OAR@UM Collection:

Family screening and the psychosocial implications of Coeliac disease

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Family screening and the psychosocial implications of Coeliac disease Authors: Gauci, Zachary; Attard, Abigail; Schembri, John; Ellul, Pierre Abstract: BACKGROUND: Screening of first-degree relatives of patients with coeliac disease is recommended, though evidence on the frequency of repeat screening is lacking. Diagnosis of a chronic condition can have psychosocial implications. The aims of this study were to determine the proportion of first-degree relatives of patients who were screened and diagnosed with coeliac disease, as well as to determine the impact of the condition on their quality of life.; METHODS: Patients diagnosed histologically at Mater Dei Hospital in Malta, between May 2009 and December 2018, were asked regarding family screening and a questionnaire was used to assess the effects of coeliac disease on their quality of life (n=96, 79% female, mean age: 46, 29.2% asymptomatic).; RESULTS: 11.4% of tested first-degree relatives were diagnosed with coeliac disease, despite only 31.7% (165/520) of first-degree relatives having undergone routine screening at least once and only 3.1% (16/520) having undergone multiple screening tests. 77% of index cases felt that other people do not understand their dietary needs. 38.5% avoid social activities because of their dietary requirements. 76% experience difficulty in finding something suitable to eat when not at home. Importantly, 83.3% claimed significantly increased costs.; CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CD in first-degree relatives of index CD patients is higher than that of the general population. However, a greater emphasis needs to be employed in ensuring serological screening of the at-risk groups.

Early antibiotic exposure linked to childhood obesity

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Early antibiotic exposure linked to childhood obesity Abstract: Childhood obesity is a predisposing factor for adult obesity and both are major health problems in most countries, including Malta. Moreover, the widespread and, often inappropriate, use of antibiotics has also long been cited as another health problem in Malta, usually in association with the increasing risk of antibiotic-resistance and the potential emergence of ‘superbugs’. Yet both these problems - obesity and the overuse of antibiotics – are interlinked, whereby early exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of those children becoming overweight or obese. This association, although previously documented in various large studies overseas, is under-appreciated locally. Yet the same association was reported in a smaller local study on 3-7 year olds in 2020, by Dr Marwa Khaled Grada at the University of Malta. Dr Grada showed a significant association between antibiotic use and increased childhood BMI (p=0.001), and, in this study, the use of antibiotics during infancy was found to be the best predictor of BMI.

Influence of knee osteoarthritis on physical function, quality of life and pain in elderly people

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Influence of knee osteoarthritis on physical function, quality of life and pain in elderly people Authors: Javanshir, Khodabakhsh; Pourali, Mahbobeh; Bakhtiari, Afsaneh Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis is the most common age-related joint disease, affecting more than 80% of the elderly, and it is one of the main reasons for outpatient visits elderly in the hospital. Data about physical function and its correlation to quality of life (QOL) and some clinical variables in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Iranian elderly is limited.; METHOD: A cross-sectional study composed of 332 patients with KOA was conducted. KOA were diagnosed based on the clinical criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. QOL, disability, and pain were assessed using the SF-36, the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) index, and VAS scale. For statistical analysis we used X2, Independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation.; RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68.35±5.51 years, of which 213 (64.2%) were women. QOL domains were significantly associated with disability in all three domains of pain, stiffness and function (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was also found between the QOL domains and the VAS pain (p<0.001). QOL was lower and the disability and pain intensity was higher in women than in men. A weak correlation was shown between some QOL domains and BMI. Age, comorbidity, polypharmacy and sedentary leisure time were associated with lower QOL scores.; CONCLUSION: Individual differences in predictors of QOL and function suggest KOA management strategies should be individualized based on patient characteristics.

Suitability and uptake of vaccines in the last 4 weeks among child participants of a health screening campaign

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Suitability and uptake of vaccines in the last 4 weeks among child participants of a health screening campaign Authors: Devaraj, Navin Kumar Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Vaccine can be described as a tool available to parents to protect their infants and children from potentially deadly diseases. It can prevent deaths and save lives at the same time. This study was aimed at the suitability and uptake of vaccines in the last 4 weeks among child participants of a health screening campaign.; METHODS: A cross-sectional, prospective observational study was conducted at two communities through health campaign. A validated and self-administered questionnaire that includes two sections on socio-demographic details and a section on child vaccination practices was used. Statistical Package for Social Sciences v26.0 was used for data analysis.; RESULTS: The mean age is 50.1±22.7 years. Majority were females (68.3%), of Chinese ethnicity (21.7%), married (73.3%) and not employed (75.0%). Majority had none or primary level of education only (60.0%). Majority of the children were suitable to receive vaccine i.e. 58/60 or 96.7%.; CONCLUSION: The uptake of children in receiving vaccine is high. This augurs well for a nation keen to have healthy citizens that can spur the economy.