Suchergebnisse

Hypertension is an important public health issue in Zambia. Despite the need for early detection, treatment, and ongoing monitoring, there is little documented research on hypertension in Zambia. The study aims were to: 1) better understand risk factors for hypertension in urban and rural communities in Mongu and Limulunga Districts, Western Province; 2) identify current health practices for hypertension and prevention in these communities; and 3) explore intersections between culture and hypertension perceptions and practices for study participants. A mixed methods approach was used; 203 adults completed surveys including demographics, anthropometric measures, blood pressure (BP), physicial activity, diet, and salt intake at five health check stations. Two focus groups were conducted with rural and urban community members to better understand their perspectives on hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 32.8% for survey participants. A further 24.6% had pre-hypertension. The mean total weight of salt added to food was nearly double the WHO recommendation with women adding significantly more salt to food than men. Significant differences in waist circumference were observed between men and women with men at low risk and women at substantialy high risk. In focus groups, participants cited westernized diets, lack of physical activity, stress, psychological factors, and urbanization as causative factors for hypertension. Participants lacked understanding of BP medications, healthy lifestyles, adherence to treatment, and ongoing monitoring. Focus group participants mentioned challenges in obtaining treatment for hypertension and desired to be active contributors in creating solutions. They recommended that government priorize hypertension initiatives that increase access to health education to reduce risk, enhance early detection, and support lifestyle changes and medication adherence. Our findings suggest that policy-makers need to engage communities more effectively to develop successful public health ...

Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is approved for use in horses in several countries, but an equine formulation is not available in North America. However, meloxicam is being used in an extra-label manner in horses in Canada. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to assess the bioequivalence of an approved oral meloxicam suspension (Metacam 15 mg/mL for horses; Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmBH, Ingelheim, Germany) from the European Union with human meloxicam tablets (Meloxicam 15 mg tablets; TEVA Canada, Toronto, Ontario) compounded with molasses to improve palatability and administration. The geometric mean ratios (GMR test/reference) and the 90% confidence intervals of the pivotal pharmacokinetic parameters (area under the curve and maximum concentration) were within the defined limits of 80% to 125% generally accepted for products to be considered bioequivalent. Therefore, use of human meloxicam tablets compounded with molasses would be expected to produce a similar clinical response in horses as the approved oral product from the European Union.