PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE:

2025-10-24T22:02:59+00:00

ABSTRACT

Background: Sickle cell disease is one of the common genetic diseases worldwide. The highest prevalence of this disorder occurs in the middle East, Mediterranean region, South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa especially Nigeria. The study is aimed at assessing the common respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnea) in adult SCD patients at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.

Method: This is a cross-sectional case-control study carried out over a period of one (1) involving adult SCD patients attending the Out-patient Sickle cell Clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21.0).

Result: The study compared 50 adult SCD patients in a steady state to 50 healthy controls. The age range (AR) of the patients was 18-35 years with a mean age of 24.20 ±2.53 years. SCD patients showed significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms. 36.0% of the study participants developed cough only with infection while 20.0% did not develop cough at all. 56% SCD patients produced sputum only with infection in the past four weeks while only 8% subjects produced sputum a few days in a month. 38% of the control group produced sputum only with infection and none it a few days in a month (p=0.02). 56.0% of SCD patients had shortness of breath only with infection whereas none of the control group experienced shortness of breath at any time in the previous four weeks. 16.0% of study subjects experienced it almost every day. (p=0.01)

Conclusion: Sickle cell disease patients frequently experience shortness of breath and sputum production. Routine screening and early interventions are crucial to slow lung function decline. More research is needed to pinpoint respiratory symptoms and risk factors, evaluate intervention effectiveness, and understand the diagnostic value of pulmonary function testing to improve early detection and management.

Keywords: prevalence, respiratory symptoms, adults, sickle cell disease

A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Cupping Therapy among Omani Population in Muscat Region-Oman

2025-09-24T13:33:16+00:00

Background: Cupping therapy (CT) is a longstanding complementary and alternative medicine widely practiced in Oman's Muscat region. This study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of CT among the Omani population and to explore influencing factors and demographic variations.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2022 in six primary healthcare centers in the Muscat Governorate. The study involved 290 randomly selected adults who completed a self-administered Arabic questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including unpaired t-tests, were used to identify associations.

Results: Out of 290 participants, 97% were aware of CT, and 60.6% had used it, primarily for back pain and to stimulate circulation. Most participants considered CT safe and effective and were influenced by religious endorsement. Higher knowledge was associated with higher education, while higher practice was linked to females and education. The main sources of information were family and friends.

Conclusion: Cupping therapy is prevalent in Oman, with generally positive perceptions, but gaps in understanding persist. The study suggests a need to promote evidence-based practices and the safe integration of CT with conventional medicine.

International Journal of Integrated Medical Research

PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE:

A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Cupping Therapy among Omani Population in Muscat Region-Oman