Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Patterns and Risk of Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle among University Students in Kenya.

This study assesses the fruit and vegetable consumption patterns and risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL) among young adults attending Kenyatta University, Kenya. Four hundred and twenty-three young adults aged 19-30 years participated in the cross-sectional study. Males were 75.0% less likely to be overweight than females (OR = 0.25; 0.13-0.47). The mean overall consumption of fruit and/or vegetables amounted to 3.6 servings in a typical day. Eight in ten participants consumed lower amounts of fruits and vegetables than recommended by the WHO. At least one combined risk factor of CDL was observed among 91.3% of the young adults. About 8.7% of the participants were classified as low risk for CDL (having none of the five risk factors), 48.9% had one risk factor, 32.9% had two risk factors, 8.5% had three risk factors, while 0.9% had four risk factors. A significant relationship between daily fruit consumption and waist circumference was observed. These findings show the dire need to develop public health nutrition activities aimed at increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables and sensitizing young adults, and the general population, to the risk factors of CDL.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of atrial fibrillation and flutter at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

INTRODUCTION: Scant data exist on the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of atrial fibrillation in Kenya. Traditionally, atrial fibrillation (AF) in sub-Saharan Africa is as a result of rheumatic valve disease. However, with the economic transition in sub-Saharan Africa, risk factors and associated complications of this arrhythmia are likely to change. METHODS: A retrospective observational survey was carried out between January 2008 and December 2010. Patients with a discharge diagnosis of either atrial fibrillation or flutter were included for analysis. The data-collection tool included clinical presentation, risk factors and management strategy. Follow-up data were obtained from the patients' medical records six months after the index presentation. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-two patients were recruited (mean age 67 ± 17 years, males 56%). The distribution was paroxysmal (40%), persistent (20%) and permanent AF (40%). Associated co-morbidities included hypertension (68%), heart failure (38%) diabetes mellitus (33%) and valvular abnormalities (12%). One-third presented with palpitations, dizziness or syncope and 15% with a thromboembolic complication as the index AF presentation. Rate-control strategies were administered to 78% of the patients, with beta-blockers and digoxin more commonly prescribed. Seventy-seven per cent had a CHA(2)DS(2)VASC score ≥ 2, but one-quarter did not receive any form of oral anticoagulation. At the six-month follow up, 6% had died and 12% had been re-admitted at least once. Of the high-stroke risk patients on anticoagulation, just over one-half were adequately anticoagulated. CONCLUSION: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus, not rheumatic valve disease were the more common co-morbidities. Stroke risk stratification and prevention needs to be emphasised and appropriately managed.