Physical activity pattern and its association with glycaemic and blood pressure control among people living with diabetes (PLWD) in the Ho Municipality, Ghana

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) offers considerable health benefits for diabetic patients. However, extensive high levels of inactivity has been reported among diabetic patients. This study sought to assess the patterns of physical activity and its relationship with two management-relevant outcomes (glycaemic and blood pressure control)among people living with diabetes in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2017 to April 2017 among 150 purposively recruited diabetic patients who were receiving care at the diabetes clinics of the Volta Regional Hospital and the Ho Municipal Hospital. A semi structured questionnaire was used in capturing socio-demographic information. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Glycaemic and blood pressure control were evaluated within a three-month period from patients' records. RESULTS: Physical activity estimates among participants were 21.33%, 48% and 30.67% for high, moderate and low PA respectively. Glycaemic control among the study participants was 33.33% and blood pressure control was 58.67%. Both glycaemic and blood pressure control were significantly associated with PA. CONCLUSION:In this group of PLWD in the Ho Municipality, high levels of inactivity, uncontrolled glycaemia and blood pressure exist. However, glycaemic and blood pressure control may be modulated by moderate-intensity physical activity

Oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia among ghanaian HAART-Naive HIV Patients and those on HAART

"Background: Pharmacogenomics/pharmacogenetics has the potential to mitigate adverse drug reactions and optimize pharmacotherapy in individuals. Over the past several years; there has been increasing attention towards the characterization of pharmacogenomic biomarkers in African populations; both locally and internationally. However; the perceptions of the African health care community towards pharmacogenomic testing have not been studied. Objectives: To assess knowledge and perceptions of pharmacogenomics among health care professionals in Benin City; Nigeria. Methods: In this preliminary and pilot investigation; we used a semi-structured qualitative survey methodology to understand the perceptions of pharmacists and pharmacologists towards pharmacogenomics in an academic care centre in Benin City; Nigeria. Three themes were explored: Knowledge and experience with pharmacogenetics; Expectations about how a pharmacogenetic testing service could be used; and Capacity building for pharmacogenetic service delivery.Results: Though none of the participants had received training or undertaken research in pharmaco-genomics; all participants were familiar with the field and listed beneficial outcomes associated with pharmacogenetic testing. Participants identified factors such as lack of funding; infrastructure; and manpower for limitations of pharmacogenomic testing in Nigeria. Participants listed numerous ethical issues and concerns in recruiting participants for research and introducing pharmacogenetics in the clinic; including the need to ""win the confidence of the people."" Conclusion: Pharmacists and pharmacologists in an academic centre in Nigeria are aware of the benefits of pharmacogenomics; but cite many hurdles to overcome before this field can become a routine part of patient care in their communities."