BackgroundOverweight and obesity are significant public health problems worldwide with serious health consequences. With increasing urbanization and modernization there has been an increase in prevalence of obesity that is attributed to reduced levels of physical activity (PA). However, little is known about the prevalence of physical inactivity and factors that prohibit physical activity among Pakistani population. This cross-sectional study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of physical inactivity, and determining associated barriers in obese attendants accompanying patients coming to a Community Health Center in Karachi, Pakistan.FindingsPA was assessed by using international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Barriers to PA were also assessed in inactive obese attendants. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from a total of 350 obese attendants. Among 350 study participants 254 (72.6%) were found to be physically inactive (95% CI: 68.0%, 77.2%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that age greater than 33 years, BMI greater than 33 kg/m2 and family history of obesity were independently and significantly associated with physical inactivity. Moreover, there was a significant interaction between family structure and gender; females living in extended families were about twice more likely to be inactive, whereas males from extended families were six times more likely to be inactive relative to females from nuclear families. Lack of information, motivation and skills, spouse & family support, accessibility to places for physical activity, cost effective facilities and time were found to be important barriers to PA.ConclusionsConsidering the public health implications of physical inactivity it is essential to promote PA in context of an individual's health and environment. Findings highlight considerable barriers to PA among obese individuals that need to be addressed during counseling sessions with physicians.
This study provides useful data on the clinical characteristics of H1N1 influenza in a large outpatient population from the Middle East. Patients who tested positive for H1N1 were more likely to have fever, sore throat, diarrhea, and myalgia compared to those with other influenza-like illnesses.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in developing countries and should be suspected in patients with unexplained anaemia or neurological symptoms. Dermatological manifestations associated with this deficiency include skin hyper- or hypopigmentation, angular stomatitis and hair changes. We report a case of a 28-year-old man who presented to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat, Oman, in November 2013 with localised hyperpigmentation of the palmar and dorsal aspects of both hands of two months' duration. Other symptoms included numbness of the hands, anorexia, weight loss, dizziness, fatigability and a sore mouth and tongue. There was no evidence of hypocortisolaemia and a literature search revealed a possible B12 deficiency. The patient had low serum B12 levels and megaloblastic anaemia. An intrinsic factor antibody test was negative. A gastric biopsy revealed chronic gastritis. After B12 supplementation, the patient's symptoms resolved. Family physicians should familiarise themselves with atypical presentations of B12 deficiency. Many symptoms of this deficiency are reversible if detected and treated early.
Background: Postmenopausal females are susceptible to osteoporosis due to clinical manifestations. It not only causes morbidity; but, is considered to strikingly decline quality of life among patients. Among different developing regions, the prevalence rate of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women is alarming in the face of poor management and awareness about its risk factors.
Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of osteoporosis and its known risk factors among postmenopausal women appearing for bone mineral density in Karachi.Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken from the period of "March 2006 to March 2007" in "Aga Khan University hospital", Karachi. A total of 245 females, who came to the radiology department at Aga Khan Hospital for DXA scan, were recruited. All the relevant data was collected through questionnaires. Data analysis was undertaken by using SPSS version 11.5 to generate frequencies and proportion percentages.
Results:The study demonstrated that 99 females (40%) amongst all subjects were osteopenic, 114 females (47%) were osteoporotic; whereas, 32 females (13%) were normal. A decline was observed in bone mineral density with advancing age and duration of menopause. The distribution of osteoporosis was observed to be common in women, who had more children, low BMI, history of prior fractures, history of premature menopause, and were avoiding exercise.
Conclusion:This study confirmed a high frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women. Therefore, early screening is required to detect the decrease in bone mineral density among postmenopausal females to prevent fragility fracture. There is an imperative requirement for vast public awareness in this regard.
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