Soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 [sLOX-1] levels in serum of normal volunteers and type 2 Diabetics

Oxidative stress is increased in diabetes mellitus and is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of the chronic complications of diabetes. Oxidized low density lipoprotein [LDL] causes endothelial activation, injury and dysfunction. Serum oxidized LDL receptors [sLOX-1] levels have been reported to be associated with atherosclerosis and diabetic vasculopathy. To compare soluble Lectin-like Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein receptor-1 [sLOX-1] levels in serum of type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients with normal volunteers; and to study its association with other biochemical parameters. Study participants included in this pilot study were males and females aged 25-50 years. Fasting blood specimens were collected from 21 normal volunteers and 51 type 2 diabetic patients visiting the outpatient department of the Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman, UAE. All diabetics included were on Metformin. None of them had renal, cardiovascular or liver disease. Routine biochemical investigations [Lipid profile, Fasting Plasma Glucose, HbA1C] were performed on Roche Cobas 6000 analyzer. Serum Total Antioxidant status was estimated using a kit from Sigma Aldrich, USA. sLOX-1 level in serum was estimated using Human LOX-1 ELISA Kit from Cell Biolabs, USA. Statistical analysis was done on IBM SPSS software version21. Serum sLOX-1 levels did not follow a [normal] statistical distribution in the population. No difference in the serum sLOX-1 levels was seen between the normal and diabetic participants. sLOX-1 levels did not correlate with age, BMI, fasting glucose, total-, LDL- or HDL-Cholesterol, triglyceride levels or total antioxidant status. However, within the diabetic population, sLOX-1 levels correlated weakly but significantly with the duration of diabetes. Since sLOX-1 levels in serum showed high variability in the population and did not follow a normal distribution, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Correlation of sLOX-1 levels with duration of diabetes is interesting and needs to be investigated further

Comparison of perceptions regarding nutrition education between medical interns trained in the discipline-based and the integrated curriculum in gulf medical university Ajman

Gulf Medical University, Ajman has changed from a discipline-based curriculum to an organsystem based integrated curriculum. To compare perceptions of medical interns from the discipline based and the integrated curriculum regarding nutrition and nutrition education in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Questionnaire based study with medical interns from the discipline based curriculum [Batch 2007] and the organ-system based integrated curriculum [Batch 2008]. Respondents rated on a Likert-like [1-5] scale items spanning domains including attitudes to nutrition, perceptions regarding nutrition-related knowledge, competence in nutrition-related skills and nutrition education in the curriculum. 22 interns from the discipline-based and 33 from the integrated curriculum completed the survey. 61% were males. Both groups had positive attitudes to nutrition counseling [median score=4]. Total scores in the knowledge domain were significantly higher in the integrated curriculum group. Perceptions regarding knowledge and skills in most nutrition related topics was good in both groups [Median score=4]. Both groups of interns were uncertain [Median score=3] regarding the quantity and quality of nutrition education. Most interns felt a need for more nutrition education in the curriculum [Median score=4] however fewer interns from the integrated curriculum compared to the discipline-based curriculum felt the need for more nutrition education in [basic nutrition concepts] [48% vs. 69%], [nutrition in primary care settings] [44% vs. 75%], [nutritional assessment] [52 vs. 81%] and [evidence based nutrition][30 vs. 75%]. Similar numbers [55.6 and 56.3%] perceived the need for more 'clinical nutrition [nutrition in disease states]] in both groups. Changing the curriculum did not bring about significant changes in attitudes regarding nutrition or perceptions regarding nutrition-related competences. However a significant increase was seen in perceptions regarding nutrition knowledge. Interns from both groups perceived a need for more nutrition education especially Clinical nutrition [nutrition in disease states]

Prevalence and practice of self-medication among medical students

The use and misuse of drugs amongst university students is quite rampant. As information about the self-medication[SM] practices among medical students of Gulf Medical University [GMU] was not available, we aimed to identify the prevalence and practice of SM among the students and to assess the associating factors. A cross-sectional survey including 247 medical students was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Students from first to fifth year were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.0 and the association between SM and different variables was tested with Chi square test. The majority of participating students were females with mean age of 21 +/- 2.4 years. The one year period prevalence rate of SM with both prescribed and non-prescribed medications was 65%.The prevalence of SM in students from first to fifth year was 48.3%; 57.7%; 88.9%; 73.3% and 63.8% respectively. An association with age and SM was also observed. The most common sources of drugs were private pharmacies and stocks at home. The students mostly relied on self and parents for drug recommendation. The dependence on parents reduced and self-reliance increased significantly as the students' age progressed. Majority of the self-medicating students [92.5%] read package inserts before using the drugs. Headache and flu symptoms were common Self-Medicated conditions and correspondingly, analgesics and antipyretics were most commonly used. Mild illness and previous experiences with the medicines were quoted as most common reasons for SM. Though 36% students reported that their knowledge about medicines was sufficient, high risk practices like altering dosage [59%]; stopping medication [58.7%] were found to be prevalent. The prevalence of SM among medical students of GMU is associated with age and year of study. In view of the high risk practices followed, there is a need to emphasize responsible self-medication practices among the medical students

Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors among the non-medical staff of a medical university in UAE

Cardiovascular diseases [CVD], a group of disorders of heart and blood vessels [Coronary Heart Diseases; CHD and stroke], are the most common causes of premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. To study the level of knowledge about CVD risk factors and prevention among non-medical staff of Gulf Medical University. A cross - sectional questionnaire - based survey was used to collect data from 77 participants. Questions enquiring about the definitions of CHD and stroke [closed ended statements]; steps to be taken to reduce the risk of getting CHD/stroke [Open ended sections] and identification of factors that increase risk of CVD [from a list] formed parts of the questionnaire. Majority of the participants were South Asians, educated males [74%]. Around 76.6% and 57.1% knew definitions of CHD and stroke respectively. Exercise [76.6% and 45.5%], healthy food habits [68.8% and 35.1%] and smoking cessation [28.6% and 20.8%] were indicated as steps to be taken to reduce the risk of CHD and stroke respectively. From the listed factors, high blood cholesterol [87%], high blood pressure [84.4%], family history [75.3%], obesity/ overweight [65.7%], and diabetes mellitus [58.4%] were identified as factors that increase the risk for CVD. Very few participants identified male gender [30%] and South Asian ethnicity [18.2%] as risk factors. Though 84.4% identified tobacco smoking as a risk factor of CVD, only half of them knew that regular exposure to second-hand smoke can also lead to CVD. Moreover, few [36.4%] knew about high risk in females who smoke and use oral contraceptives and that the risk increases after menopause [23.4%]. The knowledge about CVD risk factors and prevention among the participants is high which may have been influenced by their working environment. However, it is far from [deal as they belong to a high risk ethnic population

Diabetes Mellitus related knowledge of entry-level students of a medical university in UAE

The aim of this study was to assess diabetes mellitus [DMI]- related knowledge among the entry-level students of Gulf Medical University. A pre-tested questionnaire assessing the knowledge of DM was administered to students in the first semesters of the different programs of GMU. Data collected were transferred to PASW Statistics [Chicago, IL, USA, Version 18] and analyzed. Data collected from 119 students [25% males and 75% males] were included in the analysis. The students demonstrated a very high general knowledge about DM. 72% mentioned that DM is a disease affecting the pancreas, 90% recognized it as a condition of inadequate insulin action, 96% knew that there are several types of DM and insulin is required for the treatment of some diabetic patients and 93% knew that family history is a major risk factor. Knowledge about common symptoms and complications was also high. 92% of the students had the knowledge that DM is a chronic disease related to lifestyle and perceived DM. This level of knowledge was found to be much higher than that of students in a non-healthcare university where only 46% knew about the involvement of the pancreas and 54% related it to inadequate insulin action. Additionally, only 57% knew that there are several types of DM and 67% linked DM to lifestyle. Entry level students [high school level education] from biological stream have a high DM-related knowledge. Their level of knowledge is much higher compared to similar students from a non-healthcare university

Total antioxidant status and lipid parameters among patients of hypothyroidism

To determine i] the total antioxidant status in hypothyroid patients and ii] its association with hormonal and lipid parameters. Total antioxidant status [TAS], lipid and thyroid hormone profile was determined in patients [n=27] with Hypothyroidism referred for laboratory assessment of thyroid function in GMCH. Normal volunteers [n=24] served as the control group. Data was analyzed on SPSS 19.0 software. The TAS in normal volunteers was found to be 1.65 +/- 0.32 mmol/L while in patients with subclinical [N=12] and overt Hypothyroidism [N=15] it was found to be 1.25 +/- 0.23 and 1.28 +/- 0.23 mmol/L respectively. While the difference in TAS between the normal and the over hypothyroid group was significant [p<0.001], no significant difference could be observed between the subgroups within the hypothyroid state. TAS was found to be significantly lower in patients with low T3 [<3.1 nmol/L], however no such association was seen with low T4 levels. Serum TSH level was found to correlate strongly and significantly with total cholesterol and LDL levels. TAS was lower in patients with high serum cholesterol levels [p<0.001] but no difference was seen with LDL levels. TAS is significantly lower in patients with both subclinical and overt hypothyroidism compared to normal. TAS levels seem to be associated with low T3 but not T4 levels. While the result appear to show a trend, the sample size is very small and more work is needed. The study is still in progress

Perceptions of Gulf Medical University medical graduates regarding nutrition education in the undergraduate medical curriculum

To assess perceptions of GMU medical graduates nutrition education in the undergraduate medical curriculum. 75 GMU medical graduates [years of graduation 2005-2009] were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey in May 2012. The questionnaire was designed with the help of medical education experts, faculty involved in nutrition education and IT experts, validated and pilot-tested. Data was collected in MS Excel and results expressed as percentages. 42 medical graduates responded to the survey. 62% were females, 11 are working in the UAE while others are based in other countries including India, USA, UK and other GCC countries. 31% were working as general physicians while the rest were specialists/ specializing in various medical disciplines. The respondents mentioned receiving nutrition-related instruction in the pre-clinical years [80%] and clinical years [50%]. Courses in which Nutrition-related topics were learnt were identified as Community Medicine [59%], Biochemistry [47%], Physiology [23.5%], Pediatrics [35%] and Internal Medicine [29%]. The main teaching- learning methods adopted were lectures and case-based discussions. Nutrition education for the doctors was perceived as "very important" by 73.8% and "fairly important" by 23.8% of the respondents. 39% mentioned using nutrition-related knowledge daily. However 73.5% felt they had not received adequate nutrition instruction in relation to their past or present professional work. Areas requiring more instruction were identified as Clinical Nutrition [73%], Nutrition in primary case settings [57%] and Evidence-based nutrition [50%]. GMU medical graduates perceive Nutrition education to be very important for doctors and feel that more nutrition education is needed in the undergraduate medical curriculum, especially in the areas of clinical nutrition, nutrition in primary care settings and evidence-based nutrition

Prevalence and practice of self-medication among high school students in United Arab Emirates

Objective: Adolescence is a key period in the emergence of health practices which may persist even during the adulthood. One of the potentially hazardous health practices among adolescents is self- medication [SM]. In this context, the present study aimed to identify the prevalence and practice of SM and to assess the factors related to SM among high school students of UAE

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey of 324 high school students from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 19 version. The association between SM and different variables was tested with Chi square test

Results: The majority of the participating students were females aged 16-17 years. The prevalence rate of SM among the participants was 89%, which did not vary with age or gender. There was no association of SM with parents' educational level. The most common sources of drug and drug information were private pharmacies and parents respectively. Headache and fever were common self-medicated conditions and consequently, analgesics and antipyretics were most commonly used both in the previous two weeks and during the year before the survey. The average number drugs used in self-medication in the previous two weeks and during the past year were 2+/-1.5 and 3+/-3.5 respectively. The students indicated presence of mild illness and previous experiences with the medicines as the most common reason for SM. High risk practices like altering dosage [43%]; stopping medication [50%] and SM without adult guidance [25%] were also observed

Conclusion: The prevalence of SM among high school students in UAE is high. There is a need to create awareness about the risks and benefits of SM. Healthcare providers, pharmacists, educators and parents should be actively involved in health education strategies for establishing safe SM practices

Prevalence and practice of self-medication among high school students in United Arab Emirates

Adolescence is a key period in the emergence of health practices which may persist even during the adulthood. One of the potentially hazardous health practices among adolescents is self- medication [SM]. In this context, the present study aimed to identify the prevalence and practice of SM and to assess the factors related to SM among high school students of UAE. A cross sectional survey of 324 high school students from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 19 version. The association between SM and different variables was tested with Chi square test. The majority of the participating students were females aged 16-17 years. The prevalence rate of SM among the participants was 89%, which did not vary with age or gender. There was no association of SM with parents' educational level. The most common sources of drug and drug information were private pharmacies and parents respectively. Headache and fever were common self-medicated conditions and consequently, analgesics and antipyretics were most commonly used both in the previous two weeks and during the year before the survey. The average number drugs used in self-medication in the previous two weeks and during the past year were 2 +/- 1.5 and 3 +/- 3.5 respectively. The students indicated presence of mild illness and previous experiences with the medicines as the most common reason for SM. High risk practices like altering dosage [43%]; stopping medication [50%] and SM without adult guidance [25%] were also observed. The prevalence of SM among high school students in UAE is high. There is a need to create awareness about the risks and benefits of SM. Healthcare providers, pharmacists, educators and parents should be actively involved in health education strategies for establishing safe SM practices

Diabetes mellitus-related knowledge among university students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

The aim of this study was to assess diabetes mellitus [DM]-related knowledge and practices among university students enrolled in non-health care related professional courses in the United Arab Emirates. A pre-tested questionnaire assessing the knowledge of DM was administered to the above-mentioned students. Data collected were transferred to PASW Statistics [Chicago, IL, USA, Version 18] and analysed. Data on 168 university students [47 males and 121 females] were included in the analysis. Of the participants, 25% were overweight or obese and only 27% exercised regularly. Regarding their knowledge of DM, 70% knew that it is characterised by high blood sugar levels and identified family history as a major risk factor. Surprisingly, only just over half could link obesity and physical inactivity as risk factors for developing DM, or could identify an excessive feeling of thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss as symptoms. Knowledge of the complications of diabetes, including gangrene, loss of sensation in limbs, oral and dental complications, recurrent infections, and risk for cardiovascular disease got a moderate response. Knowledge of diabetes was found to be higher in females compared to males. No significant differences were observed in the health behaviour of participants with or without a family history of DM. Our study revealed that in spite of exposure to various sources of information, the participants' level of DM-related knowledge was not adequate. We recommend the engagement of health professionals in educational settings in order to enhance health-related knowledge and inculcate healthy lifestyle practices in students

Awareness and practices regarding diabetes among the educated Indian population residing in UAE

To assess the knowledge and practices regarding diabetes among college educated Indians, settled and living in UAE. Study subjects were young parents of a reputed Indian school in Sharjah. Survey was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire and respondents were required to answer questions focusing on the knowledge of risk factors, symptoms and complication of diabetes and lifestyle practices. PASW18 software was used for statistical analysis. Out of 350 college educated adults contacted, 219 returned the completely filled questionnaire. Very high prevalence of family history of diabetes [49%], hypertension [43%] and cardiovascular disorders [29%] was observed among the respondents. Regarding the knowledge on risk factors for diabetes, physical inactivity, family history, obesity and high consumption of sweets were correctly identified by 82%, 81%, 77% and 64% of respondents. Only 56% identified age 45 and 46% identified delivering baby of more than 4 Kg as risk factors. Excessive feeling of thirst and urination was identified as symptoms by 77% and 83%, whereas weight loss and excessive eating was marked by only 68% and 56.5% respectively. Regarding the knowledge on complications, eye and kidney related problems were well identified [83% and 78.5%]. Loss of sensation in arms and legs and joint pain, recurrent infection, limb decay and dental problems were identified as complications by 58%, 57.5%, 56% and 51% respectively. 64% knew that diabetes is a risk factor for CVD. Increasing the physical activity was perceived by most respondents [92%] as a beneficial behavioral change.52% of respondents felt that they could delay or prevent diabetes. As expected, educated Indians in UAE are well informed about diabetes, but definitely major gaps exist even in their knowledge, emphasizing the need for measures to increase awareness. Steps must be taken to promote physical activity

Diabetes-related knowledge among university students

To assess the diabetes-related knowledge among the university students attending non-healthcare related professional courses. Study subjects were students enrolled in non-healthcare related professional courses in a reputed university in Ajman. A pre-tested questionnaire, assessing the knowledge of risk factors, symptoms and complications of diabetes and lifestyle practices, was administered and analyzed. 182 subjects [53 males and 129 females] of 23 nationalities, age group of < 24 years, participated in the study. Of the subjects, 11.2% were current smokers, 26% were overweight and obese, 8% were known diabetic, 14% were hypertensive and 11% had hypercholesterolemia. Only 29% of these university students exercised regularly. 37% thought that they have very good health. Regarding their general knowledge on diabetes mellitus [DM], 70% knew that it is a condition characterized by high blood sugar level, and identified family history as a major risk factor. Surprisingly, only 53% could link obesity and physical inactivity as risk factors for development of DM. Excessive feeling of thirst, urination and weight loss were identified as symptoms by approximately 55% of them. Knowledge on complications including loss of sensation and decaying limbs, oral and dental complications, recurrent infections and CVD risk were poorly identified. Only 55% thought that onset of diabetes can be delayed. Our results show surprisingly high health-related issues among the young adults studied. This study also highlights the poor level of knowledge related to diabetes among university students considering the availability of various sources of information to the modern day youth