Mariam Elsaltani | University of Benghazi (original) (raw)

Papers by Mariam Elsaltani

Under nutrition and weight loss associated with prolonged hospitalization is a cause of significa... more Under nutrition and weight loss associated with prolonged hospitalization is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. It is also associated with impaired recovery from illness, surgery, and increased hospital length of stay. Despite the growing awareness of the hazards of both over-and under nutrition, nutritional care is often neglected in clinical practice, and nutritional concerns are overlooked or considered of low importance. The aim of this research was to assess changes in weight status during the course of hospitalization, evaluate nutrition risk factors in Benghazi Medical Center and evaluate the factors independently associated with weight change. A total of 30 patients in total were enrolled, (11 females, and 19 males). Anthropometric measurements were taken by professionally trained researchers. End points were preadmission and post admission. BMI, mid-arm circumference, Omar et al.; JAMMR, 23(11): 1-13, 2017; Article no.JAMMR.35892 2 laboratory investigations were all collected from patients. Interview based questionnaire was used to collect data on nutritional risk factors and patient files were checked for documentation and nutritional referrals. A statistically significant differences was found between preadmission and post-admission BMI and mid arm circumference. The mean of weight loss among patients was (1.076 kg), and mean arm circumference loss was 6.69 cm. Patients charts lacked information on poor appetite, dentures, teeth or swallowing problems, information on food provided. No referrals to dietitians were found in all patient files or in discharge summary. Only one patient reported been visited by a dietitian but was not documented in file. Female gender, admission to surgical ward and being single as a marital status were associated with losing more weight. Physiological and food related problems correlated with the nutritional status of the subjects. The study finding reveals that despite patient undergoing anthropometric changes during hospital stay, there were no information of nutritional status in patient files, very little, if any, nutritional intervention, little documentation of risk factors, and nutritional consultation was almost lacking.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are diseases reported to be the first and second leading ... more Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are diseases reported to be the first and second leading cause of all deaths in both developed and developing countries, including Libya. Increasing age, the presence of obesity, and worsening renal function all contribute to an increased likelihood of hypertension in people with diabetes; which makes both crucial public health concerns for the twenty first century. The purpose of this paper was to identify the prevalence of hypertension among diabetes patients in Benghazi via cross-sectional study. Moreover, it aimed to study the subjects' characteristics, anthropometric, and clinical variables contributing to this prevalence. The sample, representing subjects aged 30 years and older, consisted of 118 subjects, 72 of whom were females (61.02%), while 46 were males (38.99%). The current study reported (85.6%) prevalence of hypertension among diabetic patients in Benghazi. Age, sex, physical activity, duration of DM and basal body mass index (BMI) were the variables which associated with prevalence of hypertension among Benghazi diabetic patients. Nouh et al.; AJMAH, 6(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJMAH.35830 2

Rapid social and economic changes as a result of industrialization, urbanization, economic develo... more Rapid social and economic changes as a result of industrialization, urbanization, economic development and market globalization, have led to adverse changes in diet, weight, health and nutritional status of the adolescent population, particularly in developing countries. It is therefore, necessary to monitor prevalence rates and trends in undernutrition and over-nutrition among adolescents. The main objectives were to assess the association of socioeconomic status (SES) and physical activity level in terms of frequency and duration on underweight, overweight and obesity prevalence among Benghazi's adolescents. Anthropometric measurements were taken by professionally trained researchers and subject's weight status was defined according to BMI. The sample, representing adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years, consisted of 552 subjects, 324 of whom were females ( 58.7 %), while 228 were males (41.3 %). The current study reports a 18.3% and 12.1% prevalence of overweight and obesity in Benghazi adolescents, with a lesser underweight prevalence (4.9%); reflecting a presence of two faces of malnutrition in the country. Gender, age, school address, mother's occupation, frequency of walking for long distance and football playing, duration of football training, and total energy expenditure are the variables which associated with adolescent weight status at (P<0.05).

Background: Anemia is considered a major public health problem; playing an important contributor ... more Background: Anemia is considered a major public health problem; playing an important contributor to mortality and morbidity among pregnant women globally, especially in developing countries. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Derna, Libya. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 595 pregnant women randomly selected attending the antenatal clinic in the primary health centre in Derna city, Libya. Data was collected using a questionnaire to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric history. Results: The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women was 54.6% (95% CI, 51.45% -57.75%) of with 44.5% mild anaemia. The higher prevalence of anaemia was in the third trimester of pregnancy (59.6%). Anaemia was more prevalent in pregnant women within age between 15-20 and 36-40 years and with a primary-level education. However, the prevalence of anaemia was not significant associated with socio-demographic factor, parity and gravidity. Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Libya is comparable to that considered as a severe public by WHO suggesting those anaemia among pregnant women is a public health problem in Libya. So, awareness regarding balanced diet, regular antenatal checkups, regular intake of iron and folic acid tablet is highly recommended.

Background: About one billion people in the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency or insufficien... more Background: About one billion people in the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. The consequences of low vitamin D level include increased risk of some cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and type one diabetes, which makes it a crucial public health concern. In spite of the imperative role of sunlight in vitamin D synthesis, recent reports have shown that higher rates of hypovitaminosis in the sunniest areas of the world. Benghazi city is sunny most of the year; there is a lack of research on Vitamin D status in Libya. Objective: The purpose of this paper was to investigate the status of Vitamin D and the contributing factors among patients attending three out patient clinics in Benghazi. Design: Cross-sectional study with stratified random sampling technique was used to collect Omar et al.; JAMMR, 24(5): 1-13, 2017; Article no.JAMMR.37483 2 patients attending three outpatient clinics in Benghazi Libya between July 1 st to September 30 th 2016. Participants/Setting: All Patients attending Alkiesh polyclinic, Alfohyaht polyclinic and Yakeen Health Center were approached. 287 participants were recruited, baseline information and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were provided by 184 subjects; participation rate of 64% (58.8% females and 5.9% males). Statistical Analyses: Description and analysis of data were carried using SPSS version 21. Level of significance was set at p value < 0.05. Results: Reported vitamin D deficiency was 76.1%, insufficiency was 15.2% and Vitamin D sufficiency was 8.7%. Age, gender, BMI, pregnancy, consumption of dietary supplements (calcium, vitamin D and multivitamin), history of vitamin D deficiency, consumption of milk and oily fish were the predicting factors of status of Vitamin D among Benghazi outpatients. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is common in this part of Libya especially among females and in the older age groups and calls for community based intervention and prevention strategies.

Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening condition that often goes unrecognized. Refeeding syndro... more Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening condition that often goes unrecognized. Refeeding syndrome precipitate when fatal shifts in fluids and electrolytes occur in malnourished patients is artificially re-fed. These shifts result from hormonal and metabolic changes and may cause serious clinical complications. The precise definition of of refeeding syndrome incidence is hindered by the lack of a concise definition. The NICE recommendations offer guidelines to identify and manage high risk RFS patients. They do, however warrant the need for detailed assessments by a dietitian or nutrition specialist. Further updated recommendations are needed to take into account some of the newer concepts emerging from more recent literature.

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One of the most interesting applied areas of bone biology for physical therapists is that of oste... more One of the most interesting applied areas of bone biology for physical therapists is that of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a relatively common clinical disorder in which the process of bone resorption is increased. It disproportionately affects women more than men and is estimated to affect 1 in 3 women beyond the age of 50 years. Osteoporosis is a condition of micro-architectural loss of bone tissue leading to decreased density and bone fragility. The primary reasons for developing this condition include poor bone acquisition during youth and accelerated bone loss during aging. Both of these processes are regulated by environmental and genetic controls. Loss of bone mass can be due to a combination of hormone deficiency, poor nutrition, decreased physical activity, and various pharmacological agents. Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include genetic, nutritional, and behavioural. The goal of osteoporosis therapies is to inhibit bone resorption in management include lifestyle, change, medicine, and healthy eating. This paper is aiming to review the risk factors, diagnosis, management and living with osteoporosis.

The recent increase in both adolescent over-weight and obesity in the developing world has underl... more The recent increase in both adolescent over-weight and obesity in the developing world has underlined the important consequences these trends may impact on public health. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor prevalence rates and trends in under-nutrition and overweight (including obesity) among adolescents. A nutritional surveillance system has been implemented in the Benghazi's schools to estimate the nutritional status. The main objectives were to assess the prevalence of under-weight, over-weight and obesity among Benghazi's adolescents. Anthropometric measurements were taken by professionally trained researchers and subject's weight status was defined according to BMI. The sample, representing adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years, consisted of 552, subjects, 324 of whom were females (58.7 %), while 228 were males (41.3 %). The current study reports a 18.3% and 12.1% prevalence of overweight and obesity in Benghazi adolescents, with a lesser underweight prevalence (4.9%) ; reflecting a presence of two faces of malnutrition in the country.

Lung cancer is one of the most common type of cancer in the world and Libya is no exception. Nutr... more Lung cancer is one of the most common type of cancer in the world and Libya is no exception. Nutrition intervention is often needed for nutrition-related complications of cancer treatment, which include but are not limited to vomiting, anorexia, nausea and, and esophagitis. The purpose of this paper is to identify the nutritional status of lung cancer patients in Benghazi city of Libya via crosssectional study using Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). The study was carried out on 121 lung cancer patients. Out of 121 lung cancer patients; Only7.5% of the subjects were well nourished. 22.3% of were severe ly malnourished; while 70.2% were either at risk of malnutrition or suspected to develop malnutrition in the future. The mean age of the subjects' ±SD was 49.5±0.6. Age, family income, JCTI, 6(3): 1-10, 2017; Article no.JCTI.38345 2 and physical activity levels were associated with nutritional status of the subjects at (P< 0.05). All sections of the PG-SGA has a significant statistical positive correlation with its total score (r = 0. 96 -0.51, P< 0.05). Dietitians played a very limited role in patients' nutritional care.

Research and publications worldwide is in support of increasing scientific evidence that adequate... more Research and publications worldwide is in support of increasing scientific evidence that adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of major chronic diseases. Worldwide nations have diverse availability, accessibility, preferences and cultural considerations for FV consumption. Knowledge of actual consumption of fruits and vegetables among young populations assists in framing intervention to achieve potential health benefits for their future life. This study aimed at assessing fruits and vegetables consumption patterns in a sample of students from the University of Benghazi. A cross sectional study was planned to evaluate fruits and vegetables consumption and attitudes patterns among medical university students through a previously standardized self-administered questionnaire for questions related to their preferences, knowledge of health benefits and frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables along with height and weight measurements. A total of 410 students (117males, 293 females), with age ranges from (18-26 years). Mean ± standard deviation (SD): 22.69 ± 1.53 years; height: 163.93 ± 5.36 cm; weight: 62.86 ± 10.59 kg; and BMI: 23.93 ± 6.51 kg/m2). The percentage of subjects who consume 3 serving of fruits daily is (2.2 %); while the subjects who consumed four servings of daily vegetables is (2 %). Results from this research highlight the importance of early identification of the health behaviour in young population and the requirements to improve healthy dietary interventions and lifestyle.

The university and college arenas represent the final opportunity for nutritional education for l... more The university and college arenas represent the final opportunity for nutritional education for large number of students from the educator's perspective. The purpose of this study is to describe eating habits and behaviours among Public Health faculty students at Benghazi University and the association of these habits and behaviours with body mass index (BMI). A random sample of 85 students (14 male, 71 females) with mean age 21.68 years, and mean BMI was 23.3±4.8 kg/m 2. Almost half of the students (50.6%) expressed having three meals per day. 72.9 % of the subjects consumed dinner 6-7 days per week. Nearly half (49.4%) of the subjects consumed two snacks per day. Weight loss efforts during last six months and doing exercise to lose weight were associated with BMI of the subjects.

There is an interest in the degree to which feeding practices contribute to early childhood obesi... more There is an interest in the degree to which feeding practices contribute to early childhood obesity. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the effect of demand feeding versus scheduled feeding on obesity in early childhood. A systematic search of electronic databases identified studies relating feeding during early life mainly infancy to episodes of early childhood obesity. Included studies were assessed for quality based on study methodology, validity of dietary assessment, success of follow-up, standardised assessment of obesity. Data from ten cohorts involving 5535 subjects were included. Studies had follow-up of more than 60 %, adjusted statistically for three or more confounders and used standard criteria to determine end points. About half the studies used a validated FFQ, administered the FFQ more than once or had follow-up of one year. Fewer than half the studies involved subjects' representative of the general population. This systematic review points out the presence of heterogeneity in the results from studies reviewing feeding practices and risk of obesity. This could be due to the fact that studies are too varied in methods of feeding assessment and anthropometric measurements, time scale and the method of evaluating the nature of the association.

Dietary habits and food consumption patterns in Libya have changed markedly during the past three... more Dietary habits and food consumption patterns in Libya have changed markedly during the past three decades and the Libyan cancer patients are not exception. There has been great move from traditional dishes and foods to more westernized food style, which is characterized by high sugar, high total fats, high cholesterol, high sodium and low fiber. The interaction of dietary intake, nutritional status and cancer is multifaceted and complex. This paper presents a cross-sectional study which aims to investigate the quality of diet among cancer patients in Benghazi. The total studied sample was 400 cancer patients, (27.8%) were males and (72.2%) were females. Mean 2 age ± Standard Deviation were 52.8 years ± 11.5. (6.8%) of the subjects had poor diet quality, while (60%) of the subjects their diet need improvement, only (33.2%) had diet with good quality. Age, income level, food intolerances and allergies, food dislike, eating out, and food preferences were associated with quality of diet among cancer patients in Benghazi. Fruits and vegetables had the lowest consumption score, while sodium and cholesterol had the highest consumed score. All these factors call for community based intervention and prevention strategies.

Milk is a primary source of nutrition for all mammals. Evaporated milk is available in cans and i... more Milk is a primary source of nutrition for all mammals. Evaporated milk is available in cans and it is gaining popularity worldwide due to the long shelf life it enjoys. Evaporated milk does not require refrigeration if the can is not opened. Removing of about 60% of water from fresh milk produces evaporated milk. This research has aimed to compare the nutritive values of different types of evaporated milk available in the local market in Benghazi city; Libya. The milk brands were coded from M1 to M17. Seventeen brands of evaporated milk marked in Benghazi were analysed to evaluate the proximate values of total energy, moisture, ash, fat, protein, lactose, solid non-fat, acidity and PH. The analysed results were compared to labeled values by the producers which found to be in close agreement. The analysed values were also being found in compliance with Libyan standers and codex standers.

Background: Vitamin D is produced from sunlight exposure through ultraviolet B radiation of the s... more Background: Vitamin D is produced from sunlight exposure through ultraviolet B radiation of the skin. Several factors affect sunlight exposure include time of day, seasonal variation, lower absorption of vitamin D due to dark skin color, sunscreen use, clothing and coverage for cultural or religious reasons along with behavioral attitudes. There is a dearth of studies looking into sociocultural and behavioral reasons for vitamin D deficiency in the Middle East particularly in Libya. The aim of this study was to identify sun exposure and cultural influences on vitamin D status among patients attending three out patient clinics in Benghazi. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 287 subjects who were attending three polyclinics in Benghazi. 258 females, and 29 males. Data on participants' attitudes and behaviors in relation to sun exposure, cultural and skin tone preference were collected using interviews and questionnaires. JAMMR, 25(5): 1-13, 2018; Article no.JAMMR.39562 2 Results: Duration of sun exposure, use of sun block, wearing long sleeves, believing lighter skin is more attractive than darker and feeling unhappy if the sun made the skin darker were all significantly different between different serum vitamin D level groups and predicted lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was 76.1%, insufficiency was 15.2% and Vitamin D sufficiency was 8.7% in our study. Conclusion: Culture, attitudes and sun exposure behavior could be major contributing factors to the observed high prevalence of VDD in this study. Circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in subjects with less sun exposure and in those exhibiting negative attitudes toward sunlight. A more accurate measure for culture, behavior and knowledge and sun exposure in a controlled environment is needed to confirm these findings.

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