Accumulation and risk assessment of metals in palm oil cultivated on contaminated oil palm plantation soils.

Anthropogenically polluted soils with metals are detrimental to human life. The present study assessed the concentration of metals in soil and the risks associated with the consumption of the metals when transferred from soil to palm oil. The metals of interest were Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. Analysis was done on metals in soil and virgin palm oil from fifteen independent sampling locations in the southern states of Nigeria, which includes the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and its substations. Top soils were collected at a depth of 0-15 cm and virgin palm oil in 1 litre container by grab sampling method. The method proposed was to achieve high throughput with minimal mobile phase solvent. Micro emulsion technique was involved as sample preparation method for the extraction of metals in virgin palm oil from the matrix. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to analyse metals in virgin palm oil and soil. This reduces analysis time and does not require complex sample preparation. Zinc metal recorded the highest concentration of metal in the palm oil and Chromium metal recorded the highest concentration of metal in soil. There was a correlation between the accumulations of metals from soil to palm oil. Risk was assessed using various indices. Cadmium metal recorded the highest concentration in the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Accumulation Factor (AF) and Health Risk Index (HRI). Daily Intake of Metals (DIM) was highest for Chromium metal. Cadmium was the highest accumulator of metals in the palm oil.

Trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil, soil, water, and leaves from oil palm plantations: A review.

Oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) is one of the most productive oil producing plant in the world. Crude palm oil is composed of triglycerides supplying the world's need of edible oils and fats. Palm oil also provides essential elements and antioxidants that are potential mediators of cellular functions. Experimental studies have demonstrated the toxicity of the accumulation of significant amounts of nonessential trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil that affects the health of consumers. It has been reported that uptake of trace elements and radionuclides from the oil palm tree may be from water and soil on the palm plantations. In the present review, an attempt was made to revise and access knowledge on the presence of some selected trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil, soil, water, and leaves from oil palm plantations based on the available facts and data. Existing reports show that the presence of nonessential trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil may be from natural or anthropogenic sources in the environment. However, the available literature is limited and further research need to be channeled to the investigation of trace elements and radionuclides in soil, water, leaves, and palm oil from oil palm plantations around the globe.

Effect of Submaximal Warm-up Exercise on Exercise-induced Asthma in African School Children.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity has long been regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is one of the major problems interfering with the performance of exercise. A warm-up exercise programme has been cited as a non-pharmacologic means of reducing EIA, but its effect has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of unrecognized EIA in Pretoria primary school children, determine the effect of a warm-up exercise programme on EIA and to establish the relationship between history of allergy, family history of asthma and EIA. METHODS: A random sample of 640 school children was selected. The study was divided into three phases. In phase one, a descriptive cross-sectional study was done using the standardized European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire. In phase two, non-asthmatic participants that returned a completed questionnaire were included in the field study. Pre-test and post-test experimental designs were used, where peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured at baseline and within ten minutes after exercise. A total of 340 subjects completed the Free Running Asthma Screening Test (FRAST); EIA was defined as a decrease in baseline PEFR ≥ 10% after exercise and 75 children (22%) had EIA. In phase three, 29 of the 75 subjects participated in the warm-up programme which was performed in the laboratory and subjects acted as their own controls. Predefined protocols for the study were followed. RESULTS: Seventy-five (22%) of the 340 participants had EIA. The mean age, height and weight were 10.51 years, 139.26 cm and 33.45 kg, respectively. Exercise-induced asthma symptoms were cough (25%), chest pain (16%), wheeze (12%) and chest tightness (12%). The history of allergy was 75%, family history of allergy 40% and positive history of allergy when near animals, feathers or in dusty areas 38%. Wheezing during or after exercise, wheezing when near animals, feathers or in dusty areas and chest pain was significant (p < 0.05). The mean PEFR after exercise without warm-up was 4.43 L/min. The mean PEFR after exercise (warm-up) was 4.98. The mean percentage change in PEFR between exercise without warm-up and exercise with warm-up was 14.83%. The paired t-test showed a significant difference between PEFR with warm-up and PEFR without warm-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of EIA among study participants. Exercise-induced asthma symptoms were significant for wheezing and chest pain. Exercise after warm-up was significant in reducing EIA. This study reports the effect of warm-up exercise on EIA and highlights the need to screen school children for EIA.

Biochemical storage lesions occurring in nonirradiated and irradiated red blood cells: a brief review.

Red blood cells undergo a series of biochemical fluctuations during 35-42-day storage period at 1°C to 6°C. The sodium/potassium pump is immobilised causing a decrease in intracellular potassium with an increase in cytoplasmic sodium levels, glucose levels decline, and acidosis occurs as a result of low pH levels. The frailty of stored erythrocytes triggers the formation of haemoglobin-containing microparticles and the release of cell-free haemoglobin which may add to transfusion difficulties. Lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress to band 3 structures, and other morphological and structural molecular changes also occur leading to spheroechinocytes and osmotic fragility. These changes that transpire in the red cells during the storage period are referred to as "storage lesions." It is well documented that gamma irradiation exacerbates storage lesions and the reports of increased potassium levels leading to adverse reactions observed in neonates and infants have been of particular concern. There are, however, remarkably few systematic studies comparing the in vitro storage lesions of irradiated and nonirradiated red cell concentrates and it has been suggested that the impact of storage lesions on leucocyte reduced red blood cell concentrate (RBCC) is incomplete. The review examines storage lesions in red blood cells and their adverse effects in reference to blood transfusion.

Effects of consumption of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and a rooibos-derived commercial supplement on hepatic tissue injury by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in Wistar rats.

This study investigated the antioxidative effect of rooibos herbal tea and a rooibos-derived commercial supplement on tert-butyl hydroperoxide- (t-BHP-) induced oxidative stress in the liver. Forty male Wistar rats consumed fermented rooibos, unfermented rooibos, a rooibos-derived commercial supplement, or water for 10 weeks, while oxidative stress was induced during the last 2 weeks via intraperitoneal injection of 30 µmole of t-BHP per 100 g body weight. None of the beverages impaired the body weight gain of the respective animals. Rats consuming the rooibos-derived commercial supplement had the highest (P < 0.05) daily total polyphenol intake (169 mg/day) followed by rats consuming the unfermented rooibos (93.4 mg/day) and fermented rooibos (73.1 mg/day). Intake of both the derived supplement and unfermented rooibos restored the t-BHP-induced reduction and increased (P < 0.05) the antioxidant capacity status of the liver, while not impacting on lipid peroxidation. The rooibos herbal tea did not affect the hepatic antioxidant enzymes, except fermented rooibos that caused a decrease (P < 0.05) in superoxide dismutase activity. This study confirms rooibos herbal tea as good dietary antioxidant sources and, in conjunction with its many other components, offers a significantly enhanced antioxidant status of the liver in an induced oxidative stress situation.

Health behaviour and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes attending selected hospitals in south western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects patients' general health and well-being in various ways. Modification of lifestyle is essential in preventing Type 2 diabetes including its secondary complications. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the profile, health behaviour and quality of life of patients presenting with Type 2 diabetes and attending the diabetic clinics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State and the Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A total of 100 diabetic patients aged between 40 and 85 years participated in this study. Their physical activity levels were determined by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) Inventory questionnaire and alcohol and smoking status as well as nutrition patterns were assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking and Nutrition Questionnaire (ASNQ). Age, gender, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip-ratio and blood pressure were also reported. Data were presented using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, percentages and are presented in figures and tables. RESULTS: Results showed that most of the participants were overweight and/or obese with 62% having a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. About 78% of females showed a waist circumference of > 88 cm while 48% of the male participants had a > 92 cm waist circumference. Ninety-seven per cent of the female participants had a waist-hip ratio above 0.85 while 32% of the males had above 1.0 waist-hip ratio. Using the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) classification for hypertension, 49% of the participants were found to be at stages 1 and 2 hypertension by systolic blood pressure while 43% of the participants were at stages 1 and 2 hypertension by diastolic blood pressure. Sixty-two per cent of the participants revealed a low physical activity level, 34% had a moderate physical activity level while 4% had a high physical activity level. All the participants indicated that they neither consumed alcohol nor smoked at the time of the study. Thirty-four per cent of the participants had adequate quantities of fruit, 31% of them also consumed an adequate quantity of legumes and 73% of them ate an adequate quantity of fish per week. Fifty-eight per cent of the participants took less quantities of salt with their food as compared to their peers while 95% of the participants did not add sugar to their food; 79% of them preferred their food boiled. The mean score of the participants' QOL was 31.85 +/- 7.98 out of a total score of 75. The QOL as reported by the participants thus indicated a fairly good quality of life. CONCLUSION: Patients with Type 2 diabetes were generally found to be overweight, obese, sedentary and were frequently found to be hypertensive. It is, therefore, suggested that patients need to pay attention to their weight by participating in weight reduction programmes and also improve their physical activity levels in order to reduce their risk of developing the complications associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Effects of contraceptives on serum trace elements, calcium and phosphorus levels.

BACKGROUND: Women on different contraceptive methods have been linked with the development of various diseases and possible changes in serum trace elements and vitamins of women on contraceptives have been postulated. Therefore, the relationship between contraceptive use and trace elements needs to be investigated. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional randomized study. After informed consent was obtained, blood samples were collected from a total of 100 women of child-bearing age on different contraceptive methods: 50 on oral contraceptives, 25 on injectables and another 25 on intra-uterine device. Blood samples were also collected from another 50 age-matched non-contraceptive users to serve as control. Serum was analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer for zinc, copper manganese, iron, selenium, cadmium, lead and magnesium while colorimetric method was used for phosphorus and calcium. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilogram/height in meter squared. Results obtained from laboratory analysis and anthropometric measurements were analysed using computer SPSS package. RESULTS: The mean serum zinc, selenium, phosphorus and magnesium levels obtained from subjects on contraceptives were significantly lower (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05 respectively) than those of the control group. However, the mean serum copper iron, calcium and cadmium levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in participants on contraceptive when compared with the control group. Manganese and lead levels were similar in participants and control groups. Correlation analysis shows significant association between some trace elements and the duration of contraception and body mass index of the participants. CONCLUSION: The study showed and confirmed reduced levels of trace elements in women on contraceptives. The reduction is proportional to the duration of contraceptive use.

Factors associated with pregnancies among HIV-positive women in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified factors contributing to pregnancies in HIV-positive women who were on a prevention of HIV from mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in Letlhakeng Subdistrict, Botswana. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was employed using an interviewer administered (face-to-face) questionnaire to obtain information from 35 HIV-positive pregnant women registered for a PMTCT programme. Use was made of a non-probability sampling method to obtain information from all the pregnant women who sought antenatal care (ANC) during the survey period. RESULTS: The age of the participants ranged between 18 and 37 years with a modal age of 30 years and a mean of 29.02 years (standard deviation of 5.29). The majority of the participants were single (66%) and had two or more children (74%). About half of the participants (49%) had secondary school education and a high proportion of them knew their HIV-positive status for more than one year prior to the interview day (77%) while the same number of them were unemployed. Pregnant participants seemed to know their HIV status prior to pregnancy. Sharing information about the HIV status of their partners and the participant's financial dependence on their partners did not show any significant association with their pregnancy status. However the partner's desire for parenthood (p < 0.05, 95% CI), the age difference between them and their partners (p < 0.05, 95%CI) and the use of condoms (p < 0.05, 95% CI) indicated significant associations between decision-making and the pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy is common among HIV-positive women who are on a PMTCT at Letlhakeng sub-district as was shown by this study and this may constitute a serious health risk to the child and to the population in general.

Knowledge of students attending a high school in Pretoria, South Africa, on diet, nutrition and exercise.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to ascertain the knowledge of students on the composition of a healthy diet, daily nutritional requirements and the importance of regular exercise. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions to assess students 'knowledge on diet, nutrition and exercise was conducted. The study group were students of Tswaing High School in Pretoria, South Africa, who were in attendance on a particular day when the study was conducted and who consented to participate in the study Only 500 students of the school participated in the study RESULTS: Results showed that 77% of the students do not have adequate knowledge on diet, nutrition and exercise while 23% of the students showed satisfactory knowledge. Approximately 26% and 16% of the students reported that they participated in rigorous and moderate exercise respectively The study also showed that the majority of the students were however not engaged in physical activities. CONCLUSION: Students at Tswaing High School do not have adequate knowledge on nutrition, diet and exercise. Their views on what exercise entails were found not to be satisfactory. Programmes/ information or seminars that could assist to inform students on the importance of diet and exercise are therefore suggested.

An assessment of adolescent satisfaction with reproductive primary healthcare services in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To assess adolescents' satisfaction with reproductive health services in Mdantsane Township, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHOD: A structured questionnaire was used to assess the levels of participants' satisfaction with reproductive health services. The sample consisted of 200 adolescents within the ages of 16 to 19 years. A response of "yes" indicated that the person was satisfied with the specific item, while a response of "no" indicated dissatisfaction with that item. A spreadsheet was developed to analyse data obtained and 95% was used as a cut off rate to define an appropriate level of client satisfaction. RESULTS: Results indicated that adolescents were dissatisfied with reproductive health delivery at Mdantsane Township. Satisfaction responses on accessibility and confidentiality of services, options available to participants as well as staff friendliness fell below the stated cut off rate of 95%. From each item, the number of responses of satisfaction on reproductive health delivery at the primary health clinic was mostly below 89%. CONCLUSION: In general, participants in this survey were dissatisfied with reproductive health services at the clinics at Mdantsane Township in the Eastern Cape Province.

Knowledge and attitudes of students at a Caribbean offshore medical school towards sexually transmitted infections and use of condoms.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections remain one of the predominant health issues that affect young adults. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, the attitudes and misconceptions of medical students at a Caribbean University towards STIs and condom use. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among medical students by employing semi-structured questionnaires. RESULTS: Out of 150 questionnaires, 130 were completed, showing a response rate of 87%. The ages of the respondents ranged from 19 to 45 years with a mean age of 26 (SD 5.2) years. The findings indicated that the knowledge of students concerning STIs is high (95.4%). Twenty-four (18.5%) of the respondents had experienced vaginal/penile discharge following sexual intercourse over the last 6 months. The correlation of beliefs in condom usage and risky behaviour gives an odds ratio of 0.19 indicating a lower use of condoms among the students. A negative attitude towards condom usage was seen in 3.8% of the respondents. The main reason for condom usage was to prevent unwanted pregnancy and not to prevent contracting sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of students about STIs in this study was found to be high, however risky behaviour such as having sexual intercourse with commercial sex-workers and regular unprotected sexual activities were identified although the prevalence of such behaviour was found to be low. We therefore recommend that behaviour modification programmes with regard to sex education and condom usage be implemented for the medical students as they are to be the future educators of the public on these matters.

Physical activity levels of senior secondary school students in Ibadan, western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Inactivity and low levels of physical activity are predisposing factors to many chronic diseases such as heart disease which are showing an increase in prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa generally and Nigeria in particular. Physical activity levels have been found to be decreasing among young people in many countries around the world resulting in a state where young people are not found to be sufficiently active in order to safeguard their present and future health and well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the physical activity levels of students in government-owned senior secondary schools located in the South-east Municipality, Ibadan, Western Nigeria, and its association with their physical characteristics and level of study. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Multi-stage sampling was used to select participants from senior secondary schools. A modified version of the self-reported physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (PAQ-A) validated for Nigerian adolescents was used for data collection. One thousand and two questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. The questionnaire was designed to collect the respondents' demographic data and assess their physical activity levels. One thousand (1000) questionnaires were completed. Two of the 1002 questionnaires were not properly completed and were therefore discarded. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and cumulative percentage. A table was used to present the results. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between physical activity levels and the physical characteristics of the participants. Independent t-test was used to determine the difference in the physical activity levels of the participants. RESULTS: The results indicated that 38% of the participants engaged in low activity levels, 58.8% in moderate activity levels and 3.2% in high activity levels. Furthermore, physical activity levels (PAL) had significant positive associations with the physical characteristics of the participants and males appeared to be significantly more active than females. CONCLUSION: Adolescents are not involved in adequate physical activities that could safeguard their present and future health and well-being. Therefore, it is recommended that there should be educational programmes in place which emphasize the benefits of exercise, primordial prevention of future chronic and cardiovascular diseases and also the incorporation of physical education in the secondary school curriculum.

The contributing role of tourism in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean.

The first confirmed case of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean was reported in 1982, however a recent report by UNAIDS shows that the epidemic has risen to over 250,000 persons living with the virus with the highest prevalence rates shown to be in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Various factors ranging from commercial sex trading to unsafe injection employed for drug abuse have been identified to play a contributing role in this increase. Also, the role and impact of tourism on the spread of HIV infection has been reported. Due to concerns shown by countries and territories who are dependent on tourism and that they rank amongst the most highly affected by HIV/AIDS in the region, this paper endeavours to examine the impact of HIV/AIDS and the contributing role of tourism to HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean.

Future choice of specialty among students in a Caribbean medical school.

BACKGROUND: The medical specialities chosen by medical students for their careers play an important part in the development of health care services. Our objective is to examine medical students' perception of clinical specialty while in the preclinical school. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was done among all the preclinical students using a structured questionnaire. The questions explored the demographic data, generic factors considered as important in their choice of specialty as well as factors that influence the students' attractiveness to various medical specialities. The study was conducted among medical students of Spartan Health Sciences University, St. Lucia. RESULTS: Out of 90 questionnaires, 76 were correctly filled, producing response rate of 84.4%. The ages of respondents were between ages 19 to 43, with mean age of 25.3. There were forty five (59.2%) male and thirty (39.5%) female resulting into ratio 1.5:1. Internal medicine was the most attractive specialty with attractive factor with mean of 1.2 and SD of 0.46. The aspects of medicine that interest the students most is diagnosis and treatment of diseases; 50 (65.8%), followed by interpersonal interaction with patients; 44 (57.9%) while the least attractive aspect is research; 11 (23.7%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that few students are interested in basic biomedical research; hence the need to address this apathy in the medical curriculum.

Red palm oil: nutritional, physiological and therapeutic roles in improving human wellbeing and quality of life.

The link between dietary fats and cardiovascular disease has created a growing interest in dietary red palm oil research. Also, the link between nutrition and health, oxidative stress and the severity or progression of disease has stimulated further interest in the potential role of red palm oil (a natural antioxidant product) to improve oxidative status by reducing oxidative stress in patients with cardiovascular disease, cancer and other chronic diseases. In spite of its level of saturated fatty acid content (50%), red palm oil has not been found to promote atherosclerosis and/or arterial thrombosis. This is probably due to the ratio of its saturated fatty acid to unsaturated fatty acid content and its high concentration of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, tocotrienols, tocopherols and vitamin E. It has also been reported that the consumption of red palm oil reduces the level of endogenous cholesterol, and this seems to be due to the presence of the tocotrienols and the peculiar isomeric position of its fatty acids. The benefits of red palm oil to health include a reduction in the risk of arterial thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis, inhibition of endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis, platelet aggregation, a reduction in oxidative stress and a reduction in blood pressure. It has also been shown that dietary red palm oil, taken in moderation in animals and humans, promotes the efficient utilisation of nutrients, activates hepatic drug metabolising enzymes, facilitates the haemoglobinisation of red blood cells and improves immune function. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional, physiological and biochemical roles of red palm oil in improving wellbeing and quality of life.

Microbicides: a possible prevention approach to HIV transmission among African women.

Poverty, cultural belief and refusal to use condoms are some of the factors that contribute to the spread of HIV infection among African communities. There is a dire need to pursue research into the development, provision and the use of microbicides for African women. This review paper provides information and recommendations on the possible use of microbicides to prevent HIV infection among African women.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus in preoperative patients: potential risk of transmission to health professionals.

The aim of present study was to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections in preoperative patients admitted for surgical procedures at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria. Two hundred patients (200 samples tested for HIV) and (100 samples tested for HBV) comprising 90 males (45%) and 110 females (55%) were recruited into the study. Sixty-eight of the 200 patients (34%) were scheduled for emergency surgery (group A) and 132 (66%) listed for elective surgery (group B). Seven (3.5%) of the 200 patients tested positive for HIV-1 and 2 using the Well-coenzyme method. Five (2.5%) and 2 (1%) of the 200 patients confirmed HIV-positive were females and males respectively. Sixty-one percent of the 100 patients tested for hepatitis B surface antigen were males and 39 (39%) females. Eighteen percent of the 100 patients examined were positive for (HbsAg). Ten percent of the 18 HBsAg-positive patients were males and 8 (8%) were females. This study showed the prevalence rate of HIV and Hepatitis B in preoperative patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and to some reflects the prevalence of HIV and HBV in the general population.

Future choice of specialty among students in a Caribbean medical school.

BACKGROUND: The medical specialities chosen by medical students for their careers play an important part in the development of health care services. The study was designed to examine the perception of medical students to clinical specialty while in the preclinical school. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was done among all the preclinical students using a structured questionnaire. The questions explored the demographic data, generic factors considered as important in their specialty choice as well as factors that influence the students' attractiveness to various medical specialities. The study was conducted among medical students of Spartan Health Sciences University St. Lucia. RESULTS: Out of 90 questionnaires, 76 were correctly filled, producing response rate of 93.4%. The ages of respondents were between 19 to 43, with mean age of 25.3. 59.2% male and 39.5% female. Internal medicine was the most attractive specialty with attractive factor with mean of 1.2 and SD of 0.46. The aspects of medicine that interest the students most is diagnosis and treatment of diseases; 50 (65.8%), followed by interpersonal interaction with patients; 44 (57.9%) while the least attractive aspect is research; 11 (23.7%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that few students are interested in basic biomedical research; hence need to address this apathy in the medical curriculum.

An analysis of dietary micronutrient intakes in two age groups of black South African women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess micronutrient intake of black women living in Mangaung, South Africa. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A sample of 500 pre-menopausal black South African women (496 qualified to participate) from two age groups (25-34 and 35-44 years) were selected randomly in Mangaung, the black residential area of Bloemfontein. A validated Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ) was used to determine dietary intake of participants. Data were categorized into the two age groups. Median micronutrient intakes were compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Adequate Intake (AI). The prevalence of women with intakes < or = 67% of the RDA was calculated. RESULTS: Median calcium and vitamin D intakes were lower than the AI. Of all women, 46.2% to 62.2% consumed < or = 67% of the RDA for total iron, selenium, folate and vitamin C, and more than 94% consumed < or = 67% of the RDA for selenium. At least 25% of all women consumed < or = 67% of the RDA for vitamin A and E. The vitamin B6 intake of older women was inadequate and a fairly large percentage of the total sample consumed < or = 67% of the RDA. CONCLUSION: Generally, micronutrient intakes were adequate in this population. Attention should be given to those micronutrients where median intakes were < or = 67% of the RDA and those that were not at or above the respective AI in these groups of women.

Assessment of knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS among inmates of Quthing Prison, Lesotho.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among the inmates in Quthing Prison, Lesotho. METHOD: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the prisoners. Of the 138 prisoners, 123 inmates were successfully interviewed The data were collated and analyzed quantitatively using the SPSS computer software programme. RESULTS: Ninety-two per cent of the respondents were in the age group 20-44 years, while 57. 7% were single and had never married. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS was found to be high, as 95.5% of the inmates knew the cause of the disease and over 70% of the inmates knew how it could be transmitted or prevented A majority of the respondents (68.1%) agreed that people with the disease should be isolated (evidence of unfavourable attitudes); 31.2% believed that there were holes and worms in the condoms (misconception) and 41.5% would not use condom (prevent full sexual enjoyment) despite the risk associated with non-use. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about HIV/AIDS was found to be high and prisoners had misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and use of condoms.