bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A time and motion study in outdoor patient department of rural health training centre of tertiary medical college in Konkan region, India
Authors: Chopade Rahul Rajaram , Sharma Narendra K. , Sundar Suresh M.
Published: July 2019

Background: Purpose of time motion study is to know the time taken in different service delivery points in outpatient department (OPD), for specific activity, work function or mechanical process and to assess the perception of beneficiaries regarding the total time spent in the OPD. Therefore, the present study was conducted to study the operational efficiency and also to find the time required for various activities at different service points at rural health training centre attached to medical college.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out in rural health training centre attached to BKL Walawalkar rural medical college, Sawarde), district Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India over period of 6 month from July 2018 to December 2018. About 300 patients were included in the study.Results: According to 26.67% study participants, total time was too long. 26% study participants were not satisfied about the total time taken in the OPD while 50.34% study participants were satisfied regarding the total time.Conclusions: Patients satisfaction is the most important criterion to be met if more people are to be drawn into the hospital. Thus, improving the satisfaction of patients towards health care services by reducing their waiting time, by attending the patient in time will help to create a positive image of hospital in the mind of people and community.
Child rearing practices in a rural community in Manipur: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Singh Haobam Danny , Keisam Avinash , Rajkumari Bishwalata
Published: July 2019

Background: The child rearing practices differ in communities, depending on their social customs, traditional beliefs and prejudices. Understanding these practices is important for the successful delivery of health messages and services. The present study was conducted in a rural setting to determine the child rearing practices as well as to determine its association with relevant socio-demographic factors.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 mothers residing in Kshetrigao area under Kshetrigao Urban Health Centre, Porompat, Imphal East. A pre-tested interview schedule developed by the investigator was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentage and proportion as well as chi-square and t-test were used for data analysis.Results: Majority (79%) of the mothers breast-fed their newborn within 6 hours after birth. Almost half (46%) of the mothers gave pre-lacteal feeds to their newborn. Majority of the mothers (57%) did not practice exclusive breastfeeding. About 90% of the children were completely immunized for age. Mothers who got married before the age of 20 years, being Muslim and who had caesarean section were significantly less likely to practice exclusive breast feeding (p value of 0.025, 0.012 and 0.000 respectively). Children whose mother belongs to Muslim religion, lower educational status, lower family income and who delivered at home were significantly less likely to be completely immunized (p value of 0.001, 0.003, 0.014 and 0.003 respectively).Conclusions: Giving pre-lacteal feed and not practicing exclusive breast-feeding were very common among the studied population.
Assessment of immunization status among under five children in a census town of South India
Authors: Basti Bharatesh Devendra , Rajegowda Ravi Marinayakanahalli , Varaprasad Devi , Pitchandi Janakiraman
Published: July 2019

Background: Deaths among children of less than five years are preventable, mostly by vaccination. In India, the coverage still remains low, as low as 44% children between 12 to 23 months age are fully immunized. This study was intended to assess the immunization status of the children between the age group of 12-60 months, and study the possible socio demographic factors influencing it.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 wards of a census town, selected by Multi-stage simple random sampling, for a period of 4 months among 400 children. Data was collected from the mothers of these children, using structured questionnaire.Results: Immunization status among these children showed that 32.5% were fully immunized, 52.0% were immunisation update, 14% were partially immunized, and 0.5% was not immunized. Immunization status was highest for BCG and OPV-0 (99%) and least for Measles 2nd dose and DPT booster (52%). Inadequate knowledge about immunization was the most common reason for partial and un-immunization. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, factors like religion (Hindus had 2.843 odds of being partially immunised than other religions), availability of Immunization card (Those without Immunisation card had 2.025 odds of being partially immunised than those with immunisation card) and place of immunization (Those immunised at private facilities had 1.441 odds of being partially immunised than those at government facilities), were found to be significantly associated with the immunization status of the child.Conclusions: Government facilities remain the main pillars of immunisation. Coordination with Anganwadi centres is the key. Tracking of the child for subsequent doses of immunisation remains a challenge.
Impact of Chhath festival on health seeking behaviour of local population
Authors: Pandey Avinash , Singh Anjana , Singh Shivkant , Kumar Amit , Shahi Heena , Kumari Aishwarya
Published: July 2019

Background: There is lack of information regarding health seeking behaviour of local population during Chhath puja. The aim is to evaluate health seeking behaviour of local population during Chhath festival. And the main objectives is to evaluate the extent of change of routine visits of people seeking healthcare during Chhath festival across major super speciality departments of government hospital.Methods: Database of outpatient department visits across nine super specialities namely, cardiology, gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, nephrology, urology, paediatric surgery and oncology were obtained for year 2016, 2017 and 2018 from hospital records. Median and maximum number of outpatient visits per month of each of the nine specialities per year was compared with number of outpatient visits during Chhath festival month of corresponding year.Results: In year 2018, there was 18% average absolute decline of outpatient visit during Chhath month compared to median number of outpatient visits per month that year. Similarly, the average absolute decline of OPD visits was 32% during Chhath month compared to the month when there was maximum number of outpatient visits in 2018. Cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, nephrology and oncology had more than 20% absolute decline in 2018 compared to median. Trends was similar in year 2017 and 2016, with average decline in Chhath month compared to median and maximum outpatient visits in corresponding year as 3%, 14%, 10% and 26% respectively.Conclusions: Health seeking behaviour of local population drops by one fifth during Chhath festival. Fall in outpatient visits is consistent, uniform and recurring every year.
Prevalence of beta thalassemia mutations in population of Gujarat using amplification-refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Gadhia Pankaj K. , Vaniawala Salil N. , Kachhadiya Tushar B.
Published: July 2019

Background: Beta thalassemia is the most common genetic disorder in India. Its trait, coinheritance and mutations vary from mild to severe condition, resulting in thalassemia minor (heterozygous), intermediate and major depending upon many factors. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence rate and the carrier of beta thalassemia in population of Gujarat using molecular genetic analysis of beta thalassemia patients by targeted mutation assay (ARMS-PCR).Methods: A total 105 samples for beta thalassemia were analysed for IVS 1-5 (G→C) and CD 15 (G→A) mutations. These two common mutations of thalassemia in Gujarat were carried out using amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and gel electrophoresis method.Results: A total 105 samples referred to us for molecular genetic analysis. The occurrence of positive mutations of IVS 1-5 (G→C) and CD 15 (G→A) were found in 48 and 15 samples respectively. The rest were negatives.Conclusions: Present study concludes that the prevalence rate of Beta thalassemia was widespread among the Gujarat population. The identification of IVS 1-5 (G→C) and CD 15 (G→A) mutations was carried out. The analysis revealed that, mutational patterns of IVS 1-5 (G→C) was the most frequent among other mutations in Gujarat region.
Quality of life in HIV patients and coping strategies adopted by them: a cross sectional study done in an anti-retroviral therapy centre, Mysore
Authors: Negi Tanisha , Zama Syed Yunus , P. Dushyanth
Published: July 2019

Background: HIV today is one of the worst pandemic diseases. Unlike terminal illnesses, HIV patients have to live for decades with the disease, which now shifts the interest to the quality of their life. The present study was planned, considering a necessity to inquire about the quality of life of patients taking Antiretroviral therapy in Mysore, various coping strategies prevalent among them and correlation between the two.Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 150 adults coming for anti retroviral therapy (ART), diagnosed with HIV at least 6 months back. ART centre was approached with required permissions. After explaining the study purpose, data was collected on paper with due consent from patients. Standard WHO QOL BREF and COPE carver Bref were used as questionnaire instruments. Analysis was done using SPSS software and Pearson’s correlation was used.Results: Analysis revealed that the most affected domain in quality of life was social domain with mean=11.75±2.12 (4-20 scale) and least affected was environmental with mean14.49±0.849. Self distraction was coping strategy of the highest prevalence (mean=4.98) having no correlation with QOL. Active coping showed positive correlation under all domains while behavioural disengagement and substance abuse had significant negative correlation overall (p value<0.001).Conclusions: Our study underlined a gap in Social domain of selected HIV affected population. Self distraction was the most preferred style of coping and humour was found to be least adopted method. Active coping had linear relationship all the 4 domains whereas behavioural disengagement showed significant lowering in QOL as a whole.
A cross sectional study on menstrual hygiene practices among the village women attending a primary health centre, Tripura
Authors: Das Dilip Kumar , Chakraborty Tamal , Chakraborty Saumik , Tripura Kaushik , Datta Arindam , Pal Anuranjita
Published: July 2019

Background: Hygienic practices performed by the rural women during menstrual cycle is often remain unsatisfactory, resulting adverse health outcomes and poor productivity. Assessment of the practices among different population groups as well as different geographical locations thus has been a priority issue. The objective of this study is to assess the menstrual hygiene practices among the village women attending a Primary Health Centre of Sipahijala district, Tripura.Methods: The study was conducted among 141 village women of reproductive age group (15-49 years), visited Madhupur primary health centre, Sipahijala district, Tripura for some other health conditions. Unwilling individuals were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a pre-designed pre tested schedule by interviewing the participants for basic socio-demographic variables as well as questions related to hygienic practices during menstrual period. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20 and presented using principles of descriptive statistics. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee, Tripura Medical College.Results: Majority of the study subjects belonged to 21-30 years of age group (49.3%). Cloth was the major absorbent material (44.0%) followed by sanitary napkin (36.2%). 47.5% of the study subjects reused the material. Only 2.1% of the study subjects changed the material less than 2 times/day. More than 90% of the study subjects clean their private parts regularly. 66.0% of the study subjects disposed the material in dustbin.Conclusions: Majority of the participants were performing satisfactory menstrual hygienic practices. However, large scale analytical studies will be helpful to draw a definite conclusion about influence of sociodemographic factors on menstrual hygiene practices.
Efficacy of cyclosporine 0.05% in patients with dry eye syndrome
Authors: Phogat Jitender , Verma Ritesh , Rathi Manisha , Sachdeva Sumit , Pandey Latika
Published: July 2019

Background: An even and smooth ocular surface is vital for the functioning and comfort of the eyes. Dry eye is a group of disorders of the tear film which is due to either decreased production or increased evaporation and is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort. Smoking and drugs have been suggested as risk factors in various studies. Cyclosporine has been shown to reduce the cell-mediated inflammatory reactions associated with the inflammatory ocular surface disease.Methods: 50 eyes of 25 patients suffering from dry-eye syndrome were included in this study. Three major ocular symptoms of dry eye i.e., ocular pain, burning, and foreign body sensation were studied in this study. Each symptom was given a score from 0 to 1 so that the ocular symptoms were given a score from 0 to 3.Results: There was a significant reduction in ocular symptoms score (OSS) 2.25 before treatment to 0.6 after 3 months of treatment (p=0.01). In addition, the Schirmer's paper test scores improved from 1.23 mm to 5.91 mm, which is significantly different (p=0.001). The tear film breakup time also improved from 5.49s to 9.86s.Conclusions: Cyclosporine 0.05% has been established to be effective and safe in our study.
Assessment of functioning of public health facilities in a North Indian state
Authors: Singh Tarundeep , Kankaria Ankita , Bhatnagar Nidhi , Jat Gopal Singh , Kaur Sukhwinder , Kumar Rajesh
Published: July 2019

Background: This study was conducted to assess the current status of functioning of health facilities in Punjab.Methods: A checklist based on six building blocks of health system proposed by WHO and the IPHS was developed, validated and pretested. District hospital (DH), one sub district hospital (SDH) and two Community Health Centres or Block Primary Health Centres (CHCs/BPHCs) were randomly selected from each of 22 districts of Punjab and evaluated against checklist. Total score was thus assigned to each facility. Additionally, workload of healthcare workforce, presence of health functionaries as against total posted strength and feedback from administrators of these facilities were also recorded.Results: Health services are concentrated at the DH and SDH. Functional equipment like ECG, oxygen, mask, ambubag etc. are deficient at all levels of health facilities. Nearly 50% of expected medicines were in stock at the DH and SDH and 66% at CHC/BPHC level. Patient to doctor ratio is highest at SDH in outpatient department and CHC/BPHC in emergency section. Number of lab tests per lab technician are highest at CHC/BPHC level. Administrators express the need for reducing staff shortage, more intensive training in the financial and administrative processes and simplification of procedures for management of equipment.Conclusions: Strengthening CHC/BPHC level institutions may improve utilization of public health system and reduce referrals. Lifesaving drugs and equipment need to be available and operational at all levels of facilities. Content of training to administrators needs to be tailored to the felt needs.
Assessment of cultural beliefs and practices during the postnatal period in an urban field practice area of SRMC, Nandyal, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Venkateswarlu M. , Pasha M. A. Mushtaq , Fatima Afsar
Published: July 2019

Background: The postpartum period continues to be an important part of the tradition and culture among Indian women. But frequently the health of the postnatal women is neglected. So, the present study aimed to explore the beliefs and practices in the postpartum period regarding diet, rest, hygiene, confinement and assess association between cultural practices and socio demographic characteristics.Methods: A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted in the field practice area of urban SRMC Nandyal. The participants were women who had given births in the past three months. The data was collected using a pre‐tested semi‐structured questionnaire.Results: Among the 140 women, over 75% of women had increased their diet intake postpartum. Vegetables such as brinjal and fruits like papaya were avoided by 58.5% and 63.6% women respectively. Among the mothers 18.3% consumed less than 500 ml of water every day and 22% did not drink milk at all. Household work was avoided by 67% of the women while 79.6% avoided going outdoors. Many women didn’t maintain personal hygiene. Many women took home remedies for faster recuperation. These practices were influenced by the socioeconomic status and the woman’s educational status.Conclusions: Traditional postpartum practices are still popular among women in rural and slum areas in Andhra Pradesh. It is critical to identify the harmful practices and reinforce the positive healthy practices to make postpartum period a healthy and joyful period for the mother.
Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women attending Immuno-Prophylaxis Centre, Dr. S. C. Government Medical College, Nanded
Authors: Sonkar Venkatramana K. , Inamdar Ismailali F. , Gadekar Rambhau D.
Published: July 2019

Background: As signatory to United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, India is striving hard to achieve these goals by end of 2030, especially for goal number 3 with targets related to maternal and child health. Birth-preparedness and complication-readiness (BPCR) is a tool to promote maternal and neonatal survival. This study was conducted to assess the perception and practices of recently delivered women on BPCR with its correlates. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Immuno-prophylaxis centre of Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, Maharashtra. Women attending IPC along with their baby within two to four months of delivery for immunization of their babies during the month of March 2014 constituted study subject of this study. After obtaining informed consent, data was obtained on socio-demographic characters like age, caste, religion, education, parity, ANC registration and questions regarding birth preparedness and complications readiness in their last pregnancy. Results: Total 117 women found to be eligible as study subject. Overall BPCR index of the study population was 67.28. Proportion of women who received first antenatal check-up within first trimester, four or more antenatal checkups, saved money for childbirth and had institutional delivery were 87.18%, 86.32%, 51.28% and 100% respectively. Around 23.08% women had knowledge of at least 3 key danger signs of pregnancy while only 19.65% identified blood donor. Awareness regarding danger signs of pregnancy and arrangement for blood donor was found poor in comparison to other indicators in study subject.Conclusion: There is need of increasing awareness regarding BPCR so that perception and practices in the community increased.
Evaluating the performance of ASHA workers in rural and tribal areas in Kurnool division of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Biyyala Renuka , Moola Ram Sagar Reddy , Arepalli Sreedevi
Published: July 2019

Background: ASHA is a health activist in the communities who creates awareness on health and its social determinants and mobilizes the community towards local health planning and increased utilization and accountability of the existing health services. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the work performance of ASHAs in tribal and remote rural areas in Kurnool division of Kurnool district.Methods: This is a community based observational and cross sectional study carried out from July 2014 to July 2015. Six PHCs of Atmakur CHNC namely Kottalcheruvu, Bairluty, Kothapally, Yerramattam, Gokavaram, Pamulapadu were selected for the study by using multistage random sampling technique. 65 ASHAs from 20 SCs of these six PHCs had participated in the study for evaluation of their performance in the field.Results: Majority of ASHAs had average level of the performance in counselling of antenatal cases, escorting postnatal cases, motivating cases for family planning adoption, escorting family planning cases whereas the performance level was found to be good among majority of ASHAs with regard to escorting antenatal cases, counselling of postnatal cases and getting children immunized. Majority of ASHAs were not performing activities regarding creating awareness on social determinants of health, providing primary medical care for minor ailments, informing births and deaths to SC/PHC, distributing ORS, IFA and chloroquine.Conclusions: Regular on job training as well as review training for ASHAs every 6 months helps them to increase their participation in various activities with a rejuvenated enthusiasm. The incentives for ASHA must be raised and paid promptly to them to improve their performance.
Dietary practices in type 2 diabetes patients at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lodha Rama Singodiya , Singh Smriti , Pal Dinesh Kumar , Toppo Manju , Verma Shipra , Jain Arpita , Nair Akhil R.
Published: July 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing health problem in India. Diet and physical activity are important modifiable risk factors affecting the incidence, severity and management of DM. The aim of the study was to assess diet of diabetes mellitus patients. 87 adults from a cohort of diabetic patients attending the Medical Clinics at the Hamidia Hospital Bhopal were invited for the study.Methods: Information about their nutritional status & food consumption pattern was taken by 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. Data was analysed using Epi Info and MS Excel. Frequency counts and percentages were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the participants while the significance difference in between male and female participants. The significance level was set at P <0.05 and 0.01. Statistical analysis used:  MS Excel and Epi Info.Results: The study sample was 87 out of which 56 were females and 31 were males; mean age of DM patients was 48.21±12.98.The mean energy intake was 1386.52 kcal and 1125.79 kcal among male and female. The mean protein intake was 68.71 g and 50.50 among male and female diabetics. There was significant difference between male and female age. There were no significant difference in body mass index and waist hip ratio between male and female. 30 (34.5%) & 16 (18.4%) were overweight and obese respectively.Conclusions: Based on these findings, the dietary practices of diabetic patients are inadequate and require improvement. Education and counselling about diet of a diabetes patient is needed.
A cross sectional study to find out the prevalence of type D personality and its associated factors among undergraduate students of a dental college in western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Kaur Gurpreet , Bansal Rahul , Tuteja Chetna , Kumar Ankur , Farswal Anuj
Published: July 2019

Background: An individual personality is reflected in their thoughts, emotion and behavior. Type D personality is defined as joint tendency towards negative emotions and social inhibition. Type D personality is associated with anxiety, depression and psychological stress. The present study is conducted to assess the incidence of Type D personality in the under graduate dental students as they are prone to excessive stress in their education. To study the prevalence Type D personality in first year dental students and to study the various variables associated with type D personality.Methods: The personality of students was analyzed by using DS 14 questionnaire. Likert scale was used to calculate the personality score. The students scoring high on either or both subscales taking cut off value as 10 was considered as type D.Results: 15% students had only social inhibition and 7% students had only negative affectivity. 5% students had both social inhibition and negative affectivity. Overall, the prevalence type D personality was found to be 27% among the students of dental college. The type D personality students were significantly associated with habits like alcoholism.Conclusions: The early identification of Type D personality can be helpful both for  physical and mental wellbeing and we can minimize its impact on health by adopting healthier life style, yoga and meditation, mentorship in early college days, emotional support etc.
Occupational stress and its coping strategies among the police personnel of the Chitradurga city: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Furmeen Sameeya , Reddy Mayuri Reddy
Published: July 2019

Background: Everyone relishes having a peaceful and safe society to live in. But nobody thinks about the police who work hard to keep our community safe and secure. They have to face potentially hazardous situations that can result in physical or mental trauma or even death in the line of duty. This study will help to reveal the stress and coping strategies employed by the police personnel of Chitradurga city. To determine the stressful situations faced by the police personnel and to ascertain the positive & negative coping strategies employed by the study participants.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the police personnel in all the five police stations in Chitradurga city for a period of one year. Complete enumeration method was used to include 282 police men and women in the study. A pre-designed, pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.13±10.33. Majority of them were males (89%), Hindus (95.4%), graduates (49.6%), living in their own house (38.7%), hailing from a nuclear family (62.1%) and belonged to socio-economic status class I (50%) according to modified BG Prasad’s classification.Conclusions: The stress was found to be significantly associated with work-related factors like difficulties in meeting deadlines, insufficient personal time, inadequate family time, needing changes in the department, eagerness to go to work and job satisfaction.
The effectiveness of M-learning over traditional method among the medical students
Authors: Mithrason Arun T. , Thomas Vijatha
Published: July 2019

Background: We are living in an era of technology where smart phones and hence social media have entered into many aspects of our life. Social media tools are gaining attention in medical education as well. Therefore, this study was done to find out the effect of M-learning via WhatsApp over the traditional method and also to know the students’ perception towards M-learning via WhatsApp.Methods: The study included 60 sixth semester students and they were divided into two groups of 30 each. 4 sessions were conducted on nutrition and occupational health. For the first 2 sessions, group I was intervention group (TL method was WhatsApp) and group II was control group (TL method was lecture). For the next 2 sessions, group II was interventional group (TL method was WhatsApp) and group I was control group (TL method was lecture). To assess the effectiveness of WhatsApp intervention, a test was conducted using 60 MCQs. To evaluate the participant’s perception towards M-learning via WhatsApp, a feedback questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups of students. Interventional-group perceived WhatsApp sessions to be effective than traditional lecture.Conclusions: In our study we found a significant difference between gains of knowledge from WhatsApp compared to didactic lectures. Students were favourably inclined to use the WhatsApp and welcome its role in enhancing their learning experience.
Prevalence of diarrhoea and child care practices among under-five children in tea gardens of Jorhat district, Assam
Authors: Asif Mohd , Das Bishnu Ram , Baruah Anuja
Published: July 2019

Background: Globally diarrhoea remains the second leading cause of mortality among children of below five years age. Objective was to find out the prevalence of diarrhoea and child care practices associated with diarrhoea in under five children of tea garden workers of Jorhat district, Assam.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among the under five children of selected tea gardens of Jorhat district of Assam, India from July 2017 to June 2018.Results: Prevalence of diarrhoea among the study participants in last 2 weeks was found to be 26.4%. Out of 315 study participants, 24.1% belonged to the age group of 12-24 months, 55.2% were males. Exclusive breast feeding was recorded in 95.9% of the children. Prevalence of diarrhoea was less among exclusively breast fed children 25.5% as compared to not exclusively breastfed 46.1%. Health advice during diarrhea was sought by 97.8% of the respondents. Available records showed almost all of the children 99.3% got vaccinated with measles vaccine and contrary to this majority 64.4% study participants had not received Rota virus vaccination.Conclusions: Diarrhoea is still a significant public health problem among fewer than five children of tea garden workers with low Rota virus vaccine coverage. Our study findings recommends for the awareness building among the tea garden dwellers in regard to hand hygiene, timely initiation of complementary feeding, importance of vaccinating children with Rota virus vaccine as a part of  containment programme.
Adherence to recommended intra-partum guidelines of high risk pregnancies: a study in North Bengal Medical College, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India
Authors: Chakraborty Sumanta , Banerjee Sunamika
Published: July 2019

Background: High risk pregnancies in intra-partum period are vulnerable, and if not appropriately attended, may roll on to maternal death or dreaded maternal near-miss cases. Despite the presence of a number of standard treatment guidelines designed to address most of the high risk conditions, their adherence and implementation continues to be uncommon. To assess the adherence to recommended guidelines during referral of high risk pregnancies in labour in mothers of the difficult terrains of eastern Himalaya.Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study with cross-sectional design was conducted among mothers with high risk pregnancies admitted in the labour ward, North Bengal Medical College Hospital, Darjeeling. 433 subjects were studied using complete enumeration technique.Results: Anaemia in pregnancy (22%), obstructed labour (19%), pre-term rupture of membranes (15%) and pregnancy induced hypertension (15%) were the high risk conditions identified. Referral linkage existed in most (70.7%) but no pre-referral treatment was given to 61.4% of the intra-partum mothers. Multivariate analysis shows mothers with age more than 35 years (AOR 4.97), bad obstetric history (AOR 2.40) & not attended by doctors (AOR 5.02) were found to be having more odds of missing the pre-referral treatment. About 86% of the gaps in pre-referral treatment were due to doctors not attending patients, lack of referral communication, not providing JSSK facilities and non-maintenance of Partograph as per Pareto analysis.Conclusions: Most of the non-adherence to standard treatment guidelines in high risk intra-partum mothers are related to health service delivery and can be ameliorated through proper administrative measures.
An assessment of the awareness and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among married women of the reproductive age group in urban slums of Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Khan Huma , Mishra Saurabh , Srivastava Dhirendra Kumar , Srivastava Reena
Published: July 2019

Background: HIV/AIDS is such a dreaded disease which can be prevented if the people are aware of the ways to do so. Urban slums share a specific position in the demographic profile of district because of the inequalities of health care system where the rural health care system is far to reach and the more flourished private health care system is unaffordable for most of the inhabitants. HIV/AIDS is not only a health-related problem but it also has socioeconomic, behavioral and cultural aspects.Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional among currently married women in reproductive age group (15-49 years) residing in any of the selected urban slums of district Gorakhpur. Cluster sampling was used and clusters were chosen by probability proportional to size (PPS) method of cluster sampling from a list of urban slums obtained from District Urban Development Authority (DUDA), Gorakhpur. The final sample size was 600.Results: 82% of women had ever heard about HIV/AIDS and 72% of women got the knowledge about HIV through television followed by 56% of woman who got knowledge by relatives and friends. 68% of woman believes that the mode of transmission of HIV is unsafe sex followed by 58% of women who believed that infected blood transfusion is the mode of transmission of HIV.Conclusions: Awareness is crucial in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Women should have more access to the knowledge resources and facilities for testing and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Perceptions of undergraduate medical students about teaching-learning methods adopted by faculty members in community medicine
Authors: C. Usha Rani , Aruna Devi S.
Published: July 2019

Background: Effective learning is closely associated with effective teaching. Achieving effective learning requires a student cantered and outcome-focused approach.4 Various interactive techniques like Problem Based Learning (PBL), facilitated group discussion, E-learning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) etc., are being implemented in TL sessions in medical schools. These methods are found to be effective to foster better learning among medical students. The present study was an attempt to understand the perceptions of undergraduate medical students, posted at Government Medical College and Hospital, Mehabubnagar, Telangana about different teaching methodologiesMethods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 56 MBBS students of 4th semester. A pre-tested, self-administered, structured questionnaire was devised which consisted of ten questions with three to four options each. Study participants were asked to fill up the questionnaire under strict supervision and they were allotted 15 minutes to complete the same. Entire data was entered into Microsoft Office Excel Sheet and analysed.Results: Out of 56, 32 (57.14%) female students and 24 (42.85%) male students voluntarily participated in the study. large number of participants i.e., 66.07% thought that FGD is the best method of teaching. Most of participants i.e. 96.42% had favourable attitudes towards PPT as they felt that it improves their learning.Conclusions: Maximum number of undergraduate medical students knew about E learning. Facilitated Group Discussion (FGD) was the most preferred teaching learning methodology by students. The majority of them had positive perceptions towards the use of Power Point Presentation (PPT) as a powerful teaching tool in medical education.
A community based cross sectional study on morbidities and social problems among geriatric population
Authors: Jairaj Sangeetha , Palabindela Ramesh , D. Sridhar
Published: July 2019

Background: In India, in the last one and half decades longevity of the people has increased due to decline in mortality rate, better medical and health care facilities and improvements in overall quality of life of people. Presently India has the second largest geriatric population in the globe. In 2001, geriatric population was 77 million in India and it is estimated that in India total number of elderly will rise to 150 million by 2025 and by the year 2050 the number would rise to about 324 million.4  Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in an urban slum located in Secunderabad. Almost 225 subjects more than 60 years were included in study after giving oral consent. People with severe morbidity and unable to give consent were excluded from study.Results: Majority (70%) of the resident experienced verbal abuse followed by physical abuse (13%) at least one time. About 11% felt they were being neglected by their family members. Daughter-in-law was the major person involved in the elder abuse accounting for 45.9%, followed by son 24.3%. Abuse from relatives accounted for 21.6%. Spouse and daughter were involved in elder abuse in about 5.4% and 2.7% cases respectively.Conclusions: As recently said by Financial Minister in Parliament of India, old age population growing drastically in India, especially in south India. Increasing geriatric population leading to increase in need of health care and psychological assistance.
Prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among adolescent girls: a community based study
Authors: Gayakwad Vasundara S. , Shankar Gowri
Published: July 2019

Background: Anemia is a major nutritional problem in adolescent girls in many developing countries. Anaemia prior to pregnancy is likely to affect fetal health and survival and therefore it is necessary to evaluate the nutritional needs in this vulnerable group. To know the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among adolescent girls residing in the urban field practice area of S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot.Methods: A community based cross sectional study. A field practice areas of the urban health training centers, Department of Community Medicine, S. Nijalingappa Medical College in Bagalkot. 400 unmarried adolescent girls were participants. Systematic random sampling. Data was tabulated in Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed by using Open Epi software.  Data was collected through predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire through house to house visits. Haemoglobin estimation was done by Sahli’s method and anaemia was classified based on WHO criteria.Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 63.3%. Factors associated with anemia were age, mother’s literacy, SES, type of family, environmental sanitation and tea consumption.Conclusions: Prevalence of anaemia is high and is a major public health problem in this area. Health education and periodical haemoglobin estimation followed by supplementation of iron would help in reduction and prevention of anaemia.
Evaluation of coverage and compliance to mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis elimination in two endemic districts of Karnataka
Authors: Shivalingaiah Anwith H. , K. Ravikumar , Gurupadaswamy Sunil M.
Published: July 2019

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating and disfiguring disease causing significant socioeconomic burden. India is endemic for filariasis which includes Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts in Karnataka. India has the target for filariasis elimination by 2020 and mass drug administration [MDA] is a strategy for elimination. The objective of the study was to evaluate the coverage and compliance of mass drug administration against lymphatic filariasis.Methods: The study was a cross sectional study conducted during the month of October 2018 in Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts. The study subjects included all the residents of cluster except subjects aged below 2 years and pregnant women. Multi stage sampling was used and three clusters from rural area and one cluster from urban area from each district. Data collection was done by household survey after informed consent using a standard questionnaire.Results: A total population of 1,963 subjects residing in 399 houses of two districts was included. Majority of the study subjects 1517 (77.27%) were in the age group of more than 15 years with predominantly males 984(50.12%). The coverage rate and compliance rate of MDA was 83.17% and 92.46% in Kalaburagi district and 86.71% and 86.98% in Yadgir district respectively. The effective coverage rate and coverage compliance gap was 76.89% and 7.53% in Kalaburagi district, 75.42% and 13.01% in Yadgir district. Incomplete dose of MDA was consumed by 17 subjects in Kalaburagi district and 21 subjects in Yadgir district.Conclusions: The effective MDA coverage in both the study districts is below 85% which is not satisfactory.
Assessment of immunization coverage and associated factors among children in Paravur Taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala
Authors: Kizhatil Anuradha , . Reshma , Hariharan Harsha Chollankil , John Alexander , Thomas Ann Mary , Padmanabhan Gopalakrishnan
Published: July 2019

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective interventions averting countless childhood deaths and protecting millions of children from disability and illness. The objective of the current study was to assess the immunization coverage and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months and 5-7 years in Paravur Taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done. Cluster sampling method of WHO was used for evaluation of immunization coverage.300 children in the age group of 12–23 months and 300 children in the age group 5-7 years were selected from each of the 30 clusters. Crude coverage details for each vaccine were estimated using percentages. Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of immunization coverage.Results: Among the children 12-23 months old, eleven (3.7%) children were partially immunized, while everybody had received at least one vaccine. The proportion of children fully immunized was 96.3%. Among the children 5-7 years old 55 (18.3%) were partially immunized. Belonging to Muslim religion, fathers’ occupation i.e. who were labourers/unskilled workers, mother’s education less than 12th standard and not possessing the mother and child protection card were found to be factors associated with partial immunization.Conclusions: This study shows that full immunization has not reached all children.
Determinants of maternal near miss events: a facility based case-control study
Authors: Kurugodiyavar Mahesh D. , Andanigoudar Kashavva B. , Bant Dattatreya D. , Nekar Manjunath S.
Published: July 2019

Background: Worldwide, approximately 830 women died every single day due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth in 2015. Many researchers revealed that the quality of health care delivery in a system can be identified by studies on maternal deaths. In recent years, women who survived the critical events during pregnancy and childbirth, called as maternal near miss cases, are explored as an adjunct to maternal death inquiries, as these cases occur more frequently than maternal deaths and can identify problems that had to be overcome for the provision of better healthcare services. This study aims at evaluating determinants of such maternal near miss events among postnatal women admitted in KIMS Hospital, Hubli.Methods: A case-control study was done on postnatal women admitted in the KIMS Hospital. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 82 participants (27 cases and 55 controls). Information about biodata, sociodemographic characteristics, medical illnesses, previous pregnancies and the current pregnancy with its outcomes and complications was collected.Results: Most women were satisfying the criterion for admission to ICU followed by hypertensive complications and severe anemia, to be considered as cases. The study showed height, type of family, religion, presence of danger signs during pregnancy as significant determinants of maternal near miss events.Conclusions: The factors showing significance in our study are non-modifiable risk factors of maternal near miss events. With early identification of such cases and appropriate antenatal care, such events can be prevented and reduced.
Burden of needle stick injuries among healthcare workers in primary health centers of Mandya district, Karnataka
Authors: Mudde Manjunath , Subbiah Vasumathi , Rajagopal Jahnavi
Published: July 2019

Background: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are wounds caused by sharps such as hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, intravenous cannulas or needles. The health care workers (HCW’s) are at an increased risk of accidental needle stick and sharps injuries, because of the environment in which they work. About 30 diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV can be transmitted by NSI. The incidence of NSI is considerably higher than current estimates, due to gross under-reporting. The objectives of present study was to determine the burden of NSIs among various categories of health care workers (HCWs) at primary health centres (PHC’s) of Mandya district, to determine the factors influencing NSIs and to assess awareness regarding NSIs among various categories of HCWs.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at PHC’s of Mandya district for a period of 6 months. Interview method was used to collect information regarding socio demographic details, occurrence of NSI, factors influencing NSI and awareness regarding NSI by using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire on HCWs.Results: Of the 621 HCWs working during the study period, 366 participated in the study. 93 (25.41%) of the HCWs had at least one episode of NSI in the past 1 year. The common category of HCWs who experienced NSI was the medical officers 39 (41.94%). Majority 48 (51.61%) of NSI’s occurred while vaccine/drug administration followed by withdrawing of drug from the bottle 23 (24.73%). The medical officers and staff nurses had better knowledge regarding the diseases spread through NSI.Conclusions: Among the HCW’s, doctors and nurses are more prone for NSI. Vaccine/drug administration and withdrawing of drug from the bottle are circumstances where NSIs commonly occur hence education regarding safe injection practices are necessary.
Differences in health seeking behavior of animal bite patients between urban and rural areas of Aurangabad city
Authors: Chopade Rahul R.
Published: July 2019

Background: The present study explores the variation in epidemiology and treatment seeking behavior of animal bite patients in rural and urban areas. The rural urban differences would be imperative in effective policy making, planning and implementation of preventive and control measures.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 50 urban patients were from anti-rabies vaccination clinic of government medical college Aurangabad and 50 rural patients from areas of Paithan from January 2016 to May 2016. All patients were subjected to socio-demographic profile and detailed history of animal bites, wound toileting and treatment including both active and passive immunization.Results: Overall, 66% were males and 34% were females. Most of the people in rural area were bitten by stray dog (42%) followed by wild animals like pig, monkey (16%) as compared with 38% of stray dog bite cases in urban areas. The commonest site of animal bites was found to be lower limb followed by upper limb, trunk and head in both areas. Maximum cases belonged to category III (84%) in rural areas followed by category I (10%). Also, most of the rural patients (46%) preferred home remedies of treatment i.e. application of oil, salt, red chilies, and turmeric paste applications as compared with 10% urban patients.Conclusions: Our study revealed that majority of the patients from rural areas were inflicted upon by stray dogs (54%) and relied more upon home remedies thereby reporting late to government hospitals.