ETD Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/104


Please note: Digitised content is made available at the best possible quality range, taking into consideration file size and the condition of the original item. These restrictions may sometimes affect the quality of the final published item. For queries regarding content of ETD collection please contact IR specialists by email : IR specialists or Tel : 011 717 4652 / 1954

Follow the link below for important information about Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Library Guide about ETD

Browse

Filters

20121

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Moodley, NishilaSubject: search.filters.subject.Metabolic Diseases

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Cardio-metabolic disease and associated risk factors in the Johannesburg Health District
    (2012-01-17) Moodley, Nishila
    Introduction: The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has long been neglected, with the omission of NCDs from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) bearing testament to this. The growing prevalence of chronic cardio-metabolic diseases in South Africa places huge demands on the health system. This study sought to determine the community prevalence of these cardio-metabolic diseases and associated risk factors in Chiawelo, Soweto – a township undergoing rapid urbanization in the Johannesburg Health District. Methods: The study comprised 337 participants: 124 male and 213 female. This was a community based cross sectional survey using questionnaires, anthropometric and biochemical measurement of HbA1c. Cluster sampling techniques identified eligible adult participants. Regression models were performed to identify factors associated with disease. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand and written informed consent was obtained from the participants. Results: The study population was black with middle to higher socio-economic status and education levels below Grade 12 mostly. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in this study population was 14%, with many undiagnosed and those with disease poorly controlled. More than half the study population had hypertension (HPT) (58%) and most were poorly controlled. This was a markedly obese population (39%) with 54% of women having a body mass index (BMI) categorised as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Conclusions: The burden of chronic cardio-metabolic diseases in the Johannesburg Health District has been grossly underestimated. The prevalence of HPT and DM was high and both diseases were poorly controlled with obesity reaching epidemic proportions. Countering the burden of disease involves targeting females as a high risk priority group, engaging the community in health promotion and developing a NCD surveillance system. Clinically, it is the findings of this study to support the screening of cardio-metabolic diseases from as early as 30 years of age in males and 40 years of age in females.