ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Literatures suggest that insufficient physical activity as one of the contributors to non-communicable chronic diseases; nevertheless, data on the physical activity level is sparsely reported among individuals practising a vegetarian diet in Malaysia. The current study aims to determine the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and its association with socio-demographic factors, lifestyle factors and body weight status among 273 individuals practising a vegetarian diet in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A set of self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all vegetarians and their data on physical activity was determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results: The average years of practising vegetarianism was 14.2±9.6 years, and most of the vegetarians were practised ovo-vegetarian diet (44.0%). A majority of them were Chinese (54.9%) and female (64.8%), with an average age of 47.5 ± 13.1 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27.5% and 8.1%, respectively. According to GPAQ, about two in five vegetarians (46.2%) were having insufficient physical activity. Being females, older age, Chinese, married individuals, and those with high total household income level were found to be significantly associated with low physical activity level among Malaysian vegetarians (p<0.05). Conclusion: Since insufficient physical activity is one of the factors contributing to non-communicable chronic diseases, it is crucial to educate the importance of physical activity on overall health status, specifically for those who at risk of physically inactive. In addition, future studies can focus the causal associations based on the currently identified factors and physical activity levels, which can help to develop an effective intervention program among Malaysia vegetarians.
ABSTRACT
Objetivo: Descrever as características sócio-demográficas e identificar fatores de risco em pacientes pediátricos HIV positivos atendidos no Hospital de Ensino da Universidade de Lagos, Nigéria. Métodos: Estudo transversal no qual foi aplicado um questionário para avaliar as características sócio-demográficas de pacientes infantis HIV durante um período de 12 meses. Os dados foram analisados com o software Epi-Info 2002. Resultados: A maioria dos pais tinha abaixo do nível terciário de educação (mães, 72,7% e pais, 69,1%). Setenta por cento das mães HIV positiva, assim, a transmissão vertical parece ser o fator de risco mais prevalente. A maioria das crianças (68,1%) nasceu em hospitais privados e 78,2% oriundas de parto normal. Histórias de hospitalizações anteriores foram relatadas em 58,2% com a transfusão de sangue prévia em 30,9%. Mais de um terço das crianças (40,0%) pesava entre 2,5 e 2,9 kg ao nascimento. Conclusão: O nível de alfabetização, baixo nível socioeconômico e status de HIV familiar foram os principais fatores que contribuíram entre as crianças estudadas. Intervenções orientadas sobre as barreiras à assistência e conhecimento da infecção pelo HIV deve ser uma parte integrante do programa de prevenção do HIV.
Objective: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics of and identify risk factors in HIV positive paediatric patients presenting at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.Methods: A descriptive questionnaire based cross-sectional study to assess socio-demographic characteristics of patients presenting to the Paediatric HIV clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a 12 month period. The data were analyzed using the Epi-Info 2002 statistical software for windows. Results: Majority of parents had below tertiary level of education; mothers, 72.7 % and fathers, 69.1 %. Seventy percent of the mothers were HIV positive thus mother to child transmission seems to be the most prevalent risk factor. Majority of the children, 68.1% were delivered at private hospitals and 78.2% through normal vagina delivery. History of previous hospitalizations reported in 58.2% with previous blood transfusion in 30.9%. Over one-third of the children, 40.0% weighed between 2.5 and 2.9kg at birth. Conclusions: The literacy level, poor socioeconomic background and parental HIV status were major contributory factors in the children studied. Targeted interventions on barriers to care and knowledge of HIV infection should be an integral part of the HIV prevention program.