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digitalisering@umu

The prevalence of obesity and associated medical conditions amongst Indian patients attending an urban Indian general practice in Phoenix was investigated. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and checklists. All obese patients, 18 years of age and older, who attended the Researcher's general practice were interviewed and examined, personally, by the Researcher. The study was conducted over a period of three months. In respect of identifying medical conditions associated with obesity, information from patients' records in the Researcher's general practice was utilized and where this was not available, a questionnaire to identify the aforementioned medical conditions, was administered to the patient. Data were collected, entered onto a collation sheet and analysed manually. The prevalence rate of obesity for males and females was found to be 4% and 13% respectively. The majority (88%) of obese subjects were married and were housewives. A large number (81%) had received a low level of education. The majority (91%) did not smoke. Most (95%) did not consume any alcohol. The majority of obese subjects (70%) came from families consisting of between four and seven persons. Most were in the third and fourth decades of their lives (65%), and engaged in very little physical activity. The majority (70%) had a diet consisting mainly of carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates. Dyspnoea was the most commonly occurring medical condition in these subjects (32%). Next ranked osteoarthrosis (23%); then varicose veins (10%); depression (10%); hypertension (9%); anxiety (6%); diabetes niellitus (4%); flat feet (2%); hernia (2%) and ischaemic heart disease (2%). Obesity is associated with much morbidity. Efforts should be directed towards preventive measures as well as identifying and treating those obese persons who are at risk of developing obesity - associated diseases. / Thesis (M.Med.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1986.

Introduction: Potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) have been defined as the prescribing of medications where the risk of adverse outcomes outweighs the benefit to patients. Some medications pose a greater risk than others. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiplatelets, and anticoagulants are among the top offenders for preventable drug-related ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths. Methods: Data were collected through a retrospective electronic/paper chart review for all patients prescribed a target medication in two family medicine clinics in Winnipeg, Manitoba from June 2012 to June 2013. Results: The presence of at least one PIP was identified in 198 of 567 patients (35%). The most common PIP was the use of an oral NSAID with one or more gastrointestinal bleed risk factor without adequate gastro-protection. Conclusion: With over one-third of patients using NSAIDs, antiplatelets, and anticoagulants potentially inappropriately, a greater focus on improving prescribing practices with these higher-risk medications is warranted.

This project was undertaken to analyze a system of computer programs developed to document and evaluate student resident experience. An eight month trial period using data from eleven second and third year Family Practice Residents provided the basis of evaluation.An analysis of usefulness of this system in the routine operation of a Family Practice Residency is made. In addition, recommendations for specific changes and improvements are presented. / Department of Physiology and Health Science

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are deemed to be safer than tobacco cigarettes because they do not contain a number of toxicants and carcinogens that are present in tobacco cigarettes. However, their long-term health effects are unknown. Despite concerns surrounding this, there has been a rapid market penetration of e-cigarettes worldwide. South Africa has no legislation which specifically controls the marketing, sale and use of e-cigarettes and concerns have been raised over the increasing use of e-cigarettes by youth, who are often attracted to these novel products. This study is one of the first studies to explore the knowledge and perceptions of ecigarettes in South Africa. A qualitative approach was used to explore young adults’ perceptions, attitudes and behaviour related to e-cigarettes and assess the factors that shape those perceptions. The sources from which the participants accessed e-cigarette-related information were also explored. The study was conducted at the University of Cape Town and participants were registered male and female students at the university. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were used to collect data and thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. The results show that participants generally perceived e-cigarettes as healthier than tobacco cigarettes despite showing limited knowledge of the chemical constituents of e-cigarette liquid. Rather, the majority of the participants felt e-cigarettes were safer because of the pleasant smell. A pleasant smell from e-cigarettes was associated with health and the unpleasant smell was associated with danger. E-cigarettes were also viewed as a symbol of social status. The study recommends that e-cigarette awareness should be increased, and e-cigarettes should be regulated as tobacco products to alter the perception that they are safe.