Newborn hearing screening: what are we missing?

The objectives of the study were to demonstrate hearing status in newborns at first screening by Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions and to find out the relationship between abnormal hearing screening and known risk factors. This study was conducted in the department of neonatology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in collaboration with department of otolaryngology and department of obstetrics and gynaecology. This prospective observational study included a cohort of 168 neonates from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and neonatal Nursery (Minimal care unit). All were screened for hearing impairment using Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions in out-patient department of otolaryngology by a trained audiologist before discharge from hospital. Risk factors analysed were according to the criteria of American Academy of Pediatrics. Of the total neonates screened, Refer rate was 32.7% irrespective of presence or absence of risk factors. Small for gestational age, in-utero infections, ototoxic medications, birth weight < 1500, sepsis/meningitis, hyperbilirubinemia were found to be significant risk factors (p < 0.0001). It can be recommended that hearing screening should be universally done for all newborns.

Understanding and beliefs of diabetes in the UK Bangladeshi population

AIMS

To examine the understanding and beliefs of people with diabetes from the Bangladeshi community living in the UK.

METHODS

Structured interviews were carried out with 14 people invited to a peer educational programme. All interviews were on a one-to-one basis and were in Sylheti or in English. Interviews were transcribed and analysed by two independent researchers.

RESULTS

The majority of participants did not know what caused diabetes. Knowledge of the management of diabetes was linked to controlling sugar intake and a number of participants reported eating bitter foods such as bitter gourd to control their diabetes. There was little access to information as many participants did not speak English and did not have a Bengali-speaking doctor. The majority of participants felt that education classes should teach them what the doctor thought was important and that these classes would best be advertised by word of mouth. Therefore, participants were quite passive about their own self management and relied very strongly on the doctor's views and recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study can be used to help health professionals working with Bangladeshi people. There is a need for improved information for Bangladeshi people and much of this information might need to come from health professionals. In addition, there is a need for increased awareness by health professionals of practices used by Bangladeshi people, such as eating bitter gourd (which may enhance the effects of rosiglitazone), and the influence these practices could have on the individual's diabetes management.

Examining the effectiveness of a peer-led education programme for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a Bangladeshi population

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess an adapted version of the X-PERT Programme for Type 2 diabetes within a Bangladeshi population.

METHODS

Bangladeshi adults, living in the UK, with Type 2 diabetes participated in a diabetes educational session based on an adapted version of the X-PERT Programme. Participants attended a session, led by a trained peer educator and carried out in Sylheti. All participants who registered on the course were telephoned or visited in person the day before the course as a reminder.

RESULTS

Registration to attend the course was excellent. However, actual attendance rates were 58% (42/72) out of those registered. Once participants attended, overall they enjoyed attending the sessions and felt they benefited as they understood more about how to better self-manage their condition. Those aspects of the sessions that were most enjoyed were group discussions and interactive posters to explain diabetes. Participants requested a home-based exercise guide, which was developed by the research team. The study was underpowered to show behaviour change, but did demonstrate a trend to improvement in self-care activities. All participants reported recommending the course to others.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an excellent response in terms of registration for the course. However, the time to attend the course appeared to be a barrier to participants. Nevertheless, for those attending the course, responses were very positive. The amended X-PERT Programme could be used as a component of a package to improve outcome and self-management for people with diabetes in the Bangladeshi community.