Cross-sectional study of the association between diet and physical inactivity with obesity, diabetes and hypertension among older adults in Sierra Leone

Objective
To examine the association between behavioural risk factors and their physiological sequelae among adults aged 40 and above in Bo District, Sierra Leone.

Design
Cross-sectional study.

Setting
Household survey in Bo District, Sierra Leone.

Participants
The study included 1978 randomly sampled adults aged 40 and above (44.4% male and 55.6% female). The majority of participants were aged 40–49 years (34.5%). Data were collected using a household survey based on the validated WHO STEPs questionnaire.

Methods
Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine associations between behavioural risk factors (diet, physical activity and salt intake) and the presence of hypertension, diabetes and/or obesity, adjusting for sociodemographic variables.

Primary outcome measure
The primary outcomes were the presence of hypertension, diabetes or overweight/obesity. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 (measured); diabetes as fasting glucose of ≥7.0 mmol/L, random plasma glucose level of ≥11.1 mmol/L or the use of antidiabetic medications (self-reported) and overweight/obesity as having a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m² (measured).

Results
At least one physiological risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, that is, hypertension, obesity or diabetes, was present in 43.5% of participants. Hypertension was associated with urban living (OR=1.46, 95% CI (1.41 to 1.51)), older age (OR for 80+=3.98, 95% CI (3.70 to 4.28)), insufficient fruit and vegetable intake (OR=1.52, 95% CI (1.46 to 1.60)) and low physical activity (OR=1.35, 95% CI (1.27 to 1.43)). Diabetes was associated with urban residence (OR=1.84, 95% CI (1.66 to 2.05)), older age (OR for 70–79=3.82, 95% CI (3.28 to 4.45)), low fruit and vegetable consumption (OR=1.61, 95% CI (1.36 to 1.90)), high salt intake (OR=1.34, 95% CI (1.21 to 1.49)) and low physical activity (OR=1.47, 95% CI (1.26 to 1.71)). Obesity was associated with urban living (OR=1.66, 95% CI (1.59 to 1.72)), high salt intake from two or more sources (OR=1.21, 95% CI (1.17 to 1.25)) and low physical activity (OR=1.30, 95% CI (1.22 to 1.39)). Male sex (OR=0.37, 95% CI (0.36 to 0.38)) and older age (OR for 80+=0.39, 95% CI (0.35 to 0.43)) were protective factors.

Conclusions
In Bo District, nearly half of adults over 40 face hypertension, diabetes or obesity, especially urban dwellers, older age groups and those eating too few fruits and vegetables, consuming excess salt and getting little exercise. Public health efforts should focus on urban-targeted nutrition education, salt-reduction strategies, community exercise programmes and routine blood pressure and glucose screening, working with local leaders to ensure sustainable lifestyle changes and early disease detection.

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Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation

Although national guidelines have recommended colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for nearly 3 decades, only about 72% of adults aged 50 to 74 years are up to date on screening. Persistent underuse of CRC screening presents an opportunity for applying the principles of implementation science to improve appropriate screening practices. The primary care setting is an ideal focus for these efforts. Before patients complete a primary care appointment, their eligibility for CRC should be ascertained, they should be informed about screening options, and testing should be ordered for those who are interested.

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Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening

Despite a significant decline in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality over the past several decades in the US, CRC remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Most of these deaths could be prevented if the 42% of Americans aged 45 to 75 years who are not up to date with screening would participate. There is strong evidence supporting screening with lower intestinal endoscopy (ie, colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) or repeated rounds of occult blood–based stool screening tests. These screening tests are effective in detecting cancer at early, curable stages as well as preventing cancer through detection and removal of advanced precancerous lesions, including adenomas and serrated colorectal lesions. Despite public awareness campaigns, organized screening (eg, programmatic mailed stool-based tests), and patient decision aids and navigation, participation is suboptimal, and closing the screening gap remains elusive. This gap may result from reluctance to complete screening due to inconvenience, discomfort, embarrassment, aversion to handling stool, or fear of complications. The ideal CRC screening test would be noninvasive and acceptable to those being screened, be highly sensitive for both early cancer and advanced precancerous lesions, have excellent specificity, and be widely accessible. All of the currently available CRC screening test options fall short of this ideal in at least 1 way, limiting their effectiveness. Thus, there is an ongoing search for more agreeable screening test options.

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Are diabetes and blood sugar control associated with the diagnosis of eye diseases? An English prospective observational study of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and cataract diagnosis trajectories in older age

Background
The growing global burden of diabetes suggests a currently unrealised growth in prevalence of eye disease. This prospective observational study addresses gaps in evidence of blood sugar control as a risk factor for the diagnosis of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and cataract using waves 2–9 (2004–2019) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Methods
Logistic regression modelling is used to predict the probability of self-reported diagnosis of four eye conditions separately over a 14-year period in a community-dwelling sample in England. Analysis of approximately 29 000 person observations over eight study waves from around 5600 participants for each eye disease is conducted with an average of 5.7 waves per participant. Participants’ baseline blood sugar control is categorised as non-diabetic (diabetes not previously diagnosed and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)

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Adjunctive dobutamine in patients with septic cardiomyopathy and tissue hypoperfusion: a blinded randomised controlled multicentre trial study protocol of the ADAPT-dobutamine trial

Introduction
Sepsis-induced left ventricular (LV) dysfunction participates in cardiovascular dysfunction and associated organ failure in patients with septic shock. The tested hypothesis is that dobutamine will reduce tissue hypoperfusion and secondary organ dysfunction in increasing oxygen delivery in fluid-filled patients with septic shock and associated symptomatic septic cardiomyopathy with documented low-flow state.

Methods and analysis
ADAPT–Dobutamine is a blinded, two parallel group, add-on, multicentre, randomised 1:1 and placebo-controlled trial. Patients will be included if hospitalised in the intensive care unit with septic shock (Sepsis-3 definition) and septic cardiomyopathy, identified using echocardiography (LV ejection fraction ≤40% and LV outflow tract velocity–time integral 130 bpm, severe ventricular arrhythmia, obstructive cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, ongoing acute coronary syndrome and indication for extracorporeal life support. Primary outcome will be the evolution of a modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (excluding the neurologic system) during the initial intensive care unit stay encompassing screening (before randomisation), and from Day 1 to 3 after randomisation. Randomisation will be stratified on participating centres and previously documented heart failure (ejection fraction ≤40%). The use of open-labelled Dobutamine as a rescue therapy will be allowed in refractory shock based on strict clinical requirements. The use of alternative inotropes will not be allowed.

Ethics and dissemination
Approved by the Comité de Protection des Personnes Nord-Ouest IV from Lille (France) on 19 December 2019 (approval reference #19.04.05.36321). The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented in various congresses.

Trial registration number
NCT04166331.

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Dextrans as anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents: protocol for a scoping review

Introduction
Haemostasis, a process involving platelet activation, platelet aggregation and coagulation, poses intricate clinical challenges for clinicians. There remains significant national variability in thromboprophylaxis protocols, which are used in 77–82% of surgical cases in Australia. There is also increasing concern focused on the development of antiplatelet resistance. Given an apparent lack of standardised approaches to haemostasis, these decisions frequently require clinician discretion and can result in suboptimal outcomes. To optimise patient management, all available therapeutic agents should be considered. Current standards may need to be revised accordingly.
Dextrans are polysaccharides with perioperative significance in haemostasis. Although the proposed mechanisms of dextran action are multifactorial, these agents may have a significant impact in cases of trauma, reconstructive surgery, transplantation and vascular surgery. However, a suspected deficit in the quality of the literature, and therefore clinical standardisation, raises concerns for optimal incorporation into practice.
Accordingly, we plan to examine both peer-reviewed articles and ‘grey’ literature that considers the indications, efficacy and complications associated with the clinical use of dextrans to promote haemostasis. The primary objective of this scoping review will be to analyse and map the existing literature on the use of dextrans in both operative and non-operative settings and provide insight that will bridge the current knowledge gap and guide future research initiatives.

Methods and analysis
The study and literature search will be performed in accordance with recommendations adapted for scoping reviews in alignment with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews standards. A thorough and systematic investigation will be undertaken across several electronic databases, including EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE; additional studies will be accessed and examined by reference tracking. All relevant research published before 11 March 2024 will be reviewed for appropriateness of inclusion. Two researchers will perform data screening and extraction of relevant information. Study observations will be presented in a descriptive manner using a mixed methods and narrative approach.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethics approval was not required for this study. The results will be disseminated through publication in open-access peer-reviewed journals, established professional networks and conference presentations.

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Effectiveness of Kushal Maa, a group-based mhealth interactive education and social support intervention for maternal and neonatal health outcomes: study protocol for a multisite randomised controlled trial in India

Introduction
Perinatal care continuity across the full continuum is essential for optimising maternal and infant health; however, a stark gap occurs post partum, with less than one half of Indian mothers receiving postpartum care due to significant logistical and sociocultural barriers, particularly for periurban and rural residents. To overcome these barriers and reduce women’s postpartum isolation, our international team of maternal and infant health clinicians and researchers developed and pilot-tested a culturally-tailored mobile interactive education and support group intervention, Kushal Maa (‘informed-mother’), confirming feasibility and acceptability and preliminary effectiveness. The current study seeks to estimate the effectiveness of the Kushal Maa intervention compared with standard care on maternal and neonatal health-related behaviours and health, characterise the mechanisms of intervention impact and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Kushal Maa intervention in improving postpartum maternal and neonatal health compared with the standard of care.

Methods and analysis
We will conduct a prospective, parallel block-randomised controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio among 2100 pregnant women across three geographically diverse Indian states. Inclusion criteria for women: aged 18+years of age at enrolment, in the last trimester of pregnancy (30–33 weeks of gestation), with any parity, carrying single or multiple gestation (1-2), with knowledge of site-specific local language and had access to a mobile phone. Participants will be block-randomised in groups of 15. Intervention participants will receive 28 tailored education and support sessions weekly via audio/video conference facilitated by trained moderators (four prenatal and 24 weekly postpartum sessions through 6 months) and will be engaged in WhatsApp groups for health education videos and peer discussion via text chat. Control participants receive the standard of care. Data will be collected at four points: 30–33 weeks of pregnancy (enrolment), 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum (endline). Investigators, outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded to group allocation. Primary outcomes will be measured at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post partum and include: postpartum depression (using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), exclusive breastfeeding and met need for postpartum family planning. Secondary outcomes include other maternal and child health knowledge, outcomes and maternal and newborn healthcare use indicators. We will use intention-to-treat analysis. Mixed-effects models will account for clustering due to the group-oriented delivery of the intervention and repeated measures.

Ethics and dissemination
This study has been approved by the Health Ministry Screening Committee, Government of India and approved by ethics boards at the Post-Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh (Ref:001208, IEC-06/2022–2471), Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (Ref: MUHS/EC/06/2024), Sangath (Ref: AB_2022_81) and the University of California, San Francisco (Ref: 21–35730). All research activities will be performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. On completion, findings will be disseminated to stakeholders through diverse strategies. Results will be published in academic journals and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05268588 Clinical Trials Registry – India: CTRI/2022/07/043889.

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