Obesity among university students: a cross-sectional study in Ajman, UAE

Objectives: This research was conducted to determine the proportion of obesity among university students and the factors associated with it

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among students enrolled in the preclinical years, in the six academic programs. A validated, self-administered questionnaire with domains such as socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported physical activity, dietary habits, and anthropometric measurements was used. Height and weight were measured and Body Mass Index was calculated and categorized according to WHO criteria. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21, Descriptive analysis and Chi square test were performed

Results: Out of 233 participants, 181 [78.4%] were <20 years and majority of them were females [172, 76.8%]. 142 [60.9%] were 1[st] year students and 111 [46.7%] were from Eastern Mediterranean region. Among the total, 41 [17.6%] were having overweight and 16 [6.9%] with obesity. 65% performed physical activity in the last month, of which 100 [66%] performed vigorous physical activity. 212 [95.5%] reported a diet history of mixed Diet. No significant association was noted except for gender and year of study with BMI where 34.6% of males were overweight and obese compared to females [21.5%] and 29.6% of them were 1[st] year students as compared to the 2[nd] year students [16.5%]. Overweight and obesity were found more among participants who were not doing physical activity [32.1%] as compared to those doing physical activity [20.4%], of which obesity was less among those who performed vigorous activity [19%]. Participants who follow vegetarian diet [80%] had normal BMI as compared to the mixed diet followers of 59%

Conclusion: Almost a one fourth was found to be overweight and obese. A statistically significant association between obesity and year of study was observed. Participants who follow a mixed diet had noticed with higher percentage of overweight and obesity as compared to those students on a vegetarian diet. There is a need to address the obesogenic environment to the university students and the students need to be involved in promoting healthy lifestyles

Relationship between hemoglobin level and feeding pattern in apparently healthy children below two years

Anemia is still one of the most common problems in the world even in developed countries, but its evaluation is still underestimated especially in developing countries like ours, so it needs further planning, screening and management. This study was done in 12 primary health care centers PHCC in Erbil city - Kurdistan region/Iraq during period for 1st Feb - 31st Jul 2008. The main objectives were to determine the hemoglobin value in our children, to estimate the prevalence of anemia and correlating it with feeding pattern .This prospective study was conducted in 500 apparently healthy children collected randomly, visiting the vaccination centers routinely during 5 months period. Feeding pattern were studied in relation to hemoglobin [Hb] level only. From total 500 children conducted in this study, the mean Hb. of them was 10.4 g/dl. Those with normal Hb were 196 [39.2%], while 304 [60.4%] of them were anemic. Those with mild anemia were 145 [29.0%] and 159 [31.8%] of them had moderate anemia. The sex had no effect on Hb level. The anemia was lesser in children below one year Children on breast feeding had lower percent of anemia [51.9%], those on exclusive breast feeding only 6 [33.4%] while those on adult milk [74.9%] of them were anemic. There was a high prevalence of anemia among the investigated children and less common in children with breast feeding

Influence of ionizing radiation on Echis pyramidium snake venom: Biochemical and immunological aspects

The effect of a single LD[50] dose of native Echis pyramidum venom [27.69 micro g/mouse] on the activities of certain serum enzymes levels: aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], creatine phosphokinase [CPK], creatine kinase isoenzyme [CK-MB] were studied. Samples from the serum were collected 4hr following LD50 venom dose intraperitonealy injected in male Swiss albino mice. The activities of these enzymes showed significant elevation compared to the non-envenomated group. In contrast, an equivalent dose of 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venom [27.69 micro g/mouse] did not cause any significant increase compared to non-envenomated group. The effect of a dose that is equivalent to ½ LD[50][13.8 micro g/50 micro l] of native Echis pyramidum venom on plasma creatine phosphokinase [CPK] induced a significant increase of creatine phosphokinase [CPK] level compared to normal control [P<0.01]. In contrast, an equivalent dose of 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venom showed non significant difference in creatine phosphokinase activity when compared to the normal control. Light microscopic examinations of gastrocenemius muscles of mice injected with native Echis pyramidum venom [½ LD[50]; 13.8 micro g/50 micro l] showed fragmentation, disorganization, loss of myofibrils in some of the muscle fibers, hemorrhage in-between the muscle fibers and mononuclear cellular infiltration. While light microscopic examinations of gastrocenemius muscles of mice injected with 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venom [13.8 micro g/50 micro l; a dose identical to that used from native venom] showed that most muscle fibers were of normal appearance except for small area of fragmentation and disorganized myofibrils and oedema of the intercellular connective tissue. Double immunodiffusion test revealed a similar reactivity for native, 1 kGy, 1.5 kGy and 3 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venoms against a commercial polyvalent Egyptian antivenin. The visible lines obtained in the immunodiffusion reactions were identical and joined smoothly at the corners, indicating that there was no change in their antigenic reactivity. These results demonstrate that the ability of the venom antigens to react with its corresponding antibodies was maintained in spite of being exposed to radiation doses of 1 kGy, 1.5 kGy and 3 kGy. Both antivenins raised against native or 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated venoms recognized Echis pyramidum venom when submitted to protein blotting, but the anti 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated venom show a higher intensity bands than the antivenin raised against native Echis pyramidum venom, in spite of having less neutralizing activity [native neutralize 50 LD[50], 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated neutralize 40 LD[50]], this indicates that antibodies were formed not only for toxic fraction but also for non toxic fraction. Irradiation of the whole Echis Pyramidium Venom with 1.5KGy reduced its lethality 12.5 times though keeping its immunogenicity. The 1.5KGy dose was shown to be the best radiation dose to promote detoxification without significantly affecting its immunogenicity. Thus results of this study confirm the conclusion that gamma radiation is a suitable way to detoxify Echis Pyramidium Venom without affecting its immunogenicity provided that proper dose is used

Effects of pre-and postnatal lead toxicity on cerebellar development in rabbit offsprings

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lead on the postnatal development of cerebellum in rabbit off springs. Pregnant rabbits were divided into a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group received lead acetate in a dose of 15 mg /kg B.W. by intragastric intubation. Lead administration was continued to the rabbit offspring. Exposure to lead resulted in an increase in the thickness of the external granular layer in comparison to control group. This layer disappeared at 3 months control rabbits while it was still present in exposed animals of the same age. Also the molecular layer of exposed animals was affected where it became decreased in thickness. Moreover administration of lead affected the Purkinje cells where they became decreased in size with indistinct Nissl granules, marked shortening of dendrites and focal loss of them. Lead, also, resulted in decreased thickness and density of the internal granular layer. Moreover, there were oedema, cavitations and foci of calcification. From the previous findings, it could be concluded that lead has degenerative changes on the cerebellar development

future of health care finance in Bahrain

In Bahrain, as in most nation today, it is necessary to consider methods for reducing cost, increasing quality, and ensuring equity in the provision of health care. Several approaches are being tried. Improving management abilities of leaders and supervisors; becoming more concerned with cost- efficiency and effectiveness through various quality initiatives; continuing the shift toward primary and preventive care and considering alternative methods of financing health care. Within this environment, the Ministry of Health in Bahrain has begun to consider alternative methods of financing health care, including various cost- recovery proposals as well as public and private health insurance schemes

Causes of visual disability at the Al-Noor institute for the visually impaired in Bahrain

Purpose: To determine the etiology, clinical diagnosis and prognosis and to identify the major treatable and preventable causes of visual disability among attendees at the Al-Noor Institute for the Visually Impaired, Bahrain. Method: Using the standardized methodology of the World Health Organization, a detailed study was conducted of 124 visually disabled subjects, mainly children, at the Al-Noor Institute for the Visually Impaired. The patients were examined clinically during 1994 and 1995. There were 70 Bahrainis and 54 non-Bahrainis; 81 were male and 43 female. Results The main causes of visual disability were due to hereditary diseases [42%]. The main cause was retinal dystrophy, while glaucoma, cataract, intrauterine infections and retinopathy of prematurity were the other main causes. Data analysis revealed that 46.8% had parents who were closely related. Moreover, the consanguinity was 63.2% in those subjects with a positive family history of visual disability among closely related family members. On the other hand, subjects who had negative or unknown family history revealed consanguinity among parents in 32.9% of cases. Conclusion The main cause of blindness is hereditary disease. Consanguinity represents an important factor in visual disability among children

Injury and poisoning in Bahrain: a hospital based study

A study was conducted to determine the most frequent diagnosis for hospitalized injuries at salmaniya medical center in Bahrain and the socio-demographic characteristics of these patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected for the period starting January 1987 until march 1990. the total number of injuries was 5178 of which 3600 were males and 1578 females [ratio 2.3: 1]. Fractures and intracranial injuries were the most common among diagnostic categories. The study identified as high risk groups those below 5 year of age, those of 15-29 years of age, labourers and homemakers. The cost of hospitalization for these patients above amounted to 3.6 million Bahraini Dinars

Manpower requirements and distribution of physicians and dentists in Bahrain: analysis of 1987-1990 data

The first national health plan for the state of Bahrain was developed in the year 1968 with the help of the world health organization[1]. Consequently, the government of Bahrain has embarked on an intensive training program by sending Bahraini nationals abroad. The rapid economic and social developments during the late 1970's and 1980's was coupled with high demand by the population for advanced medical and hospital in patient care. As the number of physicians and dentists increased, a question has surfaced: "how many physicians do we need

Alternatives for the financing of health care in Bahrain

The government of Bahrain provides free comprehensive care to the citizens of Bahrain. It is not within the capacity of the ministry of health to keep up with the financial resources required for the demands of increasing population. The government provides 91% of hospital care and 84% of ambulatory care. The total health expenditure in 1989 was 63 million Bahraini dinars [U.S.$ 167 million] of which B.D.39 million [62%] was provided by the government and the rest by the private sector. The total per capita health expenditure was B.D.129 [U.S.$ 341]. The B.D.39 million government expenditure accounted for 7.2%of total government expenditure for all sectors. The main source of revenue for the government is oil which accounts for 52.3% of its income. The revenue from the health sector constituted 6.4% of the total health expenditure in 1988. necessary steps are to be taken to improve efficiency of the present system of care and release funds that can be utilized to finance health programmes. Social health insurance is a feasible means of financing and organizing health care. A suitable target for such scheme is the non Bahraini work force. The private sector could be utilized to finance and provide health care in accordance with the Bahrain health plan. External donation is useful in building facilities provided the running cost is taken into consideration. External donation. External donations should be limited to areas that are in line with the plan of the ministry of health and those that fulfil its requirements

Study of the testis and accessory sex organs in experimental diabetes-1 histological changes

The adverse effect of diabetes induced experimentally by SZ on the testis and accessory sex organs of the male mouse was investigated. Diabetes was assessed by detecting blood glucose level, blood insulin by detecting the blood glucose level, blood insulin level in keeping a regular record of the mean body weight. Animals from both groups were sacrificed after 14, 30 and 60 days from injection. Atrophy of the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate were apparent together with impairment of testicular spermatogenesis and reduction of the number of sperms in the epididymis. Mucosal lining of the sex glands studied revealed a marked atrophy which reflected impaired levels of testosterone as well as insulin

survey of physicians and dentists in Bahrain

This survey to study the characteristics of doctors [physicians and dentists] in Bahrain was undertaken in 1987 to identify deficiencies with respect to specialities and to serve as a guideline for the Ministry of Health in its training efforts to cover these deficiencies. Forms were sent to all the doctors in Bahrain to complete and return. The information requested included: full name, sex, date of birth, place of work and speciality. The total number of physicians and dentists was found to be 620, of which 203 [32.7%] were females and 417 [67.3%] males. The doctor-to-population ratio for 1987 is 1:671. The number of Bahraini doctors was 299 [48.2%]. The distribution according to speciality and place of work is described. Medical specialities where Bahraini doctors account for less than 50% are: accident and emergency [19.2%], anaesthesia [19.2%], radiology [27.3%], obstetrics and gynaecology [28.0%] and psychiatry [33.3%]. There is a need for long-term medical manpower training to cover the present deficiencies and to develop a rational plan based on supply and demand projections

Causes of low vision and blindness in Bahrain

This retrospective study was undertaken to determine the aetiology and ocular conditions that lead to low vision and blindness in Bahrain. The desired data was collected from the available outpatient records. The commonest eye condition leading to low vision and blindness is cataract followed by glaucoma and corneal diseases. Degenerative eye conditions including cataract, glaucoma and retinal diseases account for 69% of the cases. Inspite of surgical intervention, 42% of the cases still suffer from low vision and blindness