Association of Harsh physical disciplining and the mental and behavioral health problems among pre-school children in Ethiopia

Background: Harsh physical discipline may have an impact on the emotional and behavioral health and cognitive abilities of children and adolescents. There is little understanding of the association between harsh physical discipline and mental health issues in populations where harsh disciplinary measures are culturally normal. Objective: The primary objective of this research was to investigate the potential correlation between the use of harsh physical discipline methods and the development of mental and behavioral health issues in children. By ex-amining the impact of these disciplinary practices on the psychological well-being of children, this study sought to shed light on the potential long-term consequences of such parenting strategies. Through a thorough analysis of data collected from a diverse sample of families, the researchers aimed to provide valuable insights into the effects of harsh physical disciplining on child mental health outcomes. Methods: A cross-section survey was conducted on 358 pre-school children preschool children and their primary caregivers in ten randomly selected elementary schools in Addis Ababa. The Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaire was used to measure the mental and behavioral health of the children. The Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale measured the primary caregivers' experience of harsh physical discipline. Result: The study found that more than two of the three primary caregivers witnessed the harsh physical discipline of pre-school children in their lifetime. The study also showed that the likelihood of having any of the mental or behavioral problems was higher among children who experienced harsh physical discipline. AOR = 5.8; 95% CI, 1.7, 17.4). It was also higher among preschool children in the second (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI, (1.2, 7.0)) order of birth and children perceived to have a moderate AOR = 5.0; 95% CI, (1.1, 23.4) and a lower AOR = 17.0; 95% CI, 17.0 (1.3, 218) school performance. Conclusion This study has revealed a concerning connection between the physical discipline of preschool-aged children and the development of mental and behavioral health issues. The findings underscore the importance of policymakers and stakeholders in implementing interventions to prevent harsh verbal and physical discipline of young children. Society as a whole must prioritize the well-being and emotional health of our youngest members, and taking steps to promote positive and nurturing forms of discipline is essential in safeguarding their overall development and future success.

Physical activity and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia

Background: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) has been linked to decreased social functioning, poor mental health, and quality of life (QOL). Increased physical functioning and activity can result in improvements in social, mental and overall health, as well as lowered depression and anxiety levels. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine physical activity levels and QOL amongst patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the Johannesburg region of South Africa. Methods: The research design was cross-sectional. Descriptive and quantitative data were collected. FMS patients (n=38) completed an online questionnaire on the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire was comprised of four components, namely Demographics, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). During data analysis, descriptive characteristics and correlations were computed. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Results revealed high FIQR scores (67%) accompanied with low QOL scores (<50% in all domains). There was no correlation between physical activity and FIQR, and physical activity and QOL. Conclusion: High scores on the impact of FMS were associated with lower overall QOL scores. However, the relationship between physical activity, and the impact of FMS and QOL remain inconclusive.

Knowledge of physical activity, physical activity level and waist-to-hip ratio in adults with diabetes in a Ghanaian municipality

Objectives: To investigate the knowledge about physical activity, physical activity levels and waist-to-hip ratio among persons living with diabetes in the Ho Municipality. Design: Cross-sectional observation study. Setting: The researcher collected data from two diabetes clinics in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Participants: Consenting persons living with diabetes who attended the diabetes clinics. Main outcome measures: Participants' waist-to-hip ratio, knowledge of the physical activity and level of activity according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: There were 106 participants, and the modal age was 60 years or older (50.94% (n= 54)). Of the total, 62.3% (n = 66) were women, and the mean knowledge level was 12.7±1.58 (range: 0-17). Mean waist-to-hip ratio was 0.92 ± 0.10) with 25.5% (n = 27) men and 48.1% (n = 51) women recording abnormally increased waist-to-hip ratios. Additionally, 44% of participants engaged in low physical activity levels, whereas 10% participated in high levels. There were no significant associations between physical activity levels and waist-to-hip ratios (r = 0.176, p=0.071). Conclusion: Persons with diabetes in the Ho Municipality mostly engaged in low and moderate physical activity levels and had abnormally increased waist-to-hip ratios suggesting abdominal obesity. Knowledge of physical activity may be associated with physical activity performance and waist-to-hip ratio, bearing an inverse association with physical activity levels.

Quality of life group of cameroonian patients aged over 65 years in an urban setting: A cross-sectional study

Background. The quality of life of the elderly can be compromised by several chronic diseases. This has a considerable impact on their physical and mental capacities.This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of the elderly at the Yaoundé Central Hospital. Methods.We carried out a cross-sectional study of elderly patients who consulted at the Yaounde Central Hospital forfive months. Sociodemographic characteristics were taken, and we also took data concerning their chronic conditions and depressive symptoms. The presence of any cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Mini-mental state Examination (MMSE). Their functional capacity was assessed with the six-minute walk test. Quality of life was evaluated using the older people's quality of life questionnaire (OPQOL). The multivariate analysis was done on the logistic regression model, and the p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results.66 participants were included (35 women) with a median age of 70 (IQR: 67 -75) years. About 87.8% had at least one chronic condition, and 47% had two or more. The most prevalent chronic condition was hypertension (71.2%), followed by abdominal obesity (40.9%) and heart failure (24.2%). Mild depressive symptoms were present in 1.5% of our study population. Fourteen participants (21.2%) had a poor quality of life. The factors associated with a poor quality of life was a distance covered in the 6 MWT less than 350m (OR: 3.7, p < 0.05). Conclusion.There is a high prevalence of poor quality of life among elderly patients consulting at the Yaoundé Central Hospital. A distance covered in the 6MWT less than 350m is associated with poor quality of life.

Introduction. La qualité de vie des personnes âgées peut être compromise par la survenue de plusieurs pathologies chroniques. Cela a un impact considérable sur leurs capacités physiques mais aussi sur leurs capacités mentales. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer la qualité de vie des personnes âgées suivies à l'Hôpital Central de Yaoundé. Méthodologie. Nous avons réalisé une étude transversale analytique sur des patients âgés ayant consulté à l'hôpital central de Yaoundé pendant une période de cinq mois. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques ont été prises, ainsi que leurs différentes comorbidités. La présence d'un déficit cognitif a été évaluée à l'aide du Mini Mental State Examination(MMSE). Leur capacité fonctionnelle a été évaluée à l'aide du test de marche de six minutes. La qualité de vie a été évaluée à l'aide du score OPQOL.. L'analyse multivariée a été effectuée sur le modèle de régression logistique et les valeurs de p < 0,05 ont été considérées comme statistiquement significatives. Résultats. 66 participants ont été inclus (35 femmes) avec un âge médian de 70 (IQR : 67 -75) ans. Parmi eux, environ 87,8 % avaient au moins une maladie chronique et 47 % en avaient deux ou plus. L'affection chronique la plus répandue était l'hypertension artérielle (71,2 %), suivie de l'insuffisance cardiaque (24,2 %) et de l'arthrose (12,1 %). Des symptômes dépressifs légers étaient présents chez 1,5 % de la population de notre étude. 14 participants (21,2 %) avaient une mauvaise qualité de vie. Les facteurs associés à unemauvaise qualité de vie étaient une distance parcourue dans le 6MWT inférieure à 350m (OR : 3,7, p < 0,05). Conclusion. Il existe une forte prévalence de la mauvaise qualité de vie chez ce groupe de patients âgés camerounais dont le facteur associé retrouvéest une distance parcourue durant le 6MWT inférieure à 350m.Ceci confirme le bénéfice de l'activité physique sur le plan physique et mental, indispensable pour une meilleure qualité de vie.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on physical, mental and emotional parameters among sportspersons

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown was a strange and new occurrence, which left many individuals ill-equipped to cope with the new way of living. Sportspersons had to adapt to a new training style within a new environment, both physically and mentally. Aim: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical, mental and emotional parameters among sportspersons during the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. Setting: The study consisted of 105 regular sportspersons (from South Africa). Methods: This was a quantitative research study design using an online questionnaire. An online questionnaire was adapted and distributed via online social platforms (WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram) to collect data in which sportspersons (n = 105) answered questions about the effects that they experienced during lockdown on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Results: Sportspersons participated in cardiovascular training, flexibility training, strength training and bodybuilding exercises during pre-lockdown. During lockdown, more than 74% of sportspersons had adequate training space, equipment and the time to perform physical activity. However, more than 43% of these sportspersons experienced a decrease in flexibility, muscle mass and muscle strength. Exercise was used as a form of stress relief by 77.1% of sportspersons throughout lockdown. In addition, sportspersons who used exercise as a form of stress relief continued to experience an increase in stress throughout lockdown. Conclusion: The outcomes from this study demonstrated how the COVID-19 lockdown had adverse effects on the overall health and well-being of most sportspersons. Other outcomes included the effects that physical inactivity had among sportspersons, including changes in diet and sleep. Contribution: This study highlights the urgency for the sports fraternity to adopt measures to provide various methods of stress relief (as well as opportunities for physical activity) during similar periods of lockdown (or exercise restrictions) for those who rely on exercise as their daily physical, mental and emotional outlet.

Impact of adapted physical activity on blood pressure and hypertension control in the militaries of Kinshasa Garrison, Democratic Republic of Congo: A randomized controlled trial

Context and objective. Major handicap for operational conditioning of troops, hypertension requires innovative approaches for its prevention and management. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of adapted physical activity (APA) on BP level of sedentary soldiers from Kinshasa garrison and the rate of hypertension control in those with high BP. Methods. Open, parallel randomized controlled trial carried out at Camp Lt-Colonel Kokolo (CVEC) from June 2016 to October 2017) in sedentary soldiers (57.6 %, hypertensives) allocated for 8 weeks to APA (n=119) or control (n=110). The randomization procedure used permuted blocks of four consecutive participants. The outcomes were baseline-adjusted betweengroup difference in BP level (all participants), in rate of BP control among hypertensives. Results. At the last available visit in 226 participants (119 vs 107), the baseline-adjusted BP difference between active and control group by intentionto-treat was 5.1 (95 % CI 1.2 -10.8)/3.0 (0.1-6.9) mmHg lower in the active group. The effect of APA was also significant across pre-specified categories of participants based on age, officers' rank, and hypertension status. Among 129 analyzed drug treated hypertensives (68 vs 61), the rate of BP control remained unchanged in the control group (43.8 to 44.3%) but increased (43.5% to 85.3 %) in the active group yielding a baseline-adjusted between group difference of 40.7 (32.2; 49.2) %. The probability to achieve hypertension control was greater (HR: 3.38 [95% CI: 1.48- 4.84] in the active group. PP analysis of 122 soldiers (80 vs 42) with data at all scheduled visits yielded confirmatory results for BP reduction and for hypertension control by APA. The changes in BP were positively correlated with concomitant reductions in heart rate. Conclusion. Exercise training induced a significant BP reduction in sedentary militaries and improved the control rate among those with drug treated hypertension

Mobility impairment and life satisfaction in the Northern Region of Malawi

There exist many psychosocial sequelae associated with mobility impairment, especially in low-resource settings where access to mobility assistive devices is limited. Objectives: This study aims to (1) define the burden and presenting aetiologies of mobility impairment in the rural Northern Region of Malawi and (2) assess the relationship between physical disability, life satisfaction and access to mobility aids. Methods: At mobility device donation clinics throughout the Northern Region of Malawi, adults living with mobility impairment were surveyed with a demographic questionnaire and a series of validated surveys to assess their physical activity levels (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ]), degree of mobility impairment (Washington Group Extended Set Questions on Disability) and life satisfaction (patient-reported outcomes measurement information systems satisfaction with participation in social roles and general life satisfaction). Results: There were 251 participants who qualified for inclusion, of which 193 completed all surveys. Higher physical activity scores were positively correlated with increased life satisfaction: (1) satisfaction with participation in social roles (0.481, p < 0.0001) and (2) general life satisfaction (0.230, p < 0.001). Respondents who had previously used a formal mobility device reported 235.5% higher physical activity levels ([139.0%, 333.0%], p = 0.006), significantly higher satisfaction with participation in social roles ([0.21, 6.67], p = 0.037) and equivocally higher general life satisfaction ([−1.77, 3.84], p = 0.470). Conclusion: Disability and mental health do not exist in isolation from one another. Given the positive correlations between formal mobility device usage and both physical activity and life satisfaction, interventions that increase access to mobility-assistive devices in undertreated populations are imperative. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the complex relationship between physical disability, access to mobility aids, and life satisfaction. Results from this study suggest the potential benefit that increasing access to mobility aids may have in improving the quality of life of mobility impaired persons in resource-limited settings, such as the Northern Region of Malawi

Dietary habits, physical activity and sleep pattern among in-school adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Overnutrition has been documented at epidemic levels in children and adults. The associated risk factors may include poor dietary habits, sedentary behaviour, inadequate sleep and low parental education. Objective: To describe dietary habits, physical activity and sleep patterns among secondary school adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1,120 adolescents recruited from public and private secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria, was carried out to study the dietary habits, sleep patterns and physical activity in relation to nutritional status. Results: Ten per cent of the adolescents skipped breakfast, while 28% had fruits on up to five days of the week. Eleven per cent had a sweetened drink every day, while 20 % had a sweetened drink on most days of the week. One out of four (26%) adolescents had more than two hours of screen time daily, and only 5% engaged in sporting activities up to five times weekly. One-third of the students slept for less than six hours daily and experienced sleeping difficulties. Multivariate analysis showed that females were twice as likely not to participate in sports (OR = 2.38, CI = 1.3-4.37, p = 0.002 and to have a higher intake of confectionaries (OR = 1.47, CI = 1.07-2.04, p = 0.01. Conclusion: Poor dietary habits, inadequate physical activity and insufficient sleep were observed among secondary school adolescents. A multi-pronged approach to improve these behaviours is recommended

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

Steps walked whilst at work, by University of the Free State medical registrars: an exploratory study

Background: Doctors may have physical disabilities affecting their mobility. If they wish to specialise, they need information regarding mobility requirements for various specialities to help them select an appropriate speciality. No research has been published on the differences in physical activity demands in different medical specialities. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity of medical registrars from six specialist departments at a South African academic hospital. The inference was that those specialities where registrars walked the most would be more challenging for those with physical disabilities, thereby limiting mobility. Methods: The number of steps walked from 07:00 to 16:00 each day was measured, using Yamax CW-701 pedometers. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to compare the steps taken in different specialities with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Twenty registrars participated in the study. Significant differences in the number of steps walked per day were observed between those from different specialities (p < 0.001). Surgery, paediatric and internal medicine registrars walked the most steps per day (median of 5 991, and 5 880, 5 489, respectively). Anaesthesiology and radiology registrars walked a median of 4 521 and 3 926 steps, respectively. Registrars in obstetrics and gynaecology walked the least steps (median of 1 918). There was considerable variation in steps between participants within a department, and for the same participants on different days. Conclusion: Registrars appeared to be more physically active in some medical specialities than others, in terms of mobility. The wide intra-speciality variation is probably related to differing daily duties. Future studies should include types of work duties (e.g. sedentary vs high physical mobility), cover more specialities, and include more participants.

Profile and opinion of people with disability with respect to adapted physical activity participation in Ethiopia

Background: Physical activity provides long-term health benefits for everyone and it is considered to play an important role in the deterioration of health predictors, such as overweight and the associated increase in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Objective: To explore the profile and opinion of people with disability in Ethiopia, with respect to physical activity participation. Method: The study comprised a questionnaire survey among male and female participants (N = 334) with visual and limb impairment, aged 15­50 years, living in urban and sub-urban areas of Ethiopia. The analyses entailed descriptive frequencies and percentages, with the chi-square statistic to test for significance between subsets of data at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The profile showed participants were mostly male (n = 221, 66.2%; p ≤ 0.05), had completed secondary school (n = 204, 61.1%; p ≤ 0.05), were not formally employed with some being day-labourers (n = 92, 27.5%) and petty traders (n = 71, 21.3%). The majority (p ≤ 0.05) had limb disabilities (n = 190, 57%) as opposed to vision impairment. Only 10% (n = 34; p ≤ 0.0001) confirmed participation in physical activity. More than half (n = 175, 52.7%; p ≤ 0.0001) were unsure whether exercise improves health but the majority (n = 175, 52.4%; p ≤ 0.0001) did agree that participation in adapted physical activity requires better facilities. Conclusion: Ethiopian persons with disabilities are physically inactive. There is need to raise awareness on the benefits of physical activity amongst people with disabilities and for disability friendly facilities to encourage physical activity

The effects of aquatic and land exercise on resting blood pressure and post-exercise hypotension response in elderly hypertensives

Objective: This study compared resting blood pressure (BP) using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) responses in two groups of subjects trained in land exercise (LE) and aquatic exercise (AE), and assessed post-exercise hypotension (PEH) using ABPM, after land- and aquatic-based exercises.Methods: ABPM (24 hours) was used to measure the baseline BP in elderly hypertensive women trained in LE and AE and the PEH induced by exercise. For this, 40 subjects were evaluated at rest and after a land- or aquatic-based exercise session (aerobic: 75% of reserve heart rate combined with resistance exercise).Results: The daytime BP was lower for AE [systolic BP (SBP) 124 ± 1.0 mmHg, diastolic BP (DBP) 70 ± 1.5 mmHg] than for LE (SBP 134 ± 0.9 mmHg, DBP 76 ± 0.9 mmHg), but there were no differences at night-time. The aquatic exercise-induced PEH in the second hour was maintained at the 24th hour post-exercise. For land exercise-induced PEH, it was maintained at the 12th hour post-exercise. The SBP and DBP were lower at the 24th hour for AE than for LE.Conclusion: Elderly hypertensive people trained in AE had lower baseline BP during the daytime. SBP and DBP values were lower for individuals trained in AE, and their PEH was more rapid and longer lasting after AE

Leisure-time physical activity practices and the influencing factors among government office employees in Kigali, Rwanda

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality. Office employees are particularly exposed to such diseases, due to the nature of their work, which mainly involves passive activities that require less energy expenditure. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the leisure-time physical activity participation (LTPAP) among government employees in Kigali, Rwanda, as well as to highlight the factors that motivate, or hinder their participation. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative study was conducted with 600 participants. A stratified sampling technique was used to determine the study sample from the Government of Rwanda's Sports Policy stakeholder institutions. Then, a convenience sample of participants was selected from each stratum to form the final study sample. Data were collected using a three-part customised, self-administered questionnaire to capture demographic data, leisure-time physical activity levels (LTPA) using the Godin-Shephard questionnaire, and the factors that influenced participation. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to summarise and draw meaningful associations between different variables. Results: More than half (61.1%) of the participants were not sufficiently active. Physical activity levels declined significantly with advancing age (p = 0.004) and increasing working experience (p = 0.002); female participants were less active than males. The prevention of diseases and maintenance of good health were the most frequently reported contributors (48.8%) to physical activity participation, while time and tight work schedules were the most frequently reported hindrances (62.2%). Conclusion: The majority of government office employees in Kigali did not engage in sufficient leisure-time physical activity, hence they may be at high risk of developing NCDs. Strategies to increase LTPA among employees should be implemented

Quels facteurs influencent la qualité de vie des patients tunisiens atteints de cancer du poumon? / Which factors influence the quality of life of Tunisian patients with lung cancer?

Introduction - Les facteurs influençant la qualité de vie (QDV) des patients tunisiens atteints d'un cancer du poumon (CDP) sont méconnus.L'objectif de cette étude est d'identifier les facteurs influençant la QDV des patients tunisiens atteints d'un CDP. Méthodes - Un questionnaire médical a évalué les caractéristiques générales et spécifiques de 100 patients dont 90 hommes, et les questionnaires QLQ-C30 et QLQLC13 ont évalué la QDV. Résultats - Les femmes, les sujets âgés, les mariés et les analphabètes avaient une mauvaise QDV. Comparativement aux patients indemnes de comorbidités, ceux ayant une à deux comorbidités avaient des scores d'activités physiques et professionnelles/loisirs plus bas. Comparativement aux patients ayant un cancer datant de moins d'un an, ceux dont le cancer datait de plus d'un an avaient des scores de santé globale et d'activité physique plus bas, et des scores de nausées/vomissements, d'insomnie et d'anorexie plus élevés. Les patients en stade avancé avaient une mauvaise QDV en termes d'activités physique et émotionnelle, d'insomnie et de constipation. Les patients ayant des métastases avaient une mauvaise QDV en termes de score global, d'activité physique, de fatigue, d'insomnie, d'anorexie et de diarrhée. Le type histologique et le type de traitement n'influençaient pas la QDV. Le sexe n'influençait pas les scores du QLQ-LC13. Comparativement aux patients traités par chimiothérapie, ceux traités par la combinaison chimiothérapie et chirurgie avaient des scores de dyspnée et de neuropathie périphérique plus élevés. Conclusion - Les facteurs suivants influencent la QDV des Tunisiens atteints d'un CDP: le sexe, l'âge, l'état civil, le niveau de scolarisation, les comorbidités, le stade et la durée d'évolution du cancer, et les métastases. Comparativement aux patients traités par chimiothérapie, ceux traités par chimiothérapie et chirurgie avaient des scores de dyspnée et de neuropathie périphérique plus élevés

Introduction - No previous study has established the factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) of tunisian patients with lung cancer (LC).This study aims to identify the factors that influence QOL of tunisian patients with LC. Methods. A medical questionnaire assessed the general and specific characteristics of 100 patients (90 men), and structured questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13) assessed QOL. Results -Women, elderly, married and illiterate patients had poor QOL. Compared to patients free from comorbidity, those with one to two comorbidities had lower scores of physical and life-role activities. Compared to patients with cancer discovered less than one year ago, those who's cancer appeared more than one year ago had lower scores of global health, physical activity, nausea/vomiting, and higher scores of insomnia and anorexia. Patients with advanced cancer had poor QOL in terms of physical and emotional activities, and insomnia and constipation items. Patients with metastases had a poor QOL in terms of global health, physical activity, fatigue symptom, insomnia, anorexia, and diarrhea. The histological and treatment types did not influence QOL. The QLQ-LC13 scores were not influenced by sex. However, compared to patients treated with chemotherapy, those treated with chemotherapy and surgery had higher scores of dyspnea and peripheral neuropathy. Conclusion - The following factors influenced QOL of Tunisian patients with LC: sex, age, civil status, schooling level, comorbidities, LC stage and duration, metastases. Compared to patients treated with chemotherapy, those treated with chemotherapy and surgery had higher scores of dyspnea and peripheral neuropathy

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

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

Exercise, illness and drug use: guiding principles for approaching a complex triad

Regular, low to moderate intensity exercise is considered beneficial to the human body, not only having ergogenic advantages, but also being anti-inflammatory, cardio- and neuroprotective.1 On the other hand, although high intensity training (HIT) is able to exaggerate cardiac conditions, e.g., hypertension2 as well as exacerbate inflammatory and oxidative stress responses,1,3 such exercise programs are becoming more popular as they too have shown demonstrable health benefits if performed appropriately. Indeed, various studies have reported on the superior beneficial cardiac and vascular effects of high intensity exercise programs over that of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT),4-7 contributing to the growing popularity of such time-efficient programs. As such, exercise can accurately be described as a double-edged sword ­ able to induce positive, beneficial physiological effects when performed chronically at lower intensities, but generating harmful effects when performed at high intensities without sufficient recovery periods. From a toxicological point of view, exercise mediates hormesis, i.e., the biphasic dose response to an environmental agent characterised by a low dose stimulation or beneficial effect and a high dose inhibitory or toxic effect.8

Results from the healthy active kids South Africa 2018 report card

Background. Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Cards were produced in 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2016. Objective. The 2018 Report Card aims to report on the latest available evidence relating to the physical activity (PA), nutrition and body composition of South African (SA) children and adolescents. Methods. A review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed; Africa Journals Online; and Africa-Wide (EBSCOhost). Articles published from January 2016 to September 2018 were included for review by the HAKSA scientific advisory group. Data were extracted, and a grade for each indicator was assigned based on the available evidence and the consensus of the scientific advisory group. This included 12 PA indicators, 6 nutrition indicators and 3 body composition indicators. Results. There was no evidence of a significant change in any of the indicators since the 2016 Report Card. Grades for certain indicators have been downgraded (from 2016) to bring these to the attention of relevant stakeholders and industry. These include food insecurity and grades that relate to the implementation of policy on PA and nutrition in the school environment, and on advertising and media relating to nutrition. Conclusion. Key priorities for action include: safe opportunities for physical activity; minimising the gap between policy and implementation (school culture and environment, and government strategies); and the double burden of over- and undernutrition, which relates to the continuing concern about food insecurity in SA. There is a need for further research, including surveillance, on all indicators, for future Report Cards

High physical activity is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among individuals aged 15 years and older in South Africa

Background: Some research seems to suggest that physical activity (PA) was beneficial for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Aim: This study examined the association between levels of PA and PTSD among individuals 15 years and above in South Africa.Setting: Community-based survey sample representative of the national population in South Africa. Methods: In all, 15 201 individuals (mean age 36.9 years) responded to the cross-sectional South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) in 2012.Results: One in five (20.1%) of participants reported exposure to at least one traumatic event in a lifetime, and 2.1% were classified as having a PTSD, 7.9% fulfilled PTSD re-experiencing criteria, 3.0% PTSD avoidance criteria and 4.3% PTSD hyperarousal criteria. Almost half (48.1%) of respondents had low PA, 17.4% moderate PA and 34.5% high PA. In logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, population group, employment status, residence status, number of trauma types, problem drinking, current tobacco use, sleep problems and depressive symptoms, high PA was associated with PTSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, confidence interval [CI] = 1.11­2.75), PTSD re-experiencing symptom criteria (OR = 1.43, CI = 1.09­1.86) and PTSD avoidance symptom criteria (OR = 1.74, CI = 1.18­2.59), but high PA was not associated with PTSD hyperarousal symptom criteria. In generalised structural equation modelling, total trauma events had a positive direct and indirect effect on PTSD mediated by high PA, and high PA had a positive indirect effect on PTSD, mediated by psychological distress and problem drinking.Conclusion: After controlling for relevant covariates, high PA was associated with increased PTSD symptomatology