An internet-based cross-sectional study on infection control practices and drug use for COVID-19 prevention in Nigerian adults.

Introduction: COVID-19 has affected several millions of people globally and various means have been employed to curb the spread. This nationwide survey investigated adherence to infection control protocols and drug uptake among Nigerian adults. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional survey using an internet-based questionnaire to investigate adherence to infection control practices and drug use among adults, who have been resident in Nigeria for at least 6 months. The data was analyzed using Stata software version 16 with levels of significance at p<0.05. Results: a total of 1235 adults participated in the study. The respondents were aged 18-78 years with a mean age of 36.3 ±11.1 years. Over half (53.0%) of the participants were between 31-50 years. The male to female ratio was 1: 1.45. Majority (92.6%) had a minimum of tertiary educational qualification. One hundred (27.1%) reported a positive test result for COVID-19. A total of 1,204 (97.5%) admitted to wearing of face masks, 1,125 (91.1%) washed hands regularly, 1,142 (92.5%) used hand sanitizers while physical distancing was maintained in 985 (79.8%). A total of 854 (69.2%) were on at least a drug or herbal based therapy. Herbal based remedies were used in 112 (9.1%), supplements in 763 (61.8%), antibiotics in 210 (17%), ivermectin in 205 (16.6%), and antimalarials in 128 (10.4%) participants. Conclusion: adherence to behavioural measures was high among the population, with widespread uptake of supplements, antibiotics, and antimalarial drugs. The high uptake of antibiotics emphasizes the need to step up regulatory policies for antibiotic use.

Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with various autoimmune disorders, including thyroid dysfunction. However, local data studying the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in newly diagnosed RA patients are limited. METHODS:  This case-control study was conducted between January 2019 to December 2020 in the Internal Medicine Department of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. The study group of 400 newly diagnosed patients with RA was enrolled in the study. Another 400 patients without the diagnosis of RA, adjusted for age and gender, were enrolled in the study as a control group and their thyroid functions were compared. RESULTS: Patients with RA had more participants with thyroid dysfunction compared to patients without RA (25.25% vs. 11.5%; p-value: 0.00001). In addition, more patients with RA had concomitant primary hypothyroidism compared to the control group (7.75% vs. 2.5%; p-value: 0.0007). Furthermore, patients with RA also had a higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (13.0% vs. 5.5%; p-value: 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that thyroid dysfunction is significantly prevalent in patients with RA. Based on our findings, it is suggested that management and follow-up of RA patients should include the screening of thyroid auto-antibodies and thyroid dysfunction.

Association of Plasma Omentin-1 Levels With Diabetes and Its Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma omentin-1 is a relatively new biomarker that has anti-diabetogenic and its level is inversely related with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, thus, increasing the risk of diabetic complications. In this study, we will determine the association between serum plasma omentin-1 levels and diabetes and its complications. METHODS: This case control study was conducted from July 2020 to August 2021 in the internal medicine unit of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. There was a total of three groups, each comprising 250 patients. One group was type 2 diabetic patients with complications, the second group was type 2 diabetic patients without complications, and the third group was the control group, i.e. participants without type 2 diabetes. Their plasma omentin-1 levels were compared. RESULTS: Patients with diabetic complications had significantly lower serum omentin levels than patients without complications (59.01 ± 9.21 ug/dL vs. 75.72 ± 14.11 ug/L; p-value: <0.0001). Patients with diabetes had significantly lower serum omentin levels in comparison to patients without diabetes (75.72 ± 14.11 ug/dL vs. 90.12 ± 17.89 ug/L; p-value: <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Based on our study, plasma omentin-1 is negatively associated with diabetes and its complications. Therefore, adequate levels of omentin-1 are needed in order to prevent diabetic complications.