Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University

INT RODUCTIO N: Th e eld erly h ypert en si ve pa ti ent s of ten h aveincreased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and their attendantco-morbidities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalenceof cardiometabolic risk factors and blood pressure control among elderlyhypertensive patients, and to determine the influence of modifiablecardiometabolic risk factors on the control of hypertension amongelderly hypertensive patients.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control comparative and hospital-based study involving a total of 190 consenting elderly (>65 years),hypertensive patients (subjects) (n=100) and normotensive controls(n=90) was carried out over a period of ten months. Using interviewer-administered questionnaire, biodata and information regarding theirlifestyle was obtained. Standard protocols were used to measure bloodpressure, weight, height, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucoseand fasting lipid profile of the subjects. Body mass index was derivedfrom weight and height.RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 71.5 ± 6.3 years and thecontrols was 72.3 ± 7.2 years. Forty-eight percent (48%) and 47.8% ofthe subjects and controls were females (p = 0.651). The level of controlof hyperten sion was poor in over two-thirds (68%) of the elderlyhypertensive patients. The prevalence of modifiable cardiometabolicrisk factors burden was higher in the hypertensive subjects when comparedwith the controls. Prevalence of Dyslipidaemia was 76% in the subjectsand 51% in the controls (p = 0.004). Prevalence of Diabetes Mellituswas 40% among the subjects and 17.8% in the controls (p = 0.0001);prevalence of Obesity was 24% in the subjects and 4.4% in the controls(p=<0.001); prevalence of excess alcohol intake was 49% in the subjectsand 14.4% in the controls (p=<0.001). Prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was high in both the subjects (53%) and controls (50%), p=0.679.Poor blood pressure control was predicted by dyslipidaemia and centralobesity.CONCLUSION: The level of control of hypertension was poor amongthe elderly and modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors were relativelyprevalent. Central obesity and dyslipidaemia were predictive of poorcontrol of hypertension. Addressing these factors may therefore improveblood pressure control

Pattern of Blood Donation Practices among Students of a Nigerian University

Background: Blood transfusion service is an indispensable component of health care. Despite the increased demand for blood, the supply of safe blood has been inadequate. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of blood donation practices among medical students in Abakaliki. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki between October 2017 and March 2018. Stratified sampling technique was used to recruit participants from medical students using pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire, to assess their pattern of blood donation practices. Data was analysed using SPSS software, version 20. Results: One hundred and fifty eight medical students who participated in the study were made up of 90 (58.4%) males and 68 (41.6%) females. The most prevalent age group was 20 to 25years. One hundred and forty three (93%) of the participants were single. The most common blood group was O Rh positive, followed by A Rh positive then B Rh positive while AB Rh negative was the least. Majority of the participants have never donated blood. The minority who have ever donated blood, donated either once or twice and the donation was made for a family member or friend. Conclusion: Participants were found to have poor pattern of blood donation practices. Misconception, fear, cultural and religious influences deter people from practicing voluntary non-remunerated blood donation. Conducting awareness and enlightenment programs regularly will help to keep them well informed and motivated to practice voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.