bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of risk factors for road traffic accidents using injured drivers: a cross sectional study conducted in Sri-Lanka
Authors: J. M. K. B. Jayasekara , Mowlana F. Masna , N. W. M. Madhumali , H. M. T. Bandaranayaka , G. C. Hashari , H. K. B. Ayesha , R. M. K. P. Rathnayaka , I. U. M. Withana , P. L. Weerawardhana
Published: August 2021

Background: Road traffic accidents are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a major cause of sudden deaths in Sri Lanka.Methods: This study was conducted to assess risk factors for RTAs using 360 injured drivers, admitted to the accident wards in two teaching hospitals in Kandy and Kurunegala using interviewer-administered questionnaires.Results: The majority of the study population (97%) was male and most drivers were 26-35 years of age. Motorcycles were the most common vehicle (79%) involved in RTAs and 47% of drivers had a driving experience of less than 10 years. The driving speed of 31-45 km/ h was reported in one-third of the RTAs and 76.9% of RTAs occurred on carpet roads mostly on Wednesdays and Fridays. Only 29 (8.055%) vehicles reported technical problems at the time of the RTA. There is a significant association (p<0.001) between the speed of the vehicle and the driving experience and the type of the vehicle and the age of the participants. There is an association between the type of the vehicle and the site of injury of drivers and between the speed of the vehicle and the usage of alcohol (P<0.01).Conclusions: Findings revealed that high risk for RTAs was amongst young male drivers, 26-35 years age range, who drove motorcycles. The most potential for RTAs to occur was on Fridays and Wednesdays and are more pronounced after 6 pm. The risk factors of RTAs are a result of a combination of several factors, as opposed to one.
Comparison of road traffic accidents presenting to the emergency department of a teaching hospital before and during lockdown
Authors: P. S. Siddharth Rao , Sayyada Sumayya Nazneen , Pyreddy Souri Reddy
Published: August 2021

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a major cause of misery, disability and death globally, with a disproportionate number occurring in developing countries. With COVID-19 reaching pandemic proportion, a nationwide lockdown was announced on 24 March 2020 which resulted in the complete closure vehicular movement. This study aimed to assess the impact of lockdown on the number of RTAs brought to our rural tertiary care teaching hospital situated on National highway number 65.Methods: Medico-legal records were reviewed retrospectively at Kamineni institute of medical sciences hospital. The cases were classified into two groups. The pre-lockdown group included cases reporting to casualty from 1 April 2019 to 31 July 2019. The lockdown group included cases reporting to casualty from 1 April 2020 to 31 July 2020. Patient demographics, type of injury, time of injury, mode of injury were collected for all cases and analysed using simple mathematical tools.Results: There was a significant decrease in the total number of RTAs during lockdown phases 1 and 2 and during unlocking phases 1 and 2 by 52.1%. Bike skid was the most common mode of injury. The highest number of RTAs was observed between 6 am to 6 pm and the most commonly affected gender was male especially in the age group of 15-45 years.Conclusions: RTA numbers can be reduced by strict implementation of traffic rules and better road infrastructure. One positive effect of the measures implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 was the reduction of traffic accidents and mass casualties.
A retrospective analysis of cancers in a rural tertiary care centre
Authors: Farook A. , Arumugam Balaji
Published: August 2021

Background: In the last couple of decades, cancer incidence has been raising heavily, probably due to our changing lifestyle, habits, and increased life expectancy. The situation is so alarming that every fourth person is having a lifetime risk of cancer.Methods: The study was conducted as a retrospective study among the various cancer patients admitted in our tertiary care centre for a period of 10 years from 2011 to 2020. The data and the case sheets from the hospital records were obtained from the MRD department. The case sheets were reviewed by the investigators on the variables viz age, gender, diagnosis, cancer site, investigations and treatment aspects. The data were entered in the MS excel sheet and analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 21. The data were expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages.Results: Total cases reported were 121 of which in the year 2014 and 2015, the cancer cases reported were 32% and 26% respectively. Then again there was a peak in 2018 and 2019 with 8% and 31% with one case each in the year 2017 and 2020. High prevalence is seen with Breast cancer, which showed 60% followed by carcinoma stomach which is 18% and carcinoma rectum which is 9%. The cancers showed low prevalence, which is 1% include carcinoma prostate, carcinoma larynx, gastro intestinal stromal tumor and retro peritoneal lipo sarcoma.Conclusions: Our study revealed that the cancer cases are high and it showed increasing trend which suggests that the population based cancer registries to be made at all levels of health care to identify the time trends so that prevention measures can be implemented at the community level.
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 among frontline workers attending selected vaccination center of West Bengal, India
Authors: Adhikari Uma Rani , Das Sharmistha Chkraborty
Published: August 2021

Background: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On 11th March; the WHO announced this disease as a global pandemic. Individuals’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards preventive and precautionary measures of COVID-19 are essential to control the spread of the disease. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of frontline workers towards the pandemic.Methods: Descriptive survey research design was used. Sample comprised of 100 frontline workers who are working in different government sector during this pandemic situation and involved in election duty. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Demographic data sheet, semi structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude scale, practice questionnaire was used to collect data. Tool was pretested before final data collection. Institutional Ethics committee approval was taken for the study.Results: Study findings show that 56% participants had good knowledge and 44% had poor knowledge regarding COVID-19. 70% participants had positive attitude and 30% had negative attitude regarding COVID-19. 85% participants followed good practice and 15% followed poor practice regarding COVID-19. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude score (r=0.54) and positive correlation between knowledge and practice score (r=0.73). There was also a positive correlation between practice and attitude score (r=0.48).Conclusions: This study also found a significant association between knowledge score and demographic variables like education level and job status and also an association between practice score and job status. So, the study results can be used for enhancing KAP to combat this pandemic situation.
A study to find the awareness level regarding prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases among university students of Panjab university, Chandigarh, India
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Goel N. K. , Prashar Savita , Choudhary Kshitij
Published: August 2021

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases remain a significant issue among the young people. In order to implement effective preventive measures, awareness of the comorbid conditions and causation of STDs, as well as sexual behaviour, among vulnerable young people, such as university students, must be established. The objective of the study was to assess the awareness level of students regarding prevention and control of STDs.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Panjab University situated in Chandigarh, India between February and August 2020. Purposive sampling was used to recruit students. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The nature of the data was quantitative and was analyzed through SPSS version 20.Results: A total of 211 (female/male:51.7%/48.3%, mean age: 22.5 years) respondents were enrolled. The awareness regarding the safe sex practices was very high (98.1%). 99.1% respondents were aware of HIV and AIDS, 65.4% respondents who were aware of hepatitis B and 55% respondents who were aware of Gonorrhoea and Syphilis. To prevent STDs 86.3% respondents were aware of condom, 72% respondents were aware to avoid unprotected sex and 19.9% respondents knew of abstinence.Conclusions: Condoms awareness is still lacking in students. Consequently, it puts them at a higher risk of STDs. Such data can be used to strengthen ongoing STDs prevention efforts in India aimed at reducing STDs in young adults.
Pattern of complementary feeding among infants: a pilot study
Authors: Bhoi Pragnya Paramita , Sahoo Smruti Pragyan , Mangaraj Sonali , Das Niyati , Sahoo Purnima , Bhaktiswarupa S.
Published: August 2021

Background: The world health organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with the addition of complementary feeds at six months with continued breastfeeds until at least the age of two. This study aimed to assess the period and pattern of initiation of complementary feeding and to find out the prevalence of malnutrition among infants (6-12 months).Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken by taking 50 infants with the help of purposive sampling technique at pediatric OPD of Pradyumna Bal Memorial Hospital, KIMS, Bhubaneswar. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the baseline information by face to face interview and Anthropometric examination was conducted to asess the growth pattern. Anthropometric measurements were interpreted by using WHO Anthro Analyzer software and statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 20 Software.Results: The study findings revealed that most of the mother (64%) has initiated the Complementary feeding after 6 months of age, 88% mothers were continuing breastfeeding along with CF. No infants were given cow’s milk. There was significant association of initiation of complementary feeding with maternal education and source of information and age of the infant. Percentage of malnourished infants is 32%. Mothers were preferring to give formula food rather than the home made one.Conclusions: The study concluded that late introduction of complementary feeding are still prevalent in our society. The most precious and vulnerable age group of our society are suffering from malnutrition. Antenatal counselling of mother and appropriate dietary modification should be done after thorough screening during antenatal and postnatal visit.
Impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric patients
Authors: Bhuvaneswari R. , S. N. Chandini Raj , Raj Neethu , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Muraleedharan K. C.
Published: August 2021

Background: There was sudden reorganization of services during lockdown due to COVID-19. Care of psychiatric patients was in threat due to closure of inpatient department and conversion of hospitals into COVID treatment centres.Methods: List of follow-up patients not attending our outpatient department during lockdown was obtained. They were contacted through telephone. Evaluation was done with Brief psychiatry rating scales (BPRS) and WHODAS2 scales. Statistical analysis of obtained data was done.Results: Comparison of BPRS total score, WHODAS domain scores and total score between outpatients and inpatients was done using independent samples ‘t’ test. It was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Anxiety and distractibility are the more prominent symptoms in majority of psychiatry patients.Conclusions: Psychiatric patients needs safe place, with people to talk and to take care of daily activities. It is highly recommended urgent need of creating awareness program on COVID-19 pandemic which targets this vulnerable population. It is essential to provide continued psychiatric intervention using tele-psychiatric platform and ensure their social support using community mental health services during the pandemic. A standard protocol on the management of patients with serious mental illness during an infectious disaster should be developed.
Quality of life and low self-esteem: an alarming phase among elderly
Authors: Verma Kavita , Setia Priyanka , Bhardwaj Priyanka , Rawat Preeti , Sharma Preeti
Published: August 2021

Background: Old age or elderly is the final stage of the normal life span. The elderly population is facing many health problems such as physical, mental, psychological and social etc. Factors like loneliness, low self-esteem, social isolation, quality of life and several others negatively affect elderly population and increase the risk of various health problems in elderly people.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted, in which 200 elderly from Sirmour participated and the subjects were selected using total enumeration sampling technique. For the data collection the Semi-structured interview schedule, WHO brief-26 QoL assessment scale and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (10-items) were used and data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version-23.Results: Present study shows that religion, education, occupation, monthly income have a very strong significant association at 0.05 level of significance with WHO bref-26 scale. Rosenberg self-esteem scale shows 165 (81.7%) of elderly have high self-esteem whereas 35 (17.3%) of them have low self-esteem. And no significant association was found between the self-esteem and demographic variable.Conclusions: Indicates that levels of QoL between elderly are moderate and many demographic, social and health factors are correlated with QoL. Also, no significant association was found between Rosenberg self-esteem scale with demographic variable.
Attitude of healthcare workers towards coronavirus 2019 disease vaccine: a hospital based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kundra Shaveta , Kaur Jasmine , Dadra Ankit , Kundra Sandeep
Published: August 2021

Background: Healthcare workers are among the first group to receive coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) vaccine, and their attitude towards the vaccine is likely to affect vaccine acceptance among general population. We aimed to study the attitude of HCWs towards COVID-19 vaccine and determine the factors associated with it.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a written questionnaire prior to first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the month of January, 2021, at a district hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab. HCWs were categorized as having negative, positive or mixed attitude based on their response to a written questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24.0.Results: More than half of the participants had negative attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (N=274, 54.5%), while less than a third had positive attitude (N=141, 28.0%) and rest had mixed attitude (N=88, 17.5%). Younger HCWs (<50 years), nurses, females and those living with chronic medical or psychiatric illness showed higher chance of negative attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine, while doctors, paramedical staff, HCWs with higher qualification and urban dwellers had mixed response. On logistic regression analysis, being a female HCW was significantly associated with negative attitude while being a doctor or nurse was significantly associated with mixed attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine. Doubt regarding safety was the commonest response observed among all variables.Conclusions: In the presence of a high proportion of HCWs having negative attitude, targeted interventions should be planned to address specific concerns of HCWs, so as to increase the overall vaccine acceptance for COVID-19 vaccine.
A study on lifestyle diseases and lifestyle risk factors among known cases in women, urban field practice area Mysuru, Karnataka
Authors: Bhavana Mungara Suma , Doddaiah Sunil Kumar , Chandan N. , Lokesh Derangula , Narayanmurthy M. R.
Published: August 2021

Background: Lifestyle diseases are diseases caused by one's lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyle, inappropriate eating, alcohol, substance use disorders and tobacco use are all variables that contribute to heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension (HT).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the 329 participants in the urban field practice area of the department of community medicine, JSS medical college, Mysore, with a study duration of 6 months. A house-to-house survey was performed to recruit study participants using convenient sampling. Participants were interviewed by using the pre-designed, pre-tested and structured questionnaire which included socio-demographic profile, dietary patterns, physical activity, type of personality, history of stress, history of tobacco and alcohol consumption, family history of lifestyle diseases like HT, DM.Results: The results show that high cholesterol, moderate-intensity work of the participants was statistically significant for blood pressure with p<0.05 whereas waist hip ratio and high cholesterol of the participants was statistically significant for CVD with p value of 0.04 (<0.05).Conclusions: Healthy practices need to be subsidized with the aid of using the dependent periodic medical exam. There needs to be an emphasis on incorporating bodily workout withinside the day by day routine, consumption of healthful diet, and decrease/cessation of alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Knowledge and perceptions towards candidate COVID-19 vaccines among practicing physicians of Tamil Nadu: a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: S. Sivapriya K. R. , Keerthana A. , Arumugam Balaji , Nivetha R.
Published: August 2021

Background: The world is in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic and WHO is working in collaboration with scientists, business and global health organizations to speed up the pandemic response and they are racing to find a vaccine. COVAX the largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in the world launched by WHO. There are currently over 189 COVID-19 vaccine candidates under development, with 40 of these in the human trial phase. This study was done to assess the knowledge and perceptions towards candidate COVID-19 vaccines among practicing physicians.Methods: A cross-sectional study were done among 129 practicing physicians using a semi-structured, validated, questionnaire through online Google forms after obtaining the informed consent. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: The study was done among 129 practicing physicians of which 65 (50.4%) were males and 64 (49.6%) were females and majority of them in the age group of 21-40 years (77.5%) with a mean age of 34.89±9.906 years. 82.2% of the participants were working with the clinical specialty of which 95 (73.6%) with 10 years of professional experience and 23 (17.8%) had 10-20 years of professional experience. Majority of the practicing physicians 92 (72.3%) have average knowledge towards COVID-19 vaccines. Overall, the physicians showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and 107 (82.9%) said that COVID-19 vaccine was really needed to control the pandemic.Conclusions: The study recommends promoting all precautionary and preventive measures of COVID-19 with a comprehensive training program for the practicing physicians before the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines which will support public engagement strategies and help to build preparedness for potential vaccine introduction.
Self-efficacy of online learning among nursing students during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tiwari Surya Kant , Srivastava Saumya P.
Published: August 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to unprecedented effect over the nursing education. First time exposure of the nursing students with the digital learning has raised a question regarding their self-efficacy in navigating the online courses effectively. This study aimed to assess the self- efficacy of online learning among nursing students during Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between May to June 2021 to assess the self-efficacy of online learning among nursing students in India. Data collection was done through Google forms that was sent to all the potential respondents through email, messenger and whatsapp. Online learning self-efficacy scale (OLSES) was used for assessing the efficacy of online learning.Results: Online survey was completed by 332 nursing students from various nursing colleges of Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi, India. Majority (81.6%) of the participants were female. Nearly half (50.9%) of them were satisfied with the online classes. Maximum (77.4%) had poor self- efficacy scores in learning domain. Only 77 (23.2%) of students had overall good online learning self-efficacy.Conclusions: The study revealed that majority of the nursing students had poor overall as well as domain wise online learning self-efficacy scores, which highlights the need for urgent identification of possible predictors. Appropriate skill-based trainings should be designed and provided to the students before exposing them to the online learning. This will aid them in gaining confidence and mastery in the skill of navigating the online courses.
A cross sectional study of the morbidity pattern among stone quarry workers and their associated risk factors
Authors: M. Vijayakumar , M. Jeshtin
Published: August 2021

Background: Construction sector is a thriving industry which comprises most of the unorganized workers and providing widespread opportunities for employment of most of the poorest and marginalized sections of society in India. The workers are more susceptible to various occupational hazards due to working conditions in dusty environment. This study is proposed to identify the morbidity pattern, availability and usage of safety measures, health care seeking behaviour and health care facilities at the quarry site.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the stone quarry workers of Maduranthakam area in Kancheepuram district from February 2018 to May 2018. The sample size was calculated as 94 and five quarries were selected randomly. The study tool was interview based semi structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics like Chi square test, Fischer’s exact test was done to determine significant association (p<0.05).Results: The common morbidities among the participants were abdominal conditions (54%), injuries (34%) and musculoskeletal disorders (27%). One in five individuals had respiratory problems and those with breathing difficulty had decreased peak expiratory flow rate. Usage of personal protective equipments is low and about 63.8% of them were using government health care facilities.Conclusions: Increasing demand for stone and aggregates has led to extensive stone quarrying operations. Awareness and enforcement of personal protective equipment, vaccination against diseases like tetanus, periodic health check- ups should be enforced for people working in quarries.
Assessment of health system preparedness to deal with the second wave of COVID-19 in a remote tribal district Surguja, Chhattisgarh, India-April 2021
Authors: Dan Amitabha , Ram Pushpendra , Aroskar Khyati , Gaikwad Pragati B. , Pasi Achhelal R.
Published: August 2021

Background: Present study was conducted to assess the preparedness of the Surguja district to curtail COVID-19.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study from May 2020 to March 2021 through records of 2 primary health centres areas selected by convenient sampling (farthest and nearest to district headquarters). Data on existing facilities and logistics was from district headquarters. Preparedness was assessed through checklist. Observations were presented as rates, ratios and proportions. Standard error of difference between two proportions was used as test of significance and p value≤0.05 was considered significant.Results: For Surguja district population of 925938 (65% rural), overall attack rate was 1.15%, case fatality rate was 0.96% (102/10636); there was 1 DCH, 9 DCHC, 6 CHCs, 25 PHCs, 3 upgraded PHCs, 197 subcentres, 12 CCC, 01 RT-PCR laboratory and 228 COVID vaccination centres. There were 1151 isolation beds; 300 with oxygen support (26%); ICU beds 134 (11.60%) with 34 ventilators. Cumulative 258229 tests; antigen 67.90%, test positivity rate 4.10% (urban 8.2%, rural 1.7%).  This urban-rural difference in test positivity rate was statistically significant (p<0.001). Health care workers, 94.81% (12722/13418) had received one dose of vaccine with 53.36% (6789/13418) both doses. Above 45 years eligible population; 66.68% (154254/231331) received one dose of vaccine.Conclusions: Surveillance and management of COVID-19 were as per GOI guidelines issued. However, to enhance response we recommended strict implementation of appropriate behaviour in community, establishment of containment zones/facilities for high risk population in urban area blocks and increasing laboratories with RT-PCR testing in appropriate proportions.
Prevalence of COVID symptoms, their severity and duration: a gender based analysis
Authors: Mishra Abhishek Kumar , Mittal Chhaya , Bano Tanveer , Kumar Arun , Singh Ganesh , Kanaujia Anglica , Verma Niharika
Published: August 2021

Background: COVID -19 is the most important public health problem of recent time. Approximately (60%) of those infected develop symptoms. Study is needed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms, their severity and duration, secondary attack rate and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour for prevention and control of infection. The aim was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms, secondary attack rate and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour of infected person.Methods: Present cross sectional study was done among patients who recovered from COVID-19 in Meerut district. After obtaining mobile numbers of patients, they were asked about their experience about pre-COVID, COVID and post-COVID period. Total 100 patients were contacted using simple random sampling and information was collected on predesigned Google form.Results: Out of total respondents 98% developed one or more symptoms. Fever was reported to be most common problem (72%) followed by body ache (62%). Most classified their symptoms as mild and moderate (36% and 43% respectively). There was no statistically significant difference for duration and severity of illness based on gender. While 21% categorized their symptoms as severe and very severe. All 100% patients followed COVID-19 appropriate behaviour post infection frequent hand washing and use of sanitizer being the most common behaviour (79%). Other commonly followed COVID-19 appropriate behaviours were use of face mask (68%), maintaining distance of more than 6 feet (65%).Conclusions: COVID-19 symptoms are common among patients but are usually less severe. Most of the patients are following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour to lessen burden of infection to others. Results also highlight the need of early testing to reduce infection in family members.
Assessment of quality of life among cancer patients in a cancer care center of Mysuru
Authors: Khanum Rufia Shaistha , D. Sunil Kumar , Verma Satendra Kumar , R. Narayanmurthy M.
Published: August 2021

Background: Cancer is a non-communicable disease causing high mortality and morbidity. Most risk factors of cancer are preventable, but due to lack of awareness, ignorance, poor access to healthcare and changing lifestyle the burden of the disease is rapidly increasing. Cancer causes a lot of financial and emotional distress among the patients and their families. Measures focusing on reducing the financial burden and improving the quality of life (QoL) among cancer survivors is needed. This study was done to assess the quality of life among cancer patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bharat hospital and institute of oncology for a period of 5 months (February 2021 to June 2021). A total of 380 rural women diagnosed with cancer were included in the study. EORTC QLQ-C30 (European organization for research and treatment of cancer QoL questionnaire) was used to assess the quality of life among cancer patients. The data was coded and entered in MS excel and analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. The quality of life scoring is done as per the EORTC QLQ-C30 scoring manual.Results: The average functional score (AFS) was 60.14 which indicates most patients have better QoL. The average symptoms score (ASS) was 38.48 which indicated 255 (67.1%) had mild symptomatology/problems and 282 (74%) had a GHS score range of 50-75 which meant the majority had a good QoL.Conclusions: Cancer causes a huge economic burden particularly in those with a low socio-economic background. Interventions and policies should be adopted to make treatment more affordable. The patient should be offered emotional strength and families should be counselled for a better understanding of patients’ emotions.
Age-sex specific mortality pattern in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North Karnataka, India
Authors: Shankar Gowri , Kalburgi Eshwar Basaveneppa , Naik SanthoshKumar R.
Published: August 2021

Background: Age-sex specific mortality pattern is one of the most fundamental metrics of population health. It is the most frequently used health care indicator and a valuable tool for planning and management in hospitals.Methods: A retrospective study of all deaths that occurred in the year 2020 in Hangal Sri Kumareshwar hospital and research centre, Navanagar, Bagalkot, Karnataka was done by analyzing the records from medical records department after institutional review board clearance. Data regarding age, sex, area of residence, ward of admission and cause of death was noted and analyzed using percentages and Chi square test. Cause of death was classified according to ICD 10.Results: Out of 455 deaths in the year 2020, males contributed to 63.30% of the deaths and females to 36.70% deaths. Maximum number of deaths occurred between 61 to 80 years (28.79%) followed by those between 41 to 60 years (27.47%) and 20 to 40 years (20.66%). Maximum number of deaths was due to a non-communicable disease (62.86%). Cardiovascular disease contributed to 28.57% of the total deaths. COVID-19 contributed to 6.37% of the deaths.Conclusions: Large scale investment in medical infrastructure to treat non communicable disease (NCDs) and increased health insurance coverage will be helpful in the long term plans. Awareness regarding a healthy life style can reduce the risk factors for NCDs and avoidable mortality. Preventive measures to curtail COVID-19 pandemic are the need of the hour. Estimates of premature mortality are essential to reduce preventable deaths and improve population health.
Relationship between personality traits and tobacco smoking behaviour in outpatients of a tertiary care hospital, Mandya
Authors: V. Manikanta K. , R. Harish B. , Gowda Sudhir , Raj Charan Amogh
Published: August 2021

Background: This study was conducted on 168 patients to assess nicotine dependence in tobacco smokers and to compare their personality profiles with non-smokers. Methods: The patients were grouped into nicotine dependent and non-nicotine dependent based on the DSM IV-TR, Personality profile assessed with the big five personality test. informed consent was taken before collecting the data. The test of significance used was independent sample t-test and one way ANOVA.Results: A total of 168 participants were included in this study, comprised of 84 smokers (50%) and 84 non-smokers (50%). Smokers revealed a higher score in neuroticism compared to non-smokers (25.19+4.33 vs. 24.07+3.99), higher extroversion (19.02+4.67 vs. 18.64+6.18) lower Conscientiousness (20.30+6.64 vs. 21.37+5.18) and lower openness to experience (22.14+6.24 vs. 22.75+5.25). mean score of neuroticism is significantly more in moderate (26.12+5.50) level nicotine dependence, openness to experience showed significantly high (28.4+2.31) level nicotine dependence. 41.6% of smokers belong to low to moderate level ND, 30.9% moderate level ND, 22.6% high-level ND, and 0.04% low-level ND. Neuroticism showed health concerns as the reason to quit smoking than those who did not. Conclusions: 39.2% of the participants did not even attempt to quit smoking and the most common reason to quit smoking was health concerns and social factors so it is important to educate these individuals and motivate them to quit smoking. Major causes of relapse were social factors and media/advertisement. Hence strict rules against the display of smoking can help to prevent relapse
Hb estimation at point of care using cyanmethaemoglobin method
Authors: Kalaivani K. , Ramachandran Prema
Published: August 2021

Background: Accurate estimation of haemoglobin (Hb) is an essential prerequisite for detection of anaemia and for assessing response to treatment. In India the gold standard cyanmethaemoglobin method is used for estimation of Hb in tertiary care institutions but accurate methods for Hb estimation are not being used in primary and secondary healthcare settings. Major national surveys have demonstrated the feasibility and accuracy of Hb estimation by indirect cyanmethaemoglobin method (ICM). However, ICM has not been used for Hb estimation in point of care because of reports that ICM underestimates Hb. A study was taken up to compare the accuracy of Hb estimation by direct (DCM) and indirect cyanmethaemoglobin (ICM) method.Methods: ANMs and laboratory technicians pipetted out duplicate samples of blood for both direct and indirect Hb estimation. Another trained laboratory technician undertook Hb estimation using colorimeter in all samples. Hb values between duplicates were compared.Results: There was excellent concordance between means and frequency distribution of Hb values between duplicates when Hb in both were estimated using DCM or ICM and also when Hb estimation was done by DCM in one and ICM in the other. Bland Altman Plots confirmed that across Hb levels there was excellent concordance between direct and indirect method of Hb estimation.Conclusions: Indirect cyanmethaemoglobin method is accurate. It can be used at point of care for screening for anaemia and assessing improvement in Hb after treatment especially in primary and secondary health care settings.
Contribution of community health volunteers in facilitating mobilization for nutritional screening among adolescents (10-19 years) residing in urban Puducherry, India – an operational research study
Authors: Rajaa Sathish , Sahu Swaroop K. , Thulasingam Mahalakshmy
Published: August 2021

Background: Many countries have experimented with community health volunteers (CHVs) to expand their health systems. Adolescents represent 20% of India's population and serve as a vital resource in transforming its social and economic fortunes. Thus, we aimed at evaluating the contribution of CHVs in mobilizing adolescents for the adolescent health clinics (focusing on adolescent nutrition and anaemia) in a selected primary health centre (PHC) of Puducherry.Methods: A community-based operational research study was conducted in the urban field practice area of JIPMER, Puducherry. Around 5-6 volunteers were selected from each of the 13 anganwadis functioning under the PHC. The volunteers were interviewed before enrolment for willingness. About four batches of sensitization and training sessions were conducted to provide necessary training regarding the prioritized topic. CHVs were then given three months to mobilize the adolescents. This model was evaluated using the theoretical underpinning technique.Results: Of the total 85 CHVs suggested, around 65 (76.5%) showed willingness in rendering services. About 32 (49.2%) discontinued during the initial weeks of the intervention due to various reasons. The remaining CHVs reached 61 (17.2%) new adolescents and motivated around 48 (78.6%) individuals to visit the health center. All 48 were screened for malnutrition and anemia. About 25 (52%), 5 (10.2%) and 31 (64%) adolescents were diagnosed to have undernourishment (BMI<18.5), obesity (BMI>25) and anaemia (Hb<12) respectively.Conclusions: About half of the CHVs who volunteered remained till the end. The involved volunteers improved the adolescent coverage by tripling the number of adolescent beneficiaries.
A cross-sectional study to assess quality of life in 2-18 years children and adolescent living with beta thalassemia major registered at comprehensive thalassemia care centre attached to tertiary care hospital in a metropolitan city
Authors: Lohare Basvaraj S. , Gokhe Seema S. B.
Published: August 2021

Background: Thalassemia is a serious inherited blood disorder. Children and adolescent living with thalassemia major require lifelong repeated blood transfusions and costly medicines for their survival. In India, β-thalassemia prevalence is 3-4%. Children are basic pillars of society although they are the most vulnerable part of society in view of nutrition, education and social life.Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at comprehensive thalassemia care centre attached to tertiary care hospital in a metropolitan city. 76 children and adolescents living with beta thalassemia major aged between 2 to 18 years registered for blood transfusion were included.Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 13.81±6.71 years, 63.2% were males. Majority of study subjects belonged to Hindu religion. 46.3% study subjects were in primary school, 84.21% parents of study subjects gave the history of non-consangious marriage. 92.1% of the study subjects’ parents and their relatives were not aware of history of thalassemia in the family. Genetic counselling was offered to 71.1%. Age of onset of disease was 0-6 months amongst 64.5% of children. 53.9% children had B positive blood group. Total health summary score, emotional health summary score, social health summary score and psychosocial health summary score was better in age group 2-4 years. School health summary score was very low in all age groups.Conclusions: To improve the quality of life of children and adolescent living with beta thalassemia and to reduce catastrophic out pocket expenditure from parents of study subjects, there is need of developing comprehensive thalassemia care center at medical colleges/district hospitals for preventive and promotive health care of children and adolescents.
Association of socio-demographic characteristics with knowledge and perception about disease among newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients in western Utter Pradesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaushal Suneel Kumar , Dhaked Sonal
Published: August 2021

Background: TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. The risk of TB is high among populations living in poverty, low socioeconomic groups, low income, immune-suppressed (including AIDS), and extreme age (old age and children) groups, etc. Methods: The study was conducted in TB and chest department of Sarojini Naidu medical college Agra city. The total number of patients registered during the period of July to September 2017 was 518; out of these 288 were new pulmonary and extrapulmonary patients. Out of 288 subjects, 123 were pulmonary patients. All the 123 new pulmonary tuberculosis patients (both smear +ve and smear -ve) were included in the study. 18 patients were loss to follow up after registration thus final effective sample size was 105 for further follow-up study. Results: Overwhelming (84.76%) patients belonged to a lower socioeconomic class. The maximum number (85.33%) of the study subjects among upper lower socioeconomic status had no knowledge regarding causative microbes of the disease (p=0.001). Conclusions: The majority of patients belong to illiterate, lower socioeconomic group, married and other than general cast, living in a joint, overcrowded family with more than four family members. About half of the subjects not knowing the method of prevention & consequence of treatment interruption. Most of them felt that quality of life affected after disease and about 1/4th of them felt hurtful behaviour of family members.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in burn patients: an observational study
Authors: Gorka Rahul , Bhat Sakshi , Bavoria Shalli , Dhar Surbhi
Published: August 2021

Background: Burns are one of the most common and devastating forms of trauma in life. Patients with serious thermal injury require immediate specialized care in order to minimize morbidity and mortality. Thermal injury creates a breach in the surface of the skin. It is difficult to evaluate the immediate effects of burn injury on serum levels of vitamin D metabolites because the binding proteins for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the main circulating form of the vitamin, and for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) are low.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. It was carried out in burn ward of Government medical college Jammu during June to November 2020. 52 burn patients of both sexes and all age groups were enrolled in this study.Results: Fifty-two patients were evaluated in this study including 36 males and 16 females. In second degree superficial burns the mean level of 25(OH)D was 13.60 ng/ml (SD=7.27) ,in second degree deep burns the mean level of 25(OH)D was 13.88 ng/ml (SD=7.03) and in third degree burns the mean level of 25(OH)D was 14.71 ng/ml (SD=7.08).Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are low in patients after acute burns, and these patients should be given vitamin D sup­plementation.
Job satisfaction of the accredited social health activists in Amdang community development block of North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal
Authors: Sarkar Paramita , Lahiri Saibendu Kumar
Published: August 2021

Background: Job satisfaction is a positive emotional state towards one’s job which influences efficiency in performance. Job satisfaction of accredited social health activist (ASHA) under national health mission, is not documented in many areas of the country. The present study was done to assess job satisfaction of ASHA in Amdanga community development block of North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.Methods: A cross sectional study was done during August–November 2019 among all the 114 ASHAs in Amdanga block. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire developed based on measures of job satisfaction (MJS) tool. Questionnaire contained 7 facets and 42 items in individual facets of satisfaction such as personal component, workload, professional support, training, incentive and care providing. Responses were recorded in 3-point Likert’s scale for each item, total score ranging from 42–126. Item median scores are calculated for each subscale. Scores falling at median and above were categorized as satisfied and scores falling below median score were categorized as dissatisfied. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied to determine associated factors.Results: Overall 62.3% ASHAs were satisfied with their work. However, 33.3% ASHAs were dissatisfied about their incentive and 37.7% were dissatisfied with their workload. Overall satisfaction was significantly associated with age, socio-economic status, service duration of ASHA (p<0.05).Conclusions: Overall satisfaction level among ASHAs in the area though high, individual aspects like incentives, workload needs to be looked into to take necessary strategies.
Effects of community-based interventions on exclusive breastfeeding among lactating women: a systematic review
Authors: Misra Harshita , Shivani C. , Sirwani Barkha , Rana Ritu
Published: August 2021

Improvement in the exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates until 6 months have been proved to be a major contributor in the improvement of child survival over last two decades because EBF provides optimal nutrition for early life. However, most of the low-income countries (LIC) and low-middle income countries (LMIC) are below the 90% benchmark set by World Health Organization. Evidence regarding CBIs for EBF among lactating women with infants <6 m was searched in PubMed and Cochrane library. Studies from LICs and LMICs that reported EBF until 6 months as outcomes were included and their results were analysed. Data extraction included characteristics of the studies and full summary that involved the effect of interventions on the outcomes. Of 5,530 studies initially identified, 25 studies were included for the systematic review. The interventions were community-based that focused on breastfeeding practices among lactating women with infants <6 m. The studies were geographically diverse-involved LICs (n=7) and LMICs (n=11). The population ranged from n=12 to 26,262. Of 25 studies, five types of interventions reported- counselling interventions (n=14), training to peer counsellors (n=2), mass media interventions (n=5), mobile phone Interventions (n=1), and EBF promotion and education (n=3). CBIs could substantially increase the rates of EBF. The review identified five types of CBIs, indicating that there are different ways through which high EBF rates could be achieved. Counselling intervention was more effective but other interventions have also shown significant results in improving BF practices.
Late reply to no reply for COVID-19 in India: a tale of India's journey in fighting the pandemic and way forward
Authors: Rache Suma , Dixit Anand
Published: August 2021

More than one and a half years has elapsed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and characterized it as a pandemic. A systematic, monthly analysis of weekly situation reports of COVID-19 released by WHO and relevant news articles/events available in the digital version, since January 2020 to till date was done and the critical review of the pandemic management in the country is provided. The consequences of late reply to the pandemic in the 1st wave include failure of preventing the crowds of migrants in the cities queuing up to get a square meal and returning to homes by harsh journeys for long distances coupled with poverty led deaths rather than deaths due to COVID-19. In the 2nd wave, the system not only failed to face the war waged by the disease but rather, in few instances appeared to be encouraging super spread of COVID-19 through activities such as allowing the pilgrims to take dips in Ganges as a part of Maha Kumbh which lead to overwhelmed cases. The most important and the only valid way forward to win the battle of this pandemic along with sticking to Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) is to invest more for vaccinations in union budget to get 95% of the citizens vaccinated at the earliest as the further waves are definitely going to target the unvaccinated individuals.
Tele-health in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: need, current status, challenges and way forwards
Authors: Bashar Mohammad Abu , Begam Nazia
Published: August 2021

Tele-health is the delivery of health care services by health care professionals, where distance is a critical factor, through using information and communication technologies (ICT) for the exchange of valid and correct information. It is one of the effective option to fight the outbreak of COVID-19. However, its application for patient care during the pandemic times is not without hiccups and problems owing to lack of clarity on its domain and absence of clear guidelines on its use.