The effect of CAM comprehensive nursing interventions on the improvement of quality of life to patients with breast cancer and gynaecological tumours

Breastcancerin females, which is consideredthe most dreadfuldisease in India andthe worldas compared toother gynaecological cancers,demands extensive care and proper medicationin order to control itsprogressive growth. In addition to the conventional care ofthe patients, Complementary andAlternative Medicine(CAM)is administeredin a controlled way through proper guidance and counselling in orderto attainimprovedphysical andmental health forthe patients.Objective: The aim of the study wasto assess the effectiveness of CAMcomprehensive nursing interventionsand their benefit forpatients who havebreast cancer and gynaecological tumours.Methods: Statistical data was used to map the adult womendiagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancer and who were set to start new chemotherapy treatments. A total of 450 patients from different states of East India were enrolled in the studyover a period of four years. The patients wereselectedbased on their preference for undergoing CAM.The research was conducted usingacross-sectionalanonymous self-administered questionnaireto examine women's perspectivestowards the use of CAM and itseffect on their mental andphysical health.Results:42%of the women preferred theuseofCAM astheir alternative treatment. Breast cancer patients disclosed that 48.1% of them had used CAM and 39% of women with gynaecological cancersstated that they had usedCAM. The results further indicated a less frequent deteriorationin the health of CAM users(38.4%) thantonon-users(55%). In terms of those who utilizedvitamins and nutritional diets,60% of the participants reported using a proper diet, including antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and herbs etc. 37% opted for spiritual healing through yoga, 26% utilized energy healing, 42.4% utilized acupuncture,72% preferred massagesand 23% of patients utilized chiropractic methods.The use of CAM was foundmainlyin the patients with proper education and awareness and those with a family history of cancer who were not receiving the necessary care from their previous primary physician.Conclusion:CAM still requiresextensive research in terms of its applications in dealing with patients and in orderto successfully launch programmes aimed at promoting its useworldwide andto eradicate all the other false notions about it.[Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2022; 36(2):000-000]Keywords: Breast Cancerand gynaecological tumours,Complementary And Alternative Medicine (CAM), Complementary Oncology,Quality Of Life, Nutritional Diet and Spiritual Healing, HRQL (Health-Related Quality Of Life).IntroductionCancer has been the primaryconcern in Indiafrom the onset,resulting in thousands of deaths due to the lack of adequatemedication and therapy.Breast cancer is considered to bea common invasive form of cancer which is responsible for the second highest mortality rate among the primaryfatal conditions of cancer-causing deaths in women. Under the National Cancer Registry Program,the breast, cervix, uteri,and oral cavity(7)are the most common cancer sitesin women. According to statistics, 50-60% of all cancers amongIndian women are commonly found inthe cervix uteri, breast, corpus uteri and ovaries,which are the main organs forcancer invasion. The percentage of women who experience these types of cancer is increases, with more women becoming susceptible to breast cancer, in women up to 3-8% suffer fromovarian cancer,0.5-4.8%have cancer of the corpus uteri, 1-3% have vulva and/or gestational trophoblastic tumours and a staggering75,000 or more women have breast cancer. With the advancements of the disease through time,research programs were also improved in order to enable the improvement of existing measures and/or the development of new measures aimed at combating the diseas and decreasing mortality rates. Apart from the conventional chemotherapy technique,various other programs have been introduced andencorporated into treatment regimes in order to improve the lives of those who are affected by cancer.Complementary andAlternative Medicine (CAM) emphasizesthe methods and practices that are therapeutic and which help diagnose or curethe disease,these methods are intended tocomplement the conventional methods and can be used in place of mainstream medicine. Women with breast cancer and other gynaecological tumoursare increasingly inclined towards the use of CAM. With the increasing number of cancer reports in Indiaand the world,and with the principal amount leading to mortality, women with proper education and awareness are inclined to choosealternative methods rather than the old conventional ones. The side-effects resulting from the chemotherapy are immense and toxic,which is one of the reasons women are inclined to choose.Various research projects and cumulative studies have been conducted in order to review and discoverthe

Assessing infant and young child feeding priorities to inform the development of a nutrition social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategy during a pandemic threat

Objectives: This study was undertaken to identify stakeholder needs and wants in relation to an Infant and Young Child Feeding, Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategy for the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states during Covid-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions.Design: A rapid-assessment mixed-methods approach using qualitative and quantitative studies was adopted. Secondary data sources supported in-field findings. Setting/Subjects: Qualitative approaches included 17 key informant interviews from 7 SADC member states. Quantitative methods of an online survey elicited feedback from 61 participants from 11 SADC member states.Outcome measures: More strategic, best practice, infant and young child feeding SBCC programmes are recommended in SADC.Results: Programme challenges included increased demands on health systems from Covid-19, poor attitudes and beliefs toward IYCF behaviours, the dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition, and financial and human resource capacity challenges to implement and evaluate SBCC campaigns at scale. Opportunities were also identified for improved detection,better meeting IYCF nutritional needs from locally sourced foods, training and capacity building for greater engagement of front-line field staff, effective policy development to support parent-friendly hospitals and workplaces, and improved regional integration. Conclusions: The needs assessment demonstrated that priority programme planning can continue while the health sector deals with a pandemic threat. The adaptation to virtual support provided a variety of learnings for research designs, data collection and analysis, albeit over an extended timeframe of six months. A number of innovative approaches were identified in the resultant SBCC strategy for SADC along with opportunities for regional efficiencies in adapting existing, best practice SBCC creative and programming approaches.

Prevalence of physical activity and dietary patterns as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among semi-urban dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases globally. Limited studies have assessed the prevalence of these risk factors in community-based settings in Nigeria. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of physical activity and the dietary pattern of residents in selected semi-urban communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 500 randomly selected residents from two semi-urban communities. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select households and participants. Data were collected using a pretested modified version of the WHO STEPS instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were determined at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age was 35.36 ± 12.24 and a mean household size of 4.07 ± 1.85. Majority (87.2%) of the respondents engaged in low physical activity (< 150-300 min/wk). Consumption of fruits and vegetables was low among respondents at 33% and 36.4% respectively. The employment status of respondents was significantly related to expected workplace physical activity level (χ2=11.27; P=0.024). Conclusions: This study highlights the need for the development and implementation of community-driven, multi-layered public health promotion initiatives across different settings

Time to Discharge and its Predictors among Children Aged 1-60 Months with Severe Acute Malnutrition Admitted to the Therapeutic Feeding Center in A Tertiary Hospital, North West Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment of severe acute malnutrition with medical complication and/or failed appetite test is admission in therapeutic feeding centers for stabilization. Once stabilized, patients will be linked to Outpatient treatment program for rehabilitation. Information regarding time to discharge from inpatient therapeutic feeding centers is limited in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess the time to discharge and its predictors among children1-60 months with Severe Acute Malnutrition admitted to University of Gondar Hospital. METHODS: Hospital Based retrospective follow up study was conducted in Gondar University Hospital among 282 children aged 1-60 months admitted to inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Center from June 2018 to December 2020. Participants were selected by Simple random sampling technique. Time to discharge from inpatient treatment was estimated using Kaplan-Meir procedure and Log Rank test was used to test observed difference between covariates. Identification of predictors for time to discharge was done by Stratified cox regression model. RESULTS: Overall 282 children were studied; 242 (85.8%) were discharged improved and 40 (14.2%) were censored. The median time to Discharge was 13 days (IQR: 9-18) and the Incidence of discharge was found to be 6.4 (95% CI: 5.6-7.2) per 100 person- day observations. Kwash-dermatosis (AHR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.17-4.8), Anemia (AHR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.6), pneumonia at admission (AHR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.01-2.63) and Hospital acquired infection (AHR=4.4, 95% CI: 2.4-8.2) were predictors of time to discharge. CONCLUSION: Hospital stay at the stabilization center was prolonged.Pneumonia, anemia, kwash dermatosis and Nosocomial infections were significant predictors of time to discharge

Gut microbiota, diet and environmental influences on colorectal carcinogenesis

The substantial burden of colorectal cancer and its propensity to affect certain groups preferentially exposes a need to understand the mechanisms by which these malignancies develop. Several dietary and lifestyle factors have been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer, possibly through the intricate metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms. Likewise, as a key metabolic and immune regulator, the gut microbiota has been recognized to play an important role in colorectal tumorigenesis. Environmental factors are seemingly determinants for the gut microbial composition and function, alterations of which induce changes in the host gene expression, metabolic regulation, and local and systemic immune response, thereby influencing cancer development. This review highlights the epidemiologic and mechanistic evidence regarding the links between diet and lifestyle and the gut microbiota in the development of colorectal cancer. A focus is placed on factors for which substantial data supports their importance for colorectal cancer and their potential role in the gut microbiota, including dietary patterns, fibre, red and processed meat, fat consumption, obesity and physical activity. As the level of data surrounding the importance of the microbiome and environment in colorectal carcinogenesis develops, it is hoped that this will lead to development and clinical translation of potential microbiota-based strategies for cancer prevention

Knowledge and Attitudes of Pregnant Mothers towards Maternal Dietary Practices During Pregnancy at the Etoug-Ebe Baptist Hospital Yaounde

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE. Poor dietary practices have been observed among the pregnant mothers receiving antenatal care services (ANC) at the Etoug-Ebe Baptist Hospital Yauonde (EBHY); despite routine nutrition education provided to these mothers and their apparent knowledge and approval of the importance of nutrition in pregnancy. We explored the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of pregnant mothers receiving ANC at the EBHY in order to identify the correlation between their nutrition knowledge and dietary practices.MATERIALS AND METHODS. A cross sectional descriptive survey was done on 100 randomly selected pregnant mothers. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS computer package (Version 19.) Data comparison was done by Chi Square (?2) test with P 0.05 considered statistically significant and a 95 % confidence level (CI) computed.RESULTS. Sixty seven percent of mothers were married. Seventy one percent were literate; 51% had no stable jobs and 39% of their husbands were unemployed. Seventy one percent of respondents belonged to families with monthly income of less than 100;000FCFA and 56% of them had 5 or more household members. Ninety two percent of mothers had knowledge on good maternal nutrition before pregnancy. Seventy three percent of mothers cited the correct components of a balanced diet and their food sources (81%); however; 29% had aversion towards foods rich in protein and other important nutrients. Thirty eight percent of mothers knew that they should eat 3 main meals a day; but only 22% of them practiced it. Sixty five percent of mothers were aware that 'calaba chalk' (dry clay) was harmful and prohibited in pregnancy; yet 85% consumed it. Sixty eight percent did not have Knowledge about the risk of overfeeding in pregnancy. Sixty five percent had awareness that some foods items are potentially harmful in pregnancy but did not know what to avoid. Advanced maternal age; education level; parity and monthly family income were apparently positively associated with nutrition knowledge but there was no significant difference (p0.05).Cultures and taboos exempted mothers from eating meat from wild animals; chicken; sea fish; sweet things; food partly eaten by animals; sugar cane; mud fish and 'porrished' cocoyam.CONCLUSION. Pregnant mothers in Yaounde have satisfactory knowledge on adequate nutrition in pregnancy; but with significant gaps and difficulty in translating knowledge into practice. Maternal dietary habits are greatly influenced by hormonal changes in pregnancy; socio- economic status; food taboos and cultural beliefs; thus making it difficult to practice the nutrition advice they receive. Adequate multiple dietary supplementation should accompany nutrition advice as an integral part of ANC. Health policies that address cultural taboos should be instituted in favour of pregnancy nutrition

Nutritional Practices and Taboos among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at General Hospital in Kano; Northwest Nigeria

Background: Food taboos among rural women have been identified as one of the factors contributing to maternal undernutrition in pregnancy. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore some of the taboos and nutritional practices among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a General Hospital in Dawakin Kudu LGA; Kano; Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 220 pregnant women. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to interview the respondents; which showed various sociodemographic information; cultural nutritional processes; taboos of the community; and a 24 h food recall. The ages; parities; and gestational ages of the women were collated. Descriptive statistics was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software Version 17.0 (SPSS Inc.; Chicago; IL; USA). Association between sociodemographic factors and nutritional practices and taboos was determined using Chi-square test and P 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: At the end of the study; 200 participants (91%) gave complete information. Most of the women; 70% (140/200) were in the 20-39 years age range with mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 23.7 (6.1) years; mostly uneducated; 70% (140/200); and unemployed; 51% (102/200). Most of the women did a child spacing of 12-24 months; 62% (124/200) with mean (SD) child spacing interval of 26.32 (10.19) months. Gestational age at booking was mostly 13-26 weeks; 48% (96/200) with an average of 26.60 (8.01). Most of the women had 1-4 children; 54.5% (109/200) with mean (SD) of 2.47 (2.50). Most of the women agreed that they had adequate intake of oil; 86% (172/200); meat/fish; 92% (194/200); fruit/vegetables 56% (112/200); and had 3 meals/day 80% (152/200); and did not practice pica 83% (166/200). All of the women; 100% (200/200) believe that women should eat more during pregnancy in order to have healthy babies. They were mostly supported by their husbands; 53% (106/200) and less likely by the community; 34% (17/200). The nutritional practices and taboos of the women showed a statistically significant association with age; parity; and support received from husband and community (P 0.05). Educational status is not associated with their nutritional practices and taboos. Conclusion: Although sociocultural indices of the respondents were poor; their intake of good nutrition and abstinence from nutrition taboos were satisfactory. Further studies are intended to objectively study the nutritional practices/taboos in pregnancy

Lifestyle and Diet : Review Article

Abstract: Currently; there is widespread interest in many different diets. The best-known diets include the New Atkins diet in the USA; the Dukan diet in France; and in South Africa the Noakes diet. Two different approaches have emerged; one focusing on a life-long healthy lifestyle and the other emphasising weight loss. These are in fact complementary aims; as will be reviewed and reconciled. Furthermore; besides the dietary approach; there is a valid case for added drug therapy for selected lipid disorders with the use statins. In addition; new drugs are emerging that in the future might eventually considerably reduce the negative health impact of coronary artery disease

The Effects of Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding on Children with Asthma and Allergy

The increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases highlights the need for devising effective prevention strategies. Several studies have investigated the preventive effect of maternal avoidance of highly allergenic foods; such as cow's milk; eggs; and nuts; during pregnancy to protect the foetus from the effect of food allergens ingested by the mother

The role of changing diet and altitude on goitre prevalence in five regional states in Ethiopia

Objective: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) as one of the leading nutritional problems has been increasing through time due to iodine deficiency; aggravating factors and IDD knowledge in many parts of Ethiopia. The effect of changing diet and altitude on goitre prevalence is assessed. Methodology: Randomly selected five regional states (Amhara; Oromiya; Tigray; SNNP and Benshangul-Gumuz) were used to conduct cross-sectional study on IDD. In each region cluster sampling method was applied to select study subjects. Low land and adjacent high land were independently sampled to investigate the role of altitude on goiter prevalence. Totally 6960 children and the same number of biological mothers of the children were included in the clinical examination for goiter and household interview. Urine samples were collected from children for urinary iodine examination/analysis (UIE). Besides; in all clusters qualitative data were collected on IDD knowledge and cassava introduction; cultivation and consumption. Results: Cassava consumption and living in high altitude were found to be risk factors for IDD. In the two regions (SNNP and Benshangul-Gumuz) among three where cassava is cultivated; those who consume cassava frequently were significantly (p0.001) affected by goitre than those consuming rarely or not. In the last thirty years cassava consumption has been increasing with the concomitant increase in goitre rate and other associated health problems. Acute cyanide intoxication in children from cassava meal was reported. In Amhara region; goitre rate was significantly (p0.05) higher in high altitudes than in low both for children and mothers. This was due to significantly (p0.01) low level of iodine intake in high lands than in low as indicated by UIE. Due to stigma; parents do not send goitrous children to schools and goitrous girls are not wanted for marriage. Conclusion: Besides low level of iodine intake; cassava consumption and living in high altitude were responsible for the observed variation and severity in goitre rates. IDD affects several dimensions of human life including school enrolment and marriage. Addressing IDD in-terms of salt iodization and training communities on cassava processing techniques to remove cyanide; awareness creation on IDD and soil conservation are highly recommended

Neuroprotective Effects of Garlic : A Review

Garlic has been investigated extensively for health benefits; resulting in more than one thousand publications over the last decade alone. It is considered one of the best disease preventive foods; based on its potent and varied effects. Midlife risk factors for cardiovascular diseases; such as high serum total cholesterol; raised LDL; increased LDL oxidation; increased platelet aggregation; impaired fibrinolysis; hypertension and homocystinemia are important risk factors for dementia in later years. These risk factors play a major role in the genesis of atherosclerosis of vital arteries causing both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Garlic is best known for its lipid lowering and anti-atherogenic effects. Possible mechanisms of action include inhibition of the hepatic activities of lipogenic and cholesterogenic enzymes that are thought to be the genesis for dyslipidemias; increased excretion of cholesterol and suppression of LDL-oxidation. Oxidative stress caused by increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several studies have demonstrated the antioxidant properties of garlic and its different preparations including Aged Garlic Extract (AGE). AGE and S-allyl-cysteines (SAC); a bioactive and bioavailable component in garlic preparations have been shown in a number of in vitro studies to protect neuronal cells against beta-amyloid (A ) toxicity and apoptosis. Thus the broad range of anti-atherogenic; antioxidant and anti-apoptotic protection afforded by garlic may be extended to its neuroprotective action; helping to reduce the risk of dementia; including vascular dementia and AD

Maladie coeliaque : particularites africaines. A propos de 8 cas a Djibouti

La maladie coeliaque est meconnue en Afrique intertropicale. Nous en rapportons 8 observations colligees de facon retrospective entre janvier 2003 et janvier 2006; au Groupement Medico-Chirurgical Bouffard a Djibouti. Elles ont concerne 5 filles et 3 garcons dont l'age varie de 9 mois a 17 ans (age moyen : 48 mois); d'ethnie Somali 6 fois et Yemenite 2 fois; issus des classes moyennes de la population 6 fois et des classes les plus defavorisees 2 fois. Il s'agissait toujours de formes symptomatiques : alteration de l'etat general constante associee a des troubles digestifs (diarrhee ou vomissements). Le diagnostic a ete retenu dans ce contexte sur la presence d'anticorps anti-gliadine de type IgA et IgG; associes a des anticorps anti-endomysium ou anti-transglutaminase respectivement realises dans 75et 25des cas. Une endoscopie gastroduodenale realisee 3 fois avec biopsies duodenales a montre deux fois une atrophie villositaire totale associee a une augmentation de la lymphocytose intra epitheliale. Un regime sans gluten; instaure chez 5 malades; a entraine une reponse clinique favorable dans 4 cas avec un recul de 8;25 mois. La maladie coeliaque existe en Afrique intertropicale dans la region de la Corne de l'Afrique ou elle ne presente pas de particularite; en dehors de difficultes diagnostiques liees a une meconnaissance de l'affection et des moyens diagnostiques souvent insuffisants. La reponse favorable au regime sans gluten d'epreuve peut constituer une alternative diagnostique d'autant que ce regime parait moins astreignant a suivre a Djibouti qu'en occident en raison d'habitudes alimentaires differentes

Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity are Associated with a Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese; DR Congo

Background: To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low; and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese; DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on basis of demographic; diet; physical activity; anthropometry; and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants; the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6(n=11) whose 2.9with Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7with transient hypertension. Gestity; parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers; while positive family history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnants. The onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1) than women with diet high in meat (9.7). Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p0.05) among pregnants with rare daily servings of vegetables (33.3) than pregnants with 3 or more (3.7). Physical activity (RR=0.63 CI950.33 to 0.98) were significant (p0.01) protective factors against pre eclampsia. Eclampsia was not observed. Conclusion: It is timely to promote diet rich in vegetables overweight reduction and physical activity among pregnants for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Incidence and evaluation of risk factors of microalbuminuria among diabetics and non-diabetics in Lagos; Nigeria

Contrary to African diabetic situation; clinical studies in developed countries have recognized microalbuminuria as a risk factor of renal dysfunction and pathogenic agent for deterioration of diabetes mellitus in diabetic and non-diabetic populations. This clinical understanding has enabled optimization of clinical practices that improve prognosis of diabetic management and reduce susceptibility to renal disease. This present study has investigated the incidence and risks of microalbuminuria in 115 diabetic patients aged 5 - 65 years with illness duration of 1 yr; 1 - 5 yr and 5 yr and 50 age and sex-matched non-diabetic subjects attending General Hospitals; Lagos; Nigeria. Blood pressures (SBP et DBP) and plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC); triglycerides (TAG); low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) as well as body mass index (BMI) were determined to establish associations with microalbuminuria. The incidence of microalbuminuria was found to be 22.2; 31.6and 59.1(P 0.05) among the diabetic groups; suggesting a linear relationship with the duration of diabetes in these patients. 26of non-diabetics had microalbuminuria of no significant disparity (P 0.05) when compared to diabetics of 1 yr-old duration. Multiple regression analyses indicate significant association (P 0.05) between SBP; DBP; TC; LDL-C and microalbuminuria in diabetic 5 yr. While all the atherogenic parameters except LDL-C associate strongly (P 0.05) with microalbuminuria in diabetics of 1 - 5 yr. The lipid atherogenic components minus TAG were found to relate strongly with microalbuminuria in diabetics of 1yr duration. Elevated BMI strongly predicts the risk of microalbuminuria in the non-diabetics examined

Incidence and Evaluation of Risk Factors of Microalbuminuria among Diabetics and Non-Diabetics in Lagos; Nigeria

Contrary to African diabetic situation; clinical studies in developed countries have recognized microalbuminuria as a risk factor of renal dysfunction and pathogenic agent for deterioration of diabetes mellitus in diabetic and non-diabetic populations. This clinical understanding has enabled optimization of clinical practices that improve prognosis of diabetic management and reduce susceptibility to renal disease. This present study has investigated the incidence and risks of microalbuminuria in 115 diabetic patients aged 5 - 65 years with illness duration of 1 yr; 1 - 5 yr and 5 yr and 50 age and sex-matched non-diabetic subjects attending General Hospitals; Lagos; Nigeria. Blood pressures (SBP et DBP) and plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC); triglycerides (TAG); low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) as well as body mass index (BMI) were determined to establish associations with microalbuminuria. The incidence of microalbuminuria was found to be 22.2; 31.6 and 59.1 (P 0.05) among the diabetic groups; suggesting a linear relationship with the duration of diabetes in these patients. 26 of non-diabetics had microalbuminuria of no significant disparity (P 0.05) when compared to diabetics of 1 yr-old duration. Multiple regression analyses indicate significant association (P 0.05) between SBP; DBP; TC; LDL-C and microalbuminuria in diabetic 5 yr. While all the atherogenic parameters except LDL-C associate strongly (P 0.05) with microalbuminuria in diabetics of 1 - 5 yr. The lipid atherogenic components minus TAG were found to relate strongly with microalbuminuria in diabetics of 1yr duration. Elevated BMI strongly predicts the risk of microalbuminuria in the non-diabetics examined