Falls and other geriatric syndromes in Blantyre, Malawi: a community survey of older adults

Background The prevalence of geriatric syndromes (falls, immobility, intellectual or memory impairment, and incontinence) is unknown in many resource-poor countries. With an aging population such knowledge is essential to develop national policies on the health and social needs of older people. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary survey to explore the prevalence of falls and other geriatric syndromes and their association with known risk factors in people aged > 60 years in urban Blantyre, Malawi. Methods This was a cross-sectional, community survey of adults aged > 60 years. Subjects were recruited at home or in the waiting areas of chronic care clinics. They were interviewed to complete a questionnaire on ageassociated syndromes and comorbid problems. The Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests were carried out. Results Ninety-eight subjects were studied; 41% reported falling in the past 12 months, 33% of whom (13% of all subjects) were recurrent fallers. Twenty-five percent reported urine incontinence, 66% self-reported memory difficulties, and 11% had an AMT score < 7. A history of falling was significantly associated with urine incontinence (p=0.01), selfreported memory problems (p=0.004) and AMT score < 7 (p=0.02). Conclusions Geriatric syndromes, including falls, appear to be prevalent in older people in Blantyre, Malawi. Falling is associated with cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence. There is an urgent need for more understanding of geriatric problems in this setting to develop national policies on health and social needs of older people. It is likely that many of the contributory factors to falls would be amenable to multifactorial interventions similar to those found to be effective in developed countries.

FEEDING AND DIABETES MELLITUS: PERCEPTION AND FOOD CONSUMPTION BY ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE HINTERLANDS OF PERNAMBUCO

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of diabetes diet and identify factors that may interfere with the adherence to nutritional therapy and food choices of participants in a Community Center for the Elderly in Sairé, PE. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, which evaluated 39 attendees of that center, from July to August 2014, with or without diabetes mellitus. Two questionnaires were applied to assess socioeconomic data, nutrition knowledge and cultural factors, and check the consumption of food with high and low glycemic index. Data was analyzed using the Assistat Program 7.0 Beta version. Results: The majority of the respondents have knowledge about types of foods that may influence the treatment of diabetes mellitus, as 51.2% (n=20) reported knowing some food that can reduce the risk for diabetes onset or assist in its treatment. Most of the participants reported having acquired such knowledge through the television 35% (n=7) and conversation with peers 35% (n=7). Evaluation of the food intake evidenced higher consumption of foods with high glycemic index. However, among diabetic patients, foods with low glycemic index are consumed more times per week. Conclusion: The knowledge about nutrition and diabetes mellitus was considered adequate, but socioeconomic and cultural factors may interfere in the adherence to diet therapy for diabetes or in the food choices made by the individuals. However, food consumption was considered appropriate among diabetics.

Prevalence, severity and risk factors of allergic disorders among people in south India.

Background: Allergic disorders are not usually life-threatening conditions but they impair the person’s ability to function. It thus adversely affects the psychological wellbeing and quality of life. These implications of allergic disorders can be minimized if strategies are planned for its early identification followed by appropriate interventions. Objectives: To find out the prevalence and risk factors of allergic disorders. Methods: Data was collected by house to house survey among participants aged 18 years and above using a standardized allergy assessment questionnaire. Results: Mean age of the 400 participants was 42.8±14.7 years. Majority 105(26.2%) were in the age group 36 to 45 years. Majority were females 287(71.7%) and were house wives 217(54.2%). Majority of participants were of upper socio economic class 98(44.7%) out of 219 and majority were from urban areas 326(81.5%). The prevalence of allergy among participants was found to be 115(28.7%). Out of these 115, 37(32.2%) had possibility of allergy, 60(52.2%) had probability of allergy and the rest 18(15.6%) had very high likelihood for allergy. People residing in semi urban areas had increased risk of allergy (p=0.024) than those from urban areas. The prevalence of asthma was 30(7.5%) and skin allergy was 23(5.8%). Most common precipitating factors for allergy were dust exposure 103(25.8%) followed by seasonal changes 71(17.8%). Family history of allergy was associated with allergy among participants (p<0.001). Usage of firewood was associated with symptoms of respiratory allergy among participants (p=0.01). Conclusion: The study revealed some important determinants of allergic disorders which have important implications to frame appropriate prevention and health educational strategies.