bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tecnologías emergentes, reto para la educación Superior Colombiana
Authors: Márquez Díaz Jairo Eduardo
Published: November 2018

El presente artículo muestra cómo las tecnologías emergentes han abierto un sinnúmero de posibilidades para la educación en sus diferentes niveles y modalidades, planteando un cambio de paradigma en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje y de los retos que debe afrontar la educación superior colombiana. De igual manera se expone la importancia de la educación virtual y a distancia en el modelo educativo actual, sus ventajas y desventajas, y de su relación directa con las TIC, al igual que la normatividad poco clara que existe al respecto. Bajo este esquema, se exponen cambios que traen consigo propuestas revolucionarias en materia de educación, al igual que nuevas pedagogías y metodologías,  que permiten apoyar los nuevos ambientes de aprendizaje. Es así que se habla de la tecno-educación como una consecuencia de la implementación de las TIC en la educación, donde la educación superior tiene mucho que ver, al igual que el sector empresarial,  en asumir los nuevos retos que plantea la tecnología en la forma de transmitir el conocimiento.
Aspectos de seguridad para sistemas de cómputo social-inspirados construidos sobre manets
Authors: Molina Sanchez Santiago José , Ortiz Triviño Jorge Eduardo , Zarate Ceballos Henry
Published: November 2018

El presente artículo realiza una revisión literaria sobre el presente y los avances futuros que se esperan en temas relacionados con seguridad informática para sistemas de cómputo basados en MANETs (Mobile Ad hoc Network), además, expone las principales características que deberían tener los modelos de seguridad y cómo se podrían aplicar al modelo social-inspirado TLÖN.  Se da una revisión a las redes definidas por software (SDN) y cómo se podrían aplicar a sistemas inalámbricos como las redes Ad hoc, el articulo describe los principales ataques sobre una red Ad hoc y cómo mediante los atributos de seguridad: confidencialidad, integridad y disponibilidad, se pueden resolver algunos de los problemas principales de seguridad.
Prescribing pattern of fixed dose combinations of antibiotics in a post-operative surgical ward of tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: R. Velvizhy , J. Johan Pandian
Published: November 2018

Background: Fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs), are combinations of two or more active drugs. It should be used when the combination has an established advantage over single drug in efficacy, safety and compliance. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists only 19 of such combinations. But Indian market is filled with hundreds of FDCs which were not approved leading to irrational use. This study was focused on finding out the fixed dose combination of antimicrobial agents used in the post-operative general surgery ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: After getting approval from institutional human ethics committee the prescriptions of patients admitted during April 2013 to March 2014 were analyzed. Demographic data, FDC prescribed by surgeons, Dose, Frequency, Duration, Route, Formulation, Brand or generic drugs, Adverse events due to use of FDC were collected and SPSS version 17 was used for statistical analysis. Fixed dose combinations were used in 90 Patients. The most commonly used FDC were ampicillin with Cloxacillin (43) followed by amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (22), cefoperazone with sulbactam (19) and piperacillin with tazobactam (6). A common drug used in combination along with FDC was metronidazole and aminoglycoside. The irrational combination seen in this study was ampicillin with Cloxacillin (8.88%) of the total FDC which is not approved by DCGI or FDA.Results: In this study out of 145 drugs used, 41drugs were administered three times a day, 90 drugs were given two times a day and 14 drugs were given once a day dosing. 53 patients received FDCs for prophylaxis and 37 patients for treatment purpose. All FDCs were prescribed in brand names. No adverse drug reaction was observed in this study.Conclusions: Consultants should undergo continuing medical education (CME) on newer drug combinations and their adverse drug reactions which will be evidence-based rather than to rely on representatives.
A randomised study of evaluation of antiulcerogenic activity of quercetin in rats
Authors: Shaik Altaf Hussain , M. Venkata Siva Prasadu
Published: November 2018

Background: Peptic ulcer is very common disease. Peptic ulcer results probably due to an imbalance between aggressive factors (acid, pepsin, H. pylori) and defensive factors (gastric mucus, prostaglandins and bicarbonate secretion). Whatever may be the cause of peptic ulcer, it is the gastric acid that prevents ulcer healing and maintain the ulcer. Therefore, most of the drugs available for treatment of peptic ulcer either neutralize the secreted acid or decrease the acid secretion.Methods: The study was conducted on albino rats (Wistar) of 200-250g and maintained under standard conditions (room temperature 24-27oC and humidity 60-65%) with 12h light and dark cycle. The food in the form of dry pellets (Amrut Lab., hyd) and water were available ad libitum. The animal experiments were approved by the ethics committee of the institute.Results: In pyloric ligation model, the rats pre-treated with quercetin showed highly significant protection (p <0.001) when compared to control group and significant protection when compared to ranitidine pre-treated group (p <0.05). In indomethacin model, both quercetin and ranitidine pre-treated groups showed significant protection when compared to control group (p <0.01).Conclusions: In conclusion, it appears that quercetin possess anti-ulcerogenic principles like flavanoids, phenolic compound and caratinoid. These phytoconstituents provides protection against gastric mucosal damage induced by pylorus ligation, aspirin and ethanol, through inhibition of gastric acid, pepsin, histamine and free radical and stimulation of mucus secretion.
The prescribing pattern for the management of dengue fever in pediatric patients of a tertiary care hospital: an observational study
Authors: Rammohan Shruthi , Bhandare Basavaraj , E. Adarsh , V. Satyanarayana
Published: November 2018

Background: Dengue fever is a mosquito borne viral infection which has become a global health hazard, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Children have higher risk of developing severe forms of dengue fever, however, studies show that paediatric complications/fatalities from dengue fever are potentially avoidable by proper management. Data about drug usage patterns for dengue are particularly lacking, especially in the paediatric age group, therefore this study will help facilitate the rational use of drugs and aid in establishing a more specific management for dengue fever. The objective of the present study was to identify the prescribing pattern of dengue fever in paediatric inpatients admitted to RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital and assess according to the WHO core prescribing indicatorsMethods: This prospective observational study took place from March 2017 to September 2017 in the paediatric general wards. Data was collected from case files of NS1 positive patients of both genders between 1-18years. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and expressed as percentages, means and standard deviations. The prescription pattern was analysed using the prescribing indicators mentioned in the World Health Organization core drug use indicators.Results: Total of 300 drugs were prescribed for 110 prescriptions that were analysed excluding IV fluids and blood products. Mean number of drugs prescribed was 2.7±0.8. Drugs prescribed by a generic name was 7.33%. Patients prescribed an antibiotic was 12.73%. Patients prescribed with an injection was 62.72% Majority of drugs prescribed in this study come from essential medicines list created by regulatory bodies. Intravenous fluids were administered to all patients with majority receiving normal saline (60.9%).Conclusions: Mainstay of treatment of dengue fever for paediatric patients is symptomatic along with focus on fluid management. Majority of drugs prescribed are from essential medicines lists formed by regulatory bodies. With dengue infections being a worldwide health hazard, more studies are needed to facilitate rational use of drugs in this disease.
The antipsychotic activity of alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans fruits in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Kamdi Amit S. , Kokane Sarika D. , Bohra Pankaj N. , Kalambe Suvarna M.
Published: November 2018

Background: Schizophrenia is one of the most distressing central nervous system (CNS) disorders. It is described by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can be controlled by the antipsychotic medicines. The numerous antipsychotic medications used today are not lacking the adverse drug reactions. The Withania coagulans a susceptible species, is not explored much for its CNS effects except in late seventies. Therefore, it was thought worthwhile to investigate anti-psychotic activities of alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans fruits. The objective of the present study was to assess the antipsychotic activity of alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans fruits in Swiss albino mice by Cook’s Pole Climb Apparatus for conditioned avoidance response (CAR)Methods: Cook’s Pole Climb Apparatus for conditioned avoidance response was used for assessing the antipsychotic activity of the alcoholic extract of 200mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg doses of Withania coagulans fruits.Results: There was statistically (p-value >0.05) no significant association between any of the 200mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg doses of the alcoholic extracts of Withania coagulans fruits with antipsychotic activity in Swiss albino mice.Conclusions: Withania coagulans fruits alcoholic extract did not demonstrate antipsychotic activity in Swiss albino mice under standard conditions.
Cost effective analysis of tab. nitrofurantoin vs. inj. ceftriaxone as an empirical therapy in patients of urinary tract infection at a tertiary health care centre
Authors: Yadav Nikhil S. , Pathak Swanand S.
Published: November 2018

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are commonly seen in adults, Urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults are a significant health care burden. In a developing country it is necessary to minimize the cost of therapy while giving maximum health benefits to the patient. Appropriate antimicrobial selection is clearly important, as treatment failures will increase the cost of care and result in additional morbidity for patients. Empirical treatment of urinary tract infection is common at tertiary health care center, authors conducted a pharmacoeconomic study to evaluate cost effectiveness of the empirical treatment.Methods: Patients with similar symptoms suffering from UTI were divided into 5 groups with 10 patients in each group. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups with subgroup A having five patients receiving tab nitrofurantoin and subgroup B having 5 patients receiving inj ceftriaxone. Out of the total cost of therapy, percentage of cost attributed to tab nitrofurantoin was compared with inj ceftriaxone. Most cost-effective antibiotic was analysed. Average number of admission days for groups of UTI patients receiving tab nitrofurantoin and inj ceftriaxone were calculated and compared. Group of UTI patients receiving antibiotic with least number of admission days was calculated.Results: Percentage of cost attributed to Nitrofurantoin therapy out of total cost in urinary tract infection patient was less than percentage of cost attributed to inj Ceftriaxone in all five groups of patients and was found to be statistically significant (p <0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in average number of admission (IPD) days between groups of patients receiving tab nitrofurantoin and inj ceftriaxone (p>0.05).Conclusions: In current study authors found tab nitrofurantoin to be more cost effective than inj ceftriaxone as an empirical therapy in UTI patients.
Anesthetic potential of lidocaine/prilocaine cream versus placebo before venepuncture
Authors: Gajbhiye Varsha P. , Lamture Y. R.
Published: November 2018

Background: Pain associated with venepuncture has long been accepted as an unavoidable consequence. Many studies show reducing pain during venepuncture after application of prilocaine/lignocaine, but there are few studies that has depicted, the depth of anesthesia produced by prilocaine/lignocaine tends to be too superficial for the reducing the pain during venepuncture. These two scenarios were debatable. Therefore, authors planned a study to assess anesthetic potential of lidocaine /prilocaine cream versus placebo before venepuncture with help of VAS in an adult patient who were drawn blood sample for investigation purposes.Methods: Prospective interventional study. All adult patient for blood sampling from surgery OPD to central laboratory were included in study. Site of venepuncture selected in both control and study group was left cubital fossa. 30 patients selected in study group received lignocaine/prilocaine locally, 30min prior to venepuncture which was later covered with occlusive tape, whereas 30 control group patient received normal saline locally as placebo. The extent of pain was assessed by patient on 10cm visual analogue scale (VAS) with end points of 0 cm rated as no pain and the points of 10cm as intolerable pain.Results: A total of 60 patient were randomly selected who were referred from surgery OPD for blood sampling. Other 30 patient were applied normal saline as placebo and 30 patient with lignocaine and prilocaine cream. In the control group there were 30 patients (5 female and 25 male). In the study group there were 30 patients (8 females and 22 males). The level of pain among study group is as follows: mild 22, moderate 7, worst 1 and in control group: no pain 0, mild 5, moderate 14 and worst pain 1. Statistical analysis between outcome of two groups done by calculating chi-square test. Chi- square test was 20.0263. P value is 0.000168. Hence the result is significant at p <0.05.Conclusions: The present study shows that prilocaine-lidocaine cream reduces the pain of needle puncture in adults and facilitates the procedure of venous blood sampling.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of self medication among undergraduate medical students in a teaching institution
Authors: Sundararajan Anbarasi , Thangappan Ashok Kumar
Published: November 2018

Background: Self medication is the usage of medicines without the advice of the physicians, without proper diagnosis of the illnesses and without any prescription. Medical students are more liable to self medicate themselves due to their partial knowledge and easy availability of drugs. This study was conducted to assess the pattern of self medication in undergraduate medical students. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of self medication among undergraduate medical students in Kanyakumari government medical college, a teaching institute in South Tamilnadu.Methods: A self-designed questionnaire was given to the undergraduate medical students who were willing to participate in the study. 264 students participated of which 111 were males and 153 were females in the age group of 17-24 yrs. Data were collected. Results were given as percentages and counts.Results: The prevalence of self medication was found to be 85.2% which is very high. Commonest reason was its usefulness in mild illnesses (89.3%). The commonly used group of drugs was antipyretics (98.6%), ointments (44.4%) and antibiotics (41.3%). The commonest source of information was old prescriptions (62.8%). The common ailments were fever (88%) and cough and cold (80.4%). Ironically 72.88% opined that self medication should not be practiced.Conclusions: Increased prevalence of self medication among medical students implies that they are highly exposed to the adverse effects of drugs. Steps should be taken to curtail self medication among medical students by educating and creating awareness among them.
Trastuzumab induced radiation recall dermatitis: an interesting case
Authors: C. Anupama , H. V. Anuradha , Maka Vinayak V.
Published: November 2018

Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is the appearance of skin reactions in previously irradiated skin which is triggered by the administration of certain drugs. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the mainstay of treatment in breast cancer. RRD induced by trastuzumab has been rarely reported in India. This is a case report of a 56-year-old woman presented to the medical oncology outpatient department of our hospital with breast lump, and she was diagnosed to have human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) positive invasive ductal carcinoma of left breast of stage T2N3cM0. She was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and she underwent modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. The treating oncologist was planned to start on adjuvant chemotherapy with injection trastuzumab for every four weeks, for 15 cycles. Patient received first dose of injection trastuzumab (450 mg) intravenously in the right (contralateral) arm and developed painful, swollen, erythematous blisters, and maculopapular rashes following the sharp linear borders of her previous radiation fields. She was reviewed by the medical oncologist and diagnosed as a rare case of RRD and treated with topical betamethasone cream. Causality assessment for RRD to trastuzumab was done using Naranjo and WHO-UMC scale and found to be in the category of probable and probable/ likely respectively.
Knowledge of pregnant women towards multiple sclerosis
Authors: Abbasi Vahid , Tabrizian Shervin , Atalu Abolfazl , Aslanian Roghayeh , Zakeri Anahita
Published: November 2018

Background: The multiple sclerosis (MS) disease is more common in women than men with a ratio of 2.7 to 1. According to Iran MS society, there are about 80,000 MS patients in the country Iran. Having knowledge about MS can reduce significantly the anxiety and stress of pregnant women and promote their life expectancy and the probability of having a successful pregnancy and making pregnancy easier for them.Methods: This is a descriptive– analytical study that has been done on 150 pregnant women which selected randomly and referred to health centers of Ardabil city at 2017. Data collected by a questionnaire included questions about MS. The collected data were analyzed by statistical methods in SPSS version 19.Results: Of all women, 20% considered gender as one of the most effective factors in the disease and 44.7% believed that women are more likely to suffer from MS than men. The knowledge of pregnant women about MS with 63.3% was in moderate level and friends and relatives was the most source of their awareness. 43.3% of women believed that knowledge people with MS could marry. 63.3% of women pointed that the health care centers knowledge about MS was inadequate and 68.7% pointed that government's support for patients was significantly low.Conclusions: Results showed that the awareness of pregnant women about MS was in moderate level. So, planning to increase the awareness of pregnant women in centers and support of women with MS by governmental centers seems necessary.
E-learning among health science students of Nepal
Authors: Bhatta Ramesh , Shrestha Rashmi , Shah Sanjaya Kumar , Karki Rajesh , Chaudhary Anil , Gupta Rajesh Kumar , Aryal Kabita
Published: November 2018

Background: E-learning is a method of teaching and learning using electronic media. It is also called web-based learning, online learning, distributed learning, computer-assisted instruction and internet-based learning. With the development of information technology, the use of e-learning has rapidly increases. E-learning is becoming omnipresent in higher education and increases the student’s motivation and satisfaction in learning.Methods: The descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at three different health science colleges among bachelor level students of Public Health, Pharmacy and Nursing at Kathmandu, Nepal. Total 135 respondents were randomly selected. The self administered questionnaire was used for the data collection and the obtained data were analyzed by using SPSS version 16.Results: Study shows that majority of respondents were from 19-22 years and 71.9% were female. All the respondents use electronic devices for learning and majority (97.8%) believes that electronic device influence the academic performance of students. Laptop is the commonly used electronic device followed by smart phone. Among the respondents only 63.7% follow the correct posture. Similarly, majority (80.7%) of the respondents spent 1-4 hours on electronic device for learning purpose that is mainly used for searching clinical guidelines, reference drug guidelines and journal articles.Conclusions: The use of electronic device is common among the health science students for learning. The uses of such devices have positive effect on their education since they get updated information quickly as needed. However necessary guidance is necessary to get appropriate sites and for limiting excessive use such devices.
Improving maternal and child health: a situational analysis of primary health care centres of Sokoto state, Nigeria
Authors: Kaoje Aminu U. , Labaran Sani , Magashi Aminu G. , Ango Jessica T.
Published: November 2018

Background: Primary health care facilities constitute the first point of contacts of public with healthcare and form integral part of the country’s health system.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 88 primary care facilities in the State. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the facilities. Federal Ministry of Health integrated supportive supervision tool was adapted for data collection and analysis done using SPSS Version 20.0. The variables were summarised with frequency and percentage and results presented in tables.Results: Almost two-thirds (65%) of the facilities provide 24 hours service coverage for both maternal and child care services. Only 16% of the facilities had medical officers, 12.5% had required number of nurse/midwife while 27% had no single nurse/midwife. With respect to trainings, one third of the facilities had personnel trained on medium and extended lifesaving skills, 20% had a trained staff on emergency obstetrics and newborn care while 61% had no single trained personnel on integrated management of childhood illnesses. A large proportion of the facilities provide maternal services such as focused ANC and delivery but none use partograph to monitor labour. A good number of facilities were lacking basic equipment and medicine supply with about two third of facilities lacking misoprostol and magnesium sulphate, and only 15% had functional DRF.Conclusions: Health resources and the level of service provision in its current form may not lead to a significant improvement in maternal and child health in the state to guarantee universal coverage.
Outcome of nutritional intervention measures at a nutrition rehabilitation centre in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Pagali Deepthi , Bollipo Suneetha , Korrapolu Harsha B. , Rahman Mohammed Abdul
Published: November 2018

Background: Nutrition rehabilitation centre (NRC) is a unit in a district health facility, where children with severe acute malnutrition are admitted and provided with nutritional and therapeutic care.Methods: Analysis of nutritional data of all the children admitted to NRC at Krishna district from January 2017 to July 2018. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS.Results: A total of 200 children were included in the study. The overall mean weight at admission was found to be 8.30 kg with a standard deviation of 2.35 kg and the mean weight at the time of discharge is 9.57 kg with a standard deviation of 2.61 kg. There is a statistically significant difference in weight and mid arm circumference at admission and discharge. Mean duration of hospital stay is around 18.67±5.4 days. Target weight is achieved in 71% of the study group.Conclusions: Present study reflects that NRCs have been playing a key role to cope up with the problem of severe acute malnutrition as demonstrated by a high rate of weight gain at discharge as well as during follow ups.
Public awareness, attitude and knowledge of hepatitis B infection in North India
Authors: Singh Vikramjeet , Mittal Vineeta , Verma Prashant , Sen Manodeep , Das Anupam , Singh Peetam , Trivedi Shalini
Published: November 2018

Background: Information on attitudes towards hepatitis B vaccination, its coverage, and efficacy in general public is a major challenge for every country and should form the basis of health care policies. Therefore, it is important to assess the attitude and the coverage of the vaccination in public in India for further policy implementation as well as for their safety. The study objectives were to assess the knowledge of Hepatitis B and C in persons coming from community to attend a camp at tertiary care center, Lucknow and to correlate the level of awareness to the attitude they behold toward the disease.Methods: A comparative study of two years (2015 and 2017) using multiple choice structured questionnaires among 300 attendants (150 each year) coming to Gastro medicine outpatient department. The attendants assessed knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B and C infection, transmission, screening and vaccination was the tool of data collection.Results: Although most of the attendants were aware of the existence of hepatitis B and C infection, the level of awareness regarding the modes of transmission and vaccination was found to be dissatisfactory in 2015 attendants.  A direct positive correlation as found between education level and awareness, which reveals that attendants with better knowledge and information had better attitudes toward the infection and prevention of hepatitis transmission.Conclusions: There is a still need to increase the level and quality of health education, vaccine accessibility and availability among people to prevent the spread of hepatitis B virus.
Menstrual hygiene patterns and practices among rural adolescent school girls
Authors: Chinta Kumar , P. Sasikala , V. Chandrasekhar , C. Jayanth , A. Geethanjali
Published: November 2018

Background: Menstruation is described as the periodic vaginal bleeding that occurs with the shedding of the uterine mucosa. Issues associated with menstruation are never discussed openly and the silence surrounding menstruation burdens young girls by keeping them ignorant of this biological function. The taboo surrounding menstruation in society prevents girls from articulating their needs and problems of poor menstrual hygiene management have been ignored or misunderstood. Implications of ignoring this issue of menstruation are serious and at times life threatening.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional observational study conducted among 217 adolescent girls studying in government high schools located in the field practice area of rural health training centre attached to the department of community medicine, Narayana Medical College, Nellore.Results: Out of 169 girls who have attained menarche, 154 (91.12%) were having periods at regular intervals. Among 154 girls with regular menstrual cycle majority (55.2%) had 28-31 day cycle. Out of 169 girls who had attained menarche at the time of study 76.9% reported that they use sanitary napkins for absorption of blood during menstruation. The most common method of disposal of material used for absorption of blood during menstruation was burning (91.7%) and 65.7% were using soap for washing private parts.Conclusions: The study concludes that majority of adolescent girls had regular menstrual cycles and majority of the respondents were using sanitary napkins.
Assessment of surveillance activity for malaria control under national anti malaria programme in Yadgir district, Karnataka
Authors: Sunil B. N. , Naresh Kumar S. J.
Published: November 2018

Background: This paper reports the findings of evaluation of National Anti-malaria programme (NAMP) conducted independently for Government of India in Yadgir district of Karnataka state in February 2011, by the Department of Community Medicine, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Yadgir district. Multistage sampling was employed to select the study population. The head of the household and other members present in the household were interviewed and the data was recorded in a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. The obtained data was entered in the MS excel sheet and analyzed for proportions.Results: Data was collected from 1026 eligible persons. Eight (0.77%) fever cases were distributed among study population. Among fever cases only two (25%) had taken chloroquine. Only one (12.5%) blood smear were taken from fever cases by health worker. Indoor residual spray was not done in any of households.Conclusions: Considering the poor blood smear collection, low intake of chloroquine among fever cases, there is a need to ensure the delivery of these services by health workers. Also steps should be taken to increase the awareness among health workers regarding second line treatment of malaria and insecticide impregnated bed nets.
Perception and practices regarding complimentary feeding among anganwadi workers in Punjab, India
Authors: Rochwani Ritu , Singh Aman D.
Published: November 2018

Background: Adequate and appropriate nutrition is the key to proper growth and development during the initial years of life. Appropriate complementary feeding depends on accurate information and skilled support from the family, community and health care system. Anganwadi is the focal point for delivering services to beneficiaries in every urban, rural, slum and tribal areas. Anganwadi workers (AWWs) provide health and nutrition education on various aspects of mother and child health. The objectives of the study were to assess perception and practices among Anganwadi workers regarding complimentary feeding.Methods: This was a cross sectional study which was conducted in month of April - May 2014. A total number of 1800 workers were under training programme conducted in department of Community Medicine Government Medical College, Patiala. Purposive sampling was used and 218 anganwadi workers were randomly selected (8 anganwadi workers in each batch were randomly selected) and interviewed Data thus collected and entered in Microsoft excel and statically analysed by Epi Info 7.Results: Only 65.60% anganwadi workers knew correctly about the complimentary feeding that is other food giving in addition to breast feeding. A large percent of anganwadi workers (43.58%) recommended liquid diets for children, nearly all 92.66% anganwadi workers taught mother that during illness feed should not be stopped. Only 43.58% taught mothers regarding consistency of feed to be given to baby.Conclusions: The perceptions and practices of anganwadi workers regarding frequency, quality and quantity of complementary Feeding were not good.
Mental health status: a cross sectional study on rural economically productive population of field practice area of a tertiary medical care institute in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Arjaria Vibha , Mishra Badri Narayan , Chouhan Dharampal Singh
Published: November 2018

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burden of Disease Study has estimated that psychiatric disorders emerging all around the globe and are increasing at a high pace. They have an impact on both the economic aspects and quality-of-life of the people. Present study was conducted to broaden our knowledge regarding mental health status in terms of prevalence of mental health disorders in the rural population, constituting 64% of the total population in India. Present study aims to estimate the prevalence of mental health disorders in the selected area and study the association of each disorder with various socioeconomic variables of individuals. Objectives of the study were to assess and associate the prevalence of study population for major mental health disorders under the headings –overall probability of any mental health disorder, internalizing disorders and externalizing disorders as broad categories.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 participants residing in six selected villages of rural field practice area of native college in Ujjain district. Statistical methods which applied are: percentage and proportion, mean and standard deviation and chi-square analysis for assessing the association.Results: Present study showed 44.2% participants scored in the category of high probability of having diagnosis of any mental health disorder. On testing each subgroup disorder probability of getting diagnosed with internalizing disorder emerged with prevalence of almost 50% while probability of externalizing disorder was found in 30.4% population.Conclusions: The present study revealed that nearly half of study participants had the probability of suffering from some kind of mental health disorder and association found with gender, family type, and occupation of the individual.
A cross sectional study of elderly widows residing in urban field practice area of S. N. Medical College, Bagalkot, Karnataka
Authors: Shankar Gowri , Ramachandra Jayaraj M. , Hunshikatti Sarojini S.
Published: November 2018

Background: Widows are the most vulnerable segment among the elderly population in India. Elderly widows face several social, economic, emotional and cultural deprivations due to their gender, widowhood and old age. Hence, this study was done with the objective to know the socio demographic profile and morbidity of elderly widows residing in urban field practice area of S.N. Medical College, Bagalkot.Methods: This cross sectional study was done in 8 Anganwadi areas during 2016 by cluster random sampling. All the elderly widows residing in the areas were included after informed consent. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional review board. Data regarding their socio demographic profile, cause of death of husband, the number of years being a widow, health seeking behavior and their chronic morbidities were noted. Height and weight of each elderly widow was measured and body mass index calculated using the formula weight in kilogram divided by height in meter 2 and classified according to South East Asian category. Blood pressure was recorded three times with the widow in a sitting posture in an interval of 3 minutes and the least value was documented according to JNU classification.Results: Out of 140 elderly widows who were residents of the areas, majority (69.29%) were between 60 to 74 years of age followed by 27.86% between 75 to 89 years of age. It was observed that 75% of them were illiterate. The leading cause of death of husband was coronary heart disease (19.29%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12.86%) and alcoholic cirrhosis (10.71%). On examination of the non-hypertensive widows, it was observed that 36.06% were in Stage I and 22.68% were in Stage II of hypertension (JNU classification).Conclusions: Elderly widows are a vulnerable segment of the community. Their health care needs are a priority and regular health check-ups are to be planned.
Assessment of community nutrition program performance through data validation in the state of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Sinha Ashish , Dixit Srishti , Soni G. P. , Pradhan Somen Kumar , Naqwi Sarwat
Published: November 2018

Background: In India data shows that every 3rd child is underweight. There is a similar situation in Chhattisgarh with 37% children underweight. Women and Child Development Department initiated Nawa Jatan (“new care”), a state specific community based intervention by targeting undernourished children for Six month. Strategy of validation by ‘External technical support group’ can be an eye opener for strategic tactical and operational intervention to validate the data of ICDS scheme at field level.Methods: By systematic random sampling methodology, Out of all targeted 2462 Gram Panchayats (GPs) 246 (i.e. 10%) was included in the survey. One day hands-on demonstration cum training for survey teams mixed with interns, postgraduate and volunteers were organized. Data collection done in pretested proforma.Results: A total of 7155 children distributed in surveyed Gram Panchayats across 27 districts were covered. About 9.1% (651 out of 7155) children showed gap in reporting as they were reported normal grade of nutrition. Out of all children covered for actual field validation. There was 9.84% disagreement in weight recording in the state. Our analysis reveals 9 districts fall in poor performing districts, followed by below average performing 8 districts and average performing 10 districts.Conclusions: There is wide gap in recorded result as normal children against the observation which was actually in the field level. In addition, there is significant proportion of disagreement of weight records when compared with actual weighing. Above observations might be possibly due to poor monitoring and supervision of weighing activity at the field level.
An observational study to assess obstetric services trends among pregnant women registered at a health centre of Chandigarh city
Authors: Sharma Munish Kumar , Gour Neeraj , Thakare Meenal , Goel N. K. , Chaudhary Meenakshi
Published: November 2018

Background: Maternal and child healthcare services are very important for the health outcomes of the mother and that of the child by ensuring that both maternal and child deaths are prevented. Present study has been planned to study the trend of utilization of antenatal care services among women registered at field practice area of Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh.Methods: Secondary data of pregnant women registered at field practice area of Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh has been collected from records of respective health set up. Data has been analyzed to find out trend of different ANC service indicators like year of registration, season of registration, TT immunization, Parity, his risk behavior of pregnancy, JSY registration, MTP (medical termination of pregnancy), hemoglobin level etc.Results: Out of all registration trend of registration of new pregnancy was almost similar during all four years (2013-2017). Although after careful analysis of data it more in rainy season (10.1%) in year 2013-14 whereas summer season reported more new pregnancies (10.4%) in the year 2016-17. out of total doses received of TT 1st dose among all reported pregnant women majority of doses (11.9%) received in summer season of year 2016-17 followed by 9.2% in rainy season of year 2013-14. Number of registration of pregnant women was almost equal among all years of registration.Conclusions: It provides future direction to conduct more such studies to find out trend considering some public health related correlates. Simultaneously it also urges researchers to find out reasons of such trends in a bid to make results more applicable.
Prevalence and causes of low vision among urban and rural school children
Authors: Verma Ritesh , Rathi Manisha , Dhull C. S. , Sachdeva Sumit , Phogat Jitender
Published: November 2018

Background: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and the causes of low vision among school going children in and around Rohtak district of Haryana, India. Such information is important in planning for prevention of low vision and blindness strategies.Methods: 2028 school children studying in class 1-5 were screened in the school premises. Visual acuity was assessed with Snellen’s chart and colour vision was tested with ishihara colour vision book. Those with vision <6/18 in both eyes were assessed at our tertiary care hospital to determine the cause of low vision.Results: A total of 2028 children were enrolled in our study. 58 children were found to have uncorrected visual acuity less than 6/18 (functional low vision) in the better eye. Uncorrected refractive error was the most common cause of functional low vision (51.72%) among the 2028 children enrolled in our study followed by amblyopia (32.7%), cataract (5.1%), corneal opacity (5.1%), retinal dystrophy (5.1%), nystagmus (1.7%) and optic nerve glioma (1.7%).Conclusions: The overall prevalence of low vision in our study is higher as compared to previous studies. A comparison between academic performances of children with low vision and rest of the children showed that children with low vision tend to perform poor academically. The prevalence of amblyopia was significantly higher in children from the rural background which emphasizes the importance of rural school screening programmes. It was found that amblyopia was significantly higher in females as compared to males in both rural and urban areas.
A cross sectional study to find out the health seeking behaviour of brick kiln workers
Authors: Kazi Rufiat , Bote Mangala M.
Published: November 2018

Background: This study was designed to assess the factors associated with the health seeking behaviour of brick kiln workers and to acquire an in depth understanding of their health.Methods: 420 brick kiln workers who were eligible for the study were interviewed using a semi structured, pre-designed, pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: SPSS version 20.Results: 48.9% showed good health seeking behavior while 51.1% showed poor health seeking behavior. 69.4% more than 40 years, 38.2% in the age group of 26-40 years and 40.2% in the age group of 18-25 years showed good health seeking behaviour.Conclusions: Good health seeking behavior was seen in older age groups, females and bigaaris.
Quality of life among patients on MDR-TB treatment in a district tuberculosis centre of a metropolitan city
Authors: Patel Apoorva E. , Lalitha K. , Rajaram Dinesh , Radhika K. , Murthy N. S.
Published: November 2018

Background: MDRTB is a global health concern with its current prevalence in India being 2.3% and 17.2% respectively among newly diagnosed and previously treated cases. Besides its clinical impact, the disease affects the QOL of patients suffering from MDR-TB. The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life among MDR-TB cases in comparison with non-MDR TB cases and TB cured subjects (Category I, RNTCP).Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in all the 14 TUs under District Tuberculosis Centre of Municipal Corporation of Bengaluru (BBMP). Study subjects comprised of 52 MDR-TB Cases, 53 Non-MDR-TB cases and 54 Category I TB cured subjects. WHOQOL BREF questionnaire was used to assess the QOL among study subjects. Median [IQR] scores of QOL in each of the domains among various groups were compared using Kruskal Wallis test. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Median age among MDRTB cases was 35 years [IQR: 26-50] whereas it was 37 years [IQR: 28-47] among Non MDRTB cases and 30.5 years [IQR: 22-45] among TB cured subjects. Out of 52 MDRTB cases, 26(50%) were females compared to 14 (26.4%) among Non MDRTB cases and 26(48.1%) among TB cured subjects (p=0.0024). As compared to non MDRTB cases, physical and environmental domains’ scores of MDRTB cases were significantly low (p=0.01 and p=0.001 respectively).Whereas, as compared to TB cured subjects, physical and psychological domains’ scores of MDRTB cases were significantly low (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively).Conclusions: The QOL of patients suffering from TB is affected and the impact is even worse in MDRTB. Hence prompt treatment of TB and early diagnosis of MDRTB will reduce the disease severity and improve the QOL.
Treatment seeking behavior among post-menopausal females attending out-patient clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Singh Nisha , Chouhan Yogendra , Patel Seema
Published: November 2018

Background: Onset of menopause causes a variety of somatic, sexual, vasomotor and psychological manifestations which can deteriorate the quality of life of women. According to sample registration system (SRS) 2014, the proportion of women aged 45-59 years is 15.3% and thus it is imperative for healthcare providers to focus more attention on the health of postmenopausal women. In India, however this phase of life is generally ignored. The objectives of the study were to determine the health seeking behavior of postmenopausal women with respect to the problems faced during menopause and to determine the utilization pattern and barriers to utilization of health care services.Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study for one year period starting from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. Data collected using Systematic Random Sampling from 255 postmenopausal women and entered into MS excel 2007. Analysis done with Epi-Info 7.2. Chi- square applied as statistical test of significance and p<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.Results: In present study, majority (73.33%) participants did not take any treatment. 10.98% and 6.67% gave history of self medication and use of home remedies, respectively. Statistically significant correlation was found between treatment taken and factors like residing locality, education and socio-economic class. The most common reason for delayed or no treatment seeking was unawareness, followed by financial issues.Conclusions: Majority postmenopausal women faced one or more problems associated with menopause but very few sought treatment. Lack of knowledge and financial constraints were found to be major barriers to utilization of health services.
A study on the prevalence of depression in a Chennai based diabetic population
Authors: Paul Christina Mary P. , Yashila Prithika U. , Nethaji Vishwanath Simha , Vishnu S. , Rumaiza Wajeeha , Manoharan Sangeetha , Meghna M. , Vivek K.
Published: November 2018

Background: The presence of depression could have a negative impact on treatment compliance and diabetes was found to double the likelihood of having depression. This study was done to estimate the prevalence of depression among the adult diabetic population and also to identify certain risk factors that may be associated with them.Methods: The study was done on 300 diabetics who were chosen through stratified random sampling from urban and rural areas. Information was collected through a questionnaire that had questions on background information of the subject PHQ – 9 questionnaires was used to estimate the prevalence of depression. The data entry and analysis were done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22. The final data was summarized into percentages and 95% C.I was calculated for the prevalence rates. Cross tabulations were done for various variables. Chi-square values were calculated wherever appropriate and p values were based on the 2 –tailed values. Associations were assessed, and 95% confidence interval of odds ratios were found using Epi Info version 7.1.2.Results: The overall prevalence of depression among diabetics was found to be 43% with a 95% CI of 37.4% to 48.6%.Conclusions: This study shows the high prevalence rates of depression among the diabetic population and emphasizes on the need for effective mental health promotion measures to combat with the same.
A study to assess future academic career and service plan of house surgeons
Authors: Manjunath M. , Biradar Mallikarjun K. , Lankeshwar Suresh
Published: November 2018

Background: No healthcare without a workforce has been a universal truth. However, shortages and misdistribution of the qualified healthcare workforce have become global concerns affecting nearly all countries, especially less-developed countries.Methods: Cross sectional study done on house surgeons in AIMS, BG Nagar, Mandya district, involving 178 house surgeons. Simple proportions were used to analysis the data.Results: Out of 178 house surgeons, 177 (99.4%) had plan for future academic career and service. 158 (88.7%) had plan for PG course and 19 (10.6%) planned for general practice, 80 (94%) planning to do super specialization and 84 (47.1%) plan to teach in medical colleges. Majority of house surgeons 161 (91.4%) have expressed to work in urban area and 17 (9.5%) in primary health centre in rural areas.Conclusions: Almost all the house surgeons have planned well in advance about their future academic and career plan.