International Journal of Contemporary Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to differentiate between normal and overweight/obesity individuals. The measurement of BMI reflects the risk of mortality and morbidity with variations in weight. Obesity can occur in any age, and generally increases with age. The aetiology of obesity is complex, and is one of multiple-causation. Hence, it is necessary to detect the body mass index at the early age and effectively correct the obesity during middle and elderly people by advocating some simple life style changes to keep their BMI in normal level.

Objectives: 1. To determine the body mass index in above 30 years age group 2. To study the some risk factors associated with body mass index.

Materials&Method: The present community based cross sectional study was conducted at urban area of Eluru during the period from January 2012 to June 2012. A total of 312 individuals were selected from field practice area of Community Medicine Department using simple random method. Importance of the study was explained to the participants and informed consent taken. Pretested study questionnaire was filled and the height, weight, Body mass index and waist hip ratio were recorded in both sexes. Results were critically analyzed and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied.

Results: Out of 312 individuals, 164 (52,5%) were Women and 148 (47.5%) were men. In the study population, 15.1% were showing BMI > 25. Highest BMI was noticed in the age group of 40-50 years and female sex. Statistically significant association was found between female sex and high BMI (P<0.01). Highest number of hypertension individuals were having BMI > 25 and this association was statistically significant (P-0.02).

Conclusions: The prevalence of Overweight/Obesity was found to be higher as compared to other studies. Increasing BMI increases the risk of getting hypertension and this association was significant. We recommend that there is a need for checking simple body mass index periodically. So that simple life style modifications and nutritional advice to the middle and elderly people.

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Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is part of the growing epidemic of non communicable diseases, with a high burden for the society on developing countries in future. The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly rising all over the world due to population growth, ageing, urbanization, mechanization, dietary habits, increase of obesity, physical inactivity and sedentary life style. More health benefits world wide would result from improving adherence. Objectives: To know the adherence of medication, treatment status and the extent to which patients omit doses of medications prescribed for diabetes.

Materials and Method: The community based cross sectional study was conducted at Ashoknagar area of Eluru during the period from September 2012 to November 2012. Medication adherence was calculated as per the proportion of days covered for given prescriptions of anti-diabetic drugs. A total of 168 individuals were selected using simple random method. Pre designed and pretested study questionnaire was filled and the drug intake, socioeconomic status and per capita income were recorded in both sexes. Results were analysed and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied.

Results: 66(39.28%) were men and 102(60.71%) were women in study group. 83.92% of the individuals were having the good adherence towards drugs. Maximum adherence was seen in the age group 51 to 60 years (29.78%). Low adherence was in the age group 61 and above. The females were more adherence towards their medication 90 (62.82%). 82.14% were taking oral hypoglycemic drugs, 10.71% were taking both insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs, only 7.14% completely dependent on insulin. Good adherence was seen to hypoglycemic therapy ranged from 75% to 84.78%. Significant adherence was found in females (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the above study good adherence was seen among oral hypoglycemic drug users. Females were more adherent towards their medication. Statistically significant association was found between frequency of drug intake and adherence of medication (p<0.05). Adherence may improve the medication effectiveness of therapies.

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Introduction: The prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases markedly different between developed and developing countries because of impure water and variety of different food habits in India. In addition to that widespread illiteracy, low socioeconomic status, poor sanitation, our occupation style, customs, health seeking behaviour and also irrational use of pain killer drugs in the society. Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of different gastro-intestinal diseases at Out patient department of ASRAM Hospital. 2. To study the some risk factors associated with Gastro-intestinal Diseases.

Materials&Method: The present Hospital based descriptive study was conducted at out patient Department of ASRAM Hospital, Eluru during the period from June 2011 to November 2011. A total of 160 participants were selected from out patient Department of ASRAM Hospital, Eluru and also noted findings after relevant procedure (done by concerned specialty experts) completion of the patient. Importance of the study was explained to all the patients and informed consent also taken those who were participated in the study. Pretested study questionnaire was filled, demographic data, clinical data, endoscopic diagnosis also included and finally as per the gastroenterologist expert opinion final diagnosis was made and entered in the proforma. Results were critically analyzed with SPSS 17.0 Version and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied.

Results: Out of 160 patients, 104 were males and 56 were females. Prevalence of different gastrointestinal diseases in the study population namely Acid Peptic diseases was 30% (which includes Gastro Oesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD), Gastric Ulcer and Duodenal Ulcer), Carcinoma stomach was 7.5%, liver disorders was 20% (Cirrhosis, Chronic HBV, Chronic HBC and Autoimmune Hepatitis) and lastly Other Diseases was 37.5% (which includes Amoebic Colitis, Carcinoma Lt and Rt. Colon, Ileocaecal TB and Ascitis). About 41% were consulted the Quack (unqualified Doctor) before visiting to the appropriate Gastroenterologist doctor. 37.5% were wasted <10000 rupees at different doctors before consultation of appropriate doctor in this study.

Conclusions: The prevalence of different gastrointestinal diseases was found to be higher as compared to other studies. We recommend that there is a need to increase our literacy status, behavioural change and awareness about their condition to consult appropriate doctor to minimize their unnecessary expenditure wastage at unqualified doctor. So that simple life style modifications and nutritional advice to the younger age can be initiated as early as possible and also periodical health checkups must be taken up for early identification of such gastrointestinal problems.

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