in Diepsloot township, resulting in poor practice of NCD preventive measures among young adults in the area. This may be due to the misunderstanding of the concept of invulnerability, possibly resulting from the limited access and exposure to NCD-related information among young adults compared with middle-aged and older-aged groups. This highlights the need to expand public health education programmes to increase outreach to the young adult population and increase accessibility to information relating to NCD risks, and encourage adoption of NCD preventive measures

Radiographic lumbar spondylosis: Gender and age group prevalence in Nigeria

Background: Lumbar spondylosis (LS) increases with, and is perhaps an inevitable concomitant of age, and is a major cause of low back pain and disability in the elderly. The prevalence in Nigeria is poorly documented, and its knowledge will assist in patient management. Objective: The aim is to study the gender and age group prevalence of LS in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of 368 anteroposterior and lateral lumbosacral spine spondylotic radiographs of patients of both genders. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 (New York, USA). The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The age range was 17­90 years, mean (standard deviation) was 51.96 (13.49) years. The majority (201 [55%]) were aged 45­64 years. The males (217 [59%]) were aged 17­90 years, and the mean (standard deviation) was 52.28 (14.49) years, whereas the females (151 [41%]) were aged 17­80 years, and the mean (standard deviation) was 51.51 (11.95) years. The mean ages showed no significant gender difference (P = 0.429). Male: female ratio was 1.4:1. LS prevalence increased with age, peaked at 45­54 years in females, 55­64 years in males, and steadily declined to zero, in females after 80 years, and in males after 90 years. Conclusion: LS prevalence started as early as 17 years of life, increased with age, peaked at 45­54 years in females, 55­64 years in males, and steadily declined to zero, in females after 80 years, and in males after 90 years. Sex ratio showed slight male preponderance

All-Age Group Polio Supplementary Immunization Activities; Garissa County; Kenya

The Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) has made significant progress towards attaining the poliomyelitis targets in the African Region and research; among other activities; has played a critical role. An overview of the contribution of a select few operational research (OR) activities undertaken is given in this article. These mainly concern social research targeted at understanding and changing behaviour to enhance effective intervention uptake. Lessons learned from this research for the planning and implementation of interventions are also discussed

Point-of-Care Estimation of Haemoglobin Concentration in all Age Groups in Clinical Practice

Background: The measurement of haemoglobin (Hb) concentration provides a reliable; primary screening test for the presence and severity of anaemia. The HemoCuer is a point-of-care test for Hb measurement. The introduction of pointof- care testing in hospitals and general practice has improved patient care and accessibility. This study was performed to evaluate the utility of point-of-care Hb measurement with the HemoCuer device for the diagnosis of anaemia. Method: In this prospective study; we compared the analytical performance of the HemoCuer to the Coulterr LH 750 automated haematology analyser with regard to accuracy; precision and linearity in the measurement of Hb in adult and paediatric patient samples; referred for routine laboratory testing. Results: Samples from 100 patients were analysed with both instruments; and the results were compared using standard scatter and difference plots. The mean Hb value of the HemoCuer (11.3 g/dl; range 4.6-16.7) was comparable to the Coulterr LH 750 (11.3 g/dl; range 4.7-17.2). The Bland-Altman difference plot revealed good correlation. Bias between the two methods was small; and the imprecision was within acceptable limits. Hb measurement was linear in the range of 4.8-20 g/dl. Conclusion: In all age groups; the HemoCuer point-of-care device can be used to provide accurate and reliable Hb measurements with a smaller sample volume; improved turnaround time; and long-term cost saving

Prevalence and Profile of Injuries in Khorixas District Hospital; Namibia

The aims of this study were to identify the demographic characteristics of injury victims and the types of injury cases seen and admitted for treatment in Khorixas District Hospital; Namibia. A descriptive retrospective survey of all injuries attended to and admitted in the hospital from January 2001 to December 2004 was done using document review of patients' medical records. A total of 331 injury cases (6.8 of all admissions) were admitted. The age group 20-29 years was the most commonly affected; with 18 injured. Injury was common among the males (76). The unemployed constituted 36 of all the injuries; followed by children/infants (19). Over two-thirds (68) of the injuries were unintentional. Cuts and stabs were the most common (24) type of injury among the injury cases admitted. Motor vehicle accidents accounted for 21 of all injuries admitted. Over a third (36) of all the injuries were alcohol related. Farmers (11) constitute the most affected group among the employed. Type of injury and occupation were significantly associated (?2=107.879; p 0.001). Mass propagation of anti-violence education is needed to reduce the high rate of intentional injuries among the injuries such as cuts/stabs; assaults; human bite and gunshot injuries

Asymptomatic Giardiasis and Nutritional Status of Children in Two Local Government Areas in Kaduna State; Nigeria

Giardiasis is found throughout the world but more prevalent in developing countries. The present study utilised ELISA coproantigen to determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia in stool samples of children in day-care centres; nursery and primary schools in two Local Government Areas; Sabon-Gari and Zaria; in Kaduna State; Nigeria. Of 374 samples examined; 150 (41.45) were positive for Giardia lamblia. The prevalence of giardiasis was higher in males (50.3) than females (49.7). There was no significant difference in the level of infection in both sexes (p = 0.808). The highest prevalence of asymptomatic giardiasis was in the age group 3-5 years (32.9) while the lowest was in the 0-2 years (11.6). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the disease between the age groups (p = 0.414). There was association between asymptomatic giardiasis and wasting (p = 0.030; ANOVA). There was also a positive association between asymptomatic giardiasis and Body Mass Index (p = 0.024; ANOVA) indicating malnutrition. In this study; giardiasis was a predictor of wasting and malnutrition in Sabo-Gari Local Government Area. It is therefore recommended that parents or guardians should provide nutritious meals for school-aged children and treatment of parasitic infections be included in the curriculum of school children

Histopathological Pattern of Breast Carcinoma in Different Age Groups

Background: Breast cancers tend to be more aggressive in younger patients and some histopathological types like medullary; mucinous and tubular variants have a better prognosis. This study describes the histopathologic pattern and tumour grade of breast carcinoma in younger patients. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive breast cancer specimens submitted to the histopathology department of Federal Medical Centre Gombe during the study period. The data was analyzed with EPI Info 2002 using simple means and percentages. Results: A total of 167 cases of breast carcinoma in 164 females were reviewed with three patients having bilateral disease. The age range of the study population was 22-75 years with a mean age of 44 +/-11.7 years. One hundred and twenty seven patients (76) were aged less than 50 years while the rest were above 50 years. A total of 133 tumours were invasive ductal carcinomas; 107(80.45) of which were in the premenopausal age group and 26(19.55) in post menopausal age. One hundred and six patients (63.5) had low grade tumours (grades 1 and 2) while 61(36.5) had high grade tumours (Grades III and IV tumours). Forty three (70.5) of these high grade tumours were seen in premenopausal age group. Eleven patients had invasive lobular carcinoma of which 4(36.4) were premenopausal while 7(63.6) were post menopausal. Conclusion: It is concluded that younger patients tended to frequently have aggressive and high grade disease

Appendicitis: Trends in Incidence; Age; Sex; and Seasonal Variations in South-Western Nigeria

Background : Appendicitis is a common clinical condition worldwide. Differences in incidences; sex; age; and seasonal variations have been reported widely; with paucity of information from Nigeria. Aim : To assess the trends in incidence and pattern of variation with age; sex; and seasons of the year. Materials and Methods : A review of the records of all patients with confirmed appendicitis treated in both the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH) and the Abake Medical Center (AMC); both situated in Osogbo; Nigeria; between January 2003 and December 2008; was done. LTH was a 320-bed University Hospital (with 100 surgical beds); while AMC was a 20-bed surgical center. The age; sex; and month of admission of all the histologically proven cases of appendicitis were retrieved and treated. Analysis was done using simple percentages; Student t or Chi-square tests; where applicable. Results : A total of 299 out of 321 cases of appendicitis recorded during the observed period were confirmed histologically from both hospitals (69.56from LTH). Fifty-two percent were males. It made up 0.94; 1.43; and 1.86of the total hospital admissions in 2004; 2006; and 2008; respectively. There has been an increasing incidence in both sexes almost in a similar pattern. The overall mean age was 25.79 years (M 25.94 and F 25.43 years) with 6below the age of ten and 1.3above 60 years. The highest incidence in males and females occurred in the second and third decades; respectively. Incidences were higher during the rainy season (April to September) 68; P 0.05); with peaks from June to August; when 39.5of all cases presented. Conclusion : The increasing incidence of appendicitis in both sexes in this region may be due to the change to a Western lifestyle. The age distribution has a similar pattern in both sexes and 87are 40 years or less; although the incidence is marginally higher in males. Higher prevalence of infections and allergens from pollens in the rainy season could contribute to a higher incidence of appendicitis

Age at sexual debut in South Africa

It is important to understand the age at which sexual relations start in designing HIV prevention strategies. Most studies on age of sexual activity of young people provide estimated percentages of those that are sexually active in specific age groups; and tend either to not provide data for age at sexual debut; or to overlook the complexities of analysing data concerning sexual debut. This study considers the rate of entry into sexual relations in South Africa by providing the median age of women at time of first sexual relations as well as other percentiles; and analyses the hypothesis that age at sexual debut has been falling. The analysis uses data from the 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey; including a nationally representative sample of 11 735 women; aged 15 to 49; interviewed in 1998. The analysis uses life-table techniques and multivariate analysis. About 8 of the respondents had had sex by age 15. The median age at time of first sex was approximately 18 years; and virtually all the women had had sex by age 23. There is evidence that the peak of the rate of entry into sexual relations occurs at age 18 and that younger cohorts of women are entering sexual relations at a younger age. The rate of entry into sexual relations is 14 to 20 faster for the younger cohorts; based on information given by the older respondents concerning their own behaviour at the same age. Age of entry into sexual relations of the women who participated in this study is compared to findings of demographic and health surveys in Tanzania and Zimbabwe; and rates of entry into marriage are also presented. The lag between entry into sexual relations and rate of entry into marriage is compared across countries. It appears that; whereas South Africans tend to enter into sexual relations later than Tanzanian counterparts and more or less at the same stage as Zimbabweans; their rates of entry into marriage are hugely delayed. The consequences for HIV infection control are discussed