RESUMO
Aim: The present study was conducted to generate data on awareness and incidence of sickle cell disease (SCD) and also to adduce the widespread myths peddled about SCD. Materials and Methods: Students studying in the Department of Nursing were recruited. A pretested, self-administered sickle cell assessment questionnaire was distributed electronically through WhatsApp group to collect necessary data. Participants were screened for malaria by thin blood smear analyses, and their hemoglobin (Hb) contents (g/dL) were determined by Sahli's haemoglobinometer. Statistical analyses were done using Origin (version 8.1, USA). A reliability study was performed for the validity of questionnaire data. Results: Study participants had significantly high awareness regarding SCDs (89.9%, P < 0.001). Most participants (96.3%) were aware about government policy regarding premarital screening for genetic disorders and replied that the government has strict health policies backed by equally robust laboratory diagnostics. Moreover, none of the participants had SCDs, although their parents had a consanguineous marriage. Thin blood smear analyses of participants did not reveal any cases of Plasmodium falciparum. However, significant percentages (33.1%) were found to be anemic, probably due to their dietary habits and lifestyles, as has been reflected by questionnaire analyses. Furthermore, a very less number of students had knowledge about genetic variations that might occur in malaria-endemic regions after long exposure to offer protection from malaria. Knowledge about management practices was also lacking among study participants (29%). Conclusion: This research points to the necessity that the nursing study plan should focus on providing specific training on management skills and preventive measures for SCDs, which is of paramount importance.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a state of chronic low-grade inflammation that predisposes people to several diseases and that is increasingly prevalent. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is marked by the presence of proinflammatory cytokines and, in general, the presence of high levels of inflammatory markers is associated with a severe disease course and joint damage. AIM: To assess the impact of obesity on disease activity, quality of life and articular damage in patients with established RA. METHODS: Between July 2009 to December 2009, 119 RA patients were included and divided in two groups according to the body mass index (obeses and controls). RA activity was assessed by the Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28, quality of life by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and radiographic joint damage by the modified Sharp score. RESULTS: Obesity was not correlated with worsen RA activity (p=0.71) nor quality of life impairment (p=0.51). The obese group had a lower modified Sharp score than the control group (64.97versus113.64; p < 0.032) and this association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, disease activity, extraarticular manifestations, comorbidities, presence of rheumatoid factor, and disease duration. CONCLUSION: Obesity does not have an impact on disease activity nor changes in quality of life, but it has a protective effect on the amount of joint destruction in established rheumatoid arthritis.
