Associations between cardio-ankle vascular index and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
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AIM: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for increased arterial stiffness. We evaluated associations between the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and carotid plaque, intima media thickness (IMT), and diabetic microvascular complications in Korean T2DM patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 320 Korean T2DM patients without a history of macrovascular disease or macroalbuminuria. We measured 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (UAE) levels and performed funduscopic and neuropathy examinations to assess the extent of diabetic microvascular complications. Arterial stiffness was assessed using CAVI. We also measured the ankle-brachial index (ABI), common carotid artery IMT, and carotid beta stiffness index. RESULTS: Among the 320 patients enrolled in this study, 64 (20%) had increased CAVI (>/= 9). We found that CAVI was correlated with systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, IMT, carotid beta stiffness index, log-transformed UAE, and total cholesterol. In multiple logistic regression analysis, mean IMT and the presence of carotid plaque were independently associated with increased CAVI (>/= 9) (OR=5.77, P < 0.01; OR=5.36, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, an increased CAVI was associated with peripheral neuropathy (OR=2.03, P = 0.03) and microalbuminuria (OR=2.47, P < 0.01) after adjusting for possible confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that increased CAVI is associated with the presence of arterial plaque, increased IMT, and microvascular complications, such as nephropathy and neuropathy, in T2DM patients. (+info)
Anxiety and depression among North Korean young defectors in South Korea and their association with health-related quality of life.
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Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) concerning cervical cancer and screening among rural and urban female healthcare practitioners in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about cervical cancer (CC) in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). This study examines the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) concerning CC and screening among female health care practitioners (HCPs), and whether differences exist between rural and urban HCPs. METHOD: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, a purposive sample of 200 women HCPs from 128 health care centers in 6 provinces of DPRK was interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: 98% of HCPs were aware of CC. Awareness of the national CC policy was significantly lower in rural (44%) than urban (62%) respondents (p<0.05). Fewer rural (71%) than urban (89%) HCPs knew of cervical cytology (p<0.05). Around 30% of HCPs were aware of the association between CC and human papillomavirus infection. Only 13% of HCPs had ever had a cervical cytology smear. Only 4% of rural and 21% of urban practitioners (p<0.05) provided cytology; all used unaided visual inspection of the cervix without staining to determine whether cytology testing was indicated. For all, screening intervals depended on presence of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Misconceptions and ineffective clinical practices regarding screening need to be urgently addressed among both rural and urban HCPs. There are no major differences between rural and urban HCPs regarding their KAP. (+info)