HbA1c levels among primary healthcare patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Oman

To investigate whether younger patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have higher glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] levels compared to older patients, and to determine the factors associated with higher HbA1c levels. Data from 1,266 patients from all over Oman were used to obtain the mean HbA1c level, odds ratios [OR], and 95% confidence intervals [CI] from multiple logistic regression models with age groups, sex, duration of diabetes, diabetes treatment, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], tobacco use, and healthcare index as predictors of good [HbA1c <7%] vs.poor [>/= 7%] glycemic control. Mean HbA1c levels were 8.9, 8.3, and 7.8 in the age groups 20-39, 40-59 and 60+ years, respectively. After controlling for all other covariates, the OR of good glycemic control increased with age, 40-59 years old [OR=1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6] and 60+ year [OR=2.5; 95% CI 1.6 to 4.0], female gender [OR=1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0] and in patients with eGFR >/= 60 mL/min/1.73 m[2] [OR=1.9; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.3]. Longer duration of diabetes [>/= 5years] and treatment with oral agents or insulin were inversely related to good glycemic control. Younger Omani adults exhibit worse glycemic levels compared to older adults posing a formidable challenge to diabetes care teams

Eye and vision defects in under-five-year-old children in Oman: a public health intervention study

To identify under-five-year old children with vision or ocular defect in two provinces [Wilayats] of central Oman in 2006. Public health intervention study. Ocular examination in Manah Wilayat was conducted by nursing staff of the primary health center [PHC] and in Mudhaiby Wilayat was conducted by a trainee Omani optometrist Abnormal sized eyeball, strabismus nystagmus and white pupil were recorded. Visual acuity was tested by LOGMAR chart with Lea's symbols in children >2 years of age and preferential viewing was assessed by Lea's grating paddle or 'Hiding Heidi' picture in children /= 0.32 in 386/448 [86.2%] eyes. Preferential looking test suggested that half of the children had defective vision [>2cpcm]. Screening at '1-2 year' and '3-4 years' age group could significantly predict eye problems [P

Compliance of spectacle wear and its determinants among schoolchildren of Dhakhiliya region of Oman: a descriptive study

To determine the degree of compliance of spectacle wear and some of its determinants among school children of Dhakhiliya region of Oman. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of a sample of 663 students who had been prescribed spectacles for constant wear. After one year, experienced field staff conducted a follow-up visit where 571 of these students were examined. Information on age, gender, type and severity of refractive error was collected from the school health records and refractionist-s report and analyzed to associate them to the compliance of spectacle wear. The majority [71.6%] of students were using spectacles at the time of follow up. The compliance rate was 65.1% in boys and 78.3% in girls. Agewise, it was 66.7% in 6-7-year-olds, 66.7% in 12-13-year-olds and 79.1% in 16-17-year olds. The rate was 72.5% among students with myopia and 67.9% among those with hypermetropia. The compliance of spectacle wear was significantly higher among students with myopic refractive error of 2.5 D or more compared to those with less than 2.5 D. The difference in the compliance rates among students with hypermetropia of different grades was not significant. The study identifies the factors of high-risk of non compliance as [a] male gender, [b] younger age, and [c] low myopic refractory error. The eye health care program of Oman should focus on these high risk groups to further improve the compliance for visual aids

Assessment of some cardiovascular risk factors during the pre-Haj medical examinations in Oman

Hospital-based data in Oman reveal that ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases alone account for 30% of hospital deaths in the age group 15 years and above. Very few community-based data are available on the subject, hence a multicentre cardiovascular screening study was undertaken during the pre-Haj medical examination in May 1991, in which 1749 Omanis were screened. Blood pressure levels, body-mass index, serum cholesterol and sugar were recorded and analysed. The results of this study indicate that major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in the community, hence further epidemiological studies should be undertaken, and strategies formulated for the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases before they emerge as a public health problem in Oman