bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences and management of symptoms of menstrual cycle and association with a healthy lifestyle among educated females in Tangail region of Bangladesh: a cross sectional study
Authors: Ira Israt Jahan , Arefin Sayema , Eva Effat Jahan , Tinu Shafayatun Nahar
Published: September 2021

Background: Menstrual cycle is a normal physiological incident in the life of a girl. Often it is not properly understanded or realised that, maintaining a proper hygiene and the symptom management play a vital role in leading a healthy life for a woman. The condition is even worse in developing countries. The aim of the study is to assay the effects, pattern of the cycle and symptom management among the educated female populations in Tangail region in Bangladesh.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Tangail with 305 participants. Data collection took place from October,2020 to December, 2020 following a structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analysed through SPSS 23.0 version.Results: Among the study population 61.5% were in the age range from 20-30 years. Most of the participants have done their post graduation (42.4%). The daily water intake is really important for a good menstrual cycle. 40.8% of the female take less than 2 litres of water which is alarming. 78.3% having their cycle regular with 68.8% of normal flow. 70.4% having their cycle for 3-5 days which is okay. 53.6% of the participants faces Premenstrual syndrome for which 12.2% take medications and 18.8% participants take medicine during menstruation. The study demonstrates a statistically significant association between the age and PMS as well as between the life stress of a women and PMS.Conclusions: The study's goal is to look into the effects and management of menstruation, as well as the demographic and lifestyle characteristics of the participants. To ensure female's health, menstrual cycles must be maintained properly.
Evaluation of community-based disease surveillance systems for priority disease detection in Nairobi County Kenya
Authors: Muange Annastacia Katuvee , Kariuki John , Mwitari James
Published: September 2021

Background: Community based disease surveillance (CBDS) may be defined as an active process of community involvement in identification, reporting, responding to and monitoring diseases and public health events of concern in the community. The scope of CBS is limited to systematic continuous collection of health data on events and diseases guided by simplified lay case definitions and reporting to health facilities for verification, investigation, collation, analysis and response as necessary.Methods: A cross sectional study design, interventions study program was adopted to determine the effectiveness of CBDS in detecting of priority diseases. Purposive and random sampling methods was employed to select the respondents.Results: The results of the study assisted the Ministry of health to understand the effectiveness of Community based surveillance in detection of priority diseases and hence strengthen the community-based surveillance initiative. From the findings, the integrated disease surveillance data for five years from 2014-2018 shows, more cases of priority diseases reported in health facilities linked to a community unit trained on CBDS. Cholera (9/5), Malaria (4757/2789), Neonatal tetanus (27/3) respectively.Conclusions: The study concluded that, use of community-based surveillance system, improves detection of the notifiable diseases in the community. The study revealed that there is a gap on training of community-based disease surveillance system and therefore there is need for continuous refresher trainings on CBDS to the CHVs and CHAs to accommodate also the newly recruited.
Use of routine health information for decision making among health care workers in Marsabit county, Kenya
Authors: Aila Mohamed Asafa , Kithuka Peter
Published: September 2021

Background: In Kenya today, public health facilities at different levels collect a large amount of routine health (RH) data. However, with the introduction of district health information software (DHIS2), recent evidence has shown low levels of data are used by the targeted stockholders in Kenya. The therefore study aims to examine the association of human resource and information technology factors associated with the frequent use of RH data in decision-making among health-workers in Marsabit county.Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design. Researchers purposively stratified 201 health workers by cadre, then probability proportionate sampling was applied to get the required number from every cadre. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and entered into the SPSS software, descriptive measurement and Chi square test were used to analyze the dataResults: The majority (74%) of respondents had basic computer skills but 80% of respondent lacked training in health information management. The study found that training increases the likelihoods of healthcare workers utilizing RH data. The type of software (DHIS2 and MedBoss) in use had a significant association with the frequent use of RH data at a p (0.047<0.05).Conclusions: The study revealed that the health facilities lacked ample IT accessories even though internet and electricity connectivity was not limited, however, RHI use was not optimal in health facilities. The study found that the majority of respondents lacked training in RH data implying that training may influence the overall use of the routine data. The study also observed that RH data were used for decision-making frequently for a range of management functions.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 prevention: a survey of Sudanese people
Authors: Alzain Mohamed Ali , Elsser Najm Eldinn , Asweto Collins Otieno , Alsese Mohammed Mohamoud , Humaida Mohammed Ismail , Kassar Ahmed , Abdelaziz Mohamed Osman
Published: September 2021

Background: The awareness and belief of people on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention often influence their practices toward the disease. Therefore, it is essential to assess people's knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 prevention; to inform policymakers.Methods: An online survey was conducted on 1455 Sudanese adults using a pretested questionnaire. Chi-square test, spearman’s correlation, and logistic regression were used to analyse the data using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version-25.Results: The study found relatively good knowledge, attitude, and practice on COVID-19 prevention with overall correct rates of 84.6%, 88.8 %, and 78.6%, respectively. Furthermore, knowledge was positively correlated with attitude (r=0.355, P<0.001). Participants with good knowledge were more likely to have a positive attitude and practice (OR=1.36; 95%CI:1.08-1.71; OR=1.52; 95%CI:1.36-1.71), respectively than those with insufficient knowledge. While participants with a positive attitude were more than two times (OR=2.36; 95%CI:1.86-2.99) more likely to have good practice than a negative attitude. Moreover, females and married were more likely to have good practice (OR=1.37; 95%CI:1.10-1.69; OR=1.26; 95%CI:1.02-1.55), and positive attitudes (OR=1.39; 95%CI: 1.10-1.77; OR=1.45; 95% CI:1.15-1.84), respectively than their corresponding targeted counterparts. Furthermore, certain occupations (housewife, no worker, and employed) were more likely to have positive attitude and practice than the student (p<0.05). Besides, considerable participants had misconceptions regarding; effectiveness of antibiotics in combating COVID-19 (32%); almost two-thirds of participants either never wearing masks or sometimes.Conclusions: The finding concluded that relatively good knowledge, positive attitude, and desired practices against prevention of COVID-19. Therefore, a great emphasis on health awareness campaigns should focus on risk-taking practice and remove misconceptions.
A cross-sectional study on contributing risk factors and health seeking behaviour among diabetic patients attending the NCD clinic at urban health and training centre of a tertiary care institute in Durg District of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Alam M. N. , Khatoon Shagufta , Verma Nirmal , Umate Laxmikant
Published: September 2021

Background: About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes and 1.6 million deaths each year. Global target is to halt the rise in diabetes and obesity by 2025. In context of above background study was conducted with the aim and objective to determine the risk factor and health seeking behaviour among adult’s diabetics who visited urban health and training centre (UHTC) of a tertiary care Institution.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 adult’s diabetics who visited NCD clinic at UHTC, of a tertiary care institution from June 2020 to May 2021. Semi open questionnaire was used. Study setting was department of community medicine, Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Medical College, Durg, Chhattisgarh. Ethical consent was taken from institutional ethical committee and written informed consent obtained from all the participants. Data analysis done using SPSS software. Statistical significance obtained using Chi-square test at p value <0.05.Results: About 81% of subjects had good drug compliance whereas 19% had poor compliance. About 5% had exclusively supply from hospital whereas 45% from both sources hospital and medicine shop and 50% from shop only. About 69% of subjects were involved in physical activities whereas 31% did not had any physical activities. About 45% were addicted to substance abuse. Prevalence of diabetes was maximum 38% in age group 50-60 years. The mean age of diagnosis of diabetes was 45.92±13.58 years.Conclusions: Diabetes was maximum in late adulthood and majority were utilising both medicine shop and hospital for health care.
Childhood undernutrition inequalities in empowered action group states of India: evidence from NFHS, 2006-2016
Authors: Kumar Anil , Gulati Bal Kishan , Kumar Jeetendra , Sahu Damodar , Yadav Rajaram , Pal Anita , Rao M. Vishnu Vardhana
Published: September 2021

Background: Child undernutrition is a major public health problem in many low and middle income countries and malnutrition alone accounted for 45% (3 million deaths annually) deaths among under-five children. Malnutrition is the concealed cause of one out of every two such deaths. A study was undertaken to examine the trends, determinants and socioeconomic-related inequalities in childhood undernutrition in empowered action group (EAG) states, India. The secondary data of the two rounds of National Family Health Survey, NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4 (2015-16) comprising of 16,802 and 128,400 children aged 0-59 months respectively was analysed.Methods: Non-linear Fairlie decomposition was used to identify and quantify the separate contribution of different socioeconomic characteristics in gap of childhood malnutrion between 2006 and 2016.Results: Results show that the prevalence of undernutrition has decreased in EAG states during the last one decade, but the prevalence of wasting is remained almost same as 10 years back. The decomposition analysis shows that maternal education, household wealth and place of residence were contributing to socioeconomic inequality in childhood undernutrition from 2006 to 2016.Conclusions: There is a need to adopt different strategies of health policy intervention. It is important to have policies towards improving female literacy in the EAG states because maternal education plays a vital role in child health and literacy rate is very low among women in EAG states. The existence of a functional health insurance system and increasing universal coverage are recommended to mitigate child undernutrition, so that the vulnerable and deprived populations who are not able to access health care facilities, can easily access health care services for early detection and treatment of undernutrition without any financial constraint.
Compliance to infection prevention and control practices for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission at tertiary care hospital in North Mumbai
Authors: Patel Kinjal , Purusottaman Suraj , Carval Trupti , Narvekar Lekhan
Published: September 2021

Background: Infection control practices played a major role in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings. Aim of the study was to know the compliance to infection control and prevention practices by healthcare workers in COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the hospital.Methods: An observational study was conducted at tertiary care hospital for a period of one month. All healthcare workers involved in patient care of COVID-19 and non COVID-19 was observed for their infection control practices. Areas were divided in two category, intensive care unit and indoor wards for audit. Environmental samples of various surfaces from intensive care unit and wards were taken and analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.Results: Overall compliance to infection prevention practices were improved during pandemic. Hand hygiene compliance in intensive care unit and indoor wards of COVID-19 unit were 78.66% and 74.36% whilst in non COVID-19 units was 72.47% and 62.31% respectively. Compliance to revised biomedical waste (BMW) policy at COVID-19 unit were 85.20% and 71.49% in intensive care unit and ward respectively. However, at non COVID-19 unit, it was 65.22% and 57.60%. Nursing station and doffing area of ICU at non-COVID-19 unit showed presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus. While all samples collected from COVID-19 unit were negative.Conclusions: Infection prevention and control practices play a key role to curtail transmission of infection. Awareness among healthcare workers, hospital environment, and usage of personal protective equipment should be optimized even at non COVID-19 facility.
A study to assess the problems and coping strategies among people living with HIV/AIDS at ART centre, Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Authors: Tudu Priyanka
Published: September 2021

Background: HIV/AIDS is one of the worst pandemics in today’s world that has a devastating physical and psychological effect. The virus has weakened the immune system of the body so much that they develop a number of different illnesses such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, persistent diarrhea and fever and skin infections.Methods: A quantitative research approach, descriptive survey research design was undertaken to assess the problems and coping strategies among HIV/AIDS patients. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the 100 HIV/AIDS patients. The study was conducted was at ART centre, Capital hospital Bhubaneswar. Data was collected through questionnaire by interviewing method.Results: The physical problems 76 (76%) had moderate problems and mean score (5.41±1.28), were psychological problems 60 (60%) had moderate problems and mean score (4.20±1.17) and financial problems 57 (57%) had moderate problems mean score (2.97±0.95). The coping strategies mean score (67.27±4.49). Chi square test was performed to find out the association between problems and coping strategies.Conclusions: The study was concluded with recommendation for descriptive study on large sample.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards diabetes among type 2 diabetes patients in rural Mysuru
Authors: Suresh Nishchitha , D. Sunil Kumar , N. Chandan , M. R. Narayan Murthy
Published: September 2021

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered one of the most frequent disease in the world. Diet and its practice, sedentary way of life are the key factors for rapidly rising incidence amongst developing countries. It is better controlled when people are aware of the pitfalls of the condition and improve their nutritional knowledge, attitude, and habits as a whole. As well, as to encourage patients to improve their diet, an appropriate self-care practice and to enhanced a good quality of life.Methods: Across sectional study was conducted at rural primary health center, suttur, Mysore. Type 2 diabetes (having for >1 years) aged between 18-70 years formed the study population and whose consented were interviewed in details to understand their knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding diabetic diet, risk factors and symptoms. Analysis performed using IBM SPSS 23.0.Results: A total of 384 participants took part in study. The mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 3.15±1.84, 1.66±0.927 and 3.65±0.488, respectively. Among the study participants, 192 (50%), 269 (70.1%) and 248 (64.6%) had good knowledge, attitude and practices towards diabetes.Conclusions: It is one such type of disease which can be prevented at various levels by identifying predictors like BMI, physical activity, quantity of sleep, etc. Diabetic patients had poor dietary practices and consumed protective foods inadequately. Still there is a lot of gap in their knowledge, attitude and practice on diabetes which have to be addressed them by educating them.
A study on adverse effect following immunization COVID-19 vaccination Covishield among MBBS student s of a tertiary care institution in a rural area of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Alam M. N. , Khatoon Shagufta , Verma Nirmal
Published: September 2021

Background: India has granted emergency use authorization to two COVID-19 vaccines, Pune based Serum Institute of India’s Covishield and Hyderabad- based Bharat Biotech International Ltd.’s Covaxin, for the vaccination drive. Once a vaccine is in use, it must be continuously monitored to make sure it continues to be safe. These data will add on in policy making and also help vaccine to be safely tracked throughout its use. In view of above background present study has been conducted to determine adverse effect following immunization.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted among 400 MBBS students of a rural medical college in Chhattisgarh, India from January 2021 to March 2021. Approval was taken from institutional ethical committee and written informed consent was obtained from participants. A semi-open questionnaire was used to estimate the adverse effect following Covishield administration. Data was processed, analysed using SPSS software and information was obtained.Results: Study shows most common adverse effect was pain at injection site (86%), followed by fever (76%). Female received more (69%) treatment compared to male (31%). Almost 100% of subject experienced adverse effect following immunization (AEFI) following first dose administration whereas about 20% only experienced adverse effect following administration of second dose.Conclusions: Pain at injection site was most common adverse effect followed by fever. Adverse effect was four times more with first dose compared to second dose. Female received more treatment compared to male. Majority had fever and pain for 1-2 days only. Thus, it was concluded that vaccine have no serious side effect.
COVID-19: impact on the mental health of university students
Authors: Aswal Priyanka , Singh Parvesh
Published: September 2021

Background: Ever since the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic, education institutions in the entire country were shut down. This shutdown of universities caused the students to stay at home which caused a detrimental impact on their mental health.Methods: This survey-based study aims to decipher the impact the lockdown has caused on the mental well-being of the students. The survey was conducted through a set of online questionnaires.Results: The results of the study show that the students suffered from various psychological problems. Anxiety and stress were the most prevalent amongst mental illnesses and were reportedly increased due to uncertainty about future prospects like job and graduation.Conclusions: The study confirms that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the psychological health of the patients and has amplified stress and fear amongst them.
Cross sectional study of depression, anxiety and stress due to COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical students from Maharashtra
Authors: Waghmare Paras R. , Ukey Ujwala U. , Sharma Sarita K. , Meman Sumaiya A.
Published: September 2021

Background: The ongoing pandemic due to novel corona virus has caused global social and economic disruption, including the largest global recession since the great depression. Pandemic has led to essential supply shortage like daily needs medicine that led to haphazard among population. Worldwide increase in case numbers have increases anxiety among population and also increase the tremendous stress among students due to lack of educational activity. This affects psychology of students to move away from studies. Due to pandemic many students were unable to attend clinics that create anxiousness among them which led to anxiety and stress.Methods: The survey was conducted among the undergraduate medical students across the state of Maharashtra. The online semi-structured questionnaire was developed with the aid of Google form, among various undergraduate medical students by using DASS-21 scale.Results: In the present study, total 435 students responded and returned completely filled in questionnaire. Out of these 435 study participants, 213 (48.97%) were male students and remaining 222 (51.03%) were female students. Based on responses to the DASS-21 scale, study participants can be categorized as normal or with mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe depression, anxiety or stress.Conclusions: The present study concludes that psychological health of the undergraduate medical students who participated for the survey is involved to a sizeable extent. Depression and anxiety and some or other degree of stress was detected in the participants as a common finding.
Knowledge, attitude and practices towards anemia among late adolescent girls of JSS schools and colleges of Mysuru, India: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Verma Satendra Kumar , Khanum Rufia Shaistha , Kumar Sunil D. , M. R. Narayanmurthy
Published: September 2021

Background: Anemia is a serious issue globally affecting all age groups. Anemia can be both acute and chronic. The most common cause is undernutrition which is a common issue in underdeveloped countries. Knowledge about anemia, attitude, and practices are important to decrease the burden of anemia. The community should be educated about the causes and prevention of anemia. Despite various measures like WIFS, POSHAN abhiyan, and National iron plus initiative, etc., there is still a long way to go to improve the nutritional status of adolescents and curb nutrient deficiency disorders.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in JSS schools and pre-university during February 2021. The sample size was 292, but a total of 300 girls in the late adolescent age group were included in the study. A structured proforma was used to collect data regarding knowledge, attitude, and practices towards anemia. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies, and percentages were calculated.Results: Mean age of the participants was 16.8±1 years. The knowledge about anemia was poor, positive attitudes and good practices were noticed among the participants.Conclusions: Anemia is a huge problem among adolescent girls. The awareness is poor regarding the disease and its effects. The community is ignorant about the detrimental effects of anemia. Hence appropriate health interventions targeting women and children are needed to see any positive changes in their status.
To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of lifestyle diseases and their risk factors among women in the urban field practice area
Authors: Bhavana Mungara Suma , Kumar Sunil D. , Chandan N. , Lokesh Derangula , Narayanamurthy M. R.
Published: September 2021

Background: The number of people suffering from lifestyle diseases is increasing over the world, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Changes in behaviour and the adoption of healthy lifestyle practises can help prevent or reduce the progression of lifestyle diseases. Many patients, however, lacked the knowledge, attitude, and practise of healthy lifestyles.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 study duration of 6 months. A house-to-house survey was performed to recruit study participants using convenient sampling. participants will be interviewed by using the pre-designed, pre-tested and structured questionnaire which includes 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 etc.Results: Among 329 study participants 306 (93%) have practice of doing physical exercise, 328 (99.7%) decreased salt/oil intake, 329 (100%) stopped smoking/alcohol consumption, 329 (100%) check BP regular, 327 (99.4%) check blood sugar regularly, 328 (99.7%) stopped eating junk food/cool drinks, 329 (100%) take medicationsConclusions: Healthy practices need to be subsidized with the aid of using the dependent periodic medical exam. There need to be an emphasis on incorporating bodily workout within side the day by day routine, consumption of healthful diet, and decrease/cessation of alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Knowledge attitude and practice regarding breast feeding mothers of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Barman Santosh Kumar , Barman Seema , Patel Ashok Kumar , Kumar Navin
Published: September 2021

Background: Breastfeeding is a basic human activity, vital to infant and maternal health and it has massive economic value to households and societies. It has been proved that early initiation of breastfeeding lowers the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and anemia to the mothers, boosts their immunity and reduces the incidence of certain diseases like diabetes and cancer. In this study we assess the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice of the mothers regarding breast feeding.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. It was conducted for a period of nine month from July 2019 to March 2020 at Government Allopathic Medical College, Banda. Total 160 children in the age group of 0-6 months came at immunization clinic of pediatric OPD.Results: Total numbers of children studied during the study period were 160 out of which 54.37% were male and 46.62% were females. Maximum number of mothers (38.75%) belong to the age group of 25-30 years followed by 21-25 years (26.87%). 38.12% of the mothers start breastfeeding within one hour, 46.87% between 1-6 hour and 60% of the mothers breastfed their babies on demand.Conclusions: The participants had good knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding but there was a noticeable deficit in the use of this knowledge in the breastfeeding practices which points towards the gap in the education and counselling of women regarding breast feeding.
Effect of coffee in prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gupta Anuj , Agarwal Joshika , Gupta Rajni
Published: September 2021

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which is also known as metabolic associated fatty liver disease is characterized by accumulation of fat in liver without any underlying clear etiology such as chronic alcohol abuse. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of coffee in prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its effect on various biochemicals like lipids, ESR, CRP, ferritin etc.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary care public sector hospital. The study was conducted among 300 patients. 150 had confirmed diagnosis of NAFLD through ultrasound abdomen and 150 had normal liver on ultrasound abdomen. Both study groups were asked to fill a predetermined questionnaire which included questions on amount of coffee and other caffeinated beverages, physical activity, and demographic data. P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Study compared the effect of coffee on prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We found that subjects who did not drink coffee had more odds of developing NAFLD as compared to those who did. Inflammatory markers and lipid profile were found to be lower in those who drank coffee as compared to those who did not.Conclusions: Based on multiple studies done on mice and rat at molecular level and our study, we conclude that various components present in coffee play a significant role in preventing NAFLD, liver fibrosis and even liver cancer. Coffee has also shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and lowers lipid level in blood.
Knowledge, attitude and practice study about antibiotics usage among medical undergraduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Haryana, India: an observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Singh Khajan , Kumar Brijesh , Singh Mahender , . Preeti
Published: September 2021

Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) has now become a global health problem. It has significantly increased the mortality and morbidity related to infectious diseases as well as the economic burden due to these infections. There is global consensus on development of new strategies for prevention of antibiotic abuse and hence decreasing the prevalence of ABR. Medical students should be given more education during their undergraduate training regarding antibiotic resistance and appropriate prescribing. Therefore, this study was planned to assess Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about antibiotics usage among medical undergraduates.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was done among 2nd year undergraduate medical students of NC Medical College and Hospital, Israna, Panipat. Data was collected through specifically developed structured questionnaire from 130 students. The data was entered in MS excel 2010 and statistical analysis was done using MS excel 2010 and IBM Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.0.Results: 93.07% (n=121) of the students were aware that antibiotic resistance has become an important and serious global public health issue. The attitude of the students about antibiotic use and resistance was found to be casual and negligent. 21.53% (n=28) of study participants believed that they should take antibiotics when they have cold to prevent from getting a serious illness. 38.46% (n=50) of students considered taking antibiotics whenever they had fever.Conclusions: This study provides useful information about the knowledge, attitudes and the practices of 2nd year undergraduate medical students about antibiotic resistance and usage.
An assessment of knowledge and awareness on hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses among police trainees attending police training college, Ongole, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Venkateswarlu Devarakonda , Rao Burri T. , Manasa Devarakonda , Chowdhary Ravi Y.
Published: September 2021

Background: HBV and HCV are blood borne viral diseases, and knowledge about modes of transmission and preventive aspects can help in reduce the risk of getting liver diseases and mainly transmitted through transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products. The knowledge regarding HBV and HCV infection studied in many professional groups, but few surveys are available among the police professionals. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding Hepatitis B and C viruses’ transmission among these police trainees, and to find out the awareness regarding symptoms, signs, complications and importance of Hepatitis B vaccine.Methods: A cross sectional observationalstudywasconductedamongthepolicetraineesattendingdistrictpolicetraining college, Ongole, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. Information about socio demographic characteristics, basic knowledge about hepatitis B and C viruses, its modes of transmission, prevention, symptoms and signs and also complications, Hepatitis B vaccination were also assessed from all these police trainees. The data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.Results: Among total police trainees 61.8% belong to upper middle class, 62.4% were degree holders and most of them belonging to Krishna (32.2%) district. About 59% of police trainees aware about hepatitis B virus infection and 67% know about hepatitis C virus infection. 67.2% were listen about availability of hepatitis B vaccination, none of the participants were aware about hepatitis B vaccine zero dose schedule.Conclusions: Efficient health programme managing departments must take the responsibility for HBV education, transmission, testing, vaccination accessibility and availability.
Development of medical aptitude amongst fresh medical entrants by way of relevant teaching learning sessions:a cross sectional pre-post study
Authors: Rawat Ranu , Singh Parmal
Published: September 2021

Background: Medical Science is still one of the most sought after professions. The possession of an aptitude for the profession is a pre requisite, considering its strenuous demands from the candidate. Presently, there is no mechanism in place in India to assess aptitude in students prior to medical college entry. The aims and objectives of the study were to assess the baseline medical aptitude in the new medical entrants, to Introduce Teaching Learning Sessions for Development of Medical Aptitude in new Medical Entrants, to assess the post T/L session medical aptitude in the new medical entrants.Methods: A cross sectional, one group pre- post study was undertaken amongst 150 fresh MBBS students of Adesh Medical College and Hospital, Shahabad, after approval from the IEC. A pre-tested and pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection both at baseline and after relevant Teaching learning sessions. Data collected was analyzed by using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 21.Results: The overall mean aptitude value before and after the T/L session was 102.98±8.47 and 114.51±8.60 respectively (p<0.001). Also, there was increase in the proportion of students having average and above average aptitude and decline in those having below average aptitude in the post T/L sessions as compared to the baseline levels.Conclusions: It can be concluded that medical aptitude can be built up in the new medical entrants by making them aware about it through well crafted teaching learning sessions.
Evaluation of a tertiary care institute as per Kayakalp Programme guideline in the Sub Himalayan region: a descriptive study
Authors: Singh Resham , Rattan Saurabh , Chauhan Nidhi , . Priyanka , Dhadwal D. S.
Published: September 2021

Background: Cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals are critical to preventing infections and also provide patients and visitors with a positive experience and encourages molding behavior related to clean environment. Comprehensive sanitation and proper biomedical waste management is a critical factor in preventing iatrogenic causation of disease in addition to promoting health and cure. Hospitals of all levels of healthcare are assessed under the kayakalp programme every year.Methods: Observational cross sectional study was done in the Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla in the month of April 2018 using kayakalp assessment checklist for tertiary care hospital.Results: Scores under various thematic areas was less than the required scores for qualifying for further peer and external assessment.Conclusions: The results compiled were appraised to the authorities of the IGMC Shimla for necessary improvements in different thematic areas of Kayakalp.
Review on mucormycosis in the oro-facial region: an overview
Authors: Sonawane Yogashree , Ahire Ankeeta , Saha Ananya
Published: September 2021

The study aims to identify the clinical manifestation of mucormycosis in the oro-facial region to distinguish the role of meticulous intraoral examination for early and timely diagnosis based on the review of reported cases, to propose the role of diabetes mellitus as a predisposing risk factor for mucormycosis in the oro-facial region, to propose the association of traumatic incidents like tooth extraction as a risk factor for mucormycosis in immune-compromised individuals and to perceive the use of amphotericin-B in its treatment. A systematic review was conducted on an electronic database, Google Scholar to analyze the existing data for the clinical manifestation of mucormycosis in the orofacial region. Out of the existing literature on this topic for various timelines, a period of 10 years from 2011 to 2021 was selected for the study. The sample size was calculated taking into consideration the 99.99% confidence interval. The data was extracted from these relevant articles in Microsoft Excel, showing remarkable conclusions. Mucormycosis does not show stereotypical clinical manifestations and thus the diagnosis of mucormycosis has to be confirmed through culture studies and histopathological or radiological ways. Diabetes Mellitus serves as a predisposing factor for mucormycosis in the oro-facial region other than the COVID-19 infection and immune-compromised conditions. Amphotericin-B was a drug of choice for the treatment of mucormycosis by many practitioners. The only hindrance to its usage being its nephrotoxicity.
The COVID-19 variants: an overview
Authors: Pandey Anuj K. , Mishra Sidharth S. , Wadgave Yogesh , Mudgil Nidhi , Gawande Sonal , Dhange Vijay B.
Published: September 2021

The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was initially noticed in a seafood market in Wuhan city in Hubei Province of China in mid-December 2019 which has now spread to 223 countries/territories/areas worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) under International Health Regulations (IHR) has declared this outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 30th January 2020 subsequently declared a pandemic on 11th March 2020.
Rare cases of nasal mass with bleeding: case series
Authors: Tanthry Deepalakshmi , Perdoor Panchami Shridhar , Santhraya Mahesh , Pannen Devan Poothatta , Bhandary Rukma , Pai Vishwas
Published: September 2021

A thorough evaluation of nasal masses along with early management of the disease can prevent complications and further deterioration of the disease to a larger extent. Nasal mass occurring in the nose with symptoms of epistaxis is a sign of suspicion of malignancy. Patients can have variable presentations according to the site and extent of the infection. This article comprises of study done on 3 patients who presented to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) out patient department with nasal mass with bleed. All three of the patients were subjected to clinical examination, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, radiological evaluation, surgical intervention and histopathological assessment. Thorough evaluation helps the operating surgeon to come to a specific diagnosis so that the chances of diagnosing rare cases does not get ruled out and helps the further deterioration of the disease.
Study on pattern of medicolegal cases in casualty of government medical college KolhapurMaharashtra
Authors: Patekar Manoj B , Jagtap Nikhil
Published: September 2021

Medico-legal case is any quite case where the accompanying registered medical practitioners (RMP), after obtaining a detail history and examining the patient, thinks that some investigation or procedure by law enforcement agencies is required to establish and the responsibility for the case in accordance with the law or legal ground. This study is run to hunt out the frequency and pattern of medico-legal cases reported at a tertiary care hospital and to spotlight the vulnerable gender, age, residence and the cause.

This is often retrospective study during which all the MLC cases registered in MLC record during a period of two years (1 January 2018– 31 December 2020) were included. Non medico-legal were excluded. Variables such as gender, age, time period between injury and reporting to casualty, were considered Findings were expressed in numbers and percentages.

The total 2450 cases were registered as “medico-legal” out of which 1866 (79.4%) were males and 484 (20.6%) were females. Maximum cases were from the age bracket of 21-30 years i.e., 905 (36.93%). Most of the medico-legal cases registered were because of road traffic accidents 1154 (47.10%), fall (41.5%), and assault (6.73%) snake bite (6.4%), poisoning (14.81%)
Medicolegal evaluation of pontine hemorrhage at autopsy- Highlights from a case and an overview
Authors: Mittal Pawan
Published: September 2021

One in ten non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) is located in the pons with chronic arterial hypertension as the leading etiology. In the forensic context, deaths related to a pontine hemorrhage (PH) are usually encountered in situations of drug abuse, excited delirium, trauma, as well as in sudden natural deaths where some hypertensive catastrophe is the usual underlying mechanism. The clinical presentation of PH may be variable, causing a failure in timely diagnosis that, if presents with unexplainable circumstances, may become the subject of medicolegal concern. The present case relates to a middle-aged man with a long history of hypertension and presents during an afternoon with an abrupt onset of deleterious symptoms. The patient was managed conservatively but succumbed to his illness and expires during treatment. A questionable diagnosis and the case circumstances, however, directed the doctors to inform the police. A medicolegal autopsy was therefore carried out that leads to the discovery of a lethal pontine hemorrhage rupturing into the fourth ventricle and involving the adjacent cerebellar tissues as well. Severe atherosclerosis of the basal arteries constituting Circle of Willis and Vertebrobasilar system was seen along with their hallmark effects that became evident during brain sectioning. Pathological stigmata of well established hypertension were found in the heart and kidneys. A clinic pathological correlation of the physical characteristics and topography of the hematoma to its severity was also carried out, based upon the known CT and autopsy findings. The possibility of a drug related or traumatic and secondary brainstem/Duret hemorrhage was ruled out.
Fatal road traffic collisions-An autopsy based study
Authors: Rao Dinesh
Published: September 2021

The Deaths due to Road Traffic Collision has become a Major Public Health issue, hence Understanding the Deaths and the Factors involved is important to prevent Fatalities and at the same time Prevent Road Traffic Collision in General. The present Study is a Retrospective Study conducted during the period 2013 to November 2020.

Road Traffic Accidents constituted 39.35%[n-1168] of the Cases. Males formed the Majority of the Victims contributing to 83.04% of the cases. Majority of the Victims were I the age group 31-40 years, consisting of 422 victims. The least Age Group affected were those below the age 10years and those individuals above the age 70years. Light Motor Vehicle were the Major Contributor to the Accidents, contributing to 46.40%[n-542] of the cases. Head and Neck was the Major region affected in 795 cases. The Maximum Fatality reported were due to Head or Craniocerebral Injuries in 87% of the cases. Abrasions were Present in all the Victims. Majority of the Deaths were due to Traumatic Shock reported in on the Spot Deaths or Brought Dead Victims in 35.45% [n-414] cases. The commonest Cause of Death reported after 07days of Treatment, were Septicemia, Lung infections, Peritonitis, Coma.

Craniocerebral Injuries were the Main Contributors to Fatality in 87% of Accidents. Majority of Deaths were due to Traumatic Shocks due to Multiple injuries involved. Importance of Emergency Care is well understood in this study.
La situación actual y los desafíos del sector de telecomunicaciones de Panamá
Authors: García Zaballos Antonio , Martínez Garza Ricardo , Puig Gabarró Pau , Schneider Talavera Christian , Iglesias Rodríguez Enrique
Published: September 2021

Este documento presenta un análisis de los principales desafíos que deben enfrentarse y de las acciones más importantes que deben implementarse para lograr conformar en Panamá, a través de una mayor penetración de los servicios de banda ancha, no solo una sociedad más conectada sino también una economía más preparada para la recuperación pos-COVID-19. La penetración de los servicios de banda ancha en el país tanto fija como móvil se encuentra en la media de los países de la región. Sin embargo, aún queda mucho por hacer para que la cobertura de servicios de banda ancha llegue al total de la población. La gran concentración de habitantes en pocas localidades y las cuantiosas inversiones requeridas para el despliegue, la operación y el mantenimiento de la infraestructura de telecomunicaciones hacen que solo resulte rentable para los operadores de telecomunicaciones ofrecer sus servicios en las localidades más densamente pobladas. Por lo tanto, es fundamental analizar y comprender el papel que el sector público está llamado a cumplir para poder garantizar condiciones de equidad a través de medidas que apoyen el despliegue en todo el país.
Aplicación de la evidencia económica en la evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias y la toma de decisiones sobre asignación de recursos sanitarios en América Latina: siete temas clave y una propuesta preliminar de implementación
Authors: Pichon-Riviere Andrés , Drummond Michael , García Martí Sebastián , Augustovski Federico
Published: September 2021

Esta nota técnica discute la aplicación de la evidencia económica en la evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias y la toma de decisiones sobre asignación de recursos sanitarios. En América Latina ya hay hoy un reconocimiento de que las dimensiones económicas de las intervenciones sanitarias, como la costo-efectividad y el impacto presupuestario, son dimensiones críticas que siempre deberían ser tenidas en cuenta al momento de tomar decisiones sobre la cobertura o inclusión de tecnologías en los paquetes de beneficios. Sin embargo, existen barreras y limitaciones que impiden que la evaluación de la evidencia económica en la región sea parte integral de todos los procesos de toma de decisiones, lo que tiene importantes implicancias sobre la equidad y la eficiencia con que son asignados los recursos sanitarios. El objetivo de esta nota técnica es proveer elementos y herramientas que contribuyan, en forma práctica, a superar estas barreras, respondiendo a las preguntas que se hacen los sistemas de salud que están comenzando a aplicar la evidencia económica en sus procesos de evaluación y toma de decisión: ¿Cómo saber si una tecnología o intervención resulta costo-efectiva en mi contexto? ¿Qué umbral de costo-efectividad aplicar? ¿De qué forma podrían influir en mi umbral de costo-efectividad criterios y dimensiones no económicos? ¿Cuál es el límite para considerar que una tecnología representa un alto impacto presupuestario en mi sistema de salud en particular? Dadas las dificultades existentes para generar evidencia económica local, ¿Qué puede decirnos la evidencia económica generada en otras jurisdicciones? ¿Cómo tener en cuenta la evidencia económica en un sistema de salud fragmentado? La consideración de estos aspectos resulta clave para asegurar una asignación más justa y transparente de los recursos sanitarios, y alcanzar así sistemas de salud más eficientes y equitativos en América Latina.
Estimating the Potential Economic Impact of Haiti’s 2021 Earthquake
Authors: Cavallo Eduardo , Giles Álvarez Laura , Powell Andrew
Published: September 2021

This paper employs a simple methodology to estimate the potential economic damages of the 2021 earthquake in Haiti. The country registered a magnitude 7.2 earthquake off the South Coast on August 14, 2021, that resulted in 2,248 deaths, 12,763 injured and substantial damages to houses and other infrastructure. An additional 329 persons remain missing. We estimate economic damages using econometric techniques and a dataset on natural disasters across a wide range of countries and over an extended time period. Based on this analysis, damages for the 2021 earthquake in Haiti are estimated to reach US$1.6 billion (9.6 percent of GDP) for a scenario with an impact of 2,500 dead or missing. We also generate confidence intervals on these results. We hope these early estimates will provide a useful input to the ongoing Post-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDNA) and will assist the government and its international partners plan efforts to assist the country in terms of relief and reconstruction.