effect of the Malaysian food guideline guidance on a group of overweight and obese women during Ramadan

To determine the effect of imparting knowledge of the Malaysian Food Guideline [MFG] on a group of overweight and obese women during Ramadan. This intervention study was conducted during the months of Ramadan 2011. A group of 84 Malay Muslim women with a body mass index [BMI] >/=25 kg/m[2] were recruited. Prior to Ramadan, the respondents were educated regarding MFG, and how to monitor and record their daily food intake in a food diary. Their quantity of food intake, BMI, blood pressure [BP], blood lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar [FBS] were measured before Ramadan as a baseline. Their quantity of food intake was then measured again in the third week, whereas their BMI, BP, blood lipid profile, and FBS were determined on the fourth week of Ramadan. At baseline, compared with the MFG recommendations, the intake of protein [107.5%], and milk and dairy products [133%] was higher, whereas the intake of carbohydrates [78.5%], and vegetables and fruits [44.4%] was lower. During Ramadan, carbohydrate intake, BMI, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL]-C [all p=0.000], triglyceride [p=0.005], and FBS [p=0.002] were reduced, but the TC/HDL-C ratio was increased [p=0.000]. A month-long Ramadan fast guided by the knowledge of MFG resulted in certain positive changes in this group of respondents. These changes can be a good start for health improvement, provided that they are followed-up after Ramadan

Poor Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy And Associated Factors Among People Living With Hiv In Omdurman City, Sudan

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays an important role in the treatment outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Poor adherence would result in failure to prevent viral replication as well as an increased risk of developing drug resistance. Adherence to a life long treatment such as antiretroviral therapy is usually a complicated issue that requires careful and continuous collaboration of patient, family and healthcare provider. The objective of this study was to assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among people living with HIV. This is a health facility-based cross sectional study conducted among adults’ people living with HIV in Omdurman HIV/AIDS centre, Sudan. Data was collected through direct interview using semi-structured questionnaire. There were only 144/846 (17.02%) who adhered to antiretroviral therapy as prescribed by their doctors. The remaining 51.18% were taking the therapy but not regularly, 31.21% were taking it but currently not and 0.59% stated that they have never taken any antiretroviral therapy. Factors associated with poor adherence that have been identified include female gender (Adj. OR = 3.46 (95%CI: 1.46–8.21), P = 0.005), younger age (Adj. OR = 1.14 (95%CI: 1.02–1.28), P = 0.022), being unemployed (Adj. OR = 5.94 (95%CI: 1.51–23.40), P = 0.011), those who were divorced, separated or widowed (Adj. OR = 11.35 (95%CI: 1.74–73.96), P = 0.011) and respondents who perceived that their health status is poor (Adj. OR = 5.21 (95%CI: 1.44–18.81), P = 0.012) or very poor (Adj. OR = 4.04 (95%CI: 1.27–12.81), P = 0.018). Educational level and social support against HIV-related stigma and discrimination were not significantly associated with adherence. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among the respondents is very poor. Urgent interventions based on modifiable factors and mainly targeting females and younger age group are needed to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV.