bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IJCM_24A: Determinants of unintended pregnancy among women attending Antenatal clinic at AIIMS Patna – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Roy Parvati , Ahmad Shamshad , Kumar Pragya
Published: April 2024

Background:

Every day 67,385 babies are born in India, that’s around one- sixth of the world’s childbirths. Every minute one of these new-borns dies, with an annual birth rate of 25 million which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s annual childbirth.

Objectives:

1. To find out the proportion of unintended pregnancy among women of reproductive age group attending ANC Clinic of AIIMS Patna USING LUMP SCALE. 2. To determine the Factors contributing to unintended pregnancy.

Methodology:

This was a hospital based cross-sectional study done for 6months (March 2022 to September 2022) conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology OPD, AIIMS Patna and included all the pregnant ladies who visited the ANC clinic. Consecutive sampling was done and a sample size of 237 was taken rounding off to 250 with 5% absolute precision, 95% confidence and 10% non-response rate. A predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire was used and the information collected was downloaded from Epicollect5/Google forms in an MS Excel sheet and analysis was done using the IBM SPSS version20.

Results:

Out of 255 participants who were more than 20 years of age 31% (79) participants had unplanned pregnancies compared to 50% (17) out of 34 participants whose age was less than 20. This association was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.027. Out of 289 participants attending the ANC clinic, 32.87% (95) participants had a history of abortion among which only 23.2% (22) participants had an unplanned pregnancy. This association was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.011.

Conclusion:

In our study we found the prevalence of unintended pregnancy to be 33.2% which is comparable with 33% prevalence of unintended pregnancy in African continent study.
IJCM_246A: Estimating the prevalence of seat belt usage in motor cars: A descriptive cross-sectional study in Mangalore
Authors: Jain Animesh , Rathi Priya , Gill Mnnat , Nirgudkar Isha , Hegde Apoorva , Gulati Yuvraj , Khatri Kaavya
Published: April 2024

Background:

Every year 1.25 million people die of road traffic accidents. Several safety measures can be taken to prevent RTAs. The SDG 2030 set the target to halve the number of global death and injuries from road traffic accidents by the year 2020. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of seat belt use and factors influencing it including driver characteristics, type of car and time of day and distractions while driving.

Methodology:

This Descriptive cross-sectional study was set on the major roads and intersections of Mangalore, recruiting the drivers and front-seat passengers in the motor cars at the time and site of observation.

Results:

A total of 6165 motor cars were observed. 15 (0.2%) of these cars had completely tinted car windows, therefore out of the total, 6150 motor cars could be properly observed. 70.91% (4361) of drivers were wearing seat belts. Seat belt usage among drivers was found to be higher on highways (76.6%) as compared to on residential and city roads (69.3%). In vicinity of traffic police, 76.5% of drivers were observed to be wearing seat belts in contrary only 67.8% of them were wearing seatbelts in the absence of traffic police. Prevalence of mobile phone use and other distractions amongst drivers was 2.1%. Out of 2646 adult front seat passengers observed, only 10.9% were wearing seat belts.

Conclusion:

Among drivers, type of motor car, traffic zone and type of road and presence of traffic police in vicinity are significantly associated factors with seatbelt usage. Among adult front seat passengers, type of motor car, traffic zone, type of road and presence of traffic police in vicinity are significantly associated. Among front seat child passengers, type of road and traffic zone are significantly associated with seat belt usage.
IJCM_25A: Effect of one-to-one counselling of mothers attending an immunization clinic on breastfeeding among infants- A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Maiti Urmimala , Maroof Khan Amir , Bhasin S K , Shah Dheeraj
Published: April 2024

Background:

To improve breastfeeding practices, many interventions have been studied at various critical contact points. Our study aimed to improve exclusive breastfeeding by integrating a limited number of counselling sessions with routine immunization visits.

Objective:

To find out the effect of one-to-one counselling on six months of exclusive breastfeeding among infants attending immunization clinic.

Methodology:

An open-labelled, randomised controlled trial was conducted from September 2022 in the Immunization clinic at the Urban Health Training Centre of Dept of Community Medicine, UCMS, at Ghazipur, New Delhi. Mother-Child dyads visiting the clinic (child between 1 ½ to 3 ½ months) were recruited for the study based on certain appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. One-to-one counselling on breastfeeding and complementary feeding were provided, respectively, in the first visit (at the time of Pentavalent 1 or 2 vaccination,) and the second visit (at the time of Pentavalent 3 vaccination) to the intervention group. The control group received routine care. In the follow-up visit at 9 months for measles vaccination, a final assessment was done for both the groups. Analysis was done based on Intention to treat and per protocol approaches.

Results:

92 Mother-child dyads were recruited in the study, of which 46 were randomized each in the intervention and control group. 6 were lost to follow-up on the second visit and 13 on the third (follow-up) visit. At the first visit, 56.5% of the mothers in the intervention group and 63% of mothers in the control group were exclusively breastfeeding. The proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfed their infant till six months of age were 65.2% in the intervention and 39.1% in the control group with an OR of 2.92(1.25, 6.81).

Conclusion:

One-to-one counselling at an immunization clinic has an effect on increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
IJCM_250A: Awareness and utilization of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna in Chhattisgarh State - A cross Sectional study
Authors: Sahu Dinesh Kumar , Verma Nirmal , Sharma Mini , Jaiswal Prashant , Dengani Monika
Published: April 2024

Background:

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY) is the worlds largest health insurance/ assurance scheme fully financed by the government. It provides a cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empaneled hospitals in India. Over 12 crore poor and vulnerable entitled families are eligible for these benefits. As of now, the total number of ration cards allotted to the people of Chhattisgarh are 57,14,798.

Objective:

To assess awareness and utilization of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna in Chhattisgarh State.

Methodology:

This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among the eligible beneficiaries in Chhattisgarh state. Multis stage cluster sampling used to select eligible beneficiaries. One district each from all five divisions of Chhattisgarh will be selected then 5 clusters (3 urban and 2 rural area) will be selected from each district. Data was collected face to face interview by using semi structured questionnaire. Data was managed in MS- Excel and analysed using suitable statistical software (SPSS v21) and P Value

Results:

The study shows 300 (80.9%), and 68(18.3%) participants are BPL & APL card holders respectively and 3(.8%) do not have any card. Out of 371 participants, 92(24.8%) are not enrolled in the scheme. Among study participants, only 90% were aware of the AB-PMJAY, and only 197 (53%) utilized the scheme and get benefitted.

Conclusion:

This study concluded that despite AB-PMJAY potentially providing cashless financial protection to beneficiaries, some of the study population is still unaware of AB-PMJAY. A quarter of the participants were not enrolled in the scheme, indicating potential gaps in the implementation or accessibility of the program.
IJCM_252A: An Assessment of Functioning of Health and Wellness Centres - Sub Health Centres (HWC-SHC) in Raipur District.
Authors: Thakur Barkha , Jain Kamlesh , Sinha Ashish , Chandrakar Aditi
Published: April 2024

Background:

The National Health Policy 2017 has envisioned the integration of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) into India’s healthcare system as part of Ayushman Bharat. In February 2018, the Indian Government declared the transformation of 1,50,000 existing Sub Health Centers and Primary Health Centers into Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) to provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC). Health and Wellness Centres have an important role in the prevention of several diseases and health promotion and in undertaking public health functions in the community to strengthen the frontline workers and community platforms.

Objective:

To assess the availability of Infrastructure and 12 comprehensive primary health care services in study centres (HWC-SHC) in Raipur district

Methodology:

This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the 32 Health and wellness centre-sub centres of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. In the Raipur district, there are 4 blocks and from each block, 25% of the study centres (HWC-SHC) are selected by simple random sampling. Semi- structured assessment tool with the reference of Government of India Operational Guidelines was used which consisted of checklist regarding Physical Infrastructure, Human Resource, Medicine, Diagnostic, IT component and 12 comprehensive primary health care services. The data was collected and analysis is being done by using SPSS software.

Results:

Out of 32 HWC-SHCs, 6 (18.75%

)

were catering the services for the population as per the norms i.e. 3000- 5000. In the present study, 19 (59.4%) boundary wall, and 21 (65.6%) of SCs had wellness space. There were 31 (96.9%) of SCs had labor room, and 14 (43.8 %) had newborn care corner (NBCC). In this study, 21.9% Grievance board and 100% of IEC were present at the studied subcentres. It was observed that 31(96.9%) SCs had water, 27 (84.4%) had electricity supply and 1 (3.1%) of SCs had power backup. Separate public utilities for males and females were available in 2(6.3%) of the study centres. Out of the study sub-centre, 28 (87.5%) residential facilities were available, out of which 24 (85%) were occupied. For diagnostic services, 53.1 % of study centres have sickle- cell rapid tests and none of the centres have VIA for Screening of cervical cancer.

Conclusion:

The finding of the study shows that there is a scarcity in the physical infrastructure, Human resource and lab-diagnostic services at the studied centres. The major factor contributing to the non-utilization of health services at the SCs was the lack of adequate infrastructure, and logistics available at these centres.
IJCM_253A: A cross sectional study to assess the coverage, impact and reasons for non- utilisation of supplementary nutrition among ICDS beneficiaries in the field practice area of a tertiary medical college in Mangalore
Authors: Poonja Rima S , Subramanian A Akshay , Sushantha P , Badiger Sanjeev
Published: April 2024

Background:

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is world’s largest community-based Programme

Objective:

To assess the coverage, impact, and reasons for non-utilization of supplementary nutrition among ICDS beneficiaries

Methodology:

To assess the coverage, impact, and reasons for non-utilization of supplementary nutrition among ICDS beneficiaries

Results:

66 % of the beneficiaries are aware of the supplementary nutrition availability, while only 52% of them acquire the services. Only 24% of the adolescents are aware of the supplementary nutrition being given in ICDS and none of them are availing it. 28.7 % of the beneficiaries are getting.

Conclusion:

52% of the study participants were utilizing the services and the major reason for non-utilization was inferior quality of the grains and unawareness, mainly among adolescent females. Positive impact could be seen with reduction in SAM cases, immunization updation but nutrition education needs to be upgraded.
IJCM_254A: A Study on Level of Satisfaction among Beneficiaries Under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) in Rural Field Practice Area Of Guntur Medical College. Guntur, Andhra Pradesh: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Subbaiah V. Venkata , Rao M. Nageswara , Nandan K. Vishnu , Rama A. Sita
Published: April 2024

Background:

With 30,000 estimated maternal deaths in a year across the country, high MMR remains a matter of grave concern, and thus it is paramount to ensure quality ANC to each pregnant woman, identify the high risk pregnancies (HRPs) and track these for counselling, management birth preparedness and referral till the outcome to close the loop. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) was launched in 2016, as a fixed-day, assured, comprehensive quality ANC service on the 9th of every month to every pregnant woman across the country. Screening, identification, line listing and appropriate management of high-risk pregnancies by OBGY/CEmOC/ BEmOCspecialist and referral to appropriate higher facilities are some of the fundamental elements of PMSMA

Objective:

To determine the level of satisfaction among beneficiaries under PMSMA scheme

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was done among 300 pregnant women who were delivered within 6 months from the date of the study and who had registered & availed the Ante-Natal Care (ANC) services under Rural field Practice area of Guntur Medical college. Guntur. Andhra Pradesh. The data thus collected were entered into Microsoft-Excel spreadsheet and was analyzed using IBM SPSS software Version 24.0

Results:

Out of 300 beneficiaries, 237(79%) were satisfied with the cleanliness of wards & toilets followed by 278(92.69%) with Adequate privacy During Examination, 287(97.67%) with basic laboratory investigation, 166(55.34%) with transport facilities during discharge. The majority of study participants were in the age group of 20-30 years i.e. 269 (89.70%) and most of their educational status above intermediate i.e. 207(69%)

Conclusion:

If every pregnant woman in India is examined by a Medical Officer/Specialist and Investigated appropriately at least once during the PMSMA, the Abhiyan can play a crucial role in reducing the number of maternal deaths & High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) in our country
IJCM_259A: Non-communicable disease (NCD) programme -factors influencing awareness and utilization of the services among adults of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu- a community based cross-sectional study.
Authors: Harini  , Hemamalini B. , Priya S.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Healthcare at people’s doorstep called Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM) scheme was launched by Tamil Nadu Government in 2021 to further improve the access to NCD care by ensuring door step blood sugar & blood pressure screening, drug delivery by designated trained manpower called Women Health Volunteers (WHV). Assessing the programme awareness and its utilization at this juncture is the need of the hour. Hence, the present study was conducted.

Objectives:

1. To assess the awareness about MTM scheme among adults >30 years in the field practice area, Madurai district 2. To determine the factors influencing awareness and utilization of MTM services

Methodology:

A community based cross-sectional study was done among 165 adults of >30 years in field practice area of our department in October 2023. By cluster sampling, participants were interviewed using a pre-structured validated questionnaire containing socio-demographic details and data to assess awareness and factors influencing awareness and utilization of MTM services. Data were entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS.

Results:

Mean age was 54±13.60 years. 60% were females, 83% were literates,63% were employed.80% were aware about the scheme and 74% awareness was through healthcare workers,98% preferred door to door services. Awareness regarding lifestyle modifications, breast, cervix and oral cancer screening were 56%,40%,39% and 20% respectively. There is statistically significant association between MTM awareness and age, occupation, blood sugar and blood pressure check-up in the last one year. By multiple logistic regression, awareness among those 50 yrs. Those with awareness had 2.62 times odds of utilization of services as compared to those without awareness.

Conclusion:

There is a good awareness and utilization of MTM services. To sustain this, IEC activities can be done at regular intervals with special emphasis on cancer screening.
IJCM_262A: Digital Health Boon or Bane: From Community Health Worker’s Perspective in an Aspirational District
Authors: Thakur Anshuman , Reshmi B , Mithra Prasanna , Sekaran Varalakshmi Chandra , Kumar Shuba
Published: April 2024

Background:

Digital health technologies are pivotal for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goal 3. This study investigates Community Health Workers (CHWs) perspectives on digital health platforms in an aspirational district in India, aligning with the World Health Organization’s emphasis on fostering an enabling environment for digital health adoption.

Objectives:

To assess CHWs’ current practices and knowledge of digital health applications/platforms and to understand their perceptions regarding the need and use of digital health platforms in the public health system.

Methodology:

A mixed-methods approach was utilized, involving 95 CHWs in quantitative surveys and 30 CHWs in qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. The study was conducted in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India’s most populated aspirational district, using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling methods.

Results:

Findings reveal varied app usage patterns among CHWs, with challenges like non-functional government-provided devices. Qualitative insights highlight the importance of peer support and training quality alongside concerns about device accessibility and app rationalization. Despite government provision of smartphones, CHWs face obstacles in utilizing digital health tools effectively.

Conclusion:

This research illuminates the availability and utilization of digital health applications among CHWs, emphasizing the need to address challenges and tailor digital tools to enhance healthcare delivery in aspirational districts.
IJCM_263A: Vaccine Hesitancy in Tribal Communities: A Study on Parents of children under 5 years of age
Authors: Vishakan A S , Shaji Shibin M , Aswathy S
Published: April 2024

Background:

People who delay or refuse vaccines for themselves or their children are presenting a growing challenge for countries seeking to close the immunization gap.

Objective:

To determine the proportion of vaccine hesitancy and associated factors among informants of children under five years of age (U-5) within tribal communities in Wayanad.

Methodology:

A cross sectional study was carried out in tribal colonies of Kalpetta taluk of Wayanad District. Sample size was calculated to 168 based on a study on vaccine hesitancy conducted among tribals at Murshidabad where the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 36.9% with an absolute error (d) = 7%. Out of the 175 colonies in the taluk of Kalpetta, 11 colonies were randomly selected. Informants of children ages < 5 years Vaccine hesitancy among parents and guardians was assessed individually for each child in the household. If the informants were hesitant to give any vaccine included in the national immunization schedule they were listed as vaccine hesitant. A total of 208 U-5 children informants were interviewed. Vaccine hesitancy was assessed by adopted SAGE questionnaire.

Results:

Mean age of the informants was 30.3 + 7.90 and of U-5 children were 2.87 years + 1.45. Majority of the informants were mothers of U-5 children (88.5%), more than 3/4th of the informants belonged to Paniya tribe, most of the participants were unemployed (64.9%). Vaccine hesitancy to any of the vaccine in the immunization schedule was found among 23 participants (11%), majority were hesitant to take Pentavalent vaccine 12(5.76%). Fear of needles, too many vaccinations at 1 sitting and adverse effects following vaccinations were common reasons for being hesitant.

Conclusion:

The vaccination program is driven by health workers reducing vaccine hesitancy, however with greater motivation and awareness among the community vaccine hesitancy can be further reduced.
IJCM_266A: Epidemiological Factors and Patterns of Unintentional Injuries In Children (0-14years), Admitted At A Tertiary Health Care Center, Jabalpur M.P
Authors: Raghuwanshi Rishika , Tiwari Rajesh , Tomar Akanksha
Published: April 2024

Background:

Injuries are a leading cause of mortality among children, responsible for roughly one million deaths worldwide annually. Unintentional Injuries constitutes 90% of these. Southeast Asian region contributes to about one-third of all global injuries but there is paucity of data from our setting

Objective:

To describe the pattern, epidemiological factors and outcome of unintentional injuries among children aged 0-14 years reporting at a Tertiary Care Centre.

Methodology:

A prospective observational study was done among children with unintentional injuries admitted under NSCB medical college and hospital, Jabalpur, between Sep-Oct 2023. All children age.

Results:

Out of 66 cases admitted, majority were males (53.03% vs 46.97% females). Among all, animal related injuries were highest, followed by fall- related, road-traffic accidents, burn, trauma, poisoning and drowning. In-hospital mortality (12%) was reported among very few. Most common age group affected was 11-14 years and least among infants. Most of the injuries were occurred in home (50%) followed by streets & highways (30%). One third of all were polytraumatic cases. In RTA pillion rider were commonly get injury than front riders and walkers.

Conclusion:

The results can help in designing injury prevention strategies and awareness programs in similar settings.
IJCM_267A: Using VARK Questionnaire for Assessing Preferred Learning Styles of Undergraduate Medical Students – A Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: Gangashetti Amruta , Kirte Rahul
Published: April 2024

Background:

Students differ in their preferred methods of acquiring, processing, and recalling new information. Learning styles are of the factors influencing academic achievement. The learning style is defined as a combination of cognitive, emotional, and physiological traits that show how the learner perceives and responds to the learning environment. There are very few studies that have assessed learning styles in India. Hence, the present study was undertaken.

Objective:

The present study aimed to assess the diversity of learning styles among undergraduate medical students

Methodology:

This was a cross sectional study. The visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic (VARK) questionnaire was administered to 210 students of second and third year MBBS students of Raichur institute of Medical Sciences. Duration of the study was for 1 month. Predesigned, pretested and structured VARK questionnaire version 8.01 containing 16 questions was used as the study tool. The questionnaire was distributed among students in a single page printed format. The consent form assured that denial of taking part in the study will not hamper the student’s academic result and other curricular activities

Results:

In our study, Data collected were evaluated according to proposed evaluation guideline dividing into 4 predominant groups namely ‘V’, ‘A’, ‘R’, ‘K’. Total 210 students, (Male=100, Female=110), response rate 100%, aged between 19-24 years participated, among which females were ‘R’ and males ‘K’ predominant..

Conclusion:

The preferred learning styles of medical students in the present study were reading/writing and kinesthetic. It is suggested that all medical students must be tested to determine their desired learning styles by using VARK questionnaire, also to choose appropriate teaching methods and to improve educational goals
IJCM_270A: Neck circumference as a potential predictor of blood pressure: An exploratory Case Control Study
Authors: Jain Animesh , Singhal Deepak , Patidar Shubham , Jain Rishav , Chandra Vernica , Baranwal Nihit
Published: April 2024

Background:

Hypertension (HTN) poses a substantial health challenge globally, affecting nearly one billion people. Due to its silent nature, early detection is crucial to prevent end-organ damage. Recent studies suggest a correlation between hypertension and upper body subcutaneous fat accumulation, particularly in the neck circumference (NC). This anthropometric measure is proposed as practical surrogate for assessing visceral obesity, surpassing traditional measures like waist circumference.

Objectives:

To correlate Neck Circumference (NC) with blood pressure in adults and to correlate other risk factors of HTN with NC.

Methodology:

This Case Control Study was conducted at Government Wenlock Hospital, KMC Attavar, and KMC outreach clinics. The study population included hypertensive cases and non-hypertensive controls, with a sample size of 110 in each group. Participants above 25 years of age were included, and those with specific conditions were excluded. Mercury Sphygmomanometer, Stethoscope, Flexible measuring tape, and Weighing scale were used as study instruments.

Results:

Overall, 79.5% of individuals with NC > median consumed a non- vegetarian diet, and those with high salt intake were 1.42 times more likely to develop HTN. Although not statistically significant, 53% of those with a high cholesterol diet had NC greater than median. The study emphasizes the need for larger sample sizes for more conclusive results.

Conclusion:

The study establishes a positive correlation between blood pressure and NC, proposing NC as a practical and socially acceptable anthropometric marker. The non-invasive nature and simplicity of NC measurement make it a feasible tool for routine assessment, potentially impacting hypertension guidelines.
IJCM_271A: Concerns and Considerations of Using Artificial Intelligence in Research: A Qualitative Exploration among Public Health Residents in Kolkata
Authors: Surendran Sujith
Published: April 2024

Background:

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has undeniably revolutionized various domains worldwide. AIs emergence has sparked significant interest from public health research domain due to its transformative potential. Thus, understanding its impact from the grass-root level: perspectives of the young research students, training in the field of public health is crucial.

Objective:

To explore the perceptions regarding the concerns and considerations for use of AI tools in research among students of a public health institute in Kolkata

Methodology:

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among students pursuing MD degree. Focus group discussion (FGD) was done among the participants till data saturation was achieved. Audiogram, notes and sociogram were made during the FGD. Verbatims of the FGD were transcribed. Codes were obtained inductively and categorized. Data coding and analysis was done with NVivo 14 and data visualization was done using RAW graphs 2.0

Results:

The various concerns that arouse were lack of trust, lack of knowledge, ethical issues, inadept to use and the impact of its use on the researcher. The young researchers also contemplated that there needs to be extensive training, ethical policy adaptation and self-checks required for its use. There is a growing body of thought to find solutions for the limitations in its use and its prospects.

Conclusion:

Most participants agreed to the fact their knowledge regarding its utilization was sub-optimal. There was a notable lack of trust in using AI tools for research among them. Addressing these challenges require a multifaceted approach involving extensive training initiatives, ethical policy adaptation to facilitate responsible AI use and a call for researchers to act as self-checks, while using AI in research
IJCM_273A: Severe adverse events following Covid 19 vaccination immunisation in India: Retrospective Study.
Authors: Sruthikrishna P , Jayakrishnan T , Nair Meera S
Published: April 2024

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a newly emerged viral infection reported in India on 30th Jan 2020. Because of high transmissibility rate it spread rapidly and become a pandemic in the year 2020. Though it was a new disease, there were no specific treatment measures for the same. COVISHIELD is the vaccine manufactured from serum institute of India and give approval for emergency use from 30th Dec 2020 without conducting phase trials, Because of numerous infective cases, complications and deaths. There is no separate AEFI surveillance system for COVID 19 vaccines. All the AEFIs were reported via immunization division of Ministry of Health and Family welfare.

Objective:

1. To identify the type of AEFI following COVID 19 vaccination. 2. To detail the outcome of AEFI following COVID 19 vaccination

Methodology:

An observational study on AEFI following COVID 19 vaccination in India, the secondary data during 2020 to 2022 was collected from the open access government data http://surl.li/npkmb from 1st to 20th Oct 2023. The causality assessment results, 254 reported serious AEFI cases were approved by National AEFI Committee on 3rd May 2022.2 The data analysed by using SPSS Statistics.

Results:

A total of 125 million COVID 19 vaccine doses were administered all over India till 2nd Feb 2022. Out of which 254 reported serious AEFI. Among this 20.1% were =60 years of age. Serious AEFI with hospitalization was 57.9% and death was 42.1%. Around 30.7% cases were found to have a consistent causal association to vaccination. Among this 60.26 %were anxiety related and 39.74 % were vaccine product related. 8 deaths per 1 lakh COVID 19 vaccinations. Only 24.4% of the people with severe AEFI have comorbidities.

Conclusion:

Benefits of COVID 19 vaccination are enormous. However, as a measure of utmost precaution, all emerging AEFI are being constantly tracked and reviewed periodically.
IJCM_277A: Awareness, Perception and Attitude of Medical Interns and Graduates Towards Robotic Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ommen Sara J , Mithra Prasanna , Rekha T , Kumar Nithin , Narsinghpura Aditi , Jain Garima , Anil Mathew , Yadav Mimansa , Parasar Abhishaek
Published: April 2024

Background:

Robotic surgery is a novel venture in medical sciences that uses robotic systems to assist and carry out surgical procedures and is one of the most discussed topics in surgery today. However, there is paucity of information regarding awareness, attitude and perceptions related to robotic surgery among the future surgical care providers (i.e., interns and postgraduates).

Methodology:

This cross-sectional study was carried out among all the Medical Interns and the Postgraduates posted in the surgical Departments of KMC Mangalore (General Surgery, OBG, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics and Anaesthesia) using Universal sampling technique and data were collected using a semi-structured, pre-validated questionnaire consisting of two sections. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. The results were summarized as percentages, tables and figures. For comparison across the groups chi-square test was used and a value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

One hundred sixty-nine Interns and surgical Postgraduates were included in total in the study with a mean age of 25 years. Among the study participants,57.3% (n=59) of Interns and 57.6% (n=38) of Postgraduates have seen robotic surgery being performed in the past. More than half of the study participants, 66%(n=68) interns and 72.7%(n=48) postgraduates were aware of the Da Vinci robotic surgical system. Among the challenges for mainstreaming robotic surgery, cost was the most important concern among 53.3% (n=57) interns and 53%(n=35) postgraduates.

Conclusion:

In our study majority of the participants, Interns (64.1%) and Post graduates (84.8%) had a positive outlook towards robotic surgery & believed cost (55.3 % Interns and 53% Post graduates) was one of the major constrains limiting its use
IJCM_279A: Evaluation of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for urinary tract infection in women: A case control study
Authors: Jain Animesh , Tiwary Pratyush , Mathew Divya Maria , Garg Gaurang , Chakrabarty Deeksha , Sashikanth Sanskrita
Published: April 2024

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) disrupts insulin production and function leads to hyperglycaemia and subsequently exacerbating the risk of complications. Studies highlight hyperglycaemia’s impact on neutrophil function, predisposing diabetic patients to severe infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin issues.

Objectives:

To quantify DM’s contribution to UTI development, and to assess the risk of contracting UTI conferred by diabetes mellitus in otherwise healthy women and to characterize the UTI in the cases.

Methodology:

The case control study was conducted among 200 participants (100 cases with UTI and 100 controls without UTI) from 3 hospitals affiliated to Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. The data were collected using a structured proforma. Chi – square test and students ‘t’ test was used for comparison of the results across the groups.

Results:

Patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) showed a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (27.66%) compared to controls (7.45%). The UTI patients were 4.75 times more likely to have DM. Diabetic UTI cases exhibited elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and random blood sugar levels than controls. Complicated UTIs were more prevalent in diabetic (77%) than non-diabetic (60%) UTI cases, with E. coli being the most common infecting organism.

Conclusion:

The uncontrolled diabetes mellitus confers an increased risk of developing UTI and the risk of developing UTI caused by organisms which are not known to cause infections in people with normal immunity (like Candida species). Additionally, diabetics show a higher proportion of complicated UTI cases as compared to non-diabetics.
IJCM_280A: A prospective study on safety and clinical efficacy of rabies biologicals in paediatric patients with category III animal exposure
Authors: Fotedar Nidhi , Ravish HS
Published: April 2024

Background:

Rabies remains a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly among paediatric populations who are vulnerable to animal exposures. This prospective study aimed to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of rabies biologicals in pediatric patients following Category III animal exposures.

Objectives:

1. To describe the post exposure prophylaxis provided to the animal bite victims at the anti rabies clinic. 2. To asses the safety and clinical efficacy of currently available rabies biologicals for post exposure prophylaxis.

Methodology:

A prospective study was undertaken enrolling 289 pediatric patients fulfilling eligibility criteria who presented with Category III animal exposures at the anti-rabies clinic of KIMS Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore. All the subjects received rabies biologicals as per NCDC guidelines. The details pertaining to socio demographic profile, biting animal, characteristics of wound, details of post exposure prophylaxis provided were recorded. All the study subjects were followed up for immediate and delayed adverse events. Subsequently, all were followed up for 6 months to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of PEP.

Results:

The mean age of study subjects was 9.4 years and most of them (43%) were going to school. Dog was the predominant biting animals (96.6%) with most bites were abrasions (45%), mainly on the lower limbs (42%). Single RmAb was the most commonly administered passive immunization (67%) and PVRV was the predominant vaccine (65%). Adverse events following post-prophylaxis were primarily local, predominantly pain (13.2%) and there were no systemic events. All the subjects were alive and healthy at the end of 6 months following PEP.

Conclusion:

This study contributes valuable insights into the safety and clinical efficacy of rabies biologicals in a pediatric cohort following Category III animal exposures, supporting the continued use of these biologicals in pediatric patients.
IJCM_281A: Climatic Factors And Vector Indices In The Occurrence Of Dengue Fever Cases In Northern Kerala
Authors: Sreenath C S , Chandran Priya , Bindu V , Anitha P M
Published: April 2024

Background:

The number of dengue cases reported to WHO increased over 8-fold over the last two decades, from 505,430 cases in 2000, to over 2.4 million in 2010, and 5.2 million in 2019. The disease is now endemic in more than 128 countries with Asia representing ~70% of the global burden of disease. The transmission of dengue is dependent on various environmental factors and socio-demographic and economic factors. This study aimed to describe the climatic factors and vector Indices in the occurrence of dengue fever cases in Northern Kerala.

Objectives:

1) To describe the epidemiological factors for occurrence of dengue cases in Northern Kerala. 2) Serological typing of Dengue confirmed cases admitted in a tertiary care Centre in Northern Kerala.

Methodology:

Data of dengue fever cases admitted to a tertiary care centre in Northern Kerala for a period of one year were collected from Regional Prevention of Epidemics and Infectious Diseases Cell (R-PEID CELL). Vector indices data obtained from District vector control unit. Serology details were collected from Microbiology lab of the tertiary centre and Regional Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (RVRDL). Geographical mapping and analysis of occurrence of dengue cases with rainfall done.

Results:

Total 518 cases were admitted to the tertiary centre during January 23-October 23. 68% Male and 32% female.77.7% Cases were reported from Kozhikode district.25 % cases were belonging to age group 20-29. Admission of cases were more during October followed by August. Serological typing of sub sample showed DEN2 as the predominant serotype. DEN1 and DEN3 serotypes were also identified.

Conclusion:

There is increased case transmission occurred during rainy season i.e. in North East and South West Monsoon which is in accordance with district vector indices data. DEN2 was the predominant serotype followed by DEN1.
IJCM_286A: Will India able to bend the curve? TB Elimination in India by 2025
Authors: Aswanth  , Mishra Amit Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background:

Tuberculosis in India is a major public health problem. The National Strategic Plan 2017-2025 aims to achieve a rapid decline in burden of TB, morbidity and mortality while working towards elimination of TB in India by 2025. By proper care and treatment of TB patients, the battle against TB can be won. In the current scenario, forecasting of Tuberculosis incidence and annual case notification rate could help policy makers in planning an effective intervention at the right time keeping in mind the target for TB elimination.

Objectives:

1) To study the trend of Tuberculosis in India. 2) To forecast the incidence and annual case notification rate due to Tuberculosis in India for next 3 years.

Methodology:

Data regarding the incidence and annual case notification rate were collected from the annual reports of Tuberculosis published by Central TB Division, Government of India. Data from the sources were collected in a data extraction sheet and entered in MS excel. Gretl software was used for data analysis. Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) method was used to select the best fitted model for available time series data and using the selected model incidence and annual case notification rate were forecasted for next 3 years.

Results:

The study showed an upward trend in incidence and annual case notification rate in the sampling and post sampling period. According to the forecast, for the year 2025 the incidence of Tuberculosis will be 28.36 lakhs (95%CI- 26.4886, 32.8556) and annual case notification rate will be 178 (95%CI- 144, 211).

Conclusion:

There is an upward trend of Tuberculosis incidence and annual case notification rate in India in forecasted period. To achieve the set targets, the policy makers need to plan and implement more effective interventions at the right time.
IJCM_287A: A Study on Quality of Life of Leprosy Patients in Bankura in West Bengal
Authors: Hawaldar Gurusanganabasava , Basu Rivu , Kundu Manas , Paul Bobby , Mondal Anurag
Published: April 2024

Background:

By effectively implementing the National Leprosy Elimination Programme (NLEP), India was able to lower the prevalence rate from 57.8/10,000 in 1983 to 0.45/10,000 in 2021â€“22. Despite its progress, India still accounts for 60% of all new cases recorded globally each year. The stigma associated with leprosy and abnormalities causes worse social functioning, lower self-esteem, and social isolation in even cured patients, which has a severe impact on patient’s quality of life. This study aims to find out the quality of life among leprosy patients.

Objective:

To find out the quality of life among leprosy patients admitted to the Regional Leprosy Training and Research Institute and Gouripur Leprosy Hospital, Gouripur.

Methodology:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study in a rural area of Bankura by simple random sampling, was conducted from August 2023 to November 2023 among the leprosy patients and was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of AIIHPH and a face-to-face interview was done by pretested questionnaire, Dermatological quality of life assessed by DLQI tool and data was analysed by Spss.

Results:

The mean age of 128 study participants was 57.09 ±15.14 years with 60.2% male participants. 25.8% were currently working,40.6% were currently married. Of the participants whose duration of illness was more than 10yrs were71.9%and 66.4% had grade 2 disability. The mean DLQI score was 5.73±3.7, and about half of the patients reported that it had a moderate to large effect on their quality of life, whereas 15 patients (11.7%) reported that it had no effect at all. None of the patients had a very severe impact.

Conclusion:

Present study reveals that the mean DLQI score was found to be 5.73±3.7 and around half of them have moderate to large effect on their quality of life.
IJCM_289A: Determination of factors favouring the snake bite mortality in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Gandhi Manoj Kumar , Chauhan Nidhi , Raina Sunil K
Published: April 2024

Background:

Snake bite is an established important cause of morbidity and mortality among the poor and rural population across the world including India. India accounts for the highest number of snakebites and related mortality globally.

Objective:

Identification of factors favoring the mortality due to snake bite.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023, and deaths due to snake bites reported from different health care facilities and community were included in the study.

Results:

A case-fatality rate of 5.9% due to snake bite was documented in the study. The factors identified as favorable for mortality were delayed treatment, followed by suboptimal care at primary and secondary health care facilities and traditional beliefs of the community.

Conclusion:

Provision of emergency service as point of care delivery, focusing on provision of training to strength point of care emergency services, co-ordination and linkages with the community members can strengthen the efforts toward reducing the mortality due to snake bites.
IJCM_29A: Expenditure incurred by cancer patients covered under National Health Protection Scheme attending a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore
Authors: Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Rathi Priya , Saxena P U Prakash , Sudha K V , Suresh Meghana , Kamath Akshay , Lokesha Sanjana B. , Aishani K , Rekha T , Mithra Prasanna , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh
Published: April 2024

Background:

Over the past decades, cancer has become the second leading cause of death and morbidities around the world, accounting for nearly 1 in 6 of the total global deaths. The cost of treatment depends on the type of cancer, the duration of treatment, the type of hospital, and whether they are covered under any health insurance.

Objectives:

1. Cost of cancer treatment, before and after registration under VAS, among cancer patients attending an empanelled tertiary care hospital in South India 2. Pattern of OOPE incurred by households of cancer patients. 3. Proportion of expenditure spent on cancer treatment in comparison to the annual family income.

Methodology:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care centre among cancer patients covered under VAS, from April to May 2018. Patients who were not covered under the schemes were excluded from the study.

Results:

Out of the 150 cancer patients actively receiving cancer treatment, a majority, i.e., 65% of them were females. More than half of them (66%) were in the age group of 20-60 years. Only 9% of patients had additional health insurance to aid their expenditures while the rest were dependent only on VAS. The median (IQR) monthly income of the patient and family members was 153(83;293) USD. The overall median (IQR) cost was 525(230;980) in our patients. Costs before initiation of treatment under VAS constituted almost 90% of direct medical OOPE spent by the patient and his family. The overall mean OOPE in this study was 856 USD. 70% of the patients incurred a monthly cost of ≥40% of their monthly family income and 41% of the patient’s OOPE was more than 100% of their monthly family income.

Conclusion:

A monthly cost-to-income ratio of 240% is seen in 70% of the patients, Loans were taken and donations received to combat the expenditures. Hence VAS should reimburse the medical cost before enrolment under VAS. VAS can step up and protect its objectives by reimbursing the diagnostic costs and any long-term non-medical costs associated with the illness, as this would help reduce the OOPE by 1/3 making a huge difference to their financial status.
IJCM_290A: Death Audit Analysis from a single Covid-19 DCH of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Bhatia Manohar
Published: April 2024

Background:

In response to the escalating Covid-19-related fatalities in smaller towns and villages, the State Government initiated a daily death audit through the Death Audit Committee in each district. The aim of committee was to comprehensively review Covid-19-related deaths, utilizing the findings to inform policy decisions and prevent future mortalities.

Objectives:

To gain critical insights into the circumstances surrounding Covid-19 deaths, aiding in the identification of gaps and the development of strategies to avert future fatalities.

Methodology:

It was a cross-sectional study conducted in DCH Datia, the research encompassed all Covid-19-related deaths in Datia and Niwari districts during the first and second waves of the pandemic. The study period extended from March 2020 to July 2021, encompassing both waves. A total of 118 death audits were conducted by the Govt. Medical College Datia team, covering aspects such as age, gender, duration of ICU admission, comorbidities, and treatment including Remdesivir administration.

Results:

The second wave exhibited a significantly higher death rate (11.7%) compared to the first wave (0.04%). Among the 118 death audits, males accounted for 70 deaths (59.32%), with a majority (24.28%) occurring in the 51-60 age group. The presence of comorbidities (42.37%) was linked to increased mortality. Longer stay was associated with increased mortality. Remdesivir was administered in 39.83% of cases.

Conclusion:

The study underscores the heightened risk associated with long duration of stay and the impact of comorbidities on mortality. Further research on the efficacy of Remdesivir is warranted. The findings may help in shaping the policy & strategy in future outbreaks both at district & state level