Comparing cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels between third- and fifth-year medical students in a South African university

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as sedentary behaviour, decreased physical activity (PA), and low cardiorespiratory fitness lead to an increased and accelerated risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Medical students tend to adopt sedentary lifestyles due to a demanding curriculum. This may have a negative effect on CVD risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of medical students. Objectives: To compare physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness levels in a cohort of third- and fifth-year undergraduate medical students in a South African university. Methods: Data from 123 third-year and 139 fifth-year medical students in the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, were collected. Measurements included CVD risk factors, height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity vital signs and pre-participation health screening questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were presented as mean ± standard deviation or median [interquartile range] depending whether the data were normally distributed or not. Results: Both groups had low cardiorespiratory fitness when compared to norm values (GEMPI VO2 peak was 29.1 ± 5.9 ml.kg1.min-1 and GEMPIII VO2 peak was 30.0[11.0] ml.kg-1.min-1). Most participants did not meet WHO physical activity requirements (GEMP I: 72%; GEMP III: 78%). There were significant differences in BMI (p=0.046), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.034) and VO2 peak (p=0.00001) between students meeting and not meeting WHO physical activity requirements (p<0.05). Conclusion: Third- and fifth-year medical students at a South African university fail to meet recommended WHO physical activity levels and are below cardiorespiratory fitness norms. Therefore, medical institutions should promote and implement targeted physical activity interventions to reduce the prevalence of low fitness levels and the associated health hazards among their students.

A comparative cross-sectional assessment of the preventive and healthy life style practices of doctors in port Harcourt, Rivers State

Lifestyle modification in relation to disease prevention and outcome has recently received increasing awareness around the world and in Nigeria. Poor lifestyle choices make people susceptible to many chronic illnesses including thirteen cancers. Medical doctors are gate keepers and educators of health.Objectives:The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of healthy living and preventive health among doctors in Port-Harcourt and ascertain the practices and to investigate the barriers and facilitators of healthy living among doctors in Port-Harcourt.Methods: It was a comparative cross-sectional study with purposive sampling method. The tool used was an online questionnaire. MS Excel and SPSS was used for data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from UPTH ethical committee. Results: A total of 201 doctors participated. With 54.7% being females and 53.2% within the 30-40 years age group. Resident doctors accounted for 42.8%. 92% received some form of lifestyle education; seminars (48.1%), CME's (47.0%), and social media (44.9%) were the top three. Just 15.2% knew what the daily portion of fruit was and 82.6% knew the cut off for obesity. 50% were aware of the recommended exercise frequency. 60% concluded that adults should sleep for 7-9 hours, however, 61.2% slept for 4-6 hours a day. 84.6% of respondents did not have a dedicated physician.Conclusion: There is a knowledge gap among doctors which impacts everyday lifestyle choices regarding, diet, exercise and rest. More doctors need their own personal physicians and hospital management should establish strong lifestyle policies.

Is vitamin D status associated with non-communicable disease risk in children? A cohort study

Background: Studies in children and adults have reported variations in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) over time. Furthermore, there has been a reported association of 25(OH)D with BMI, BP and lipid levels in some cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Methods: This is a longitudinal study of a group of adolescents with measurements of 25(OH)D, BP, anthropometry and lipids at the ages of 11, 12 13, 15 and 18­20 years. For age-related changes, year 12 participants (n = 261) were matched with year 18­20 participants (n = 368), resulting in 200 paired participants. Longitudinal analyses using the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) comprised the following groups of participants, Year 11 (n = 288), Year 12 (n = 253), Year 13 (n = 292), Year 15 (n =238) and Year 18­20 (n = 368). The relationship of 25(OH)D with BMI, BP and lipid levels over a period of 10 years was assessed. Results: There were significant increases in mean BMI and BP, and decreases in 25(OH)D levels with age (all p-values < 0.0001).In females, systolic BP was significantly higher in older participants (18­20) years than younger participants (12 years), but 25(OH)D was significantly higher in younger than older participants. In males, there was significant increase in BP in participants between age 12 years and 18­20 years. 25(OH)D, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were significantly lower in 18­20-year-old participants compared with 12-year-old participants. Longitudinally, 25(OH)D was inversely associated with LDL-C. Conclusion: There is evidence of changes in 25(OH)D, BMI and BP in adolescents over a period of 10 years. After adjusting for covariates, BMI and LDL-C were significantly negatively associated with 25(OH)D, which suggests that vitamin D status might be associated positively with favourable lipid profiles in children and adolescents.

Lifestyle advice, processes of care and glycaemic control amongst patients with type 2 diabetes in a South African primary care facility

Background: The influence of processes of diabetes care on glycaemic control is understudied in primary health care (PHC). Aim: To explore the influence of lifestyle advice, drug regimen and other processes of care on glycaemic control. Setting: Johan Heyns Community Health Centre, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. Methods: In a cross-sectional study involving 200 participants with type-2 diabetes, we collected information on sociodemography, comorbidity, processes of diabetes care, drug regimen and receipt of lifestyle advice. Anthropometric measures and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were also determined. Results: Participants' mean age was 57.8 years and most were black people (88%), females (63%), overweight or obese (94.5%), had diabetes for < 10 years (67.9%) and hypertension as comorbidity (98%). Most participants received lifestyle advice on one of diet, exercise and weight control (67%) and had their blood pressure (BP) checked (93%) in the preceding 12 months. However, < 2% had any of HbA1c, weight, waist circumference or body mass index checked. Glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%) was achieved in only 24.5% of participants. Exclusive insulin or oral drug was prescribed in 5% and 62% of participants, respectively. Compared to insulin monotherapy, participants on combined metformin and insulin or metformin, sulphonylurea and insulin were less likely to have glycaemic control. Comorbid congestive cardiac failure (CCF) significantly increased the likelihood of glycaemic control. Conclusion: There is substantial shortcomings in the implementation of key processes of diabetes care and glycaemic control. Strategies are needed to prompt and compel healthcare providers to implement evidence-based diabetes guidelines during clinic visits in South African PHC

A study of lifestyle factors associated with breast cancer patients in Iran

Background: Several environmental and lifestyle factors have a significant role in the incidence of various types of cancer. Lifestyle factors are important elements in the development of cancer, and correction of them can lead to prevention. Given that the underlying cause of cancer is unclear, comparing the lifestyle of two groups of women can explain some of the breast cancer risk factors. Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the lifestyle dimensions in women with and without breast cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out to compare two groups of 546 women (273 healthy individuals and 273 cancer patients). The lifestyle sub-scales were collected using a lifestyle questionnaire (LSQ). The differences between the scores of the eight sub-scales in the two groups were analyzed using independent ttest and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean age of the participants in both groups of this study was 44.51 ± 11.28. Although the lifestyle scores of the healthy individuals were higher than the patient group, in terms of all eight dimensions of lifestyle, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of four dimensions (P<0.05). Also, there was a positive and significant correlation between the socioeconomic status and the lifestyle of women with breast cancer (P=0.49). Conclusions: Regarding the difference between the lifestyle score of the two groups, it seems to be necessary for authorities and healthcare providers to plan for educational programs of lifestyle practices, and healthy behaviors. Besides, conducting longitudinal studies are recommended to find the causal relationship between the two variables

Demographic, life style and job-related determinants of quality of life of industrial manufacturing employees: an application of multilevel latent class regression on a large cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Employees are one of the key elements of an organization and measure the quality of life (QoL) provides reliable assessment of health and wellbeing in this population. This study aimed at investigating the QoL in a large sample of Iranian industrial manufacturing employees and its determinants. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study conducted was in 2015, 3063 people were selected among 16000 Esfahan Seal Company's employees using multistage cluster sampling. QoL was evaluated by EQ-5D questionnaire, mental health by GHQ-12, physical activity by IPAQ, job stress by Effort­Reward Imbalance questionnaire. Self-report questionnaire was used for gathering demographic characteristics. Multilevel latent class regression analysis was used for data analysis using R (3.4.3). RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 36.74 (7.31), and 91.5% of them were males. The mean (SD) sleep duration was 7.11 (1.17), and 95.4% of the participants had normal mental health. Latent class analysis classified employees into two classes (high (82.4%) and low QoL (17.6%)). Also employees' job categories classified into high and low QoL classes (79.55% and 20.45%, respectively). Latent class regression showed that lower age (OR=0.93; P< 0.0001), being male (OR=1.75; p=0.009), lower levels of education (OR=2.1; P< 0.0001), normal mental health (OR=12.4; P< 0.0001), higher sleep duration (OR=1.2; P< 0.0001) and lower BMI (OR=0.96; P=0.016) were significant predictors of being in high QoL class. CONCLUSION: Our study provides data about the QoL of industrial manufacturing employees along with its significant determinants. The findings picture the ways for improving QoL, finally increasing the efficiency and productivity of workforce by directing health policies appropriately

A study of the knowledge and practice of lifestyle modification in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Middelburg sub-district of Mpumalanga

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common clinical conditions seen by family physicians in their daily practice. They are constantly confronted with the burden of caring for poorly controlled and poorly adherent patients presenting with preventable debilitating, disabling and mutilating complications. Lifestyle modifications in combination with medications have been proven to contribute to the prevention and delay of complications.Aims: The study aimed to investigate the knowledge and practice of lifestyle modifications and also to determine challenges faced by patients in their practice of lifestyle changes in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Middelburg subdistrict of Mpumalanga.Study design: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was done. Data were collected from 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The results showed that DM was more prevalent among females and the age group 50­ 59 years was mostly affected. Nearly 50% of the respondents were obese and about 35% of them overweight. Lifestyle modification was understood as healthy dietary habits. Only 35% of the respondents participated in exercises. Brisk walking (59%) was the preferred form of exercise among these participants. A statistically significant finding was that 79.63% of participants who did not adhere to exercise recommendations had poor glycaemic control. Only 40.48% of participants who adhered to exercise recommendations had good glycaemic control. Obesity (47.52%) and overweight (32.67%) were associated with poor glycaemic control. Conclusion and recommendation: The majority of the participants thought that lifestyle modification was healthy eating; only a third of them regularly exercised. The author recommends a multidisciplinary and multilevel approach involving different stakeholders­ among others, patients and community, health professionals/providers and government services­in assisting diabetic patients with lifestyle modification

Déterminants de la maladie parodontale en milieux hospitaliers à Kinshasa

Contexte : L'étiologie des maladies parodontales est multifactorielle. Le mode de vie, les facteurs socio-économiques, la réponse de l'hôte ainsi que l'environnement sont autant des déterminants qui influencent le développement et la progression de cette pathologie. L'identification de ces facteurs étiologiques dans un milieu hospitalier est un acquit important dans la prise en charge parodontale.Objectif : Déterminer des habitudes de vie et des paramètres cliniques ayant une influence sur le développement et la sévérité de la maladie parodontale en milieux hospitaliers de Kinshasa. Matériel et méthodes : C'était une étude analytique transversale menée auprès des patients âgés de douze ans et plus ayant consulté les services dentaires des institutions hospitalo-confessionnelles de la ville de Kinshasa au cours de la période allant de janvier à août 2015. La consommation du tabac, du sucre, de boissons sucrées et alcoolisées, les antécédents médicaux, le diabète, l'âge, le genre, l'obésité et la pression artérielle sont des variables qui ont été analysées pour identifier les déterminants des maladies parodontaux. Le Dutch Periodontal Screening Index (DPSI) a été utilisé pour évaluer le statut parodontal des patients. Les tests t de Student et de khi carré ont été appliqués pour comparer respectivement les moyennes et les pourcentages. L'analyse de régression logistique a été utilisée pour identifier les déterminants indépendants associés à la parodontite. Les Odds ratio et leurs intervalles de confiance à 95% ont été calculés pour déterminer la force d'association entre les variables dépendante et indépendantes (p < 0,05).Résultats : Sur les 642 patients examinés, 374 étaient du genre féminin. La moyenne d'âge des patients examinés était de 38,1 ± 16,3 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 12 à 92 ans. Quatre-vingt-huit virgule cinq pour cent (88,5%) des patients examinés avaient au moins un niveau secondaire. 16,7% de la population de l'étude présentaient au moins une parodontite modérée de DPSI 3+. A l'issue de l'analyse multivariée, le risque associé à la susceptibilité et la sévérité de maladie parodontale était multiplié par 5,4 (IC95%, p = 0,0001) pour les sujets âgés > 50 ans, par 3,7 (IC95%, p = 0,046) pour les sujets du genre masculin, par 2 (IC95%, p = 0,006) pour ceux qui consommaient journalièrement de boissons sucrées, par 4,26 (IC95%, p = 0,001) chez les sujets diabétiques et par 3,39 (IC95%, p = 0,025) chez les hypertendus. Ces variables indépendantes étaient liées à la variable dépendante par l'équation y = 4,2x + 1,08.Conclusion : La progression de la maladie parodontale vers la forme sévère était modulée par des nombreux facteurs notamment le vieillissement, le genre, le diabète, la consommation de boissons sucrées et l'hypertension artérielle

"When we are together I feel at home." Types and sources of social support among youth newly diagnosed with HIV in Kenya: implications for intervention

Social support helps youth manage psychosocial stress. Though many studies have investigated the role of social support in helping youth in developed countries cope with their HIV status, such research is lacking among youth living in sub-Saharan African countries, including Kenya. The importance of research on youth living with HIV in Kenya is enhanced given young people's unique developmental stages and the HIV prevalence rate of 8.8% among Kenyans aged 25 to 29 years. To gain further insight, qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with 53 youth aged 18 to 27 years who lived in the informal urban settlement of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya. A phenomenological approach was used to analyse the data from which four major types of social support were identified: 1) emotional; 2) informational; 3) appraisal; and 4) instrumental. Within each of these overarching themes more specific sub-themes were identified. The youth also reported receiving social support from eight main sources: 1) family; 2) friends; 3) clinicians and clinical services; 4) counsellors; 5) support groups; 6) religious sources; 7) partners; and 8) other. These findings suggest that various forms of social support, provided by diverse sources, which may fall outside of those commonly involved in interventions, can help youth living with HIV cope with their diagnosis and promote healthy lifestyles. Future research should investigate the roles and interactions of different types and sources of support, specifically as they relate to interventions aiming to ameliorate the experiences of youth newly diagnosed with HIV

Saúde, estilo de vida e urbanização em Moçambique: problemas e perspectivas / Health, Lifestyle and urbanization in Mozambique: problems and perspectives

A irreversibilidade do processo de urbanização da população mundial está a atingir Moçambique de uma forma abrupta com múltiplas consequências para a saúde e bem, estar. Entre outros, o aumento da mecanização, o tempo de televisão, o uso do automóvel e o recurso a alimentação artificial, está a transformar, em poucos anos, uma população activa em pessoas sedentárias sujeitas à poluição e níveis de ansiedade até então desconhecidos. Os estudos disponíveis demonstram de forma clara uma enorme redução dos espaços para a recreação activa e uma concomitante redução do dispêndio energético por actividade física habitual. Como consequência, os dados epidemiológicos indicam um aumento, nas cidades, da obesidade, hipertensão e diabetes em adultos. Por seu turno, as crianças em idade escolar estão a conhecer um crescimento em todos os factores de risco de doença cardiovascular e uma redução do seu nível de desenvolvimento motor. A falta de planeamento no crescimento urbano está a ter consequências catastróficas na saúde da população urbana. Neste quadro, a denominada transição epidemiológica acontece sob a forma de acumulação, dado que a população continua muito permissiva a doenças transmissíveis e sofre agora a acumulação de um grupo de patologias associadas ao sedentarismo e desiquilíbrio nutricional.

The process of urbanization of the world population is reaching Mozambique rather abruptly with multiple consequences for the health and well-being. Increased mechanization, screen time, car use and use of fast food are causing, in a short time period, a dramatic changing in lifestyle. Population is reducing their activity levels, that used to be high, the stress levels are increasing as well as the environmental pollution. The available studies demonstrate a huge reduction of spaces for active recreation and a concomitant reduction of energy expenditure for physical activity. As a consequence, epidemiological data indicate an increase in the prevalence of obesity, hypertension and diabetes in adults. In turn, studies are demonstrating that the school aged children are increasing prevalence in all risk factors for cardiovascular disease and a reduction in their level of motor development. Lack of urban planning on urban growth seems to cause disastrous consequences on the health of the urban population. Thus, the so-called epidemiological transition are happening in the form of accumulation since the population remains very permissive to transmissible diseases adding to them an increased in the sedentary lifestyle and nutritional imbalance related diseases.

Impact of inaccessible spaces on community participation of people with mobility limitations in Zambia

Background: The study investigated the perspective of people with mobility limitations (PWML) in Zambia, firstly of their accessibility to public buildings and spaces, and secondly of how their capacity to participate in a preferred lifestyle has been affected. Objectives: Firstly to provide insight into the participation experiences of PWML in the social, cultural, economic, political and civic life areas and the relationship of these with disability in Zambia. Secondly to establish how the Zambian disability context shape the experiences of participation by PWML. Method: A qualitative design was used to gather data from 75 PWML in five of the nine provinces of Zambia. Focus group discussions and personal interviews were used to examine the accessibility of the built environment and how this impacted on the whole family's participation experiences. The nominal group technique was utilised to rank inaccessible buildings and facilities which posed barriers to opportunities in life areas and how this interfered with the whole family's lifestyle. Results: Inaccessibility of education institutions; workplaces and spaces have contributed to reduced participation with negative implications for personal, family, social and economic aspects of the lives of participants. Government buildings, service buildings, and transportation were universally identified as most important but least accessible. Conclusion: Zambians with mobility limitations have been disadvantaged in accessing services and facilities provided to the public; depriving them and their dependants of full and equitable life participation because of reduced economic capacity. This study will assist in informing government of the need to improve environmental access to enable equal rights for all citizens

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

Spirit(ed) Away: Preventing Foetal Alcohol Syndrome with Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a growing concern in South Africa. In the Western Cape; prevalence rates for FAS are the highest in the world. Not surprisingly; the Western Cape also has some of the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita. Although FAS is primarily caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy; the high rate of FAS in South Africa originates from a multitude of complex factors. These factors include heritage; poverty; high levels of unemployment and low-paid menial jobs; depression; low self-esteem; low self-efficacy; increased accessibility to alcohol; lack of recreation; poor education; familial pressure; denial; cultural misconceptions and the smaller physiques of some of the women in the Western Cape. Holistic and comprehensive macro- and micro-level approaches are necessary in order to change the alcohol consumption trend that has developed over the last 300 years. No single strategy will reduce or eliminate the burden of alcohol misuse in this society. However; as the presented discussion suggests; combining the spirit of motivational interviewing (MI) with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practice; borrowed from health psychological interventions for lifestyle-related chronic health conditions; holds promise for reducing the prevalence of FAS within Western Cape communities. These individual-based approaches have yet to be employed in South Africa despite the wealth of evidence that demonstrates their potential in targeting high-risk groups and reducing per capita alcohol consumption

A Cross-Sectional Survey on the Lifestyle and Healthseeking Behaviour of Basotho Patients with Diabetes

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the level of practice of a healthy lifestyle; to assess the health education provided to patients with diabetes and to determine the prevalence of obesity among Basotho patients with diabetes. Design: A cross-sectional study enrolled 192 patients between November 2004 and July 2005. Descriptive statistics on demographic; socio-economic and lifestyle data were computed. Weight; waist circumference and hip circumference measurements were taken to compute body mass index (BMI); waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Setting and subjects: Patients with diabetes attending three hospitals in Lesotho were recruited in the study. Outcome measures: These included obesity indices; the quality and quantity of physical exercises; the quality and quantity of provided health education and the frequency with which the subjects sought medical help. Results: The participants' mean age was 54.73 years. The prevalence of smoking (14.6) was higher than that of drinking (9.4). Only 20.8 of the participants participated in recommended physical exercise. Most participants (95) consulted their physicians on a regular basis. The Health Education Quantity Index was very low: 49.9. The prevalence of obesity measured by BMI; WHpR and WHtR was 67.7; 69.8 and 95.3 respectively. Conclusion: The practice of a healthy lifestyle was suboptimal; but help-seeking behaviour was satisfactory among participants. It is recommended that health education and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle are encouraged; that diabetes education is rendered by accredited educators or healthcare providers trained in communicating health messages; and that the fight against obesity is made a priority

The impact of lifestyle diseases on the health care system in subsaharan Africa

Sub Saharan Africa(SSA) is facing a rapidly growing number of people with chronic non-communicable diseases while at the same time experiencing continual high death rates from infectious diseases e.g. HIV/AIDS; TB and malaria. Although this region comprises just over 10of theworld's population; it carries the highest burden of disease in the world. It is well known that some infections increase the risk of certain chronic diseases and vice versa. With an increasing dual burden of disease in SSA; the associations between diseases and our understanding of them will become of increased public health importance. The aim was to explore the relationships reported between HIV; its treatment and metabolic risk. Methodology This article is based on review of detailed literature published in MEDLINE and EMBASE since 1997; potentially relevant reports; bulletins and guidelines from the UN; WHO and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Findings Introduction of AntiRetroviral Therapy(ART) in SSA having high prevalence of HIV has been recognized as a public health priority through reduction of its price; raised donor funding and enhanced political commitment e.g. WHO '3 by 5' initiative. This has been associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. HIV has been linked with an increased risk of developing both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes prevalence and incidence is increasing in SSA compared to the industrialized world due to increased use of ART

The Prevalence and Perception of Obesity and its Association with the Lifestyle of Women at the Mangaung University Community Partnership Project Healthcare Centre; Bloemfontein

Background: This investigation was prompted by the increase of obesity in developing countries with the simultaneous increased risk of preventable noncommunicable diseases. We aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity among women serving a predominantly black peri-urban community; who visited a healthcare centre in Bloemfontein. We also wanted to establish their perceived weight status; and any correlation between obesity; level of education; employment status and monthly income.Method: A cross-sectional analytical design was used. In June 2007; clinic-attending women aged 18-50 years were selected by a systematic sampling method to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire investigated participants' socio-economic status; body image perception; psychological well-being; self-reported health status and physical activity. Body mass indices (BMIs) were calculated from weight and height measurements.Results: A total of 304 women completed the study; of whom 98 (32.2) were overweight and 134 (44.1) were obese; with a mean BMI of 30.1 kg/m2 [standard deviation (SD) 6.9 kg/m2]. More than half (53.4) of the obese women perceived themselves as not obese. Approximately 84 of the participants were educated to secondary level; or higher. A significant difference in the employment status of the obese and non-obese participants (26.9and 16.5 employed; respectively) was noted (p-value = 0.0013). The obese participants reported significantly less low self-esteem (29.5) than the nonobese participants (42.4) (p-value = 0.0250).Conclusion: The high prevalence of overweight and obesity; and the fact that 53.4 of the obese participants did not perceive themselves as such; poses a challenge for healthcare providers. Health-promotion strategies should aim to inform women about the health risks of overweight and obesity; and address misconceptions regarding perceived weight status

A Risk Factor Profile for Chronic Lifestyle Diseases in Three Rural Free State Towns

Background: Chronic diseases of lifestyle account for millions of deaths each year globally. These diseases share similar modifiable risk factors; including hypertension; tobacco smoking; diabetes; obesity; hyperlipidaemia and physical inactivity. In South Africa the burden of noncommunicable disease risk factors is high. To reduce or control as many lifestyle risk factors as possible in a population; the distinct risk-factor profile for that specific community must be identified. Therefore; the aim of this study was to assess the health status in three rural Free State communities and to identify a distinct risk-factor profile for chronic lifestyle diseases in these communities. Methods: This study forms part of the baseline phase of the Assuring Health for All in the Free State project. This is a prospective and longitudinal epidemiological study aimed at determining how living in a rural area can either protect or predispose one to developing chronic lifestyle diseases. The communities of three black and coloured; rural Free State areas; namely Trompsburg; Philippolis and Springfontein; were evaluated. The study population consisted of 499 households; and 658 participants (including children) participated in the study. Only results of adult participants between 25 and 64 years will be reported in this article. The study group consisted of 29.4male and 70.6female participants; with a mean age of 49 years. During interviews with trained researchers; household socio-demographic questionnaires; as well as individual questionnaires evaluating diet; risk factors (history of hypertension and/or diabetes) and habits (tobacco smoking and physical activity levels); were completed. All participants underwent anthropometric evaluation; medical examination and blood sampling to determine fasting blood glucose levels.Results: Multiple risk factors for noncommunicable diseases were identified in this study population; including high blood pressure; tobacco smoking; high body mass index (BMI); diabetes and physical inactivity. The reported risk-factor profile was ranked. Increased waist circumference was ranked highest; high blood pressure second; tobacco smoking third; physical inactivity fourth and diabetes fifth. The cumulative risk-factor profile revealed that 35.6 and 21of this study population had two and three risk factors; respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases; e.g. large waist circumference; high BMI; raised blood pressure; tobacco smoking and raised blood glucose levels. Serious consideration should be given to this escalating burden of lifestyle diseases in the study population. The development and implementation of relevant health promotion and intervention programmes that will improve the general health and reduce the risk for noncommunicable diseases in this population are advised

Lifestyles and Routine Activities of South African Teenagers at Risk Of Being Trafficked For Involuntary Prostitution

The United Nations estimates that 79of teenage girls trafficked globally every year are forced into involuntary prostitution. About 247 000 South African children work in exploitative conditions; about 40 000 South African female teenagers work as prostitutes. This paper investigates lifestyles and routine activities of teenagers at risk of being trafficked for involuntary prostitution. The key concepts involuntary prostitution; intergenerational sex and exploitative conditions are defined in relation to the lifestyles and routine activities of South African female teenagers. Human trafficking for involuntary prostitution is described; based on a literature review. Lifestyle exposure and routine activities theories help to explain the potential victimisation of these teenagers in human trafficking for involuntary prostitution. Actual lifestyle and routine activities of South African teenagers and risky behaviours (substance abuse; intergenerational sex and child prostitution) are discussed as factors that make teens vulnerable to such trafficking. This paper recommends that human trafficking prevention efforts (awareness programmes and information campaigns) be directed at places frequented by human traffickers and teenagers in the absence of a capable guardian to reduce victimisation; as traffickers analyse the lifestyles and routine activities of their targets. South Africa should also interrogate entrenched practices such as intergenerational sex