ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigative the prevalence of herbal products used among Diabetic patients of EnmorePolyclinic and correlate with socio -demographic data and to find out the various types of herbal medicines used.Methods:A cross sectional study conducted at Enmore Polyclinic from April to June, 2019. Data were collected using a preset data collectionsheet and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.Results:From a sample size of three hundred and eleven (311) participants, two hundred and thirty (230) -74.2% used herbal medicine to control Diabetes; which was used predominantly by females. East Indians usedmore herbal products. The 51 –60 years age group recorded the highest use of herbal medicine, with corilla being the most widely used herbal product was corilla.Conclusion:The Use of Herbal Medicine in the control of Diabetic patients at Enmore Polyclinic is similar to that of the United States and Dubai, but slightly higher than that of tropical Sub-Saharan Africa and Trinidad.Recommendation:Similar studies should be carried out in other areas of Guyana so as to ascertain the country’s prevalence of the use of Herbal Medicine in the control of Diabetes. Additionally, the adherence to prescribed medication should be enforced: while the effects of these herbal products should be investigated.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the incidence of depression among the chronic disease patients attending the Campbellville chronic disease clinic. Methods: Data were collected at the CampbellvilleHealth Centre, during the chronic disease clinic hours from the 8th–18th April, 2019. Information was collected using PHQ9 questionnaires and a demographic data collection sheet.Results:Of the 98 patients analyzed, nine (9) patients scored 10 or more points on the PHQ9 questionnaire which translated to an incidence of depression of 9.1%. Of the patients with a positive screen for depression; 6 (66.7%) were females and 3(33.3%) males, 5 (55.5%) Afro Guyanese, 4 (44.4%) were East Indians, 5 (55.5%) patients were between 50-69yrs and 4 (44.4%) were more than 70 years old. Of these patients, there were 8 (88.8%) Christians and 1(11.1%) Hindu, 5 (55.5%) were married, 2 (22.2%) single and 2 (22.2%) were widowed, while 7 (77.7%) were unemployed, 2 (22.2%) were employed and 6 (66.6%) patients were diagnosed with at least 2 chronic diseases. Conclusion: Depression is a mental health disorder that affects persons with chronic disease. The incidence of depression at Campbellville Health Centre was found to be 9.1%. The PHQ9 is a validated, free and easy to use tool for screening and follow up of these patients.Recommendations:A national screening guideline along with adequate materials to diagnose and manage depression should be made available, including access tocouncilors and medications within the primary care setting