Factors associated with physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at a public clinic in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2017

Background: Physical activity plays a significant role in the managing of type 2 diabetes and is essential in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes mellitus. A number of factors influence non-adherence to physical activity: social, personal, environmental and economic factors. Diabetes research conducted in Botswana has focused on behavioural change, treatment adherence and nutrition. The physical activity levels of type 2 diabetes patients and associated factors are not known. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity levels (PALs) and factors associated with physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Setting: Thestudy was conducted at a public clinic in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2017. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a public clinic in Gaborone, Botswana. An interview-administered questionnaire was used to assess the PALs and factors associated with physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Data were captured on Excel and exported to SPSS software version 25 for analysis. Chi-square test, Fischer's exact test and Pearson's moment correlation examined the relationship between participants' characteristics and their engagement in regular exercise. Results: The majority of the study participants had low PALs (54.7%). The results showed a non-significant negative correlation between age and PAL (r = -0.085) and between sitting time (sedentary time) and PAL (-0.098). Conclusion: Most type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had low PALs. Health-promoting activities are needed to promote physical activity and thus prevent complications associated with physical inactivity

The influence of marital status on HIV infection in an HIV hyperendemic area of rural South Africa, 2000­2017

Marital status is one of the factors whose impact on HIV infection has always been studied but contradictory findings have been reported. The drastic changes in marriage patterns in South Africa influences the role of marital status on HIV infection. This study aims to give evidence-based information on the association between marital status and HIV infection in a hyperendemic HIV area in rural South Africa. This study was conducted on longitudinal data collected from the African Health Research Institute (AHRI) based in northern rural KwaZulu-Natal from 2000 to 2017 using multivariable Cox regression. The multivariable Cox regression results found marital status to be a significant factor of HIV infection. Compared to those who were married, the risk of HIV infection was approximately two times in those who were never married while those who were widowed presented as much as twice the risk of HIV infection. In addition, less educated participants were at more risk of HIV infection than those with tertiary education. Furthermore, as expected, the risk of HIV infection increased with age (20­24 HR: 3.05 (2.32­4.02); 25­34 HR: 3.98 (3.12­5.07) and 35­49 HR: 4.36 (3.36­5.67). Women were more susceptible to HIV infection than men were. This study found marital status to be an influential factor of HIV infection together with other socio-economic and demographic factors. This finding will help guide policy makers on empowerment programmes and policies targeting HIV and other health related issues in rural South Africa