Skinfold thickness in normoglycemic offspring of patients with t2dm on graded exercise

It is uncertain if exercise can influence the occurrence of T2DM in offspring of diabetic parents. Therefore this study was designed to assess the effect of exercise on skinfold thickness of offspring of T2DM parents compared with those of non-diabetic parents. This study involved convenience sampling of 50 offspring of T2DM parents attending University College Hospital, Ibadan and 50 offspring of nondiabetic parents who were undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants were randomly assigned into four groups using convenience sampling method: 25 Normal-weight Offspring of Non-Diabetic Parents (NONDP), 25 Normal-weight Offspring of Diabetic Parents (NODP), 25 Overweight Offspring of Non-Diabetic Parents (OONDP) and 25 Overweight Offspring of Diabetic Parents (OODP). Each participant followed a protocol of graded exercise using the "Tummy trimmer" everyday spending 30-45 minutes daily for 24 weeks. 4 sites of skinfold thickness (supra-iliac, Biceps, Triceps and sub-scapula) were measured by skinfold caliper. Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) were estimated using standard methods at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic and repeated ANOVA with p-value at n less than 0.05. The results indicate that compared to baseline, there were reductions at the four sites of skinfold thickness measurements (supra-iliac, Biceps, Triceps and sub-scapular). At supra-iliac site, skinfold thickness in NONDPreductions was from 7.16 mm ± 2.02 to 6.60 mm ± 4.40. The reduction trend for supra-iliac, Biceps, triceps and subscapular skinfold sites in NONDP were 0.56 mm, 0.79 mm, 1.66 mm and 0.19 mm respectively. While the reduction trend for supra-iliac, Biceps, triceps and subscapular skinfold sites in OODP were 0.56 mm, 1.10 mm, 2.06 mm and 1.52 mm respectively. At subscapular site, the average skinfold thickness reduction trend was 0.19 mm in control group 1.53 mm in test group. Thus, graded exercise reduced skinfold thickness in all the groups. The clinical importance of this in prevention of DM among offspring of diabetic parents is quite promising

'We were our parents' ears and mouths': reflecting on the language brokering experiences of hearing children born to deaf parents

Background. Hearing children born to deaf parents, or children of deaf adults (CODAs), are often bicultural and bilingual members of the deaf and hearing communities. They are often expected to fulfil very adult roles, especially as the communication link between their deaf parents and the hearing society. Assuming adult roles may place CODAs in difficult situations, potentially affecting their wellbeing and development. In SA, little is known about CODAs and the dynamics of growing up hearing in deaf-parented homes. Objective. To reflect on the childhood experiences of language brokering in deaf-parented families. Methods. Two male and eight female participants (21 - 40 years), identified through purposive and snowball sampling, participated in this study. A phenomenological, qualitative approach was employed using semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Thematic analysis revealed inductive themes. Results. The findings indicate that the interviewed CODAs acted as language brokers and interpreters between their families and the hearing community from a very young age. As children, they were placed in demanding situations, for which they were not developmentally ready. CODAs found balancing the demands from both communities emotionally draining, especially at a young age. Conclusion. A multidisciplinary approach is suggested to address the mental health, wellbeing and development of young CODAs

The views and knowledge of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder on a range of treatments

Background. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears before the age of 3 years. Symptoms reflect delayed or abnormal social interaction and communication skills, with restricted or repetitive behaviour warranting the need for early intensive treatment.Methods. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge and views of parents regarding treatments for their children, aged between 5 and 9 years old with ASD, in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. An embedded mixed methods research design was utilised. Nonrandom purposive sampling was used to select 46 parents of children with ASD. A 42-item questionnaire was used and the data were interpreted using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Results. More than half of the parents (53%) were unfamiliar with or had only heard of treatments in question, while 13.4% had a practical understanding of the treatments. Of all the treatments, parents rated their knowledge of speech-language therapy (SLT) most highly. The majority (68%) stated that they had difficulties accessing ASD treatment facilities and healthcare professionals, and perceived treatments as being costly. Even so, 74% of parents reported that they had a good relationship with their healthcare professional.Conclusion. The above findings should be viewed as motivation for health professionals to share information regarding the range of ASD treatments. They can assist parents in accessing appropriate facilities, recommend treatments that are supported by research, and update their knowledge on advances in ASD treatment

Prevalence of HIV among victims of sexual assaults who were mentally impaired childreen (5 to 18 years old) in the Mthatha Area of South Africa

Background: Protection of children has been identified as a priority in South Africa. Despite a commitment to uphold children's rights; much still needs to be done for the safety of mentally impaired children. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HIV among victims of sexual assault amongst mentally impaired children. Methods: This is a record review of attendees at the Sinawe Centre from 2001 to 2005. It is the only centre in the Mthatha area that provides care for sexually assaulted persons and it is affiliated to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. All mentally impaired victims of sexual assault were recorded on the register. Results: During the study period, 1,268 individuals, of whom 32 were profoundly mentally impaired, attended the Sinawe Centre following sexual assault. Of these mentally impaired individuals, 28 (87.5%) were below the age of 18 years. Two were males while the rest were females, giving a male to female ratio of 1:15. A close relative was implicated in 29 (90.6%) of the cases. Among the victims were six (18.7%) epileptics who were on treatment. One was 13 years old and pregnant. Four were HIV positive on screening. Conclusion: Over 2of the sexual assault victims attending the Sinawe Centre were mentally impaired. Of these, 12.5% were HIV seropositive