Knowledge of Risk Factors for Hypertension among University Students in Northwestern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity, excessive alcohol use, cigarette smoking, a lack of physical activity, stress, and an unhealthy diet are modifiable risk factors linked to hypertension. Non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension include older age and a family history of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess university students’ knowledge of hypertension risk factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at St. Augustine University of Tanzania. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of a total score of eight, a score of four or more was considered good knowledge, and a score of less than four was considered poor. All sociodemographic characteristics were included in logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratio. Results: A total of 390 undergraduate students participated in this study. Most of the participants 266 (68.2%) identified stress as a risk factor for hypertension. The median (IQR) knowledge score was 2 (2 - 3). Overall, only 43 (11.0%) of the participants had good knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. However, none of the sociodemographic factors were associated with a good level of knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. Conclusion: Our findings highlight poor knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension among university students in northwestern Tanzania. Only stress and older age were known by more than half of the students as risk factors for hypertension. To reduce the burden of hypertension, it is crucial for prevention and control programs to target improving university students’ knowledge of risk factors for hypertension.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among University Students of the Health Field in San Luis PotosíMéxico

The aim for this research is to determine the association between the risk factors and prevalence of overweight and obesity in students in the health field in the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP in Spanish). A quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2012. By stratified random sampling, 290 students in the health field were selected. Questionnaire was used to identify factors associated with obesity. The obesity and overweight prevalence was determined, calculating body mass index through anthropometric measurement. The strength of the association between variables was measured using Chi squared and odds ratio tests. The proportion of students with overweight or obesity was 28.3% and was higher in men (36.8%) than in women (24.6%), with statistical significance (p < 0.01). Greater obesity or overweight was identified in psychology students (p < 0.01) and in those who reported an average appetite (79.3%) (p < 0.05). In total, 66.6% of the students decreased their physical activity upon joining the university, which was a factor significantly associated with obesity and overweight (p < 0.05). The findings show that the school environment can be a conditioning factor for the development of obesity and overweight in students. Implementation of a program is recommended to prevent and control such problems.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity among Lecturers and Support Staff of Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara, Uganda

Aim: To establish the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension, diabetes and obesity among teaching and non-teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara-Uganda. Background: None communicable diseases (NCDs) are projected to exceed communicable diseases as the most common causes of death by 2030 in Africa. Most sub-Saharan African countries however lack detailed countrywide data on hypertension and other NCDs risk factors. Cognizant of Uganda’s recent inclusion of Hypertension and diabetes in the health policy agenda, this study was conducted among the university staff in a rural setting to provide benchmark information for design of appropriate interventions. Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional, institutional based survey design. Place and duration of the study: This study was conducted among the teaching and none teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University Mbarara, Uganda from 18th April-6th June 2017. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used to gather social demographic and risk factors data from the university workers at their work stations. Blood pressure of each participant was measured and Hypertension was defined as systolic BP > 140 and/or diastolic (BP) > 90 mmHg. Anthropometric measurements: Body Mass index (BMI) was done by weight in (Kg) and Height in (M2) to establish weight levels. Obesity was considered at BMI > 40. A random Blood Sugar (RBS) > 200 mg/dl was considered as diabetic. Epi-info version 7 was used to enter data, analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: A total of 156 University staff aged 25 - 75 years of both sexes, mean age 42 ± 8 were interviewed of whom 51% were males. About 15% were administrative staff, 55% teaching staff, 3% senior lecturers and professors and 25% non-teaching staff. The prevalences of Hypertension, Diabetes, and obesity were 7.7%, 16%, and 28% respectively. But also majority (60.2%) were found at risk of developing both hypertension and diabetes. Less than 20% of the participants were knowledgeable on causes, signs and symptoms and preventive measures for Hypertension but had moderate knowledgeable of the risk factors, the most frequently mentioned risk by 71% was lack of exercise. Despite the awareness of risk factors, majority (61.3%) had not done any form of exercise and 64.1% had not had regular Blood pressure check ups. The study also demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between those aged more than 40 years and having hypertension (X2 = 5.82, P = 0.015, OR = 4.2). Likewise the risk of Diabetes increased with increasing age. Lecturers aged 40 years and above were 5.6 times likely to have diabetes compared to those aged less than 40 years (OR = 5.6, X2 = 16 , P = 0.0005). A significant number of respondents 57/156 (36.5%) reported history of HPT among their family members. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was observed higher in senior administrative staff and lecturers than in lower cadre staff 49% and 34% (p 0.01). Conclusion: Hypertension, Diabetes and obesity are conditions prevalent among the teaching and none teaching staff of BSU, but knowledge on risk factors, clinical presentation and preventive strategies is limited. Routine physical exercises...

Impact of Metabolic-Syndrome Risk Factors on the Absenteeism of Health Workers from a Brazilian University Hospital

Objective: Analyzing the association between Metabolic Syndrome (MS) risk factors and work absenteeism due to illnesses among University Hospital employees in Salvador City, Bahia, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study comprised 1173 Bahia Federal University Hospital employees: 57.3% of them were federal employees (statutory officers) and 42.7% were civil servants (CLT employees). Participants were in the age group 41.5 years: 69.4% were female and 30.6% were male. Results: MS prevalence in employees reached 6.6%;women accounted for 69.7% of the total. The percentage increases with age and has similar proportion among directcare providers and ancillary supports personnel, 40.8% and 39.5%, respectively. The risk factor analysis showed 25% hypertension, 54.6% weight excess (18.4% obese and 36.2% overweight patients), 20% hypercholesterolemia, 9.9% hypertriglyceridemia and 6.5% diabetes mellitus prevalence. Absenteeism longer than one day within the studied population reached 40.1%. Osteoarticular diseases were the most common reason for absenteeism, accounting for 50.7% of it: 62.6% of whom were either overweight or obese. The mean cost with absenteeism per employee was R$5492.87 ($2347.00 US Dollars), and it corresponds to annual cost of R 2,587,139.53 ($1,105,610.00 US Dollars). The highest cost with absenteeism caused by illnesses was recorded for female workers;for federal employees who were patient caregivers, who worked in the Pediatric Centre and who worked at night shifts. Conclusion: The high Metabolic Syndrome risk factors and overweight incidence are responsible for the increased costs faced by hospitals due to high absenteeism rates.

Physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in university students in the city of Leon, Mexico

Objectives: Recent changes in life style have increased obesity, smoking and sedentary habits in the entire population. Obesity and overweight frequency have trebled in Mexico in the last few decades. The presence and frequency of cardiovascular risk factors were determined in students at the Universidad DeLa Salle Bajío, both newly admitted and in advanced years. Material and methods: Anthropometric variables, serum glucose, total cholesterol levels, blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were obtained and assessed in 4814 students, 1507 recently admitted and 1507 advanced students. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 15.3%, sedentariness 33.8%, hypercholesterolemia 8.16%, smoking habits 15.8%, and alcohol consumption 12.1%. Body mass index (BMI) (23.5 ± 4 vs. 22.7 ± 4), waist/ abdomen index (0.84 ± 0.06 vs. 0.83 ± 0.06) and serum cholesterol (3.54 mmol/L ± 0.79 vs. 3.98 mmol/L ± 0.77) were greater in the advanced students

A Study on Influencing Factors of College Students' Well-being——Taking Students of Huazhong Agricultural University as an Example

In recent years,with the sustained and healthy economic development in China,the focus of people's attention has gradually been shifted to spiritual pursuit after their material pursuit is met. As a special group,college students get more social attention,and the study of college students' well-being is gradually carried out and furthered. In institutions of higher learning,the degree of college students' well-being exerts direct influence on the degree of college students' psychological health and college students' recognition of higher education. Taking 205 students from Huazhong Agricultural University as an example,drawing on the subjective well-being scale compiled by Diener et al.,and through discussions,interviews and questionnaires,this paper carries out a study from such aspects as gender,specialty,grade,region,family economic status and love situation,and uses SPSS20. 0 software to implement such statistical analyses as factor analysis,partial correlation analysis,descriptive analysis and cluster analysis,thus researching the factors influencing college students' well-being. The results show that the overall perception of well-being the students is relatively high,and very few students feel unhappy,indicating that the overall psychological situation of students in Huazhong Agricultural University is optimistic,but the psychological situation of individual students still needs our attention. The analysis shows that the well-being of college students is influenced by the factors such as grade,degree of love for their specialties,region and family economic status,and is not influenced by whether to be the only child in the family and gender. This paper suggests that we should strengthen ideal and belief education,in order to improve college students' ability to endure setbacks; we should strengthen college student's association education,in order to enrich college life; we should strengthen practice teaching,in order to enhance college students' acceptance of the specialty they selected; we should strengthen the training of students' employment ability,so that they will be able to adapt to the social environment of great employment pressure.

Rationale of a Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study on Associated Factors and Prognosis Maternal-Fetal Links to Early Onset Preeclampsia at the University Clinics of Kinshasa, DR Congo

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the forms of hypertensive diseases that occur during pregnancy. Early-onset preeclampsia (EOP), which occurred before 34 weeks, proved to be the deadliest. Indeed, it is characterized by a poor maternal and fetal prognosis. EOP has a disparate incidence in the world varying between 0.9% and 31%. Several risks factors are associated with the occurrence of EOP, which is responsible of several adverse obstetrical outcomes. Complications can affect up to 85% of pregnant women with EOP, especially when EOP appears very early, before 28 or even 25 weeks’ gestation. Objectives: To determine frequency of EOP at the University Clinics of Kinshasa, to describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of pregnant women with EOP and to identify its risks factors and its association adverse obstetrical outcomes. Methods: The study will be a cross-sectional analytical study in University Clinics of Kinshasa from January 2016 to December 2022. The minimal size will be 119. Our study population will consist of pregnant women who consult for antenatal best care and are neonates in our Clinic. Result will be presented as percentage proportion. Comparison and proportion means between groups will be made using Student’s test and Pearson’s chi-square test, respectively. Our test will be statistically significant for a p-value ≤ than less 0.05. Data will be collected and analysed anonymously and confidentiality. Conclusion: We believe that our study should enable us to identify profile of gestational carriers at risk of EOP in our environment, as well as prognosis associated with this entity, with a view to arousing particular interest in EOP.

Influencing Factors of the Elderly’s Preference for Sports Venues in a University of the North

From the aspects of time characteristics,spatial characteristics and subjective will of sports activities,the preference of sports venues for the elderly in colleges and universities is investigated through questionnaires and interviews,and further analysis and studies are conducted by using the abstract method and discrete selection model,so as to explore the factors affecting the preference of sports venues for the elderly in colleges and universities and their importance.The results show that the factors affecting preference of the elderly in colleges and universities for sports venues from high to low are site greening,site amenities,site shade facilities,site rest seats,site lighting facilities,site size,site fitness and leisure facilities,site walking distance and site quietness degree.Among them,the walking distance of the site is negatively correlated,and the quiet degree of the site has no significant effect,and the other 7 items are positively correlated.The research on the preference of sports venues for the elderly in colleges and universities is helpful to the location and construction of sports venues,so as to provide comfortable and satisfactory sports space for the elderly,which has important practical significance.

Research on the Influence Factors and Struction of University Teachers Leader-Member Exchange

The leader - member exchange theory is one of the leading and the hot topic in recent years of the study of Western leaders. Structural studies of LMX factors have important theoretical and practical value in college teachers. In this paper, the ＂impact factor structure of university teachers LMX Questionnaire＂ for four universities 808 subjects was investigated. By exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, it found that the structure of university teachers LMX factors includes five dimensions： values, attitudes up, personality characteristics, switching behavior, objective situations. The questionnaire has good reliability and validity.

Factors Affecting the Entrepreneurial Intention of Students at Tan Trao University

Entrepreneurship is one of the popular choices for students after graduation from higher education.The study focuses on proposing a model to identify the factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of students at Tan Trao University by researching some typical models in the world.By quantitative research methods based on a survey of 391 students,the study has shown that there are 5 factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of students at Tan Trao University,including opportunity,motivation,perception of behavioral control,skills and resources for entrepreneurship.Thereby,the study proposes a number of solutions for the students,the university and other related parties to promote students’entrepreneurial intentions.

Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Participation of University Students in Rural Education for Poverty Alleviation

The principle of“poverty alleviation first helps the poor”is fundamental to poverty alleviation through education in rural areas.It serves as an important foundation for improving the soft power of rural culture and promoting the development of rural cultural construction.However,college students,being one of the main participants in educational poverty alleviation,have not been equipped with a well-established institutionalized participation mechanism and a sufficient awareness of participation.To enhance college students’awareness and participation in rural education and poverty alleviation and to improve the institutionalization,this research focuses on college students as a group,delves into the current situation and willingness of college students to participate in rural education and poverty alleviation,and analyzes the influencing factors affecting college students’participation in rural education and poverty alleviation by means of a questionnaire and a computerized statistical algorithm.Lastly,based on mathematical and statistical analysis,the research puts forward corresponding optimization countermeasures and suggestions from the perspectives of the government,colleges and universities,and villages,so as to provide decision-making guidelines for solving the problems of rural education development and talent constraints.

Interplay between microglia and environmental risk factors in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer s disease,among the most common neurodegenerative disorders,is chara cterized by progressive cognitive impairment.At present,the Alzheimer’s disease main risk remains genetic ris ks,but major environmental fa ctors are increasingly shown to impact Alzheimer’s disease development and progression.Microglia,the most important brain immune cells,play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and are considered environmental and lifestyle"sensors."Factors like environmental pollution and modern lifestyles(e.g.,chronic stress,poor dietary habits,sleep,and circadian rhythm disorde rs)can cause neuroinflammato ry responses that lead to cognitive impairment via microglial functioning and phenotypic regulation.However,the specific mechanisms underlying interactions among these facto rs and microglia in Alzheimer’s disease are unclear.Herein,we:discuss the biological effects of air pollution,chronic stress,gut micro biota,sleep patterns,physical exercise,cigarette smoking,and caffeine consumption on microglia;consider how unhealthy lifestyle factors influence individual susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease;and present the neuroprotective effects of a healthy lifestyle.Toward intervening and controlling these environmental risk fa ctors at an early Alzheimer’s disease stage,understanding the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease development,and to rgeting strategies to to rget microglia,co uld be essential to future Alzheimer’s disease treatments.

The cGAS-STING-interferon regulatory factor 7 pathway regulates neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease

Interferon regulatory factor 7 plays a crucial role in the innate immune response.However,whether interferon regulatory factor 7-mediated signaling contributes to Parkinson's disease remains unknown.Here we report that interferon regulatory factor 7 is markedly up-regulated in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease and co-localizes with microglial cells.Both the selective cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate synthase inhibitor RU.521 and the stimulator of interferon genes inhibitor H151 effectively suppressed interferon regulatory factor 7 activation in BV2 microglia exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and inhibited transformation of mouse BV2 microglia into the neurotoxic M1 phenotype.In addition,si RNA-mediated knockdown of interferon regulatory factor 7 expression in BV2 microglia reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,tumor necrosis factorα,CD16,CD32,and CD86 and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory markers ARG1 and YM1.Taken together,our findings indicate that the cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes-interferon regulatory factor 7 pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

Epidemiology of Maternal Deaths from 2017 to 2022 in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the University Hospital of Tengandogo, Burkina Faso

Background: Although maternal mortality is declining in most countries, it remains a significant public health problem worldwide, with high rates, particularly in developing and insecure countries like ours. Objective: To study the epidemiological factors and factors associated with the occurrence of maternal death in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of University Hospital of Tengandogo. Method: It was a retrospective case-control study with a descriptive and analytical purpose over a period of 6 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Cases were women with maternal deaths during the study period. Data processing and analysis were performed using Stata version 13 software. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with Stata version 13 software, and logistic regression modeling was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR), their 95% confidence intervals (CI), and the threshold for statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05. Results: A total of 372 patients were included in the study, including 146 cases of maternal death. The in-hospital maternal mortality rate was 1933 deaths per 100,000 live births. The average age was 28.5 years. 58.9% of patients lived in rural areas. Married patients accounted for 88.7% of cases. The average parity was 3. Direct obstetrical causes were the main causes of death, accounting for 72.6%. They were dominated by post-partum hemorrhage (24.2%), puerperal infection (18.6%), pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (16.1%) and retroplacental hematoma (8.9%). Chronic anemia (12.9%) was the main indirect obstetric cause. Risk factors associated with maternal death were primiparity (OR for paucigravida and multigravida at 0.05;P = 0.001);ambulance transport (OR for patients referred and brought in by personal vehicle = 0.3, p < 0.001) and vaginal delivery (OR for cesarean deliveries = 0.4, p < 0.001). Conclusion: To reduce maternal mortality in Burkina Faso, strategies such as educating women about danger signs during pregnancy and promoting women’s education can be adopted.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression among patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Psychological distress,especially depression,associated with perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease(PFCD)is widespread and refractory.However,there is a surprising paucity of studies to date that have sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors of depression associated with PFCD.AIM To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and investigate the depression-related risk factors in patients with PFCD.METHODS The study was conducted in the form of survey and clinical data collection via questionnaire and specialized medical staff.Depressive symptoms,life quality,and fatigue severity of patients with PFCD were assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9,Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Quality of Life Questionnaire(IBDQ),and Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD)Fatigue Patient Self-assessment Scale.The basic demographic information,overall disease features,perianal clinical information,and laboratory inflammation indicators were also gathered.Multivariate regression analysis was ultimately used to ascertain the risk factors of depression associated with PFCD.RESULTS A total of 123 patients with PFCD were involved,and 56.91%were suffering from depression.According to multivariate logistic regression analysis,Perianal Disease Activity Index(PDAI)score[odds ratio(OR)=0.69,95%confidence interval(CI):0.50 to 0.95],IBDQ score(OR=0.93,95%CI:0.88 to 0.97),modified Van Assche index(OR=1.24,95%CI:1.01 to 1.53),and IBD Fatigue score(OR=1.72,95%CI:1.23 to 2.42)were independent risk factors of depression-related prevalence among patients with PFCD(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the increasing perianal modified Van Assche index(βvalue=0.166,95%CI:0.02 to 0.31)and decreasing IBDQ score(βvalue=-0.116,95%CI:-0.14 to-0.09)were independently associated with the severity of depression(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Depressive symptoms in PFCD patients have significantly high prevalence.PDAI score,modified Van Assche index,quality of life,and fatigue severity were the main independent risk factors.

Epidemiological Aspects of Obesity, Overweight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors at Associes in Semi-Urban Areas (Case of Sébikotane)

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are a public health problem. The general objective was to determine the epidemiological aspects of obesity, overweight and associated risk factors in a semi-urban environment. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on November 28 and 29, 2023 in Sébikotane. It focused on volunteers for screening for chronic non-communicable diseases. Epidemiological and clinical data were evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine cases of obesity were recorded (28%). Two hundred and eighty-two cases were overweight or obese (61.3%). The mean age was 49.55 years, with a standard deviation of 12.41 years. The age group [40 - 49 years] was the most representative, with 85 cases (30.1%), and the majority were female, with 264 cases (93.6%). Primary education was the most common, with 75 cases (46.3%). Grade 1 obesity concerned ninety-seven cases (75.2%), and diabetes was present in thirty cases (23%). Hypertension was present in ninety-five cases (33.7%). Obesity was more marked in the age group [40 - 49 years] with 45 cases (36%). Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program is essential.

Surgical and non-surgical risk factors affecting the insufficiency of ileocolic anastomosis after first-time surgery in Crohn’s disease patients

BACKGROUND Crohn's disease(CD)often necessitates surgical intervention,particularly when it manifests in the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve.Despite undergoing radical surgery,a subset of patients experiences recurrent inflammation at the anasto-motic site,necessitating further medical attention.AIM To investigate the risk factors associated with anastomotic insufficiency following ileocecal resection in CD patients.METHODS This study enrolled 77 patients who underwent open ileocolic resection with pri-mary stapled anastomosis.Patients were stratified into two groups:Group I co-mprised individuals without anastomotic insufficiency,while Group II included patients exhibiting advanced anastomotic destruction observed endoscopically or those requiring additional surgery during the follow-up period.Surgical and non-surgical factors potentially influencing anastomotic failure were evaluated in both cohorts.RESULTS Anastomotic insufficiency was detected in 12 patients(15.6%),with a mean time interval of 30 months between the initial surgery and recurrence.The predomi-nant reasons for re-intervention included stenosis and excessive perianastomotic lesions.Factors associated with a heightened risk of anastomotic failure encompassed prolonged postoperative obstruction,anastomotic bleeding,and clinically confirmed micro-leakage.Additionally,patients in Group II exhibited preoperative malnutrition and early recurrence of symptoms related to CD.CONCLUSION Successful surgical outcomes hinge on the attainment of a fully functional anastomosis,optimal metabolic status,and clinical remission of the underlying disease.Vigilant endoscopic surveillance following primary resection facilitates the timely identification of anastomotic failure,thereby enabling noninvasive interventions.

Influencing factors and preventive measures of infectious complications after intestinal resection for Crohn’s disease

The incidence of Crohn’s disease(CD)has increased in recent years,with most patients requiring intestinal resection.Complications after intestinal resection for CD can lead to poor prognosis and recurrence,among which infectious complic-ations are the most common.This study aimed to investigate the common risk factors,including medications,preoperative nutritional status,surgery-related factors,microorganisms,lesion location and type,and so forth,causing infectious complications after intestinal resection for CD,and to propose corresponding preventive measures.The findings provided guidance for identifying suscept-ibility factors and the early intervention and prevention of infectious complic-ations after intestinal resection for CD in clinical practice.

Evaluation of C and P Factors in Universal Soil Loss Equation on Trapping Sediment: Case Study of Santubong River

Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is the most comprehensive technique available to predict the long term average annual rate of erosion on a field slope. USLE was governed by five factors include soil erodibility factor (K), rainfall and runoff erodibility index (R), crop/vegetation and management factor (C), support practice factor (P) and slope length-gradient factor (LS). In the past, K, R and LS factors are extensively studied. But the impacts of factors C and P to outfall Total Suspended Solid (TSS) and % reduction of TSS are not fully studied yet. Therefore, this study employs Buffer Zone Calculator as a tool to determine the sediment removal efficiency for different C and P factors. The selected study areas are Santubong River, Kuching, Sarawak. Results show that the outfall TSS is increasing with the increase of C values. The most effective and efficient land use for reducing TSS among 17 land uses investigated is found to be forest with undergrowth, followed by mixed dipt. forest, forest with no undergrowth, cultivated grass, logging 30, logging 10^6, wet rice, new shifting agriculture, oil palm, rubber, cocoa, coffee, tea and lastly settlement/cleared land. Besides, results also indicate that the % reduction of TSS is increasing with the decrease of P factor. The most effective support practice to reduce the outfall TSS is found to be terracing, followed by contour-strip cropping, contouring and lastly not implementing any soil conservation practice.

The Road to Universal Health Coverage in Myanmar Runs through Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors: Supporting Evidence from WHO in 2009 and 2014 and the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Background: The recent surge in economic development in Myanmar will also contribute to accelerating the health burden shift from acute infectious to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country. With just 11 years to achieve its goal of universal health coverage by the year 2030, significant efforts will be needed to quantify the scale of the burden facing decision-makers about health system strengthening and redevelopment. Convergence of the health systems will be an additional challenge in Myanmar. Methods: Results from a WHO study in 2009 and 2014, combined with data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study, were compiled and analysed for Myanmar to assess the levels and trends of selected NCDs and NCD risk factors. Results: The prevalence of major NCDs in Myanmar are in general higher than global and regional averages, with a significant increase in diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in the last 25 years. Major NCD risk factors in Myanmar include smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, alcohol consumption among men, low level of fruit and vegetable consumption, hypertension, and emerging of overweight and obesity, especially among women. Tobacco use increased in both sexes between 2009 and 2014, but only significantly in men. Rates of hypertension increased for both men and women, including those currently on medications—suggesting a need for better treatment regimens. Overweight and obesity rates increased in both men and women, although the increase in obesity for men was not significant. Alcohol consumption results were mixed—with lower levels of high level drinking in men, but generally increased consumption by women. Intake of fruit and vegetables increased slightly between 2009 and 2014 and rates of high levels of physical activity also increased. Diabetes prevalence rates increased significantly in women (X2 = 11.3;p = 0.01) and men (X2 = 9.6;p = 0.02) between 2009 and 2014. Conclusions: Improved awareness of risk factors, coupled with early diagnosis and effective treatment of conditions and risks, is paramount to keeping the population healthy and economically active, and maintaining health care costs. Proven cost-effective interventions to prevent and control NCD-related risk factors, notably increasing tobacco taxes, should be endorsed and implemented in the population. Inaction could hamper the country’s effort to achieve universal health coverage by the year 2030.