bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of respiratory abnormalities and spirometric disparities among construction workers in Tangail, Bangladesh
Authors: Mogal M. R. , Islam M. D. , Hasan M. I. , Akter Aklima , Mahmod M. R. , Sompa Sagarika A. , Junayed Asadullah , Abedin M. Z. , Zubair M. A. , Khatun Marina , Sikder M. A.
Published: December 2020

Background: Occupational exposure is a significant factor for having respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function in the working population. Construction workers impose a great risk of respiratory diseases since they continuously expose to construction hazards at their working place. The objective of this study was to explore the status of respiratory health of construction workers as well as correlation of blood parameters with it.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among construction workers along with the control group (university staffs) by randomly selecting 50 individuals in each group from September 2019 to February 2020 in Tangail, Bangladesh. Questionaries’ survey was executed followed by spirometry and oximetry. After confirming abnormalities of lung function, blood was drawn for further IgE, ESR, and CRP analysis.Results: Significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea (24%), coughing (30%), sneezing (40%), discomfort of chest (18%) were found in construction workers. In addition, lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF, PEF%, FEF25, and FEF2575) was significantly (p<0.05) lower in construction workers compared with control. Furthermore, both IgE (353.57±25.41) and ESR (17.87±5.25) also reported a marked rise in the number of construction workers (p<0.05).Conclusions: It can be concluded from our study that construction hazards might the cause of prevalent respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, and increased inflammatory markers such as IgE and ESR.
Factors associated with use of long lasting insecticidal net in Kailali District, Nepal
Authors: Thakurathi Bhuwan , Sangroula Raj Kumar , Joshi Om Prakash , Giri Raksha , Gurung Suman Chandra , Adhikari Nilam , Thakurathi Mohan
Published: December 2020

Background: Malaria is the protozoan disease caused by the parasite of genus plasmodium. As per the World Health Organization Global Malaria Program, the primary intervention for effective malaria control is distribution of insecticide-treated nets, more specifically long-lasting insecticidal net, to achieve full coverage of populations at risk of malaria. The aim of the study was to identify associated factors with use of long-lasting insecticidal net in Kailali district.Methods: A community based quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 village development committees of Kailali district. Altogether 450 households which were determined based on probability proportional to household size. Analysis of association was made by bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Review Board, Institute of Medicine and written informed consent from each participant.Results: The study showed the proportion of use of long-lasting insecticidal net was 60% and net retention rate was about 96%. About 53% of households had net density of less than 0.5. Almost one-third of respondents had good knowledge about malaria. There were bad practices regarding to handling of nets. The study found strong significant association between long lasting insecticidal net use and factors such as wealth status, education, net density and knowledge about malaria.Conclusions: There were some bad practices in regards to handling nets. It needs to be focused on net utilization behaviours change activities. Further extensive study particularly qualitative one on behaviours related to use of bed nets should be carried out.
Knowledge and practices towards hepatitis B among patients and their attendants in a primary healthcare facility in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Rabeya , Imtiaz Khondker S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. This study assessed the relationship between knowledge and practices towards hepatitis B among patients and their attendants in a primary healthcare facility in Bangladesh.Methods: Respondents’ knowledge and practices were assessed via interviewer-administered questionnaires using a cross-sectional design. The sample size was 204 which was selected conveniently. Chi square testing and binary logistic regression were conducted to examine the relationship between HBV related knowledge and practices.Results: Among 204 respondents 77.9% and 80.4% had poor knowledge and practices respectively about hepatitis B. It was observed that the respondents with adequate knowledge had showed good practice regarding hepatitis B screening (p<0.001), vaccination (p=0.001), screening of blood before transfusion (p=0.018), demanding new syringe before each use (p=0.018), participation in hepatitis B related health education (p<0.001). Furthermore, all the respondents with adequate knowledge group agreed with the statement that they will go for further investigation and treatment if they get infected with HBV (p=0.009). Total knowledge and secondary level of education were significant independent predictors of good practice. OR for knowledge: 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03 to 1.18); OR for secondary level education: 5.66 (95% CI: 1.10 to 29.12).Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is lack of knowledge and practices towards HBV among study population and better knowledge is associated with increased preventive practices. Thus, there is a need for increased HBV education and improved community-based interventions to prevent HBV-related liver disease.
Assessment of uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age in Khwisero sub-county, Kakamega County, Kenya
Authors: Kiboche James G. , Ogutu Philip A. , Mustami Anne Naliaka
Published: December 2020

Background: Cervical cancer stands to be amongst the major contributors to cancer demises and morbidity in the world. It is also ranked fourth among the most frequent types of cancer among women. The objective was assessing uptake of services for cervical cancer screening amongst women in the reproductive age in Khwisero Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya.Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study of 393 females from the age of eighteen to forty nine who were purposively sampled from was conducted. A questionnaire was administered by the interviewer. The data was collected, cleaned and entered in the analysis software (SPSS version 17). The Pearson Chi-square was used to conduct bivariate analysis in order to define the relationships between the variables having a level of significance at p<0.05. The presentation of the captured results was then done in pie-charts, graphs, charts and tables.Results: Of the 393 interviewed 16.8% had a cervical cancer screening done either through pap smear, VIA and VILI within the past year. Significant influencers of screening uptake were marriage, age, parity, and health providers’ support.Conclusions: There was a low level of awareness and knowledge on cervical cancer which resulted in low uptake levels of screening services which also influenced by other factors like age and marital status.
Influencing factors among rural households on their awareness level about mosquito borne diseases-a descriptive cross-sectional study from endemic area in Kerala
Authors: P. Thiyagarajan , N. Piramanayagam
Published: December 2020

Background: The global burden of vector borne diseases (VBDs) is 17% of all infectious diseases. Health systems in many tropical and subtropical countries are overwhelmed by outbreaks of dengue, malaria, chikungunya with highest burden among poorest populations. India carries 85% of the global malaria burden. WHO-Global vector control response identified behavioural change need and initiated education to improve public awareness. Malaria, filariasis, chikungunya, JE, dengue is currently endemic in rural Kerala. Main objective of this study was to assess the awareness level in general about the mosquito borne diseases (MBDs) among households from rural field practice areas and to find out its association between influencing factors.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by household survey in 2019 in Perumatty panchayat of rural Kerala. Participants were interviewed separately. The mixed pattern questionnaire consisted of dichotomized and multiple answer questions with scoring and interpretations to assess the awareness level in general. The final outcome was categorized as good, partial and poor awareness and analysed for frequencies and associations.Results: More participants were in 31-45 years age group (39.5%) with mean age 43.5±13.6. Only 7% good, 70% partial and 20% poor awareness levels were found. 32.9% participants had completed secondary school. 43.9% belong to middle class family. 75% participants were aware on ‘mosquito bite’ as mode of transmission. 14.3% aware on all major symptoms. Education, family history, SEC and Knowledge source had significant influence between awareness categories.Conclusions: Low awareness level on MBDs among the rural population needs proper health education interventions.
Evaluation of the role of patch test in endogenous eczemas
Authors: Bahuguna Amit , Mahajan Saurabh , Yadav Arun K. , Sood Aradhana , Lathwal Sumit
Published: December 2020

Background: Endogenous eczemas have a significant effect on quality of life of patients and is a huge burden on healthcare. There is evidence that external factors play an important role in endogenous eczemas. The study was conducted to evaluate the role of patch test in endogenous eczemas and to identify any causal or aggravating allergen, the avoidance of which could augment response to standard therapy and prevent relapse.Methods: Four groups of 27 patients each, with clinical diagnosis of one of the major endogenous eczema namely, Atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, pompholyx and seborrhoeic dermatitis satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Demographic and clinical details were recorded and were patch tested with the Indian standard patch test battery. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI or children’s DLQI) was used at the presentation and after 03 months to assist in assessing the subjective improvement after avoidance of the agents incriminated by the patch test. Results: Of the 108 study participants, 61 (56.5%) patients had one or more positive results in the study, with maximum 21 (77.8%) in pompholyx and minimum of only 10 (37%) in patients of seborrhoeic dermatitis group. About, 36 (33.3%) patients had no change and 05 (4.6%) had worsening of their eczema.Conclusions: We found positive outcome in the form of clinical improvement or cure following the avoidance of allergens implicated by patch testing. This study recommends inclusion of patch test in the management protocol of endogenous eczemas.
Metabolic syndrome in psychiatric outpatients in a tertiary care center in Eastern India
Authors: Chakraborty Kaustav , Chatterjee Moumita , Bhattacharyya Ranjan , Dan Amitava , Neogi Rajarshi
Published: December 2020

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) refers to a clustering of metabolic risk factors and compared to the general population, the prevalence of MS and its components is higher in populations with mental illness across all major diagnostic groups. Aim was to study the prevalence and correlates of MS in a cohort of psychiatric outpatients in a tertiary care centre in Eastern India.Methods: One hundred and sixty-four consecutive patients attending the outpatient service of Department of Psychiatry were recruited. The sociodemographic, clinical and physical activity profile of these patients were recorded by using a proforma specially designed for this purpose. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was diagnosed by the International Diabetic Federation criteria (IDF, 2006).Results: A typical subject was: married (64.6%), male (63.4%) and aged 38.76 years. The most common ICD-10 diagnostic categories were unipolar depression (28%), neurotic, stress related and somatoform disorders (28%), psychoses (21.9%), and bipolar disorder (9.7%). The mean age for onset and duration of illness were 31.65 years and 79 months respectively. The mean number and duration of psychotropic medication received by the subjects were 2.51 and 25.9 months respectively. An IDF criteria-based diagnosis of MS was made in 39% cases. A diagnosis of MS had a significant positive correlation with age, age at onset, duration since onset, number of comorbid medical illness, duration and number of psychotropic medications received, depressive disorders, and BMI.Conclusions: MS is common among subjects with psychiatric disorders and the prevalence of MS in our sample was consistent with the findings reported in literature.
Clinico-epidemiological profile of high altitude pulmonary edema
Authors: Adhya Saibal , Menon Anirudh K. , Bhatnagar Sharad , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: December 2020

Background: With increase in the footfall to mountainous areas for occupational and recreational purposes, tackling the burden of high-altitude illnesses is a growing public health challenge. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a serious medical condition with peculiar epidemiological characteristics. HAPE is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among Indian soldiers posted to high-altitude areas. Aims and objectives of the study were to study the common clinical presentation of HAPE among Indian army soldiers and to study the association between induction patterns and acclimatization status with the onset of HAPE.Methods: An observational study was undertaken to study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of all cases of HAPE from years 2016 to 2019, among Indian army soldiers posted to high-altitude areas in Ladakh. Diagnosis was made by the Lake-Louise consensus criteria. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and descriptive and inferential statistical tools were applied to test for associations between the variables studied.Results: The overall incidence rate of HAPE was found to be 5.91 per 1,000 soldiers with high frequency among young men. Breathlessness, cough, and headache were the common complaints. 69.45% of cases occurred among men who revisited the mountains after a brief sojourn to the plains. At higher altitudes, incidence rates were higher among acclimatized individuals.Conclusions: HAPE occurs more frequently during the subsequent visits compared to first exposure to high altitude. At extreme altitudes, acclimatization protocols do not confer complete protection against HAPE.
Impact of severity of diabetic retinopathy on quality of life in type 2 Indian diabetic patients
Authors: Yadav Preeti , Singh S.V. , Nada Manisha , Dahiya Monika
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global public health challenge of 21st century and diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of long standing and poorly controlled diabetes which hampers patient’s physical, social and emotional well-being leading to poor quality of life. Objective was to study the correlation between severity of diabetic retinopathy and quality of life in type II DM patients.Methods: A prospective, longitudinal and observational study was conducted in 120 patients of type II diabetes with diabetic retinopathy in a tertiary eye care centre of North India over a period from Feb. 2019 to March 2020. After doing initial ocular and systemic examination, each patient was interviewed in their local language as per NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire. The response was calibrated quantitatively and total QoL score was calculated.Results: Out of 120 patients of diabetic retinopathy, QoL Score was 69.8-88.8 in mild NPDR, 53.2-72.4 in moderate, 37.8-58.4 in severe NPDR and 22.4-42.2 in PDR with statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Median QoL Score was highest in mild NPDR patients and lowest in PDR, which signifies that quality of life deteriorates with severity of DR.Conclusions: Diabetic retinopathy has an adverse effect on the QoL, which increases with severity of DR.
Knowledge regarding prevention of child abuse among parents at selected rural area of Western Rajasthan
Authors: Yadav Nisha , Kumari Nirmala , . Parmeshwari , . Pooja , . Pooja , Poonia Pooja , Bairwa Preeti Kumari , Vyas Himanshu , T. Deviga
Published: December 2020

Background: Child abuse is a kind of domestic violence that involves all forms of physical, emotional and sexual maltreatment and negligence of children under the age of 18 years which potentially or actually damages all aspects of their health. Child abuse is a global problem with serious lifelong consequences. In India the child abuse has not received enough attention. There have been few and irregular efforts to understand and address the problem. Aim was to assess the level of knowledge regarding prevention of child abuse among parents.Methods: Descriptive Survey design was used. The study population comprised of parents of children less than 18 years of age. A sample of 60 parents were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge regarding child abuse among parents. Informed consent was taken from each participant prior to data collection and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.Results: Majority of parents 60% had poor or fair level of knowledge, 39% had good knowledge whereas only 1.6% had excellent knowledge. There was a significant association between knowledge and age of mother at 0.02 level of significance.Conclusions: The finding of the study concluded that the knowledge regarding child abuse among parents was inadequate.  Considering this aspects further awareness drives can be conducted to make the people alert about child abuse and its prevention.
A cross sectional study on depression among elderly people living in old age homes in Kurnool city
Authors: Bathala Persis S. , Sayolu Cynthia S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Aging is a normal process, which is associated with physical, social and psychological changes. Depression among elderly is an important public health problem responsible for considerable morbidity and disability. Hence this study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of depression among inmates of old age homes. The main was to know the prevalence and level of depression and to assess socio demographic factors associated with depression among inmates of old age homes.Methods: A cross sectional study was done from August 2019 to October 2019 in old age homes of Kurnool city with a sample size of 60 by simple random sampling. Depression was assessed using geriatric depression scale. Data entered in MS Excel version 7 and analysed by SPSS version 21. Chi-square test was applied to test the significance and p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of depression was found to be 66.7% among inmates and is positively associated with female sex, increasing age, illiteracy, low socio economic status economical dependency and dependency for daily activities.Conclusions: As the prevalence of depression is more among inmates there is a need to provide emotional support and facilities to engage them in various social activities of the community especially the elder females to prevent them from being depressed.
Pediatric scald injury and its comparison in urban and rural population: a clinico-epidemiological study in a high volume burn centre of Northern India
Authors: Srivastava Sunil , Vij Vikesh
Published: December 2020

Background: Scalds are the leading cause of pediatric burn admissions and related morbidity, as well as a major cause of pediatric death worldwide. This study was conducted with the objective to study the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric scald injuries and its presentation in urban and rural parts of Indian population.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all burn admissions in our institute from January 2017 to December 2019. Data of pediatric patients with scald injury was analyzed.Results: Total 1257 pediatric burn patients were admitted during the study period of which 711 (56.56%) were scald injuries. 57.94% of the children belonged to rural background. The mean Total Burn Surface Area was 38.55% in rural population as compared to 24.16% in the urban population. Immersion burn was most common mode of scald injury in children from rural background (60.19%). Spillage was commonest mode of scald in children from urban background (69.2%) and also the commonest mode of scalds in the pediatric population.Conclusions: The population of rural area had greater total burn surface area, belonged to lower socio-economic status, and had delayed presentation to the hospital and greater mortality rates. Illiteracy and beliefs in quackery further worsened the prognosis of such children.
Awareness of the Indian population regarding COVID-19 pandemic: a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Senniyappan Malar Kodi , Chellappan Xavier Belsiyal , Deol Rupinder , Garadi Shweta
Published: December 2020

Background: The quick and widespread of the COVID-19 virulent disease has become a significant cause of concern among the general public and likely to adapt to this situation. People's adherence to control measures is affected by their knowledge of COVID-19. This study aims to assess the awareness of the Indian population regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey conducted through an online platform (Google form) among the Indian population. A structured questionnaire was prepared to collect data about 5 minutes required to complete the questionnaire, and a total of 351 responses were received. Descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential (chi-square) statistics used to analyze the collected data.  Results: A total of 351 respondents have participated in this survey from different states/union territories were included in the analysis. 68.9% were had an adequate level of awareness, and 19.9% of was had an inadequate level of awareness. 78.6% were answered that the virus spreads through touching, coughing, sneezing; also, 78.3% were had knowledge regarding symptoms of COVID-19. Level of awareness was not associated with age, gender and variables were shown association.Conclusions: There is a need to intensify the awareness of people during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Demographic profile of alcohol use disorder patient who received care from a de-addiction centre in central Kerala
Authors: C. Maria Babu , P. Maria Joy , Thomas Ronnie , R. Varghese P. , Kuttichira Praveenlal
Published: December 2020

Background: The world’s third largest risk factor for disease and disability is alcohol consumption. This is associated with many serious socio-economic issues, including violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism at the workplace.Methods: In this study the socio demographic details of the patients admitted from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2016 were collected directly from the medical records of a de-addiction centre situated at Thrissur, Kerala. The data was entered to excel and statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 21. A total of 571 cases were included in the study.Results: This study shows that more than half of the patients (52.42%) seeking de-addiction comes under middle age group with the mean age of 42 years. Based on educational category of the patients of this study only 10.4% had graduation and above. The majority of the subjects had either high school certificate or below (84.4%). The educational status of patients was comparable with the pattern among general population. In the present study, 32.9% of the patients are skilled workers. In terms of blood group distribution of the patients, the most observed blood group was O+ (41.4%) followed by B+ (23.9%).Conclusions: Large number of clients seeks help from de-addiction centers. The majority belonged to middle age group and the educational status of patients was comparable with the pattern among general population. There is necessity for further investigation in the de-addiction centers in order to evaluate pattern and trends in misuse of alcohol or substances.
A study to evaluate mobile phone dependence among students of a medical teaching institute in Mumbai
Authors: Sodhani Shreya , Gupta Priyanka , Shah Anuradha Kunal
Published: December 2020

Background: Mobile phone use has become such a significant part of the life of medical students that they do not realize their level of dependence on their cell phones. It is therefore imperative to identify the threshold where mobile phones cross the line from being a helpful tool to becoming one that enslaves the users. They need to be made aware of the harmful effects of excessive use of mobile phones and counseled about ways to avoid it. This study aims to assess the prevalence and pattern of mobile phone dependence among medical students.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among MBBS students of a medical teaching institute in Mumbai. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire (NMP-Q) was sent to all the students out of which 205 students responded and consented to participate in the study.Results: Amongst all the study participants, 47.3% were males (97/205) and 52.7% were females (108/205). Mild Nomophobia was found in 19.04% students whereas 50.70% had moderate and 30.26% had severe Nomophobia. Amongst the males, 56.7% and 26.8% had moderate and severe Nomophobia, respectively while in females, moderate and severe Nomophobia was found to be 45.4% and 33.3%, respectively.Conclusions: Mobile phone dependence is prevalent amongst medical students.
Knowledge, awareness and attitude on infant organ donation among medical students
Authors: Kataria Raveena R. , Hullur Himaad M. , Sayyed Anjum , Pratinidhi Shilpa A.
Published: December 2020

Background: In India, without a viable donor nearly 5 lakh people die each year from organ failure. Infant organ donation, though a rare global phenomenon has been gaining momentum in transplantation and research. As future doctors who may counsel a potential donor family, medical students need an expanded knowledge and attitude to promote organ donation. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the present knowledge of medical students, to identify areas lacking and to suggest measures to close these gaps.Methods: A uniquely designed questionnaire of open and closed ended questions related both to general and infant organ donation was distributed. Following this, an educational intervention was given and post intervention responses were calculated.Results: Overall improvement was seen after giving educational intervention about infant organ donation. Out of 65 participants, 23% (n=15) were aware about organ donation and organ donation day which improved to 92% (n=60). Only 8% (n=5) were initially familiar with paediatric organ donation, which increased to 94% (n=61). The support for paediatric organ donation increased from 65% (n=42) to 97% (n=63).Conclusions: Infant organ donation has unexplored potentials which can alter thousands of lives each year. As receptive learners and future physicians, medical students are most likely to understand these advancing medical sciences and its real life application. Our study demonstrates the substantial changes in student’s attitudes on foetal donation by a brief exposure through teaching sessions. Hence, lectures on progressive medical interventions such as infant organ donation should be encouraged in first year M.B.B.S itself.
Psychological distress and burnout among counsellors working in health information helplines
Authors: Suri Kanika , Hegde Shailendra Kumar B. , Sadanand Shilpa , Randhawa Sonali , Bambrah Hardeep Singh , Turlapati Swarnalatha
Published: December 2020

Background: PSMRI has large numbers of health workforce working in health information helpline (HIHL) in India. Aiming to understand stress, burnout among counsellors working in HIHLs, India. The study aimed to understand the level of stress and linkages and how the health workforce can go through distress working in helplines.Methods: Individual study interviews were conducted across six states. Socio-demographic details, medical history and lifestyle information, collected. General health questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Copenhagen burnout inventory (CBI)-tools.Results: 16.9%- work-related burnout, 15.5%- client-related burnout and more than 1/4th (25.3%) had personal burnout. Level of psychological distress and burnout among counsellors working in helplines was high.Conclusions: The study shows on how the counsellors working in the helplines go through psychological distress and burnout. It also leads to mechanisms that leads to the awareness of psychological distress faced by mental health professionals, and training for support was initiated to develop a mental health platform.
Tobacco use among school students in Manipur, North East India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Laishram Jalina , Rafique Mohammed , Singh Kh. Sonarjit , Akoijam Brogen Singh
Published: December 2020

Background: Tobacco use is one of the most common substance abuse indulged by adolescents worldwide. The current tobacco use among youths in the age group of 13-15 years was 14.6% (GYTS 2009, India). The tobacco situation in India is unique because of a vast spectrum of tobacco products available for smoking as well as smokeless use. This study was done to determine the prevalence of tobacco use among school students in Imphal, Manipur, India and to determine the association between tobacco use and socio-demographic characteristics.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among school students studying in class VII to class X in Imphal, Manipur using convenience sampling. Data were collected by questionnaire method. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentages and proportions were used. Chi-square test was used to determine the association and a p value of <0.05 was taken as significant.Results: The prevalence of ever use of tobacco among school students in Imphal was found to be 19.5%. And 43.4% of the ever users were current users. Ever use of tobacco was significantly associated with older age group (14-17 years), male gender, living in a nuclear family, studying in class X, being in a relationship and whose mother was educated below class X.Conclusions: Two out of every 10 students in the age group of 10-17 years in the study have ever used any kind of tobacco product. Smokeless form of tobacco was more commonly used as compared to smoked form.
Impact of child marriage on nutritional status of women from suburban and urban areas of West Bengal
Authors: Das Tanima , Adhikari Anup
Published: December 2020

Background: Child marriage is a substantial barrier to social and economic development of a country and a primary concern for women’s health. In West Bengal, the practice of early marriage is still running especially in Muslim community. The present study was aimed to find out the impact of child marriage on nutritional status of mother in terms of BMI.Methods: 117 Muslim women from both North and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal were studied. All of them were from economically lower middle class group. Height, weight, age, age at marriage, age at 1st child birth, number of children, family income and other information were recorded.Results: During the study, the average age of 117 Muslim women was 28.4±3.7 years with a range of 21-41. Average age was 18.0±1.9 years when the Muslim women got married. 83.6% women who got married in childhood were in underweight category of which 15.8% were in severe thinness category. But 86.9% women who got married after 18 year were in normal weight category. Only 5.3% women of this group were in underweight category.Conclusions: Thinness of the mother was might be due to marriage before 18 year. Thus from the above study it could be concluded that child marriage had a negative impact on mother’s nutritional status in terms of BMI.
Verbal autopsy of neonatal and infant deaths from Bhavnagar rural and comparison with recent data
Authors: Patel Rajesh B. , Sinol Hinal A. , Jindal Sonal V. , Gohil Jayendra R.
Published: December 2020

Background: Infant deaths from Bhavnagar rural areas were studied by using a verbal autopsy tool.Methods: Community visit based retrospective study of Bhavnagar rural by WHO verbal autopsy questionnaire.Results: Of the 92 deaths analyzed, 59 % (early), 12% (late), and 29% were during the post neonatal period. Male deaths were 55 (60%). The most common immediate causes were infection (39%), birth asphyxia (23%), and hyaline membrane disease (15%). Underlying causes were: maternal illness with feeding problem (45%), prematurity (26%), meconium aspiration syndrome (9%), and congenital/genetic anomalies (10%). Infant and neonatal deaths were seen more with illiteracy of mother, age of mother (25-29 years), third parity, anemia, and vaginal discharge; and non-breastfed, low birth weight and preterm. Birth asphyxia and hyaline membrane disease were during early, and meningitis and pneumonia were after the neonatal period. Verbal autopsy was accurate in 18/23 (78%) of the facility-based deaths where the cause of death was available. Ethics approval was obtained.Conclusions: Reproductive health education to adolescent girls and mothers, regarding the treatment of fever, vaginal discharge; and breastfeeding counselling with vitamin B12 should be used as more infant deaths are associated with anemia of mother. Health workers should be skilled in neonatal resuscitation, prematurity management, and referral, after stabilization, identification of congenital anomaly, antenatal screening by USG, and neonatal metabolic screen. Recent 2018 data obtained from Bhavnagar District Health Authority shows that over a period of eight years, institutional deliveries have increased and home deliveries, early neonatal deaths, HMD, and septicemia have decreased. Perinatal care should be check-list based, monitored, and mentored.
Status of knowledge regarding school health services among school teachers: a cross sectional study from a northern Indian state
Authors: Ranga Aniruddh , Majra J. P.
Published: December 2020

Background: School-age children spend one-third of their time in schools. Teachers are key personnel to look after the health of school children. Teachers can provide health education to school children, assess the school environment for better health outcomes, provide health care services and help in the maintenance of school health records. Aim of the study was to assess the status of knowledge of school health services (SHS) among school teachers.Methods: Government and private schools in a Northern Indian state. A community-based cross-sectional study. It includes 50 randomly selected designated schoolteachers for SHS by the PPS methods from the schools which were functional since at least five years in the study area. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge regarding SHS. Percentage, proportion and χ2 test were used as statistical methods. The p-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: 38% participants were of 41-50 years of age group, 54% were females and 48% had an experience of ≤10 years. 22% participants had training regarding SHS. 40% participants had moderately adequate knowledge (p-value=0.04). It was observed to be more among participants of rural, government, age group of 31-40 years, with experience of 21-30years, female and among trained teachers for school health.Conclusions: School teachers were lacking in knowledge regarding environment and sanitation; communicable and non-communicable diseases; and health education for school children. We also observed that training regarding SHS was a majorly missing component which could be the reason behind poor level knowledge among schoolteachers.
Mortality outcome of hospitalized children aged six to fifty-nine months in relation to different anthropometric indices: an observational cohort study
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Daniel Abner , Sinha Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Virendra , Seth Anju , Pemde Harish , Basu Srikanta , Chandra Jagdish
Published: December 2020

Background: Malnutrition among children is a major public health problem and an underlying cause of millions of child deaths across the globe. The WHO has provided criteria for identifying malnourished children aged 6-59 months however, these criteria have not been fully evaluated against the risk of in-patient mortality. The observational study was conducted to assess the predictability of in-patient mortality of children aged 6-59 months for different anthropometric criteria to understand which diagnostic criteria most accurately predict in-patient mortality.Methods: Data from a cohort of children aged 6-59 months, admitted to Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital, New Delhi between January to October 2019 was analysed. The effect of anthropometric indexes, individually and in combinations, to predict in-patient mortality was assessed using cox regression survival analysis and receivers operating characteristics curves.Results: A total of 3101 children aged 6-59 months were admitted, of which 123 (4.0%) died in the hospital. Among them, 30.1% were severely underweight, 19.3% were severely wasted and 23.0% were severely stunted. WHZ<˗3 and/or MUAC<115 mm was the most sensitive predictor of mortality (sensitivity: 75.0%; specificity: 42.3%; PPV: 6.5%; NPV: 96.9%; AUC: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.53-0.64) with the largest adjusted hazard ratio (aHR=1.53; p value <0.05).Conclusions: WHZ<˗3 and/or MUAC<115 mm was the most sensitive predictor out of all individual and combined anthropometric indexes in identifying children aged 6-59 months at risk of mortality. Children in this category should be properly managed during their inpatient stay.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding COVID-19 pandemic among general population in a suburban city of Western India: a cross sectional study
Authors: Badgujar Jatin , Kadam Rahul , Sharma Gaurav , Shah Akshay , Relwani Nisha
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 pandemic among general population.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among general population residing in Navi Mumbai, India, by distributing online based predesigned, prevalidated and semi-structured survey questionnaire through social media from 20 April to 27 April, 2020. The survey instrument consisted of questions based on demographic characteristics followed by knowledge (12 questions), attitude (11 questions) and practices (5 questions). Individuals above 18 years of age, able to understand English language and willing to voluntarily consent were included in the study.Results: A total of 817 participants were included in the study. The mean knowledge score was 10.04±1.52 with an overall accurate response rate of 83.70%. Most of the participants had positive attitude regarding COVID-19 pandemic. A positive correlation was found between level of education with mean knowledge scores as well as positive attitude towards COVID-19 using Kruskal-Wallis H test (non-parametric ANOVA) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Majority of participants followed infection prevention guidelines including the use of facemask (94.61%), appropriate hand hygiene practices (93.26%), maintaining social distancing (97.42%) and avoiding direct personal contact through hand shake/hugging (97.42%).Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of level of education with correct knowledge, positive attitude and appropriate practices. The information can further assist policy makers to predict success or make necessary modifications with respect to infection mitigation measures based on knowledge, attitude and practices of targeted population.
Domestic food hygiene practices among households in Pulipakkam Village, Kanchipuram District: a cross- sectional study
Authors: N. Lakshmi , R. Ramya M. , Felicia J. Princy
Published: December 2020

Background: Food hygiene implies measures necessary to ensure safety of food from production to consumption. Food can become contaminated at any point during harvesting, processing, storage, distribution, transportation and preparation. Lack of proper food hygiene can lead to food borne diseases and death of the consumers. The purpose of food hygiene is to prepare and provide safe food and consequently contribute to a healthy and protective society.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 among 81 household food-handlers in a rural area of Kanchipuram district. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire based on WHO (World Health Organization) Food Safety Manual was used to collect the data regarding kitchen and food hygiene practices.Results: The study revealed that 74%of respondents handle drinking water unsatisfactorily. 89% of people don’t store cooked food in the refrigerator within 2 hours and nearly 54% of them don’t boil water before drinking. Only 48% of them separated raw food from cooked food.Conclusions: The results of the study showed that food hygiene practices should be improved in the community to safe guard them against food-borne diseases.
Reasons for choosing medical profession as the career among medical college students in Kancheepuram district
Authors: R. Ramya M. , N. Lakshmi , P. Balamurugan , Nambiar Soumya
Published: December 2020

Background: A career in medicine is one of the most respected and highly rated professions among most of the parents and students. It has been observed that many of the students choose medicine due to parental pressure and many more can’t prefer the course due to financial problems. Hence the present study was conducted to find out the reasons for choosing medical profession as career among the medical college students.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 300 undergraduate medical students of Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre from October to November 2019 with a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet. Analysis was carried out by using SPSS version 23.Results: The mean age of the students was 20.79±1.3 and majority of them were females (60.3%). Majority (76%) of the students chose MBBS out of self-interest. 45% of the students chose the medical profession for saving life which gives them immense happiness. 18% of the students felt regret for choosing medical profession out of which 76% had stress as the reason for regretting the medicine career. 95.7% students wanted to pursue postgraduation.Conclusions: Self-interest or a passion for the medical profession was the most common reason for choosing medicine as the career. Few students felt regret for choosing medicine as the course due to stress and lifelong reading. Special attention and counselling are needed to be given to such students and also need to encourage them to have a successful life.
Morningness, eveningness chronotype traits and sleep quality among healthcare workers in shift work-a cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Kerala
Authors: Palanichamy P. Thiyagarajan
Published: December 2020

Background: Sleep is basic physiological requirement. Sleep quality have impact on employee behaviour like alertness at work, error-making and absenteeism. The sleep disorders of nurses and other allied health workers have been reported as a risk factor for patient safety.Studies have found high prevalence of poor sleep quality among nurses. Main objective of this study was aimed to find out the morningness, eveningness chronotypes and sleep quality among allied health workers in shift work.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among nursing and other allied health workers working in shifts using Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ). After final scores participants were categorized as having good or bad quality of sleep and different chronotypes as per the scoring guidelines given. Chi-square test, Pearson’s partial correlation analyses done using SPSS software.Results: Only 26.9% had good quality sleep (mean PSQI score 8.9±4.5). Among chronotypes 69.9% were intermediateness and 30.1% were moderate morningness (mean MEQ score 55.5±7). 87.1% participants go to sleep within one hour after dinner. 40% use mobile phones in bed. 31.2% took up to 30 mins (mean 22.15±13.8) to get asleep. Strong negative correlation found between the sleep hours and total PSQI score (r=-0.495; p=0.000).Conclusions: Higher prevalence of poor quality of sleep with intermediateness as preferred circadian chronotype, there was also a strong negative correlation found between the hours of sound sleep and the total PSQI score.
Massive diphtheria outbreak in South Asia: an epidemiological evidence review and lesson learnt
Authors: Islam Shamsal M. , Chowdhury Salim M. , A. Mahfuz , Das Bimal C. , M. Reza , K. Mahbuba , M. Alauddin , Haque A. K. M. M.
Published: December 2020

Vaccination is to be considerd as one of the most well-known economically viable medical procedures to prevent massive diphtheria outbreaks happening in recent times. Under this circumstance, the available data on diphtheria and vaccination coverage of three South Asian countries is warranted. The published English-language literature between January 2007 and January 2019 was retrieved from search results in eight highly resourceful journal databases using the specific terms. A massive diphtheria outbreak was occurred in refugee camps in Cox Bazar, a harbour city in Bangladesh, between November 2017 and March 2019. A total of 8641 diphtheria case-patients were reported including 45 deaths in the refugee camps. Our synthesis data shows that there is a gap of immunity which creates a large scale of potentiality for a new pandemic for adult couples along with children. The DTP3 coverage in India and Myanmar is less than 90% and these two countries had no standard coverage of DTP3 dose. We concluded that the massive outbreak of diphtheria in South Asia normally occurred due to low coverage of vaccination or incomplete vaccination. Crowded living environment, low socio-economic conditions, cultural belief, and importation of microorganisms are considered for massive outbreak of diphtheria outbreaks. Community-based awareness program and vaccinating individuals and some cases revaccination of older age groups are needed to stop further transmission and control the diphtheria outbreaks in South Asia. Further research is required to fully assess the vaccination coverage in the stateless populations in this region.
Decoding India’s national oral health program-an appraisal of the barriers to quality dental care
Authors: Rawat Renu , Aswal Gunjan S. , Dwivedi Dhara , Gurumurthy Vishwanath , Vishwanath Soumya
Published: December 2020

Oral health is a poorly assessed and treated aspect of the health among Indians. The government continues to poorly fund oral health programs even though evidence of mounting incidence of poor oral health among Indians lingers on. Regardless of the profoundly anticipated national oral health program, oral health burden stays gazing at the nation.  It could be a direct result of a fragmented policy with varying priorities regarding the possible solutions to oral health problems. Its implementation faces numerous hindrances which should be defeated for successful utilization. Thus, it is fundamental for the government of India, the policymakers, the stakeholders, and dental bodies to conquer every single barrier and define a compelling national oral health policy backed by current scientific evidence. It would guarantee oral health care to all particularly the populace from the oppressed section of the society. This paper is an endeavour to unite all the components identified with the national oral health program. Additionally, give suggestions for its viable usage.