Knowledge about standard precautions among university hospital nurses in the United Arab Emirates

Standard/universal precautions reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne infections among patients and health care workers. This study was conducted to assess the awareness and knowledge of standard precautions among nurses in a university teaching hospital in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. All nurses working in the hospital were given a structured, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire: 101 nurses participated [range of experience from < 1 to 22 years]. Overall 97.0% of respondents were familiar with the concept of standard precautions. Of these 61.2% believed that the blood and body fluids of all patients are potentially infectious irrespective of their diagnostic status, while 27.6% thought only diagnosed patients and 11.2% only suspected cases are potentially infectious. Less than that standard precautions aimed to protect both health care workers as well as patients [45,9%]. The study highlights a need to implement a programme to improve knowledge on standard precautions

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

Psychological health and sources of stress in first year undergraduate students at Gulf medical university, Ajman

Gulf Medical University, Ajman [GMU], is an international university where students from different parts of the world, cultures and educational backgrounds study together. First year students have to adjust to both a new learning environment and to a new culture during their training in GMU, and this can be stressful. Our objective was to assess the psychological health of our first year students using a validated tool and to study the various causes of psychological distress. A questionnaire based survey was carried out during January 2011 among 125 first year students registered in various programs for the academic year 2010-2011 at GMU. Psychological health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ12]. A 22-item questionnaire was used to identify the sources of stress. 116 students participated giving a response rate of 92.8%. The overall prevalence of psychological morbidity was found to be 33.6% among the first year undergraduate students at GMU, using a GHQ cutoff of 4/5. The prevalence of psychological morbidity was higher in female students [37%] compared to males [31%] and higher in students who had a language of instruction other than English in high school [41%] compared to those who had studied in English [31%]. Students in the medicine [MBBS] program were found to have the most psychological morbidity followed by those in Physiotherapy, Dentistry and Pharmacy programs. Worries regarding future and high parental expectations were major causes of stress for most students. Total stress scores and academics-related domain scores were significantly associated with psychological morbidity. Psychological morbidity is seen in 1 in 3 students in the first year in the Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE. Important sources of stress are worries regarding the future and high parental expectations. Psychological morbidity was significantly associated with academic causes of stress and family problems

Subclinical hypothyroidism in patients attending GMC hospital and its association with lipid disorders - a preliminary study

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a state characterized by mild elevations in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [TSH] in patients without known thyroid disease. Clinical importance and therapy for subclinical hypothyroidism are subjects of both debate and research. To study the lipid disorders in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism referred from the Department of Internal Medicine, GMC Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman, UAE. Subjects referred to the laboratory for thyroid profiles between January and December 2009 were divided into three groups; Euthyroid [EUT], Subclinical Hypothyroid [SCH] and Overt Hypothyroid [OVH] based on TSH values 4 /= 10 mIU/ mL respectively. patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia or on treatment for thyroid disorders were excluded. Serum lipid profiles of the subjects were investigated. PASW 18 software was used for analysis. One way ANOVA and Duncan multiple comparison tests were used to find the significance. of the 1234 subjects studied, 953 were females [77%] and 281 males [23%]. Mean age for the female subjects was 33+/- 10 years and for the male subjects 38 +/- 11 years. 95.5% were in the 19-59 year age group. 77 subjects [6.2%] were found to be SCH. Mean +/- SD total Cholesterol values were 223 +/- 33, 225 +/- 28, 253 +/- 35, LDL cholesterol values were 120 +/- 22, 130 +/- 21, 123 +/- 17 and Triglyceride levels were 99 +/- 21, 90 +/- 14, 130 +/- 45 mg/dl in the EUT, SCH and the OVH groups respectively. While there was no significant difference between the EUT and SCH group in the total Cholesterol and Triglyceride values, they were significantly different from the OVH group [p<0.05]. There were no differences in LDL cholesterol between the groups or lipid parameters between the genders. 6.2% of the patients referred were found to be SCH. There were no significant differences between the lipid parameters of EUT and SCH patients. OVH patients showed significantly higher total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood

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

Male infertility and its association with metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism

Hormonal profile alteration is seen in men with metabolic syndrome. Obese men have elevated levels of estrone and estradiol and there is also an attenuation of the pulse amplitude of luteinizing hormone [LH] which leads to a reduction of testicular production of testosterone. This study was conducted to assess the sperm morphology, prevalence of metabolic syndrome and association between gonadal hormones and parameters of metabolic syndrome among men diagnosed with infertility. Out of 434 men referred to the laboratory of Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman, UAE, 184 were diagnosed as infertile based on seminal parameters. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and gonadal hormonal level among these infertile men were also studied. Data were analyzed with PASW 18 software and student t-test used for the significance. Mean age of the men referred for seminal analysis was 33 +/- 7.2 years. Forty two percent of the men were found to be infertile based on seminal parameters. Majority had total forward progression abnormality followed by abnormalities of head, tail and neck. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among these men was found to be 19%. FSH and LH levels were significantly lower and prolactin levels were significantly higher [p<0.01] in men with metabolic syndrome. Estradiol and total testosterone levels showed no difference. High prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found among men diagnosed with infertility. Significant hypogonadism was found associated with metabolic syndrome among these men

Comparison of the psychological health of first and second year undergraduate students in GMU: identification of stressors and coping strategies adopted

Undergraduate students in health-related professions can be under considerable stress. Assessing the psychological health of the students, stressors and coping strategies adopted can help to plan appropriate interventions. To assess the prevalence of psychological morbidity among the first and second year undergraduate students at GMU, identify the causes of stress and the coping strategies adopted by them. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 238 first and second year students in GMU in January 2011. Psychological health was assessed using the 12 item General Health Questionnaire. A 22-item questionnaire was used to identify stressors and the Brief Cope inventory was used to study coping strategies. Response rate was 89%. Prevalence of psychological morbidity was 34% and 32% in the first year and second year respectively. Stress score was found to be significantly associated with psychological morbidity. Major causes of stress for first and second year students were 'worries regarding future' and 'high parental expectations'. Other causes were 'lack of recreation', frequency of examinations' and anxiety. Major coping strategies adopted were praying, planning and emotional support. One in three students in the first two years of undergraduate studies at GMU has psychological morbidity. Causes of stress are very similar between the first and second year students. Worries about the future and high parental expectations are major causes along with academic concerns. Anxiety and sleep problems are also common. Stress scores were significantly associated with psychological morbidity. In the first year, academics-related stress and in the second year psychological and health-related stresses were associated with psychological morbidity. Though the majority of the students are using positive coping strategies, a significant number have given up coping, are blaming themselves, or venting their negative feelings

Plasma homocysteine and other biochemical parameters in gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus [GDM] is characterized by glucose intolerance that is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Insulin resistance is the hallmark of gestational diabetes, little is known about the other metabolic changes taking place. Plasma homocysteine [Hcy] levels have been reported associated with cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Elevated Hcy levels are associated with pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objective of the present study was to compare plasma levels of Homocysteine and other biochemical parameters in women diagnosed with GDM attending Gulf Medical College Hospital with that in normal pregnant women. Prospective study of pregnant women GDM [N = 26] was confirmed by the oral glucose tolerance test. Normal pregnant women served as control group [N = 36]. Fasting plasma Glucose [mg/dL] level and Body mass index [kg/m[2]] of the GDM group was significantly higher compared to the control group. serum total cholesterol level was found to be significantly higher [P<0.00] in GDM [230.77 +/- 27.21 mg /dL] compared to contral [181.53 +/- 17.09]. Serum Triacylglycerol, Uric acid and Creatinine were also significantly elevated [P < 0.001] in the GDM group compared to control even though all values lay within the normal reference ranges. Hcy level in GDM was significantly higher [19.073 +/- 3.61 micro mol/L] compared to controls [8.322 +/- 1.94], P<0.001. Homocysteine, Cholesterol, Triacylglycerol, Uric acid and Creatinine levels were significantly elevated in GDM compared to normal pregnant women. Hcy correlated strongly with the fasting glucose levels [Pearson correlation, r = 0.9]

Biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is a common endocrine disorder affecting 5 -10% of women and is the major cause of anovulatory infertility. Prevalence varies among populations based on genetic and environmental factors. Etiology of PCOS remains unknown but Hyperandrogenism and Insulin resistance have both been associated with PCOS. The objective of the present study was to measure plasma levels of Homocysteine and other biochemical parameters in women diagnosed with PCOS attending Gulf Medical College Hospital [GMCH], Ajman. Young women between 18 and 35 years of age, diagnosed with PCOS [N =37], not on any treatment, attending GMCH were included in the study. Biochemical parameters were measured using standard procedures. Laboratory normal reference ranges were used for comparison. 54% of the women with PCOS were overweight or obese according to the BMI and 51% had a waist circumference >88cm. Fasting and postprandial Glucose and Insulin levels and HOMA-IR were within the normal reference ranges indicating that no Insulin resistance was seen in these women. 40% of the women had a serum total Cholesterol level above 200 mg/dL. LDL Cholesterol was above and HDL cholesterol lower than the desirable value. Serum Triacylglycerol was within the normal reference range. Serum Testosterone, Estradiol, Prolactin TSH and plasma Homocysteine were found to be within the normal reference ranges. Homocysteine levels correlated with Testosterone, total Cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Body mass index was high in 54% of the women. No Insulin resistance was seen in these patients. Hormone levels and Homocysteine were within the normal reference ranges. Dyslipidemia was observed. These findings differ from reports in literature where Insulin resistance, Hyperandrogenism and high Homocysteine levels have been associated with PCOS