bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practice of self-medication among medical students in a region of northern state of India
Authors: Singh Sunita , Singh Ranjana , Singh Vivek , Gupta Barakha
Published: February 2019

Background: Self-medication usually leads to irrational drug utilization pattern leading to various issues like economic burden, incomplete treatment and antibiotic resistance. Self-medication is a common practice in developing countries and prevalent among medical students, influencing their future decision making as medical professional. The current study was carried out to determine the prevalence of self-medication among medical students and their attitude towards the same.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2015 to Oct 2015. Structured and validated questions were used to collect information about knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students. The study included total of 328 participants. Data were collected from each participant and analyzed statistically by using SPSS version 20 for count and percentages.Results: A total of 328 subjects studying at a medical school were assessed regarding their practice, attitude and perception of self-medication behavior. Out of total recruited subjects, 53% were males and 47% were females. The prevalence of self-medication among recruited subjects was 89.9%. Symptoms like fever, Headache and weakness were the most common reasons of self-medication. The most commonly used drugs were antipyretic, analgesics (81.7%), antibiotics (51.2%). Approximately 15% subjects were not aware about the completion of the course of antibiotic treatment. Subjects obtained information and procured drugs from their family members, friends and pharmacist and the reasons for this were cited as lack of time, minor ailments and quick relief. Only 32.6% students opined that self-medication should be encouraged in future.Conclusions: Current study reveals that practice of self-medication is highly prevalent among medical students without adequate knowledge of drugs used. Students should be educated regarding advantages and disadvantages of self-medication.
Impact of oral palonosetron in improving quality of life as compared to other oral 5-HT3 antagonists in delayed chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in patients of head and neck cancer
Authors: Khare Anubhuti , Mandloi Varsha , Shrivastava Abhishek , Shrivastava Arun Kumar , Wadagbalkar Prashant , Kumar Akhilesh
Published: February 2019

Background: Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains one of the most common and debilitating complications of highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). This study was undertaken to evaluate palanosetron against other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in preventing delayed CINV with the aim of achieving complete response (CR) and improving quality of life (QoL).Methods: This was a prospective, observational study conducted on 75 histopathologically proven patients of squamous cell carcinoma of Head and Neck (H&N), who came to the Department of Radiation Oncology, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal from January to December 2015. Standard protocol based chemotherapy containing highly emetogenic cisplatin based chemotherapy was administered to all the patients. For prevention of delayed chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting all patients were prescribed oral 5-HT3 antagonists. Oral Ondansetron 4mg TDS was given to cohort 1, oral Granisetron 1 mg BD to cohort2 and oral Palanosetron 0.5mg OD was given to cohort 3. They were graded as complete response when they did not have complains of nausea and vomiting.Results: In Ondansetron, Granisetron and in Palanosetron cohort 29%, 53% and 98% patients had complete response.Conclusions: Palanosetron appears superior. Our study was conducted on handfull of patients and compared palanosetron against only two 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, so a larger study is suggested to establish the efficacy and better response of palanosetron.
A study of the current prescribing and drug utilization pattern in Ophthalmology Department of a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: . Priyanki , Kumari Kusum , Gari Manju , Pathak Anuj Kumar
Published: February 2019

Background: The aim was to study the current prescribing and drug utilization pattern in Ophthalmology Department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Drug utilization study is a part of pharmaco-epidemiological exercise quantifying the extent, nature and determinants of drug use in a population. Periodic audit of drug usage pattern forms an essential tool to ascertain the role of drug in a society, increase therapeutic efficacy and improve cost effectiveness of the therapy. It is an introspective and critical instrument providing positive impact on health care delivery to the patient. With this background, the present study was carried out to analyze the prescription pattern and drug utilization by measuring the WHO drug use indicators in ophthalmology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: The prescriptions of 961 outpatients were included and analyzed using a predesigned case record form OPD prescription of each patient. Patient and prescription related parameters were analyzed.Results: Prescription analysis showed that the average number of drugs per prescription was 1.85. The drugs were prescribed in the form of eye drops (67.42%), followed by ointments (14.37%), capsules (15.45%), and tablets (2.71%). The dosage form and frequency of drug administration was indicated for all of the drugs prescribed, the duration of treatment for 60.97% of the drugs prescribed. Antimicrobial agents and tear substitute together constituted above 50% of all the drugs. Percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name and from NEDL was 31.62% and 37.22%, respectively. Patient’s knowledge of correct dosage was 70.44%.Conclusions: This study showed that there is scope for improvement in prescribing patterns in areas of writing generic names of drugs, essential drugs, writing legible and complete prescriptions.
Assessment of Morus alba (Mulberry) leaves extract for anti-convulsant property in rats
Authors: Rayam Sriharsha , Kudagi B. L. , M. Umer Sufyan , Buchineni Madhavulu , Pathapati Rama Mohan
Published: February 2019

Background: The mulberry tree, a plant of the family Moraceae and the genus Morus, has been widely cultivated to feed silkworms. Various parts of Morus alba linn used as an Anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, free radical scavenging activity and neuroprotective agent. The plant contains flavonoids, moranoline, albanol, morusin coumarine, and stilbene, which have. In this study, anticonvulsant property of Morus alba leaves extract (MAE) was evaluated by using MES and PTZ induced convulsion in rats.Methods: Effects of MAE were evaluated in experimental models of electro convulsions, maximal electro shock (MES) and chemoconvulsion induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in rats (n=6), which were treated intraperitonially with doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg.Results: The duration of tonic hind limb extension (seconds) with MAE in MES induced convulsions at dose of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg is 8.33±1.21, 6.83±1.16 & 3.16±0.98 respectively. In the dose of 400 mg/kg of MAE showed highly significant results by reducing the duration of tonic hind limb extension in MES induced convulsions. And onset of jerky movements (seconds) with MAE in PTZ induced convulsions at dose of 100, 200, 400mg/kg is 157.83±8.99, 195.66±17.02 and 295.50±21.10 respectively. In the dose of 400mg/kg of MAE showed highly significant results by delaying the onset of convulsions.Conclusions: Results indicate that the MAE have anticonvulsant effects in MES induced convulsions and in PTZ induced convulsions.
Analysis of prescription pattern of antihypertensives in various stages of chronic kidney disease
Authors: P. Prabitha , T. Reshmi , Jayakumar K. P.
Published: February 2019

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging health problem and is one of the major causes of mortality. Hypertension is closely linked with CKD and both these conditions cause severe cardiovascular events. Hence blood pressure control is pertinent in all stages of CKD. This plays a major role in preventing its progression to end stage kidney disease and death. The objectives of the study were to analyse the class, dosing schedule of antihypertensive prescribed in Chronic Kidney Disease and the incidence of monotherapy and combination therapy.Methods: This study designed as a cross sectional study was conducted in Nephrology department of a tertiary care center and antihypertensive prescription pattern of 364 CKD patients was analyzed. Demographic details, the co-morbid factors and the details of drugs received by each patient were recorded from their outpatient/ inpatient charts. Data collected were entered in MS excel sheet and descriptive analysis done using SPSS software.Results: Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) was the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive (70.6%) in all stages and the most common CCB was Cilnidipine (54%) with the dosing schedule of 20mg twice daily (56.4%). Incidence of combination therapy was 71.7% and CCB+AA (Alpha agonist) was the commonest combination prescribed in all stages except stage 1.Conclusions: CCBSs were widely prescribed as antihypertensive in CKD irrespective of the stages. Cilnidpine was the routinely prescribed CCB and seemed to be well tolerated by the patients. The protocol followed in this tertiary care center was in accordance with the standard guidelines by Kidney Disease Improving Global outcomes 2012.
Adequacy of phosphodiesterase inhibitor in prevention and treatment of LPS induced organ failure in BALB/c mice
Authors: Khan Ammara , Afzal Ayesha , Butt Hammad A. , Waheed Akbar
Published: February 2019

Background: Even though with immense improvement and extensive understanding of pathophysiology of sepsis induced organ failure and affected population, it continues to put hundreds of people worldwide to eternal sleep due to lack of targeted therapy. Newer treatment modalities is the dire need of time. The present study was aimed to ascertain the adequacy of phosphodiesterases inhibitor - pentoxifylline (75mg/kg i.p) in endotoxin/LPS induced hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice.Methods: The number of animals in each group was six. Endotoxin/lipopolysaccharides induced hepatotoxicity was reproduced in mice by giving lipopolysaccharide of serotype E. coli intraperitoneally. To ascertain the Preventive role, pentoxifylline was administered forehand LPS injection whereas therapeutic potential adjuged via post LPS delivering. The extent of liver damage was evaluated through serum alanine aminotransferases (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) estimation along with histopathological examination of liver tissue.Results: Results set forth that serum ALT, AST levels and histological alteration abated considerably (p ≤0.05) both in animals subjected to pentoxifylline pre and post-treatment.Conclusions: Pentoxifylline set up promising results in endotoxin induced hepatotoxicity and can be used therapeutic adjuncts to conventional treatment strategies in sepsis induced liver failure.
DPP-4 inhibitory activity and myocardial salvaging effects of Commiphora mukul in experimental diabetes
Authors: Borde Manjusha K. , Mohanty Ipseeta Ray , Maheshwari Ujwala , Suman Rajesh Kumar , Deshmukh Y. A.
Published: February 2019

Background: Commiphora mukul (Burseraceae) is commonly known as Guggul in Ayurveda. Several studies have reported antidiabetic activity of Commiphora mukul but there are no studies to explore the DPP-4 inhibitory activity and myocardial salvaging effects of Commiphora mukul in setting of diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective efficacy as well as safety of the medicinal plant Commiphora mukul (Guggul) in the experimental model of myocardial infarction co-existing with diabetes.Methods: Diabetes was induced with single dose of streptozotocin (STZ): 45mg/kg ip and myocardial infarction was produced by administering isoproterenol (ISP): (85mg/kg, sc) to rats 24 and 48 h prior to scarification (5th week). After the confirmation of diabetes on 7th day (glucose>200mg/dl), vildagliptin (10 mg/kg) and Commiphora mukul (200 mg/kg) were administered orally from 1st to 5th week (4 weeks). At the end of experimental period, normal control, diabetic-isoproterenol control, vildagliptin and Commiphora mukul group rats were sacrificed for further biochemical investigations as well as histopathological evaluation.Results: Commiphora mukul treatment demonstrated significant antidiabetic as well as myocardial salvaging effects as indicated by restoration of blood glucose, HbA1c and CPK-MB serum DPP-4, hs-CRP levels as compared to diabetic ISP control group. In addition, Commiphora mukul showed significant cardioprotection as indicated by positive correlation between cardiac marker CPK-MB and serum DPP-4. The histopathological assessment of heart, pancreas and biochemical indices of injury confirmed the cardioprotective effects of Commiphora mukul. In addition, Commiphora mukul was found to be safe to the liver and kidney.Conclusions: The natural DPP-4 inhibitor Commiphora mukul demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects in experimental model of myocardial infarction co-existing with diabetes.
Insulin prescribing pattern in geriatric type 2 diabetic mellitus patients of different nutritional status at a tertiary level of health care: a retrospective study
Authors: Dias Deidre L. , Gomes Edwin J.
Published: February 2019

Background: The world, specifically India is witnessing a steady increase in elderly population. The numbers are expected to escalate by 3 million by 2050 considering India alone. Further, the diabetic population is also increasing, and India will be home to the highest population of diabetic patients. It is thus indispensable to understand the prescribing patterns in elderly diabetics where insulin is inevitably added later in the course of diabetes, if not earlier.Methods: Data was extracted from a diabetic registry maintained of patients attending the outpatient departments of a tertiary health care between 2009 to 2012 and having completed one year of regular three-monthly follow ups. Data was entered into MS Excel, analysed using IBM SPSS software and presented in the form of percentages or averages.Results: Out of the total 180 male predominated type 2 diabetics aged 60 years and above, 142 (78.8%) elderly patients received a single type of insulin each day. 102 (56.6%) patients were on human insulins while 82 (45.5%) were receiving analogues. As for premixed insulins, 62 (34.4%) patients were receiving biphasic insulin analogues, while 83 (46.1%) patients were receiving human premixed insulin.Conclusions: The elderly population makes up for a huge proportion and is set to increase in the coming years. The insulin prescribing pattern in them needs to be tailor-made to suit their needs and preferences whilst maintaining a relaxed target of HbA1c control at 8mg% or less. However, it should not be too low so as to avoid unnecessary hypoglycaemic episodes.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of Ocimum sanctum and metformin on serum lipid profile in high fat diet fed diabetic rats
Authors: Mishra Shailendra , Ahmed Quazi Shahir , Sayedda Kauser
Published: February 2019

Background: Dyslipidaemia is an important risk factor for development of macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ocimum sanctum (OS) and metformin have shown to have antihyperlipidaemic effects. The present study was undertaken  to evaluate the effects of  OS and Metformin on body weight & plasma lipid  levels of high fat diet fed diabetic ratsMethods: Total of 30 male wistar  rats (100-150gm) were obtained. Animals were fed with a high fat diet throughout the study (6 weeks). Diabetes was induced by using single intra-peritoneal injection of Streptozotocin 50mg/kg at the end of 4 weeks.  Diabetic rats were divided into groups of 6 each and treated as follows: Group 1- Diabetic control, was given vehicle orally. Group 2- O.S. ethanolic extract 100mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Group 3- O.S. ethanolic extract  200mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Group 4-  Metformin 100mg/day for 14 daysResults: At the end of 4 weeks, body weight of rats were significantly increased (p <0.05). Maximum weight gain was seen in control group whereas weight gain was least in O.S. 200mg/kg group (p >0.05). Decrease in body weight was seen in metformin group. Abdominal circumference of rats also showed similar pattern (p >0.05).  OS 200 caused significant reduction in serum LDL levels (p <0.05) and significant rise of serum HDL levels (p <0.05) as compared to control group. Metformin also favourably affected the lipid profile and its effects were not significantly different from effects of OS 200 (p> 0.05).Conclusions: Present study revealed that Ocimum Sanctum caused significant reduction in serum lipid levels in high fat diet fed diabetic rats. Metformin  also exhibited antihyperlipidaemic activity. So, it is concluded that OS or metformin alone or in combination  could be a novel adjunct to diet and life style modification for the management of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes.  Further studies are required to confirm the antidyslipidaemic activities of individual phytoconstituents of Ocimum sanctum.
Effect of Amomum subulatum seeds against cypermethrin induced haematological changes in wistar albino rats
Authors: Puttanna Goutham Sagarkatte , K. Purushotham , Nayak Swarnalatha , Rao Eesha B. , Mundugaru Ravi
Published: February 2019

Background: Cypermethrin is a well know agricultural pesticide used in the developing countries. It is associated with significant toxic potential on human health. Hence the present study was aimed to evaluate the protective role of Amomum subulatum against cypermethrin induced haematalogical changes in Wistar albino rats.Methods: The albino rats were divided into five different groups of six rats each. Group I considered as normal control, group II cypermethrin control (25mg/kg body weight p.o.), group III only test drug and group IV and V administered with cypermethrin 25mg/kg body weight along test drug 1.08 and 2.16mg/kg body weight for 28 consecutive days. At the end of 28th day blood was withdrawn and total haematalogical parameters were estimated.Results: In the cypermethrin control there was significant reduction in the WBC, Platelet, MCHC and considerable reduction in the haemoglobulin concentration in comparison to normal control. The test drug administered at both dose levels was significantly reversed the cypermethrin induced changes in haematalogical parameters.Conclusions: Authors can conclude that the Amomum subulatum has potency to reverse the cypermethrin induced haematalogical changes.
Prevalence and pattern of social media use and its effect on social health among Fayoum university students
Authors: Masoud Mohamed , Abdeltaweb Ahmed K. , Abd Elmonem Mohamed , Masoud Ahmed T. , Mohammed Omar M.
Published: February 2019

Background: Social media social media are caused a revolution in the last century. Almost everyone has access to social media with different ways. Many students use Social media for contact with each other, following updating news, and help them in their study. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, pattern of Social media and its effects on social health of Fayoum university students.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 633 students at Fayoum university.Results: As regards social media use, the majority of the student (94.2%) was using at least one type of SM. More than half of them (55.5%) visit (3-5) SM sites. About one third of the students (30.9%) stated that they spend (3-4) hours daily. Regarding effect of social media, one third of the students (30.2%) thought that SM sites decrease friendship level, (73.0%) limit sport time, and has a negative effect on the learning process (62.4%). The motivations for using social media were the search for news (38.1%) and making friendship (31.2%). Multiple logistic regression for factors associated with using social media revealed that age more than 20 years and male gender were significantly associated with using social media (p=0.003 and 0.016, respectively).Conclusions: The majority of students use Social media for different reasons. Social media reduced social interrelations of the students may set down their study. So, increase awareness about the hazards of social media among students including their physical and psychosocial health. Highlighted the balanced use of social media for proper improving the learning process through prompt uses of information and communication.
Evaluation of management of snake bites in a teaching hospital in northern Ghana: a retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Yakubu Abdul-Subulr , Abdul-Mumin Alhassan , Rivera Odalys
Published: February 2019

Background: Snakebite is a public health problem afflicting mainly rural farmers. We seek to examine the profile and management of snakebite cases presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana over a 30-month period.Methods: One hundred and ninety-two cases of snakebites presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital over a 30-month period from January 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Information about the clinical manifestation of the snakebites, treatment instituted as well as the outcome was extracted from patient folders for the analysis.Results: Out of the 192 cases of snakebite, 131 (68.2%) occurred in males. The mean age of the victims was 26.5 years. The major patterns of envenomation were coagulopathy (84.9%) and local swelling/pain (82.8%). The causative snake species was identified in only 11.5% of cases, all of which were vipers. Antivenom was administered in 94.8% of the victims and the average amount administered was 84.64 milliliters (approximately 8 vials). Reaction to antivenoms was observed in 13.5% of cases, comprising mostly minor reactions. Antibiotics were utilized in 99.5% of cases with more than half receiving more than one type of antibiotic. Steroids use was common (62%) whilst 22.9% received antifibrinolytics despite the absence of evidence supporting their use in snakebite.Conclusions: Snakebite is an occupational health hazard of mainly rural farmers. The unwarranted use of non-beneficial medications is still rife. In addition to ensuring the continuous availability of effective antivenoms, there is the need for the development and adherence to protocols that take into consideration the prevailing local conditions.
Prevalence of insomnia and sleep pattern among MBBS students of Stanley Medical College, Chennai
Authors: Kumar R. Senthil , Kumar K. Sathish
Published: February 2019

Background: Having a healthy behavior and physiology is impossible without normal sleep pattern. Between the ages 18 and 25, people are prone to sleep disturbances. College life, which mostly occurs during this ages also affects the sleep pattern.Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among MBBS students of Stanley Medical College during august to September 2009. About 300 students were randomly selected using table of random numbers. Data was collected using a questionnaire and entered in SPSS version 16 software. Analysis was done using chi-square test. P value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: Prevalence of insomnia is found to be 37% and is significantly higher among males. Disturbed sleep is higher among males.Conclusions: Prevalence of insomnia is 37% and is significantly higher among males. About 26.3% of the participants had disturbed sleep.
Foot length as a screening tool for identification of preterm babies: a cross sectional study
Authors: Tenali Ananya S. L. , Tenali Ravi Kumar
Published: February 2019

Background: India is one of the countries with the highest neonatal mortality, for which preterm birth is considered as major cause (43.7%). Therefore, early identification by a simple screening tool is important for prognostication and follow-up of new-born infants, especially preterm.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 live newborns at Saveetha Hospital in Kanchipuram. Anthropometric measures such as birth weight, crown-heel length, head circumference, foot length were taken within 3 days of life and gestational age assessment was done by new Ballard scoring after calculation by Naegles formula. Neonates were grouped into preterm, term and post-term and also small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). Minimum to maximum range of variables in each gestational range was calculated. The sensitivity and specificity of each variable was found using receiver operating curve. Parameter having the highest sensitivity and good specificity was considered as potential screening tool to identify high risk babies. SPSS Software version 17 for windows was used.Results: The range of gestational age, length, foot length, birth weight and head circumference was 28-42 weeks, 35-53 cm, 5-8.8 cm, 0.8-4.7 kg and 22.8-54.3 cm respectively. Among all, maximum sensitivity at 37weeks gestational age was seen with foot length (80.57%) at a cut-off of 7.58 cm. A nomogram of foot length for each gestational age group (range of 2 weeks) was also derived.Conclusions: It can be concluded that foot length has the potential to be considered as a screening tool to identify preterm neonates especially at a concentrated community level and is particularly useful in resource constraint countries.
Behavioral and emotional problems in school children: teachers and parents perspective
Authors: Masare Monika S. , Patale Priti J. , Bansode–Gokhe Seema S.
Published: February 2019

Background: The present research was carried out with an objective to study the behavioral problems and emotional problems of school children as perceived by their parents and teachers.Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted on parents and teachers of 304 secondary school children of a metropolitan city. A pre formed semi structured questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic profile of the students. Parents and teachers rated Strength and difficulties questionnaire was used to assess their child’s /students behavioral and emotional problems as perceived by their parents & teachers. The analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software.Results: Regarding the perception of teachers and parents it was found that parents were not much concerned as the response rate for parent reported SDQ was only 64.8% and response rate among teachers was 100%. Out of 304 study subjects, 22 (7.2%) were having borderline total difficulties on teachers reported total difficulty scale of SDQ and 11 (3.6%) were reported to be abnormal. Parent reported SDQ showed that out of 197 parents, who filled the SDQ, 24 (7.9%) study subjects were having borderline total difficulties,  while 33 (10.9%) were found to be abnormal on SDQ scale.Conclusions: Parents, child-care givers, teachers and health care professionals if made aware of symptoms of mental health problems in their children’s, we can restore their mental health conditions in time.
A cross sectional study on proper use of iodized salt in communities of rural areas and its relevant factors in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sai Deepika P. , Thirumala Rao B. , Vamsi A. , Valleswary K. , Chandra Sekhar M.
Published: February 2019

Background: The coverage of adequately iodized salt in old Andhra Pradesh was 63.6%, which is below the national average. Despite of high coverage rural households were less likely to consume adequately iodized salt. Objectives were (1) to find out the use of iodized salt and practices among community and knowledge regarding iodine deficiency diseases (2) to test salt at the household level to assess level of iodine.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2016 in RHTC, Maddipadu, Prakasam district. Proportionate households from four villages of this area were interviewed for the purpose of study. Factors related to use of iodized salt in the communities like type of salt using in houses, storage practices, practices during cooking, knowledge regarding iodine deficiency disorders were assessed. The salt was tested for iodine using iodine rapid test MBI kits. The data was collected using pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS 22.0 version.Results: Most of households (68.5%) were between 25-50 years age, 68% wives were illiterate and 48.5% wives involved in labor work. Majority (83.6%) of the families were using iodized packed salt, 75% had adequately iodized salt with ≥15 ppm and 25% with inadequate iodized salt <15ppm. Association between illiterate wives and poor knowledge regarding iodized salt found to be significant (p<0.005).Conclusions: Specific education regarding proper storage, handling, duration and the importance of iodized salt needs to be implemented to increase community awareness and to focus on behavior change communication to bring positive attitude toward utilization of iodized salt.
A comparative study of prevalence of overweight and obesity among urban, and rural population of South India
Authors: Babu Rao B. , Junapudi Syam Sundar
Published: February 2019

Background: Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health.1 People are generally considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight by the square of the person's height, is over 30 kg/m2, with the range 25–30 kg/m2 defined as overweight.Aims and objectives were to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the study population and to compare the study results between urban and rural area population.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study from April 2008 to May 2009 (1 year) conducted at urban health centre, Harazpenta and rural health centre, Patancheruvu. Total of 1409 persons in the age group of above 15 years were involved in this study. Data collection by using pre-designed, pretested questionnaire. Data analysis by using MS office 2016. Epi info2016, rates, ratios, proportions and Chi-square tests were used.Results: Among urban population prevalence of obesity was 12.7% compared to 5.4% in rural area. The prevalence of pre obesity was more among males (26.2%) in urban area than rural area (16.72%). In the study population 42.9% of the individual who had BMI>25 were from upper middle class in urban area, when compared to 43.3% with BMI>25 belongs to upper class in rural area.Conclusions: All over weight and obese subjects should be educated to know about the occurrence of various health problems due to overweight.
Morbidity pattern and health seeking behaviour of the geriatric population in a rural area of district Faridabad, Haryana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gupta Ekta , Thakur Archana , Dixit Shivam
Published: February 2019

Background: The increase in life expectancy has resulted in changes in age composition of India and tripling of geriatric population in last 50 years. To provide adequate and comprehensive care to elderly, understanding their health problems and health seeking behavior is imperative. Hence, this study aimed to assess the morbidity pattern and health-seeking behavior and factors affecting them among geriatric population of a rural area of district Faridabad.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 300 elderly above 60 years of age in village Pali of Faridabad district for a period of 3 months. The list of elderly was obtained from health workers’ records and they were interviewed regarding socio-demographic factors, morbidity status and health seeking behaviour using a predesigned and pretested structured questionnaire.Results: Out of 300 subjects, 56% were females and 63% were in age group of 60-69 years. Overall 93.3% subjects had one or more morbidities with musculoskeletal disorders being most common (57.3%) followed by visual impairment and cataract (54.0%) and hypertension (49.0%). Morbidities were significantly higher among females (p= 0.006), divorced/separated (p=0.014) and illiterate elderly (p=0.026). 77.7% elderly preferred allopathic system of medicine with private facilities preferred by 40%.Conclusions: Morbidity load among elderly was very high and health seeking behaviour was poor. So, strong efforts are needed to provide them with comprehensive and specialised care so that they contribute to their maximum potential to our society. Primary healthcare strategies targeting elderly needs to be strengthened and area specific strategies need to be formulated.
Awareness, perceptions and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among students of a college in Bengaluru Urban district, South India: a cross sectional study
Authors: Deepa S. , Agrawal Twinkle , Attokaran Teny , Fathima Farah Naaz , Johnson Avita Rose
Published: February 2019

Background: Millions of women face significant barriers in menstrual hygiene management due to inadequate awareness, misconceptions and erroneous practices. The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness, perceptions and practices regarding menstruation and their associated factors among youth of a peri-urban college in Bangalore Urban district.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among both male and female students studying in a degree college. A pre-designed, face-validated structured questionnaire was administered to all students present on the day of the study.Results: Of the 758 students, 372 (49.1%) were male and 386 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was 19.35±1.40 years. A consolidated score above 50% i.e. 07/14 was considered adequate for knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 7.51±2.52. Overall 389 (51.3%) students had adequate knowledge. Awareness levels were significantly better among females (72.3%) than males (29.6%). Among the female students, 384 (99.5%) were aware of sanitary napkins, 165 (42.7%) of menstrual cup, 12 (3.1%) of tampon and 254 (65.8%) of reusable cloth, however majority (96.9%) preferred use of sanitary napkins. Among the female students, 42.6% were expected to follow some social and cultural restrictions during menstruation. Main source of information regarding menstruation and various menstrual products was internet. Misconceptions documented regarding menstruation included the belief that menstrual blood is poisonous (75.2%). Positive attitude towards menstruation was low both among male students (21.5%) and female students (48.4%).Conclusions: Awareness levels were poor among males than females. Practices regarding menstrual hygiene were adequate. However, misconceptions were widely prevalent among both genders indicating the need for health education among college-going childhood.
Prevalence and severity of depression among people residing in flood affected areas of Kerala
Authors: Jom Thomas Jose , Prakash B. , Kulkarni Praveen , Narayana Murthy M. R.
Published: February 2019

Background: The world is witnessing significant change in its climate leading to an increase in natural disasters. Kerala state of India recently witnessed its worst Monsoon rainfall in the century. Floods have significant effects on mental health. Screening of psychological problems is necessary in the background of recent floods in Kerala. So this study was done with the objectives to assess the prevalence of depression in the flood affected people of Kerala and to assess the severity of depression among people residing in flood affected areas of Kerala.Methods: Cross sectional study was done four weeks after flood. Individuals aged ≥15 years residing in flood affected areas were included and people not willing to participate were excluded. Purposive sampling was done and 306 participants were studied. Participants were assessed by interview technique using PHQ9 questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS-22. Descriptive statistics like percentage were applied. Inferential statistical tests like chi-square test were applied for association.Results: Among the participants 48% showed symptoms of depression. 28.10 % were mildly depressed, 12.74% were moderately depressed, 5.56% had moderately severe and 1.63% had severe depression. Maximum prevalence of depression was observed in geriatric age group.Conclusions: A significant amount of people residing in flood affected areas showed signs and symptoms of depression. An urgent intervention is therefore required to improve mental health status of the flood affected individuals.
A study on impact of training programme on knowledge of maternal health care among ASHA workers in a tribal population of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Jainul Azarudeen Mohamed , Buvnesh Kumar M. , Logaraj M. , Ramraj Balaji
Published: February 2019

Background: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) forms the backbone of NRHM who provides promotive, preventive, and curative health facilities in especially the vulnerable groups. There is a need to comprehensively look into the knowledge and performance of ASHA in terms of her job responsibilities in maternal health, hence this study was conducted to assess knowledge regarding maternal health care among the ASHA workers and to assess the impact achieved after the training programme.Methods: Community based interventional study was conducted among ASHA’s in Jawadhu Hills between April to July 2017, a pretested semi structured questionnaire was administered to elicit the knowledge of ASHA in regard to maternal health care. After the initial assessment, an intervention training programme was conducted based on a module prepared in their native language and post training assessment was done after two months. The statistical tests used were proportions, chi-square test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.Results: Based on the initial assessment around 60% of ASHA knew about the core ANC, which statistically (p<0.05) improved after the training programme. Based on danger signs of pregnancy less than 10% knew about vaginal bleeding (3.8%), swelling of legs (4.8%), visual disturbances (6%) which statistically (p<0.05) improved after the training.Conclusions: Knowledge of ASHAs on various aspects of maternal health care was moderately adequate, before the training programme and it was significantly improved after the training programme, which shows that there is a need for regular fixed training programme to maintain the performance of ASHA.
Knowledge, attitude and practices related to prevention of parasitic infestations among school children in an urban area of Kancheepuram district
Authors: Hariharan S.
Published: February 2019

Background: Poor hygiene practices and inadequate sanitary conditions play an important role in the increased burden of communicable diseases in developing countries. The aim and objectives of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices related to prevention of parasitic infestations among school children in an urban area of Kancheepuram district. Formulation of suitable preventive measures based on the inferences derived from the study.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on school children belonging to standard sixth to eighth of Sree Lakshmi Ammal school, Chrompet. The study period was from August 1st to 4th 2018. The sample size obtained was 210. Convenient sampling method was used to collect the sample. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding knowledge, attitude and practices related to prevention of parasitic infestations among school children. Assessment of personal hygiene was done by scoring system. Data entry was done in Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and data was analysed by SPSS version 22.Results: Total number of children participated in the present study were 210. Among the children participated in the present study, 92.4% of children had a good knowledge of personal hygiene, 96.7% of children had a positive attitude towards personal hygiene and 81.4% of children had a good practice of personal hygiene.Conclusions: Nearly half of the children involved in the study practised open defecation, so they should be given proper health education regarding usage of sanitary latrines.
The economic burden of health expenditure on diabetes mellitus among urban poor: a cross sectional study
Authors: Rani Javalkar Sandhya
Published: February 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that arises when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use insulin. Diabetes is a costly disease because of its chronic nature, the severity of its complications and the means required to control them. The objective of the study was to estimate the expenditure on health care by patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 189 diabetes mellitus patients in the urban area, Mangalore taluk over a period of 6 months. Data collected by personal interview method, questionnaire was developed to collect the appropriate information on socio demographic details, direct costs and indirect cost in health care for diabetes. Data entry was done in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS v 16.0.Results: The mean duration of diabetes mellitus 3.93±2.0 years with majority of them had associated co-morbidities 54% and complications 28%. The total expenditure on diabetes is 912 INR per visit, the direct cost of healthcare for diabetic individuals was 553 INR, and indirect expenditure was 359 INR. The average time lost on each visit- 2.6 hours which included travel time, waiting period and consultation.Conclusions: This study shows that the economic burden of diabetes mellitus and its complications are very high and increasingly affecting the lives of urban poor.
A cross-sectional study among defaulters of DOTS under RNTCP in tuberculosis units of Solapur city
Authors: D. Gosavi Anand , A. Nandimath Viresh , K. Mangulikar Suresh
Published: February 2019

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a specific infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis affecting pulmonary and extra-pulmonary organs. Default is one of the unfavorable outcomes for patients on DOTS and represents an important challenge for the control programme. Inadequate treatment adherence is considered as a potential cause of drug resistance. This study was conducted ascertain causes of defaults & to study socio-demographic corelates of defaulters.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014. All default patients registered from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014 under RNTCP in both Tuberculosis Units of Municipal Corporation are considered for this study.Results: Total 104 cases of defaulters were registered under RNTCP in both TB units; 83 (79.8%) defaulters were males and remaining 21 (21.2%) were females and difference was statistically significant. Side effects of DOTS drugs were the most common reason of defaulting the treatment. Default of DOTS was significantly associated with socioeconomic status, educational status, addiction, religion and marital status of the patients.Conclusions: Poverty has effect on illness and completion of treatment.
A study on the prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition and influence of feeding practices among 6 months to 2 years children in rural field practice area of Kilpauk Medical College, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Dhanalakshmi S. , Selvaraj R.
Published: February 2019

Background: In India, 54% of under five children death mainly due to under nutrition. First two years of age is most critical. Nutritional status was assessed by using WHO standard growth chart. Wasting represents acute malnutrition, stunting with chronic, underweight represents both acute and chronic. Based on NFHS-3 data the prevalence of under nutrition rise up to 2 years of age, thereafter more or less stabilizes. Faulty feeding practices plays major role in under nutrition. Hence, this study carried out to assess nutritional status of 6 months to 2 years children in terms of acute and chronic malnutrition and to estimate the association of nutritional status with feeding practices.Methods: Cross sectional study done during March to August 2016. Sample size estimated was 180. Stratified random sampling method used to collect data among children in Peerkankaranai.Results: Mean age of children was 15.82 months. About 61.2% belonged to 12 to 24 months age group. Sex distributions were equal. About 55% belongs to middle socioeconomic status. The prevalence of underweight was 31.65, wasting 15%, stunting 45.6%. Male children affected by chronic malnutrition more than female children. Not initiating breast feeding within 4 hours of birth plays significant role in acute malnutrition. Prevalence of malnutrition was high among those not practising colostrum feeding and exclusive breast feeding. Only 15 mothers not influenced by formula feeding. Feeding frequency and traditional feeding practices had main role in chronic malnutrition.Conclusions: The prevalence of under nutrition among study population was high among this area. Feeding practices should be improved among the mothers.
Prevalence of risk factors and 10 year risk estimation of cardiovascular diseases among rural population of Mysuru, Karnataka
Authors: Kadiyala Prathyusha , Renuka M. , Kulkarni Praveen , Narayanamurthy M. R.
Published: February 2019

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases (NCD). Many people in developing countries are detected late and die from NCDs, often in their most productive years. Prevention of CVD is an essential step to control the epidemic of NCDs. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of risk factors and to estimate the risk of CVD in the next 10 years.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 608 individuals aged ≥40 years in rural area of Mysuru. Data was collected using Semi structured questionnaire and 10 year CVD risk was estimated using World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) risk prediction charts.Results: A total of 608 study participants (mean age 56.76±11.07 years; Male:Female ratio 1.2:1) were included in the study. The prevalence of tobacco (32.9%) and alcohol (20.1%) consumption was significantly higher among males compared with females. Hypertension, diabetes and obesity prevalence was 39.5%, 15.5% and 28.1% respectively. One-fifth of population had moderate (20-39%) estimated risk and 7.4% had very high (≥40%) risk of developing CVD event in next 10 years. The estimated high risk (≥30%) of CVD events was statistically higher among individuals who were non-literates, unemployed, physically inactive, middle and above socioeconomic status.Conclusions: In the present study, CVD risk factors and estimated risk of CVD were significantly prevalent in the rural population. The use of simple tools like WHO/ISH risk prediction charts to estimate CVD risk is recommended in low resource settings at Community level, as the benefit of screening outweighs the risk of missing an opportunity to prevent CVD.