Underprivileged Area Research Articles

Identity, Creativity and Alienation in the Context of Child and Art

The child avoids reflecting judgment on the specifics of what s/he sees because many things can change in the child’s eyes. The importance of exposing children to art early on and helping them to develop an aesthetic sense cannot, therefore, be overstated. Since they can focus on the details because they cannot grasp the whole, children can be excellent artists. However, many children are hesitant to share their creative thoughts and innovations due to the fact that they are concerned about how others might reflect on them. This study was motivated by the experience of writing a story after taking part in art and aesthetic sessions with elementary school pupils in an underprivileged area. There seem to be many similarities between what kids experience in the real world and the virtual one they create. The research’s findings indicate that children’s loneliness, alienation, and identity issues were reflected in their narratives.

Estimation of calories intake, iron, zinc, and selenium among children of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan.

Malnutrition is one of the most serious community health issues in developing countries. This study estimated total energy intake, Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Calcium (Ca), and Phosphate (PO4) levels among school-going children (aged 13-17 years) of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan. Children from Mithi City, District Tharparkar, were selected for this cross-sectional investigation. Students from various schools from both genders who fulfilled the selection criteria were selected. A questionnaire was filled, and five ml blood samples were taken to analyze blood parameters. Each participant's estimated nutrient intake (ENI) per day was assessed and matched to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) to determine their micro and macronutrient intake. A total of 300 school-going children [150(50%) boys (mean age 15± 0.8 years) and 150(50%) girls (mean age 14±1.3years)] were included in this study. Total calories (1449±949 Kcal vs. 1245±215 Kcal; p < .001), carbohydrates (138±27 gm vs. 126 ±25 gm; p < .001) protein (47±9.1 gm vs. 44±6 gm; p < .001) was significantly higher among boys compared to girls. In contrast, calcium (1094±105 mg vs. 1144±100; 0.004), phosphate 1050±125 vs. 1148±147; p<0.001), iron (9.2±1.7 mg vs. 10±1.3 mg; p<0.001), and Zinc (7.4±1.8 mg vs. 9.9±1.7 mg; p<0.001) intake was significantly higher among girls than boys. Gender-wise comparison of serum metals in school-going children showed that serum iron was significantly lower among girls than boys (100.86±25.65 μg/dl vs. 78.48±28.66 μg/dl; p<0.001), and no difference was found in serum Zn, Se, and Ca levels. Total proteins were also significantly lower among girls than boys (6.48±1.01g/dl vs. 4.87±1.4301g/dl; p<0.001). Serum iron, Ca, and total proteins were significantly lower among girls with normal ranges compared to boys with normal ranges. Total protein was significantly lower among girls below normal ranges than boys with normal ranges (p < .001). The correlation of carbohydrates, protein, and fat with some serum biochemical parameters in school-going children showed that serum Fe was significantly linked with proteins (r = 0.255; p < .0.05). Our findings showed a concurrent shortage of macro and micronutrients. The current study also revealed that total energy intake was lower than the RDA and significant Fe, Zn, and Se deficiencies. The findings highlight the importance of measures aimed at improving children's nutritional status.

Diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults in an urban underprivileged community in Bangalore city, India.

Diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors of cardiovascular disease, which is known to be the leading cause of global mortality in the world today. Studies have shown that the prevalence of these risk factors is on the rise, with the burden of diabetes alone increasing by 80% in the last two decades. Complications of diabetes and hypertension result in huge public health challenges for the country and catastrophic medical expenditures for families among the urban poor. Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk factors among adults in an urban underprivileged community of Bengaluru city. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months where 2245 individuals aged 30 or older were interviewed using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire used to capture sociodemographic details that assessed modifiable risk factors for diabetes and hypertension. Inclusion criteria for diabetes were considered if the random blood sugar reading was ≥200 mg/dL, whereas a diagnosis of hypertension was taken into consideration if the systolic blood pressure reading was ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure was ≥90 mmHg. Among the 2245 participants that took part in the study, 15.5% were diabetics and 17.2% were hypertensive. There was a strong association of diabetes among consumers of alcohol, with more than one-third having a high prevalence of the disease (odds ratio (OR): 2.09, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.1-3.9). More than half the population were consumers of junk food; the prevalence of diabetes in this group was 1.35 times higher than that in their counterparts (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). A significant association of diabetes was also seen among those identified with central obesity (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.4-2.5). One-third of the population who consumed alcohol were found to be diagnosed with hypertension (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.6-5.9), and one-fifth of individuals who were regular consumers of junk food had a higher prevalence of hypertension (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8). A higher prevalence of hypertension was also seen among individuals with central obesity or a body mass index (BMI) of >30 (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.2-2.1; OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.4-2.6). The findings from our study conducted in an urban underprivileged area of Bengaluru city shed light on the significant associations between diabetes and hypertension and various demographic and lifestyle factors. Specifically, male gender and lower educational status were found to have a significant association with diabetes, whereas being unmarried and having a high BMI status were strongly linked to hypertension. In addition, the study revealed that elderly individuals, alcohol consumers, junk food eaters, and those with central obesity demonstrated an increased risk for both diabetes and hypertension. By identifying these risk factors, targeted interventions can be developed to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable section of society. Strategies can be designed to raise awareness, encourage healthier lifestyle choices, and improve access to healthcare services to effectively prevent and manage diabetes and hypertension in this community.

Motivations for Information Communication Technology (ICT) Use in EFL Teaching: An Exploratory Study of Primary School Teachers in Vietnam

Humans can be driven to behave by the perceived values of the behavior, or a certain force and motivation are assumed to be a factor guiding and energizing people’s behaviors. This study aimed to investigate what motivates primary school teachers in an underprivileged area of Vietnam to integrate ICT into their EFL teaching. Seven participants from different primary schools in Daklak, a mountainous province, were recruited to take part in one-on-one interviews that lasted 30 to 40 minutes. The interview guide was constructed by the researcher and sent to experts for feedback. Interviews were carried out in Vietnamese on the Skype platform. They were videotaped and transcribed afterwards. Relevant parts of the interviews were translated into English. The findings revealed four categories of motivations, including instructor-related motives, learner-related motives, accessibility-related motives and the user-friendliness of ICT. Consequently, the research findings provide valuable insights into how to motivate EFL primary school teachers in underpriviledged areas to integrate ICT into their classroom practices, which are beneficial for educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers.

De‐peripheralization and rural land capitalization: An empirical study of a public–private partnership in Zhaoqing, China

AbstractClassical urban geography theories determine the distribution of population, production and economic activities on geospatial features. Under this assumption, peripheral regions are rarely prosperous. Depopulation, weak industrial and employment structure and inefficient and fragmented land use form a negative feedback loop. Within the context of economic revitalization of peripheral area, this paper introduces an innovative Chinese practice on de‐peripheralization on the basis of two months of empirical research on the ‘two‐stage land demutualization reform’ in Zhaoqing, a city located at the peripheries of the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The reform successfully bonds the local stakeholders, stimulates the economy and resolves the land value capturing issue in urbanization. Local farmers in Zhaoqing founded an investment company with agricultural fields demutualized into stock shares and collaborated with the local government in improving local infrastructures and promoting economic investment in the secondary/tertiary sector. An in‐depth profile of the public–private partnership mechanism is collected through semi‐structured interviews conducted with locals. The results of the policy evaluation show that the rural land capitalization and inclusive design of the partnership regime removed the institutional barriers to socio‐economic development and brought attraction to the underprivileged area. The proposed joint development and value sharing policy framework contribute to the literature of institutional renovation for economic de‐peripheralization, especially for practices in land readjustment and zoning, resident resettlement, local employment provision and value capturing.

Religious Tourism and Sustainable Development of the Economy in the Context of Globalization in the Northeast Area of Romania

The present study aims to demonstrate the significance of religious tourism and its impact on both the economy and socio-culture. Religious tourism provides a sacred and spiritual environment that has the potential to shape the motivational state of individuals searching for cultural and religious landmarks and destinations to support their spiritual well-being. Hence, it is imperative to maintain close relationships between religion, culture, and tourism as they play a crucial role in promoting spirituality and human development, particularly in the context of globalization and sustainable economic development. In the latter part of the paper, research was conducted to formulate strategies aimed at the development of religious tourism in the northeast region of Romania, which is an economically underprivileged area with significant untapped tourist potential. The findings suggest that via improvements in infrastructure, the creation of a favorable business environment, enhanced promotion, development of accommodation facilities, and improvement in services, the area can achieve a higher quality of life and sustainable development.

The impact of Allied Health Professionals on the primary and secondary prevention of obesity in young children: A scoping review.

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) have the capacity to promote healthy behaviours in young children through routine 'contact points', as well as structured weight management programmes. This scoping review aims to evaluate the impact of AHPs in the prevention of obesity in young children. Databases were searched for relevant evidence between 1st January 2000 and 17th January 2022. Eligibility criteria included primary evidence (including, but not limited to; randomized controlled trials, observational studies, service evaluations) evaluating the impact of AHPs on the primary and secondary prevention of obesity in young children (mean age under 5 years old). AHP-related interventions typically demonstrated improvements in outcomes such as nutritional behaviour (e.g. lower sweetened drink intake), with some reductions in screen time. However, changes in weight outcomes (e.g. body mass index (BMI) z-score, BMI) in response to an AHP intervention were inconsistent. There was insufficient data to determine moderating effects, however tentative evidence suggests that those with a lower socioeconomic status or living in an underprivileged area may be more likely to lose weight following an AHP intervention. There was no evidence identified evaluating how AHPs use routine 'contact points' in the prevention of obesity in young children. AHP interventions could be effective in optimizing weight and nutritional outcomes in young children. However, more research is required to determine how routine AHP contact points, across the range of professional groups may be used in the prevention of obesity in young children.

Establishing Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit in Underprivileged Area. An Audit of First 100 Cases &amp; Challenges Faced

Nevertheless, congenital anomalies predominantly cardiac are still leading cause of under five-year-old mortality. There is significant global improvement has been observed in declining of under 5-year mortality from 93 deaths per 1,000 births in 1990 to 39 in 2017 (58%).Objective: The aim of this audit was to present our experiences of first hundred cases of congenital heart defects surgeries along with the challenges faced during the establishment of new pediatric cardiac surgery center in underprivileged area. Methods: This was an audit of the first 100 cardiac surgeries performed for congenital heart defects at Gambat Institute of Medical Science from 15- 3- 2021 to1-10-2022. During the period challenges other then related with surgical interventions; more than an investment of money but political, cultural, and social faced. Results: The mean age was 9+/-6.5 years, with female predominance of 57. Sever pulmonary hypertension was present in 6 patients. The majority of our patients were from RACHS1 score category 1. Out of 100 patient open heart surgeries were 89(89%) and close heart were 11(11%). We have single mortality of patient underwent Tetralogy of Fallot correction developed massive stroke and expired at 5th postoperative day. Three patients were re explored for bleeding while one required emergency reopening in PICU for cardiac arrest. Post clamp removal arrhythmias were observed in 7(7%) patients. We received three patients in emergency from Pediatric cardiology post intervention including device embolization, device malposition and acute Mitral regurgitation post intervention. Conclusions: Providing Pediatric cardiac surgery services to the children of remote and socioeconomically deprived area is a greatly rewarding. It has many challenges other than providing direct patient care.

Risk factors of severe anemia among the pregnant women from an underprivileged rural area of northern India: a multivariate analysis

Background: India serves as a home to 45.7% of anemic pregnant women (aged 15-49) with anemia of any grade during the course of their pregnancy. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of anemia and associated risk factors of severe anemia among pregnant women.Methods: Eligible antenatal women irrespective of period of gestation were screened for presence of anemia with help of hemoglobin (Hb) value at the time of admission. Typing of anemia was done. Detailed history was followed by physical examination. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to study the risk factors of severe anemia among the study subjects.Results: Of total, 22.1% women were found to be severely anemic. Severely anemic women having residence in a rural area without road had odds more than twice (AOR=2.14) compared to severely anemic women having residence in a rural area connected with road (p=0.018). Similarly, severely anemic women aged &lt;25 years (AOR=2.70), Illiterate (AOR=3.12), marriage age &lt;18 years (AOR=2.33), having age at 1st pregnancy as &lt;19 years (AOR=1.93), undergone ≤3 ANC visits (AOR=3.95). Anemic women with gravida score ≥4 had more than 4 times risk (AOR=4.15).Conclusions: The significant risk factors of severe anemia among pregnant women as observed in this study were having residence in a rural area without road, age &lt;25 years, illiteracy of mother, marriage age (&lt;18 years in completed years), age at 1st pregnancy as &lt;19 years, ≤3 ANC visits, gravidity ≥4 and non-sanitary type toilet facility at home.

Factors associated with anaemia among preschool- age children in underprivileged neighbourhoods in Antananarivo, Madagascar

BackgroundAnaemia occurs in children when the haemoglobin level in the blood is less than the normal (11 g/dL), the consequence is the decrease of oxygen quantity in the tissues. It is a prevalent public health problem in many low-income countries, including Madagascar, and data on risk factors are lacking. We used existing data collected within the pathophysiology of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) in Madagascar and the Central African Republic project (AFRIBIOTA project) conducted in underprivileged neighbourhoods of Antananarivo to investigate the factors associated with anaemia in children 24 to 59 months of age.MethodsChildren included in the AFRIBIOTA project in Antananarivo for whom data on haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations were available were included in the study. Logistic regression modelling was performed to identify factors associated with anaemia.ResultsOf the 414 children included in this data analysis, 24.4% were found to suffer from anaemia. We found that older children (adjusted OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.98) were less likely to have anaemia. Those with iron deficiency (adjusted OR: 6.1; 95% CI: 3.4–11.1) and those with a high level of faecal calprotectin (adjusted OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4–4.4) were more likely to have anaemia than controls.ConclusionsTo reduce anaemia in the children in this underprivileged area, more emphasis should be given to national strategies that improve children’s dietary quality and micronutrient intake. Furthermore, existing measures should be broadened to include measures to reduce infectious disease burden.

Faire de la grammaire en comparant les langues dans deux CM1 « ordinaires » REP et non REP

La contribution vise à montrer l’intérêt d’activités de comparaison des langues pour la construction de compétences métalinguistiques chez des élèves de cycle 3. Après avoir présenté le « répertoire linguistique » des deux classes de CM1 observées (REP et non REP) grâce à l’analyse des « fleurs des langues » (ELODiL) individuelles des élèves, nous décrivons la mise en œuvre de deux séances de grammaire sur la phrase interrogative mettant en jeu six langues (allemand, anglais, arabe, espagnol, français et turc) : l’analyse présente successivement les classifications proposées par les élèves et les justifications de leurs réponses, l’observation guidée des marques de la phrase interrogative dans les différentes langues et les verbalisations linguistiques au cours des mises en commun. Les différences sociolinguistiques entre les deux classes observées permettent de mettre en évidence les réussites et les difficultés des élèves dans chacun des cas ainsi que les bénéfices de ces activités.

A Preliminary Study on Parenteral Intravenous Iron Sucrose (IVIS) Therapy in Managing Anaemia among Pregnant Women in Primary Care Setting of Rural Haryana

Background: Intravenous iron sucrose (IVIS) therapy is a newly introduced service component for combating moderate anaemia in pregnant women by the Haryana state as a public health measure from the year 2014. Aim: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of IVIS therapy on pregnant females having anaemia who were receiving this therapy in a primary care setting. Method: This prospective study was conducted at a randomly selected rural Primary Health Centre (PHC) in the Nuh district. 138 moderately anaemic females were given the standard form of IVIS therapy. The study subjects were requested to repeat haemoglobin levels after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of receipt of the last dose of therapy. Results: Of the total 154 anaemic pregnant women, 138 (89.6%) were diagnosed to have moderate anaemia. The number of study subjects with moderate anaemia reduced from 138 to 54, (54.54% reduction) when haemoglobin level was measured at the end of 4 weeks (endline). The mean rise in haemoglobin level among moderately anaemic pregnant females was 1.62 g/dL. At the end of 4 weeks (endline), 73.75% of the study subjects achieved normal levels of haemoglobin (from a total of 80 moderately anaemic women measurement). Conclusion: The mean rise in haemoglobin level in moderately anaemic pregnant females was 1.62 g/dL among participants who received IVIS therapy in a primary care setting in an underprivileged area in Haryana state. The women having severe anaemia achieved a better rise in Hb levels.

Seroprevalence of Chikungunya Virus Infection in an Urban Slum Population of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Chikungunya virus is common in Bangladesh. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the post-outbreak seroprevalence of chikungunya virus infection in a Bangladeshi urban slum population. Methodology: From April to May 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Bauniabadh, an underprivileged slum area in Mirpur Thana (subdistrict), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Randomly selected residents of this area were interviewed and screened for chikungunya IgM and IgG antibodies in sera using the immunochromatographic process. Results: Randomly selected 403 residents were recruited of which 200 cases were male and 203 cases were female. Chikungunya seroprevalence was 4.7% cases with males being more vulnerable than females (6.5% vs. 3.0% ). People over the age of 60 years were found to be infected at a higher rate (7.2%) than people between the ages of 18 and 59 years (5.5%) and those in the pediatric age group (1%). During the outbreak, 22% of patients with joint pain and 17% with fever were diagnosed as having chikungunya. Conclusion Urban slum people, especially the elderly, are affected by chikungunya outbreak in Bangladesh characterized by fever and joint pain. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, January 2022;9(1):3-8

People’s Perception Towards Polio and Pulse Polio Immunization in an Underprivileged Area in Bengaluru- A Cross Sectional Study

Background Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease that chiefly affects children under five years of age. The government of India launched the pulse polio immunization PPI program in 1995. India received lsquoPolio free certificatersquo from WHO on 27th March 2014. Even after 27 years of initiation of this programme the awareness among common man regarding poliomyelitis is inadequate. As the polio is in its eradication phase awareness about the features of polio disease and the reason for PPI is diminishing as it has become a routine process. Therefore any new polio infection can become an epidemic without any awareness about it. Objective To assess the perception of people towards polio and PPI in an underprivileged area of Bangalore.Methodology This cross-sectional study was done in early January 2022 prior to the PPI round conducted in February-March 2022 in underprivileged field practice area of Bangalore Medical College.Results Majority of the participants were unaware of poliomyelitis disease and its mode of transmission. Majority were aware about PPI Pulse Polio Immunisation age group of polio vaccination and the main source of information for the participants was television and health workers. About 34th of the individuals were unaware of the purpose of PPI.Conclusion The awareness on polio vaccination in underprivileged population is due to the involvement of health care workers NGOs and publicity in multimedia outlets such as television. But there was a lack of awareness about the features of polio disease and the purpose of the immunization which should be addressed.

Community Members and Dentist Perceptions for Oral Treatment Seeking Behavior in an Underprivileged Area: A Qualitative Study

Background: Antibiotic resistance affects generations. It is a major health issue. Resistance to antibiotics is on the rise globally. The absence of proper regulatory mechanism and free access to pharmaceutical agents have led to self-medication and inappropriate therapeutic and&#x0D; prophylactic prescription.&#x0D; Methods: Qualitative in-depth research was conducted using focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. The study was conducted in an underprivileged colony in Karachi, Pakistan. Community members and Dentist were part of the focus group discussion.&#x0D; Results: There were two major themes that emerged from the analysis. ‘Knowledge associated with common oral diseases and their consequences’ and ‘Home remedies and treatment seeking behavior’. The focus group discussions showed that the perceptions of community members and dentists was based on bad oral hygiene, lack of awareness of oral disease outcome and barriers in pursuing treatment by dentist There was a lack of Government healthcare facilities and poor professional attitudes and futile law enforcement regarding medicine dispensing and disposal.&#x0D; Conclusion: The value of this study is to understand the perceptions and determinants of health seeking behavior and recognize the reasons for use and misuse of antibiotics. There is a great need for Government intervention and inexpensive treatment for the masses.

Appraisal of Effectiveness of Technology in Rural and Underprivileged Area Using some Parametric Indicators

Appraisal of Effectiveness of Technology in Rural and Underprivileged Area Using some Parametric Indicators

Improving students’ academic performance and reducing conflicts through family involvement in primary school learning activities: a Mexican case study

ABSTRACT Research shows that family involvement in learning activities at school improves students’ academic performance and social cohesion. This study analyses the impact of involving families through interactive groups, dialogic literary gatherings and tutored library in a Mexican primary school in a highly underprivileged urban area, within the framework of the Schools as Learning Communities (SaLeaCom), project in Latin America. Using communicative methodology, data were collected through interviews (school principal and members of the non-profit Vía Educación which manages the project locally), focus groups (mothers, teachers and students), observations in classes, internal school reports and the comparative results of the national 2015 and 2018 standardised tests. Results show a drastic improvement in academic performance, surpassing the national average in mathematics and language by 15% and 5% respectively, and reducing conflicts in 61%. This provides evidence of how academic success and social cohesion are possible in a Mexican school like the one studied.

Behavioral and Psychological attributes of the smokeless tobacco consumers in Karachi

Background: Prevalence of smokeless tobacco (ST) consumption has been observed worldwide in the twentieth century, especially in Asian and African countries, with estimated 47% ST consumers in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential rationale of individuals for ST-initiation and various behavioural and psychological attributes of ST-consumers.&#x0D; Methodology: The study was conducted in an underprivileged area of Surjani town, West district of Karachi, Pakistan. 150 study participants were selected for the study, in which consumers of the current ST consumers (Betel nuts, Gutka and Oral Snuff) were recruited. In contrast, the individuals not taking ST served as controls. Individuals with smoking, any other type of addiction, medications for any chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes), or having any other behavioural/psychological problems were excluded from the study. A structured questionnaire was designed to evaluate the level of stress (Modified Hassles scale), addiction, and nicotine dependence. The participants were explained about the purpose of the study and the interviews were conducted by personal meet-up in their homes. Data was collected and analyzed via SPSS version 16.0.&#x0D; Results: Curiosity and peer pressure appeared to be among the most important factors for ST consumption initiation. 25% of ST consumers were found to be at the end stage of addiction, while 36% categorized to be in the second stage of addiction. Irritation, Anger, Headache and laziness were among the most prevalent types of feelings experienced by the study participants. The reduced stress levels in ST consumers compared to the controls were due to their euphoric condition attributed to the ST. Approximately 30% of the consumers were categorized to have an increased risk of obesity.&#x0D; Conclusion: As a readily available and affordable addictive agent, smokeless tobacco consumption has been raised in Pakistan more than in the west. Smokeless tobacco consumption-initiation has been linked to increased curiosity and peer pressure.

OBESITY, HYPERTRIGLYCERIDAEMIA AND ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION ARE RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION IN SOUTH AFRICAN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract Objective: Obesity, dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammation are suggested to be risk factors of hypertension in adolescents. Though reports suggest relationship between hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, the exact role of the former in hypertension has not been clarified. Thus, this study assessed the relationship between hypertension, metabolic syndrome and vascular function in South African adolescents. Design and method: Two hundred and thirty four adolescents (234) aged 13–16 years were recruited from schools around Mthatha, an under-privileged area of South Africa. Measures of obesity, lipid profile as well as endothelial function indices (PWV, nitric oxide (NO) and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA)) were determined and assessed for association with blood pressure parameters. Results: More than one third of adolescents, both males and females, were pre-hypertensive or hypertensive (39%) and obese (32%). Almost half of all adolescents were identified as being at risk of hypertension, either through obesity or hypertriglyceridemia as these measures were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in pre-hypertensive/hypertensive (pre-HT/HT) subjects compared to normotensive subjects. More so, pre-HT/HT was associated with measures of obesity. Endothelial dysfunction may have influenced pre-HT/HT and vice versa as PWV greater than 50 percentile was associated with SBP while ADMA was associated with DBP. On the other hand, pre-HT/HT was associated with NO. PWV and ADMA both showed and independent relationship with hypertension. Conclusions: This finding suggests that obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and endothelial dysfunction are risk factors of hypertension in Adolescents living in Mthatha. Hence the need for lifestyle changes to prevent development of cardiovascular diseases later on in life.

Obesity among the urban poor: Evidence from a community-based study among adults residing in an underprivileged area of Bengaluru city, India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity is increasing among the urban poor and is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and determinants of obesity among adults over the age of 30 years in an underprivileged community of Bengaluru city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an underprivileged area of Southern Bangalore. Sociodemographic details, diet, and lifestyle risk factors were assessed by a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference were recorded and World Health Organization Asian cutoffs for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were used. The Chi-square and Fischer exact tests were used, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval calculated by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2244 participants in the study, 60.8% were obese and 14.7% were overweight. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 79.2% and was significantly higher among women than among men (P CONCLUSION: Our study in an urban underprivileged area of Bengaluru city found a high prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce obesogenic environments in urban underprivileged areas, improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, behavior change communication and screening for diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia among the urban poor, considering the high levels of obesity in this population.