Relationship between musculoskeletal discomfort and cell phone use among young adults: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Cell phone usage is highly prevalent among young adults. They are used for multiple purposes including communication, studies, social networking and entertainment. However, its excessive usage has been associated with adverse health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to find the association of cell phone usage with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and its associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on young adult students from a low-middle income country over a period of 3 months from December 2018 to February 2019. A structured questionnaire based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH scoring) was used to record the musculoskeletal discomfort.

RESULTS

Out of 803 questionnaires, data of 754 (94%) were entered and the remaining questionnaires (n = 49) were discarded due to incomplete answers. The mean age was 20.83 (1.62) years. In our study, there were 194 (25.7%) males and 560 (74.3%) female participants. Neck and shoulder were the most frequently affected regions. A significant difference in QuickDASH score was observed between genders (p-value p ≤ 0.001). Left-handed individuals scored significantly higher on QuickDASH score compared to right-handed individuals (p < 0.05). Increased musculoskeletal discomfort was reported by individuals with daily cell phone use of more than four hours (p < 0.05). A positive significant correlation was found between continuous one hour cell-phone use and higher mean QuickDASH scores (correlation coefficient 0.124, p value 0.001). Shorter eye-to-screen distance was significantly associated with MSD (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Musculoskeletal discomfort is associated with the female gender, duration of cell phone use and a small eye-to-screen distance.

Correlation of Serum Thiamine with Physical and Biochemical Parameters among Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Thiamine or vitamin B1 is a fundamental vitamins and minerals and enzyme cofactor that are needed for most of the anabolic and catabolic reaction that occurs in organisms. Deficiency of Thiamine has been associated with numerous complications in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Therefore, this study was intended to assess various biochemical and anthropometric parameters with serum thiamine levels in patients with type I and type II diabetes. Methodology: This was a case-control study carried out in outpatient department (OPD) of Diabetes Department of Jinnah post graduate medical institute, Karachi by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. This study comprised of 6 months duration after approval of synopsis. A total of 60 participants with type I and II diabetes mellitus of both genders with age < 25 to > 46 years were selected; 30 participants with type I diabetes whereas 30 participants had type II diabetes. The Pearson’s correlation test was used to interpret correlation between thiamine levels and height, weight, heart rate, temperature, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, creatinine, urea in type I and II diabetic patients. Results: The results showed that among type I diabetics, none of the patient characteristics studied were significantly correlated with the thiamine levels of these patients. On the other hand, among type II diabetics, significantly negative correlation was observed between height and thiamine level (p=0.045) where patients with greater height had lower thiamine level and vice versa. Moreover, both heart rate and total cholesterol were marginally insignificantly correlated with thiamine level (p=0.065 and p=0.069), respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that all anthropometric and biochemical parameters were insignificantly correlated with thiamine levels in type I and II diabetes patients. However, height had significant negative correlation with the thiamine level among type II diabetics reflecting patients with more height had lower thiamine level.

Association of Age, Gender and Type of Diabetes with Thiamine Level: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Objective: Diabetes Mellitus has been observed to be related with low thiamine levels in the body, as it affects directly on carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, this study was intended to assessdemographic characteristics and serum thiamine levels in type I and type II diabetic patients and healthy control group. Methodology: This was a case-control study carried out in diabetic outpatient department (OPD) of Urban Health Center and New Karachi, Hospital. The duration of the study was about six months after approval of synopsis. The study sample included 90 participants and divided into three groups, 30 participants each in the control, type I diabetes and type II diabetes groups. Patients with type I and II diabetes mellitus of both genders with age < 25 to > 46 years were included in the study. One Way ANOVA was applied to find out the significance of differences among the groups. Results: The study results showed that out of 90 participants, 33(36.7%) were males and 57(63.3%) were females; 1(1.1%) of them had low thiamine level, 17(18.9%) had normal thiamine level whereas 72(80.0%) had high thiamine level. It was observed that significant association found between thiamine levels and age groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, 18(60.0%) had Low/Normal thiamine level and 12(40.0%) had high thiamine level in type I diabetes patients while 30(100%) in control group and Type II Diabetic patients had high thiamine level with significant association between them (p<0.001). On the other hand, an insignificant association was found between gender and low and high thiamine levels (p=0.743). Conclusion: This study concluded that both the age and group types were significantly associated with thiamine levels of the participants. Furthermore, type I Diabetes patients had significantly lower thiamine levels as compared to type II Diabetes and controls. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship of gender with thiamine levels.

Influence of dietary practices on Blood pressure: comparison between house wives and employed women

OBJECTIVE

To compare the occurrence and to determine relationship of dietary practices with hypertension between housewives and working women..

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted at Karachi University and Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from January to April 2015, and comprised working women and housewives who were enrolled using convenient sampling. Data was collected on consumption of fruits, vegetables, poultry/fish and fast food. Blood pressure and body mass index were noted and interpreted according to World Health Organisation classification for Asian population. Normal reference range of blood pressure was taken as Systolic100-120mmHg, Diastolic 60-90 mmHg, and mean value as 120/80mmHg. Data analysis was done using SPSS17.

RESULTS

There were 600 subjects; with 300(50%) housewives and as many working women. Mean age of housewives was 35.56}7.53 years, and that of employed women 35.44}6.65 years. Among the housewives, 96(32%) had normal blood pressure while the corresponding number in the other group was 198(66%) (p<0.001). In terms of relationship body mass index with hypertension, out of the 204(68%) hypertensive housewives, 90(44.1%) were overweight, and of the 102 hypertensive working women, 40(39.23%) had normal weight range. Most housewives reported a sedentary lifestyle as opposed to working women (p<0.001)..

CONCLUSIONS

Being a housewife was in itself found to be a contributing factor in hypertensive disorders.

Study on awareness of osteoporosis and its associated risk factors among housewives and working women in Karachi

OBJECTIVE

To compare awareness of osteoporosis and its associated risks among working women and housewives.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Karachi University and Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from January to April 2015, and comprised working women and housewives who were enrolled using convenience sampling. Data was collected on awareness, dairy, fruit, vegetable, poultry/fish consumption as well as exercise, diagnosis and treatment taken for deficiency of vitamin D. Weight, height and body mass index were noted. Analysis was done using SPSS 17.

RESULTS

Of the 600 participants, 300(50%) were housewives and 300(50%) were working women. Significant differences were observed in marriage years, number of children and income (p <0.05). Body mass index of groups demonstrated that more working women were within normal range weight than housewives (p<0.05). Fewer housewives had awareness about osteoporosis and the majority of them had a sedentary lifestyle (p<0.001). More housewives were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency and were prescribed for treatment (p<0.001). Dairy and vegetable consumption was found comparable while fruits and poultry/ fish intake was better in working women (p<0.05). Since the subjects in both groups had no regular exercise programme, therefore the overall results were insignificant (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater number of working women had awareness of osteoporosis.

Dietary practices and severity of depression. Comparative study among housewives and working women in Karachi

OBJECTIVE

To compare levels of depression and locate difference in effects of dietary practices on depression severity in housewives and working women.

METHODS

This comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Karachi and the Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from January to April 2015. Convenient sampling method was used. Participants included educated women, comprising housewives and working women aged 35-45 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data about participants' dietary habits. Depression levels were recorded through Patient Health Questionnaire-9 questionnaire. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 600 participants, 300(50%) were housewives and 300(50%) were working women. The mean age of housewives was 35.56±7.53 years and that of working women was 35.44±6.65 years (p=0.827). Study outcomes revealed that dietary habits influenced severity of depression. In none/minimal category, most women in both study groups were those who were taking 3 meals [18(14.5%) housewives and 114(52.8%) working women], 8 or more glasses of water [16(16%) housewives and 94(48%) working women]and fast food rarely[20(12%) housewives and76(44.7%) working women]. A high number of women with minimal depression were witnessed among participants who rarely consumed vegetables [16(13.1%) housewives and 50(42.4%) working women]. Considering overall depression, a large number of housewives showed moderate depression, i.e. 156(52%). On the contrary, the number of working women showing minimal depression was 142(47.3%) compared to 30(17.4%) housewives (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although housewives were more depressed than working women, the highest number of participants with none or minimal depression in both study groups were those who had better dietary practices.

Comparison Of Dietary Practices And Body Mass Index Among Educated Housewives And Working Women In Karachi

BACKGROUND

Body Mass Index (BMI) is considered as a major determinant of health. The objective of study was to find out differences between dietary practices, as well as BMI in educated housewives and working woman. It is supposed that both study groups may have difference in work pressures with resultant diverse preferences for food. This can affect health status particularly in relation to obesity in women. Furthermore, we selected participants with 14 years' education expecting basic awareness of healthful diet.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study had a convenient sampling method and sample size of 600 with 300 house wives and 300 working women, aged 35-45 years. Dietary habits were recorded by interview. Body Mass Index was calculated by standard formula, and results obtained by Chi-Square using SPSS-17.

RESULTS

Working women had healthier dietary practices. Number of meals, fruits, fish/ poultry and water consumption was better in working mothers with significant p-value <0.00.1. Intake of vegetables and fast food was found similar. BMI comparison showed that majority of housewives were noted as overweight whereas working women showed normal weight (p-value <0.001). Most housewives responded that they have a sedentary life style as opposed to working women p-value <0.001. Self- assessment of diet quality was comparable as it was mentioned moderate by most of the participants, however more working females accepted that they need to improve their diet and would need expert advice.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthier BMI, active life style and better dietary habits were witnessed in working women as compared to housewives.