South African Gastroenterology Review

A Young Adult with Aloe Vera-Induced Acute Liver Failure

Muhammed Shiraz Moosa — 2024-04-05

Aloe vera is a commonly used herb worldwide, with various purported therapeutic benefits. Liver injury due to ingested aloe vera is a rare, but often severe complication.

A 20-year-old black African male presented with acute liver failure (ALT 15 353 U/L, AST 14 374 U/L, INR 1.99 and encephalopathy) four days after ingesting home-made aloe vera tea. He also had acute renal failure with a peak creatinine of 300 mol/L but did not require dialysis. A viral hepatitis screen and ultrasound liver were normal. He received intravenous antibiotics and standard supportive care, and by day 31 of hospital admission, he made a full recovery.

Healthcare users need to be made more aware of the potential toxic effects of ingested aloe vera.

Gastrointestinal Stress and Its Correlation with Academic Performance and Psychosocial Health: An Empirical Investigation among Postgraduate Gastroenterology Students

Ok-hue Cho — 2024-04-05

The research aims to investigate academic stress and mental health among Postgraduate Gastroenterology Students, with a focus on gender differences. It further explores the correlation between students' cognitive well-being and academic pressures. Secondary data analysis was employed to rigorously analyze the findings. The study revealed a significant association between students' psychological well-being and academic stress within the context of Postgraduate Gastroenterology Studies. Students exhibit resourcefulness in their strategies for managing stress, challenging the detrimental impact of stress on their academic achievements. Gastroenterology institutions offering Postgraduate studies should prioritize providing diverse avenues for personal and professional development to empower students in coping with stress and navigating daily challenges, ultimately enhancing their academic performance.

Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Personality Factors Predicting Convergence Thinking, Self-directedness, Self-understanding, and Elaboration Among First-Year Gastroenterology Medical Students

Jong-Teak Seo — 2024-04-05

This study examines the pivotal role of personality traits—self-understanding, openness, self-directedness, convergence thinking, and elaboration—in the adaptation and academic progression of first-year gastroenterology medical students. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), it scrutinizes the intricate interplay among these dimensions within the context of gastroenterology education. Findings reveal that self-understanding indirectly influences elaboration through openness, self-direction, and convergence thinking. Moreover, openness, self-direction, and convergence thinking mediate the relationship between self-understanding and expanded experiences among first-year gastroenterology students. The study underscores the importance of fostering self-understanding during the intense medical entrance examination process and implementing programs to bolster openness, self-direction, and convergence think-ing, thereby enhancing students' academic success and ability to elaborate on their knowledge and experiences in gastroenterology.

Gastroenterological Concerns in Younger Generation's Compared to Older People in Malaysia

Tashvinderjitt Kaur — 2024-04-05

This study explores gastroenterological concerns among the younger generation compared to older individuals in Malaysia. With a rapidly aging population, understanding the differences in gastrointestinal health between age groups is crucial for effective healthcare planning and intervention. Utilizing a comparative approach, this research aims to analyze the prevalence, types, and severity of gastroenterological issues experienced by younger individuals in contrast to older adults within the Malaysian population. Through a cross-sectional study design, demographic data and Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) scores were collected from 200 participants aged 18 to 35 years. Descriptive analysis was utilized to examine demographic characteristics and attitudes towards older adults, while the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests assessed the relationship between FSA scores, age, and gender. Findings revealed predominantly positive attitudes towards older adults among the younger generation, with no significant differences based on age group or gender. This study contributes to understanding the perceptions and attitudes towards aging in Malaysia while highlighting the need for tailored healthcare strategies to address gastroenterological concerns across different age demographics.