Browsing by Author "Razack, Adil"

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    Exploring factors causing the high incidence of sexually transmitted infections in the township of Du Noon
    (2022) Dookhith, Azhaar Bibi Faatimah; Abdul-Aziez, Isaacs; Razack, Adil
    Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are of major public health concern in South Africa. STIs contribute largely to the burden of disease in South Africa and are recognized as major contributors to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic. Du Noon is a small township situated in Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa. Du Noon CHC has a large HIV population of approximately 8000 people and recent data obtained from Du Noon CHC statistics, from Nov 2019-Feb 2020 showed 1760 people being treated for STI as per the headcount. Aim: This study intends to explore the factors which may be responsible for the high prevalence of STI among the population of Du Noon Township in Cape Town, South Africa. Methodology: A cross- sectional study with 40 respondents aged between 18 and 45 years was conducted. One-on-one patient interviews using open-ended questions, as well as structured questionnaires, were used to gather data. The questionnaires were analysed using the Likert Scale and open-ended questions were analysed using exploratory descriptive methods. Results: Cultural beliefs, having multiple partners, lack of partner notification, alcohol consumption and lack of condom usage were found to be the main contributing factors to the high incidence of STIs. Sex education at schools appear to be lacking or not in sufficient detail to inform students. The study's findings echoed themes and larger ideas from previous research. It reflects the other well-known cultural and socioeconomic issues confronting South African rural communities e.g., poverty and sex, age -disparate relationships, polygamous relationships. Conclusion: This study fills a gap in the local literature by highlighting how health education challenges, interpersonal relationships, and socioeconomic barriers are still important factors in STI transmission. Although the study's findings may only be applicable to this community, they may have an impact on other communities with comparable populations. The widespread preliminary understanding and framing of HIV as a STI and how it is transmitted needs further investigations and research. As a result, there is an urgent need to shift cultural ideology and norms within the youth of the Du Noon community.
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    Implementing and evaluating a weight reduction program for diabetic patients at a primary health care facility in the Western Cape
    (2016) Razack, Adil; Isaacs, Abdul Aziz
    Background: Diabetes is now the most common non-communicable disease globally and complications are resulting in increased disability, reduced life expectancy and enormous health costs for virtually every society. Medical Nutrition Therapy is important for the prevention, treatment, self-management of diabetes and the prevention or delay in onset of diabetes-related complications. The current nutritional guidelines for DM states that carbohydrates should make up 45-60% of the total nutritional intake and that low carbohydrate or high protein diets offer no long term success over healthy eating plans. Recent studies suggest that there may be merit in using low carbohydrate diets in diabetic patients. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to implement and evaluate a program for weight loss in Diabetes Mellitus type 2 patients by comparing a Low carbohydrate diet to the conventional low fat diet. Changes in weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and blood parameters (creatinine, lipids and HbA1c) were recorded in both groups. Methods: The study design was that of a two group randomised parallel design, with one group following a low fat diet and the other a low carbohydrate diet. Both groups received advice on exercise and behaviour change. Clinical parameters were recorded at week 0 (baseline) and week 12 of the program. Patients were invited to participate in the study using leaflets, posters and via staff. A total of 10 patients per group were identified and followed. Results: Significant reductions were seen in weight loss and Hba1c in the Low Carbohydrate diet group which was not evident in the Low fat diet group. No significant change was seen in other parameters including BP, total cholesterol and serum creatinine for either group. Conclusion: Low Carbohydrate diets are effective in promoting weight loss and glucose control in diabetic patients. More research is recommended to assess patient's experience of following a low carbohydrate diet. Recommendations include training staff at facilities in our Sub-District on understanding and implementing Low Carbohydrate diets.