Hypertension accounts for 13% of global mortality, is one of the most frequent causes of end stage kidney failure in the world, and has a 25% prevalence in Nigeria. Primary prevention based on comprehensive population...Hypertension accounts for 13% of global mortality, is one of the most frequent causes of end stage kidney failure in the world, and has a 25% prevalence in Nigeria. Primary prevention based on comprehensive population-based intervention has been found most economical. Lifestyle modification is an essential part of management. It is important for the researcher to have a deep understanding of people’s perceptions and attitudes to diseases like hypertension where effective interventions must address lifestyle choices of community members. Thus, this descriptive qualitative study carried out among 48 rural dwellers between ages 20 and 75 in Isunjaba, Imo state, to determine their perception and attitude to hypertension issues. Information gathered would be used in creating intervention programme to prevent hypertension and promote health. Findings revealed that participants were aware of incidents of sudden deaths and stroke in the town. There was a strong belief among members that hypertension “can be sent by one’s enemy”, even though majority attributed it to “worries and much thinking”. Unhealthy lifestyles such as alcohol, and stimulant consumption (kolanut and snuff) were elicited. Daily activities were said to be equivalent to regular exercise. Participants were eager for measures to prevent hypertension and curb the incidence of stroke in the communities. There is therefore the need to institute hypertension awareness and blood pressure monitoring programme in the community.展开更多
Instead of running away, she stood to attention with arms akimbo and gave a serious smile. The giant wooden basket on her back almost made her fall as she tried to straighten her body. When I raised the camera, Yang J...Instead of running away, she stood to attention with arms akimbo and gave a serious smile. The giant wooden basket on her back almost made her fall as she tried to straighten her body. When I raised the camera, Yang Jiaxiu was walking along a narrow, muddy mountain path in a virgin fir forest, carrying about 50 kilograms of water. She twisted her body to pour the water into a large tank when she finally arrived at her house. Then the Miao woman put down展开更多
The design of openings is important for sustainable living in the cooling climate. Dweller’s habit of opening windows was investigated in nine Japanese detached houses using a window monitor originated by the author....The design of openings is important for sustainable living in the cooling climate. Dweller’s habit of opening windows was investigated in nine Japanese detached houses using a window monitor originated by the author. The monitor measures the open width of sliding window and record daily and annual changes. The performance of a house and the living style of its dweller were investigated using questions to the dwellers. The investigation gave the following results. Windows were closed not only at night but also in the day time even in mild seasons in most houses. The average open widths were very small in mild and hot seasons in most houses. The daily and annual changes of open widths are very various. The open widths of windows are influenced by many factors;the type of a room, the number of a floor, the living schedule of dwellers, thermal performances of a house and the equipment for heating or cooling and the weather conditions. Therefore these factors have to be reconsidered to design effective windows.展开更多
IN the south of Shandong Province, Weishan Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northern China. Under the bright blue sky, it gleams like a large mirror. "As the sun is about to set, Weishan Lake is quiet…"
Syrian refugees in Gaziantep—because of turmoil in home country are slowly integrating into local society;however,social process is easy neither for them nor for the locals.Two cultures emerged as a result of presenc...Syrian refugees in Gaziantep—because of turmoil in home country are slowly integrating into local society;however,social process is easy neither for them nor for the locals.Two cultures emerged as a result of presence of cultural values and lifestyles of both the locals and refugees.Refugees,initially hesitant upon arrival,gradually settled and changed in behaviours,goals,and expectations.Due to changing social climate,local residents experienced a greater amount of anxiety toward various aspects of social life.Aim of this study is to identify and,subsequently,eliminate issues of social integration experienced by refugees in Gaziantep to promote peaceful coexistence between them and the locals.To achieve these,it is necessary to analyze,in detail,needs and expectations of refugees to ensure that expectations of both refugees and residents are fulfilled.185 adult refugees in Gaziantep and 80 adults in a camp were surveyed by researcher to understand expectations of refugees regarding social life.Playgrounds,sports areas,rest areas,car areas,pedestrian roads,parking lots,recreational facilities,mosques,condolence places,parks,shopping areas,cafes,and tea gardens were evaluated in survey.Questionnaires were graphically displayed in Microsoft Excel after being analyzed as percentage in SPSS program.This work displays that there is a need for good planning while evaluating capacity and expectations of social reinforcement areas in city,ensuring expectations of both refugees and city dwellers for social facilities to be used,telling of culture of city dwellers.展开更多
Background: Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have assessed the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in people with low socioeconomic status or urban slums. Met...Background: Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have assessed the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in people with low socioeconomic status or urban slums. Methods: Using the WHO STEP-wise approach to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases, we estimated the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among adults 20 years and older living in two urban slums in Enugu south east Nigeria. Diabetes was defined as previous history of diabetes, use of hypoglycemic agents and fasting blood glucose within the diabetes range on two occasions during the survey period. Study duration was 5 months. Results: Out of the 811 individuals invited to the clinic, 605 (74.6%) participants had their fasting blood glucose measured based on the study protocol. The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the population was 11.7% (95% CI;9.2 - 14.3) and 7.6% (95% CI;5.0 - 9.7) respectively. About 54.9% were newly detected and 28.1% of them had normal control. The prevalence of diabetes peaked at 55 - 64 years. The odds ratio for diabetes was significantly higher in participants ≥ 45 years (1.033, 95% CI;1.208 - 3.420), participants with hypertension (0.442, 95% CI;0.257 - 0.762) and stroke (1.638, 95% CI;0.459 - 5.848). Conclusion: There is a relatively high prevalence of diabetes among adults in two urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures promoting prevention and early detection of diabetes should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for early detection and treatment.展开更多
Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances in the country. Studies have shown sharp increases in alcohol consumption among Nigerians. This increase is likely to continue because of ...Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances in the country. Studies have shown sharp increases in alcohol consumption among Nigerians. This increase is likely to continue because of increased local production and availability of alcohol in the country. Knowledge of the prevalence and pattern of current alcohol use is important considering the public health and socio-economic effects of alcohol use. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we estimated the prevalence of current alcohol use among adults 18 years and older living in urban slums in Enugu South East Nigeria. Current use of alcohol was defined as use of any or all alcohol beverages in the past 4 weeks. The safe limit of alcohol was defined using WHO guidelines. Study duration was 5 months. Results: A total of 1411 individuals were recruited into the study. Males were 658 (46.6%) and females were 753 (53.4%). The overall prevalence of current use of alcohol was 66.7%;males 75.7% and females 58.8% (p Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of current alcohol use among urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures for reducing alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for abstinence.展开更多
BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between self-reported somatic and mental symptoms and the presence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal risk among community dwellers i...BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between self-reported somatic and mental symptoms and the presence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal risk among community dwellers in Japan. METHODS: From two locations in Japan, we recruited 734 community dwellers who underwent an annual health screening. Basic symptoms of MDD, dysthymia, and the presence of associated suicidal risk were determined using a brief structured diagnostic psychiatric interview, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Information regarding self-reported somatic and mental symptoms was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire used in the annual health check-up. Suicidal risk was evaluated on the basis of six relevant questions asked in MINI. Logistic regression model was used to calculate age- and gender-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MDD. Further adjustment for basic symptoms of MDD was performed to calculate ORs and CIs for suicidal risk. RESULTS: A myriad of somatic symptoms, including headache, heavy headedness, eye strain, and shoulder stiffness [adjusted OR (95% CI), 11.4 (1.22 - 107) at location 1;5.17 (1.23 - 21.7) at location 2], were associated with the presence of MDD. Dysmenorrhea [6.07 (1.14 - 32.3) at location 1] and dysesthesia, arthralgia, and swelling in the extremities [2.72 (1.14 - 6.47) at location 2] were significantly associated with an increase in suicidal risk, independent of the presence of basic symptoms of MDD. CONCLUSION: Several somatic symptoms, especially pain-related ones, may serve as possible signs of depression and suicidal risk among community dwellers.展开更多
Some big cities in Bangladesh have been experiencing a massive and rapid influx of rural people due to the impacts of climate change,and therefore the urban administration encounters enormous challenges.This study aim...Some big cities in Bangladesh have been experiencing a massive and rapid influx of rural people due to the impacts of climate change,and therefore the urban administration encounters enormous challenges.This study aims to investigate the drivers of climate-induced migration and the post-displacement status of the migrants living in the urban slum of Rajshahi City.Using a semi-structured questionnaire survey,this study conducted interviews with 50 migrants residing in two slums in Rajshahi City.An interpretive phenomenological analysis(IPA)approach was implemented to evaluate the survey data.This study finds that food insecurity and flood are the two significant climate drivers of migration.Among the non-climate drivers,lack of alternative livelihood is the major reason.It should be noticed that the climate migrants in many cases do not get the opportunity to improve their living standards;they are usually occupied with low-pay professions like maid,van and rickshaw puller,and scrap collector.The study also reveals that migrants,especially females and children,need several basic physiological,economic,social,and health services.Most children have no chance to attend school.Compared to males,females have more opportunities for some support and allowances.Overall,an inadequate level of change has taken place in the lives of migrants,which raises the concern if migration is ever a way to resolve a problem or the beginning of many other problems.Further research may concentrate on the impact of migration on the dynamics of social capital among slum dwellers.展开更多
文摘Hypertension accounts for 13% of global mortality, is one of the most frequent causes of end stage kidney failure in the world, and has a 25% prevalence in Nigeria. Primary prevention based on comprehensive population-based intervention has been found most economical. Lifestyle modification is an essential part of management. It is important for the researcher to have a deep understanding of people’s perceptions and attitudes to diseases like hypertension where effective interventions must address lifestyle choices of community members. Thus, this descriptive qualitative study carried out among 48 rural dwellers between ages 20 and 75 in Isunjaba, Imo state, to determine their perception and attitude to hypertension issues. Information gathered would be used in creating intervention programme to prevent hypertension and promote health. Findings revealed that participants were aware of incidents of sudden deaths and stroke in the town. There was a strong belief among members that hypertension “can be sent by one’s enemy”, even though majority attributed it to “worries and much thinking”. Unhealthy lifestyles such as alcohol, and stimulant consumption (kolanut and snuff) were elicited. Daily activities were said to be equivalent to regular exercise. Participants were eager for measures to prevent hypertension and curb the incidence of stroke in the communities. There is therefore the need to institute hypertension awareness and blood pressure monitoring programme in the community.
文摘Instead of running away, she stood to attention with arms akimbo and gave a serious smile. The giant wooden basket on her back almost made her fall as she tried to straighten her body. When I raised the camera, Yang Jiaxiu was walking along a narrow, muddy mountain path in a virgin fir forest, carrying about 50 kilograms of water. She twisted her body to pour the water into a large tank when she finally arrived at her house. Then the Miao woman put down
文摘The design of openings is important for sustainable living in the cooling climate. Dweller’s habit of opening windows was investigated in nine Japanese detached houses using a window monitor originated by the author. The monitor measures the open width of sliding window and record daily and annual changes. The performance of a house and the living style of its dweller were investigated using questions to the dwellers. The investigation gave the following results. Windows were closed not only at night but also in the day time even in mild seasons in most houses. The average open widths were very small in mild and hot seasons in most houses. The daily and annual changes of open widths are very various. The open widths of windows are influenced by many factors;the type of a room, the number of a floor, the living schedule of dwellers, thermal performances of a house and the equipment for heating or cooling and the weather conditions. Therefore these factors have to be reconsidered to design effective windows.
文摘IN the south of Shandong Province, Weishan Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northern China. Under the bright blue sky, it gleams like a large mirror. "As the sun is about to set, Weishan Lake is quiet…"
文摘Syrian refugees in Gaziantep—because of turmoil in home country are slowly integrating into local society;however,social process is easy neither for them nor for the locals.Two cultures emerged as a result of presence of cultural values and lifestyles of both the locals and refugees.Refugees,initially hesitant upon arrival,gradually settled and changed in behaviours,goals,and expectations.Due to changing social climate,local residents experienced a greater amount of anxiety toward various aspects of social life.Aim of this study is to identify and,subsequently,eliminate issues of social integration experienced by refugees in Gaziantep to promote peaceful coexistence between them and the locals.To achieve these,it is necessary to analyze,in detail,needs and expectations of refugees to ensure that expectations of both refugees and residents are fulfilled.185 adult refugees in Gaziantep and 80 adults in a camp were surveyed by researcher to understand expectations of refugees regarding social life.Playgrounds,sports areas,rest areas,car areas,pedestrian roads,parking lots,recreational facilities,mosques,condolence places,parks,shopping areas,cafes,and tea gardens were evaluated in survey.Questionnaires were graphically displayed in Microsoft Excel after being analyzed as percentage in SPSS program.This work displays that there is a need for good planning while evaluating capacity and expectations of social reinforcement areas in city,ensuring expectations of both refugees and city dwellers for social facilities to be used,telling of culture of city dwellers.
文摘Background: Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have assessed the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in people with low socioeconomic status or urban slums. Methods: Using the WHO STEP-wise approach to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases, we estimated the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among adults 20 years and older living in two urban slums in Enugu south east Nigeria. Diabetes was defined as previous history of diabetes, use of hypoglycemic agents and fasting blood glucose within the diabetes range on two occasions during the survey period. Study duration was 5 months. Results: Out of the 811 individuals invited to the clinic, 605 (74.6%) participants had their fasting blood glucose measured based on the study protocol. The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the population was 11.7% (95% CI;9.2 - 14.3) and 7.6% (95% CI;5.0 - 9.7) respectively. About 54.9% were newly detected and 28.1% of them had normal control. The prevalence of diabetes peaked at 55 - 64 years. The odds ratio for diabetes was significantly higher in participants ≥ 45 years (1.033, 95% CI;1.208 - 3.420), participants with hypertension (0.442, 95% CI;0.257 - 0.762) and stroke (1.638, 95% CI;0.459 - 5.848). Conclusion: There is a relatively high prevalence of diabetes among adults in two urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures promoting prevention and early detection of diabetes should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for early detection and treatment.
文摘Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances in the country. Studies have shown sharp increases in alcohol consumption among Nigerians. This increase is likely to continue because of increased local production and availability of alcohol in the country. Knowledge of the prevalence and pattern of current alcohol use is important considering the public health and socio-economic effects of alcohol use. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we estimated the prevalence of current alcohol use among adults 18 years and older living in urban slums in Enugu South East Nigeria. Current use of alcohol was defined as use of any or all alcohol beverages in the past 4 weeks. The safe limit of alcohol was defined using WHO guidelines. Study duration was 5 months. Results: A total of 1411 individuals were recruited into the study. Males were 658 (46.6%) and females were 753 (53.4%). The overall prevalence of current use of alcohol was 66.7%;males 75.7% and females 58.8% (p Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of current alcohol use among urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures for reducing alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for abstinence.
文摘BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between self-reported somatic and mental symptoms and the presence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal risk among community dwellers in Japan. METHODS: From two locations in Japan, we recruited 734 community dwellers who underwent an annual health screening. Basic symptoms of MDD, dysthymia, and the presence of associated suicidal risk were determined using a brief structured diagnostic psychiatric interview, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Information regarding self-reported somatic and mental symptoms was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire used in the annual health check-up. Suicidal risk was evaluated on the basis of six relevant questions asked in MINI. Logistic regression model was used to calculate age- and gender-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MDD. Further adjustment for basic symptoms of MDD was performed to calculate ORs and CIs for suicidal risk. RESULTS: A myriad of somatic symptoms, including headache, heavy headedness, eye strain, and shoulder stiffness [adjusted OR (95% CI), 11.4 (1.22 - 107) at location 1;5.17 (1.23 - 21.7) at location 2], were associated with the presence of MDD. Dysmenorrhea [6.07 (1.14 - 32.3) at location 1] and dysesthesia, arthralgia, and swelling in the extremities [2.72 (1.14 - 6.47) at location 2] were significantly associated with an increase in suicidal risk, independent of the presence of basic symptoms of MDD. CONCLUSION: Several somatic symptoms, especially pain-related ones, may serve as possible signs of depression and suicidal risk among community dwellers.
基金Association for Community Development(ACD),Rajshahi,Bangladesh supported this survey.
文摘Some big cities in Bangladesh have been experiencing a massive and rapid influx of rural people due to the impacts of climate change,and therefore the urban administration encounters enormous challenges.This study aims to investigate the drivers of climate-induced migration and the post-displacement status of the migrants living in the urban slum of Rajshahi City.Using a semi-structured questionnaire survey,this study conducted interviews with 50 migrants residing in two slums in Rajshahi City.An interpretive phenomenological analysis(IPA)approach was implemented to evaluate the survey data.This study finds that food insecurity and flood are the two significant climate drivers of migration.Among the non-climate drivers,lack of alternative livelihood is the major reason.It should be noticed that the climate migrants in many cases do not get the opportunity to improve their living standards;they are usually occupied with low-pay professions like maid,van and rickshaw puller,and scrap collector.The study also reveals that migrants,especially females and children,need several basic physiological,economic,social,and health services.Most children have no chance to attend school.Compared to males,females have more opportunities for some support and allowances.Overall,an inadequate level of change has taken place in the lives of migrants,which raises the concern if migration is ever a way to resolve a problem or the beginning of many other problems.Further research may concentrate on the impact of migration on the dynamics of social capital among slum dwellers.
