Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among University Students in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Metabolic syndrome has become a worry for health of youth in Malaysia. This study aimed to look at the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and to assess the risk factors of metabolic syndrome among Malaysian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 248 students aged 18-30 years using a random sampling method from two universities in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Data on sociodemographic, dietary habits and lifestyle were collected by a pre-tested self-reported questionnaire. Biochemical measurements, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were measured by standard procedures. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to Harmonized Joint Interim Statement criteria. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 23.0 version. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.5% and was more prevalent in male (17.5%). Indian (15.8%) was the most prevalent ethnic group, while Chinese (4.9%) had the least prevalence. 31.5% respondents had at least one metabolic component. Low HDL (42.7%) and large waist circumference (26.2%) were the most common components. Statistically significant (p<0.05) independent factors for developing metabolic syndrome were male, staying time more than six hours on computer/TV/mobile phone, in smokers, taking meals more than three times per day, and high consumption of soft drinks. Besides that, with high consumption of vegetables, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly low (p<0.05). Conclusion: These study findings elicit the evidence of increasing tendency and warning on metabolic syndrome for Malaysian university students, and considerable association of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome to dietary habits and lifestyle.

comparison of treatments offered to patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

To compare various treatment options provided to patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis [NASH] and assess improvement in liver status via reduction in serum Alanine Aminotransferase [ALT] levels. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April 2000 to April 2007. Methodology: All available records of patients aged between 20-70 years, fatty liver on ultrasound, elevated serum ALT and having at least one follow-up, after a baseline visit were included. The patients had variable number of follow-ups and a maximum of 3 follow-ups were considered. Information was collected on demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects. The treatment options were categorized as weight reduction alone, with statins, and with other medications. Serum ALT level was the main outcome measured in IU/l. Repeated-measures ANOVA, using a mixed model approach was performed with treatment options as between subject factor, and follow-up as within subject factor and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Sixty-nine records of subjects, consisting of 50 males and 19 females were selected. The mean [ +/- SD] age was 40 +/- 12 years. Thirty-one subjects [45%] were advised weight reduction only, and experienced a 72% reduction in serum ALT levels, over the mean follow-up time of 9 +/- 3 months. Twelve subjects [17%] received statins along with weight reducing advice, and experienced a 56% reduction in mean ALT over the mean follow-up of 11 +/- 7 months. Twenty-six subjects [38%] received other medications along with advice for weight reduction and experienced a 73% reduction in serum ALT levels over the mean time of 10 +/- 4 months. The mean ALT declined at follow-up times, irrespective of the prescribed treatment, and that the decline with time was different for males and females. Serum ALT levels among patients with NASH decreased with time, regardless of the provided treatment, and the decrease was different for males and females

Coverage and factors associated with tetanus toxoid vaccination status among females of reproductive age in Peshawar

To estimate the coverage and determine the factors associated with tetanus toxoid vaccination status among females of reproductive age. Cross-sectional study. District Peshawar, NWFP, from July to September 2002. A total of 646 females of reproductive age [15-49] years were selected from both urban and rural areas of Peshawar through stratified cluster sampling. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to females. Two logistic regression models were built, one for all females and one for married females only. Overall 65.0% females were vaccinated [95% confidence interval [CI] [61.3%, 68.6%]. For all females, the variables that were significantly associated with vaccination status were marital status [OR= 8.5, 95% CI [4.7, 15.6]], source of information regarding tetanus toxoid [TT] vaccination, knowledge regarding TT vaccination, visits of lady health worker [LHW] to a household [OR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.4, 3.9] and restriction on TT vaccination [OR = 28.7, 95% CI [3.5, 237.9]]. For the married females, the variables that were significantly associated with vaccination status were source of information; visits of LHW to a household [OR = 2.8, 95% CI [1.5 to 5.2]] and an interaction between knowledge regarding TT vaccination and antenatal care visits. These findings are of public health concern as a majority of females is not vaccinated according to WHO recommendations. It is recommended that maternal and neonatal tetanus [MNT] vaccination campaigns should include lady health workers at implementation stage