Common Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) among Pacific Countries

Introduction: Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors contribute to the significant rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), most notably cardiovascular disease (CVD), in the Pacific Island nations. The aim of this study is to review previously published articles to understand common modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of CVD among Pacific countries. Methods: This systematic review is conducted using different databases including;Scopus, Medline, EMBASE, and psycINFO. This systematic review is based on the Cochrane review process. All articles published in the English language from 1st January 2000 to 1st September 2016, will be included in the study. After reviewing all of the articles’ titles, abstracts, and full text, the final articles were reviewed and the relevant data was included in the data extraction sheet. A descriptive analysis was conducted to measure the common risk factors of CVD in Pacific countries. Results: Overall, 45 articles met the inclusion criteria of the study. The results showed that age was the most common non-modifiable risk factor while diabetes, high blood lipid, and high blood pressure were the most common modifiable risk factors of CVD. There were only three interventional studies which had all of the significant influences in reducing the risk factors of CVD when the results were compared with the control group. Conclusion: While it is not possible to change the non-modifiable risk factors for CVD, we encourage policy makers to use the results of this study to develop health promotion strategies to address the modifiable risk factors for CVD. Interventional strategies are highly recommended in the Pacific countries to tackle the modifiable risk factors for CVD.

Modifiable Behavioral Risk Factors Associated with Biological Risk Factors in Subjects at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Benin: PREDIBE Study

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed at identifying modifiable behavioral risk factors associated with biological factors in people at risk of type 2 diabetes which could be targeted in the design and implementation of appropriate interventions to prevent the disease. Methods: 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes (aged 15 - 60 years) were identified and selected at random during a preliminary survey conducted in two groups of villages in northeastern Benin. The study took part on August 2017. Questionnaires were administered to consenting subjects;anthropometric measurements taken and blood samples withdrawn. Blood samples were subjected to biochemical testing according to standard protocols. Results: Data was obtained from 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes. The average age of the subjects was 42.76 ± 11.30 years. Multivariate analysis showed inadequate dietary intake score, low physical activity and tobacco use as behavioral factors significantly associated with high waist circumference, high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels and high body fat percentage. Conclusion: There is a possible association between biological and behavioral risk factors.

Effects of flexibility and strength training on peak hamstring musculotendinous strains during sprinting

Background:Hamstring injury is one of the most common injuries in sports involving sprinting.Hamstring flexibility and strength are often considered to be modifiable risk factors in hamstring injury.Understanding the effects of hamstring flexibility or strength training on the biomechanics of the hamstring muscles during sprinting could assist in improving prevention strategies and rehabilitation related to these injuries.The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of altering hamstring flexibility or strength on peak hamstring musculotendinous strain during sprinting.Methods:A total of 20 male college students(aged 18-24 years)participated and were randomly assigned to either a flexibility intervention group or a strength intervention group.Each participant executed exercise training 3 times a week for 8 weeks.Flexibility,sprinting,and isokinetic strength testing were performed before and after the 2 interventions.Paired t tests were performed to determine hamstring flexibility or strength intervention effects on optimal hamstring musculotendinous lengths and peak hamstring musculotendinous strains during sprinting.Results:Participants in the flexibility intervention group significantly increased the optimal musculotendinous lengths of the semimembranosus and biceps long head(p<0.026)and decreased peak musculotendinous strains in all 3 bi-articulate hamstring muscles(p<0.004).Participants in the strength-intervention group significantly increased the optimal musculotendinous lengths of all 3 hamstring muscles(p<0.041)and significantly decreased their peak musculotendinous strain during sprinting(p<0.017).Conclusion:Increasing hamstring flexibility or strength through exercise training may assist in reducing the risk of hamstring injury during sprinting for recreational male athletes.

Primary and secondary prevention of colorectal cancer: An evidence- based review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer that affects one in three men and one in four women worldwide. Late-stage detection is associated with significantly lower 5-year survival rates. Although it is well established that CRC mortality rates have decreased in the past several decades, adoption of routine screening continues to lag behind screening for other common cancers such as cervical and breast cancer. The decrease in overall rates has been attributed, in part, to improved primary and secondary prevention efforts, including smoking prevention and cessation programs, nutritional counseling, and the use of evidence-based screening protocols, as well as access to better treatment. Despite the increased screening rates, it is estimated that at least one-third of eligible people do not receive appropriate screening. The objective of this review is to describe the current epidemiology of CRC and to demonstrate effective primary and secondary prevention strategies for the primary care provider.