bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raw turmeric and pure curcumin: a comparison of embryonic cytotoxicity in zebrafish
Authors: Rajagopal Raskin Erusan , Balasubramanian Meenakshi , Kalyanaraman Shantaraman
Published: July 2017

Background: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is widely used in ayurveda and siddha formulations for treating various ailments. This study compares the gross effects of curcumin and natural state turmeric on zebrafish embryos.Methods: Turmeric powder and curcumin were used in this study. Zebrafish embryos were treated with different concentration of both turmeric and curcumin to evaluate their gross effects including toxicity. Morphological variations including hatching, survival, heart rates, head width, eye width, tail width and yolk sac area were examined by stereomicroscope.Results: Embryos treated with curcumin or raw turmeric with concentration of 27.628 and 36.83µg/ml exhibited a reduction of survival rates (15-20%) at 24, 48 and 72hpf. Turmeric treated embryos had near normal hatching rates when compared to curcumin treated embryos at 48hpf whereas decreased hatching rate was observed in turmeric treated groups at 72hpf when compared to curcumin treated group. No significant morphological anomaly in head /eye / tail width, length of yolk sac and average embryo length were witnessed among all the 3 groups. The toxicity assays revealed various morphological deformities in embryos treated with different concentrations of both turmeric and curcumin.Conclusions: Zebrafish embryos treated with increasing concentrations of curcumin in pure form or raw turmeric exhibited similar morphometric and toxic effects indicating that raw turmeric could elicit anti cancer activity with similar potency as that of active ingredient curcumin due to their toxicity attribute. It may be beneficial to explore the negative attributes of such common natural food ingredients that may be beneficial for therapeutic interventions.
Pattern of adverse drug reactions due to antibiotics in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Akalu Suchitra D. , Belavadi Niveditha G.
Published: July 2017

Background: Adverse reactions are known to occur with all classes of drugs and the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to antibiotics has increased with rise in infectious diseases contributing significantly to the increased health care costs.Methods: This retrospective observational study analysed the ADRs due to antibiotics that were reported by spontaneous reporting to ADR monitoring centre (AMC), functioning from Department of Pharmacology, ESIC-MC and PGIMSR. The total study period was 48 months from January 2013 to December 2016. During this period, all the ADRs due to antibiotics reported to the AMC were included in the study. This study analysed the retrospective data to find out the pattern of adverse drug reactions due to antibiotic drug class. Causality, severity and preventability were assessed using standard scales.Results: During the study period, a total of 228 ADRs due to antibiotic use were reported among 179 patients. Gender-wise distribution showed that males were slightly more affected than females by the ADRs due to antibiotics [93(52%) Vs. 86 (48%)]. Out of the total 179 antibiotics administered to the patients, beta-lactam antibiotics dominated followed by nitroimidazoles, quinolones and glycopeptide antibiotics in causing ADRs. Rashes and itching were most common ADRs followed by breathlessness and hypotensive episodes. Causality was assessed by Naranjo algorithm scale and causality was definite in 16 (7%), probable in 87 (38%) and possible in 125 (55%). Severity of the ADRs was assessed by Hartwig and Siegel scale and it was found that most of the ADRs 198 (87%) were of mild severity and 30 (13%) were of moderate severity and none of them were severe or lethal. Preventability was assessed by Schumock and Thornton scale and it was found that only 24 (11%) were preventable, 74 (32%) were probably preventable and 130 (57%) were not preventable.Conclusions: The study concluded that ADRs due to antibiotics are common and few of them resulted in increased healthcare cost due to the need for some interventions and increased length of hospital stay. The health system should promote the spontaneous reporting of ADRs due to antibiotics, proper documentation and periodic reporting to regional pharmacovigilance centers to ensure drug safety.
Comparison of methods of submission of suspected adverse drug reactions to the ADR monitoring centers in India
Authors: Kuchya Sachin Kumar , Shrivastav Sarita
Published: July 2017

Background: Traditionally, paper based suspected ADR forms were the only way of submitting suspected ADR (sADR) data. Recently the mobile android based ADR reporting app© (App©) has also been developed and a copyright was granted to the author. This study is done to assess the two, viz. paper based and App based, methods of submission of sADR data.Methods: The sADR data submitted to the ADR Monitoring Centre (AMC), at Department of Pharmacology, NSCB MC Jabalpur. There is no such scale to assess the completeness of suspected ADR data received by individual AMCs. Therefore, appropriate algorithm and scale for Completeness scoring of filled sADR forms was designed, the basic tenets were adhered. A set of 10 sADR forms, submitted by either method, were subjected to Independent assessment by 3 assessors, who were not part of this study. The scores were then subjected to analysis, which revealed minimal variation across the assessment. Hence, the scale was adopted for the study.Results: A total of 403 sADR’s submitted to our AMC, were screened and subjected to scoring for completeness. Upon screening, 96.2% (257/267) sADR submitted via paper based sADR form and 100% (136/136) of those submitted via App stood valid, and hence included in the study. All the suspected ADR (sADR) submitted via ADR Reporting app were, complete. The sADR data submitted via ADR reporting app, had an average completeness score of 34.7±2.4 while those submitted via paper based form had an average of 29.2±2.4. The difference is highly significant on Wilcoxon two sample test (p<0.001) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p<0.001).Conclusions: Compared to traditional paper based system, the ADR reporting app based sADR submission, is a better method.
Anxiolytic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Ficus carica Linn fruits in swiss albino mice
Authors: K. Chandrashekar , P. Amudha , S. Venkataraman
Published: July 2017

Background: Benzodiazepams are mainly used to treat anxiety but these drugs produce serious adverse effects, hence herbal drugs are preferred. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Ficus carica (FC) Linn fruits in swiss albino mice.Methods: Male swiss albino rats weighing 25-30gms were divided into six groups and six animals in each group. Diazepam (1.0 mg/kg), AEFC (200 and 400 mg/kg) and EEFC (200 and 400 mg/kg) were suspended in 1% gum acacia and administered orally. The EEFC and AEFC (both extracts at 200 and 400mg/kg/p.o) and vehicle were administered for 7 days once daily p.o. and the last dose was given on the 7lh day, 60 min prior to exposure to the experimental paradigms viz., Elevated plus maze, T- maze model and Hole -board model.Results: Both the extracts of FC significantly increased the number of entries into, time spent and rears in the open arms. Also, it increased the percentile ratio of open arm to total arm entries in elevated plus maze. In T- maze, the both the extracts FC showed a significant increase in baseline latency and decrease in escape and avoidance. In the hole-board model a significant increase in the exploratory behavior like head-dipping and line crossing, rearing was observed after treatment with EEFC and AEFC. FC also decreases the nor-adrenaline levels and increase in serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. These behavioural changes were significantly higher than that produced by the standard anxiolytic drug diazepam.Conclusions: It was concluded that ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ficus carica fruits having antianxiety activity.
Drug utilization pattern in geriatric out patient in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Jadhav Rakesh R. , Jadhav Asha D. , Padwal Sudhir L. , Kale Anand S. , Pise Harshal N.
Published: July 2017

Background: Inappropriate drug prescribing is a global problem affecting the healthcare system. Aim and objective of the study was to study the drug utilization pattern in geriatric patient at rural tertiary care hospital.Methods: This was a cross- sectional observational study involving 600 geriatric outpatient. This study was carried out from Nov 2015 to May 2016. The data were collected using predesigned proforma specially designed for this purpose. Relevant information was obtained by analyzing prescription for World Health Organization (WHO) core drug indicators.Results: Total number 600 prescriptions analyzed at the end of six months were from general medicine department. The mean age of the patients was 63.9 years in which male (61.33%) outnumber the female. Total number 2598 drugs were prescribed to 600 patients for different diseases. The mean number of drugs per prescription were 4.33, drugs were prescribed by generic name 26.42%. drugs were prescribed from WHO essential drug list86.33. The type of formulations used were tablets and capsules in 88.5%, syrups in 5%, injections 3.5 % and inhalers 2%. Drug for Cardiovascular diseases were the most common (29.66) followed gastrointestinal (16.67), vitamins and minerals (14.66). Analgesic and NSAIDS (14.13) also prescribed commonly. Antimicrobial drugs prescribed in (7.46%) and common antibiotic prescribed were Amoxicillin ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.Conclusions: This study also effectively provides very useful baseline data also demonstrates the prescribing patterns of drugs in the geriatric patients.
An observational cross-sectional study to determine the effect of telmisartan on reducing microalbuminuria in diabetic hypertensive patients in tertiary care teaching hospital, Central India
Authors: Chenchula Santenna , Gupta Rupesh , S. Balakrishnan , Vishwe Akash , Gour Pushparaj , Kumar Sunil
Published: July 2017

Background: There are many groups of drugs to decrease microalbuminuria like angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and direct vasodilators. Among these, ACEI and ARBs are commonly used for this purpose. If side effects occur, ACEI are replaced with ARBs. Many ARBs have been studied for their effect on reducing microalbuminuria, but data on telmisartan with its additional unique properties are scarce in Indian population.Methods: This cross sectional observational study was carried out in a tertiary care centre. We first measured base line urine albumin levels in included patients, 3 months after treatment with telmisartan using ‘hemocue urine albumin analyser’. We collected and compared both baseline and after treatment data of microalbuminuria and analysed in descriptive statistics.Results: A total of 110 patients participated in this study; out of which 10 patients were excluded from the study because they were not available for follow up. As compared to baseline, urine albumin level decreased by 30.42% after 12 weeks treatment with telmisartan (P <0.001).Conclusions: Microalbuminuria is one of the leading cause of end stage renal disease and coronary heart diseases in diabetic hypertensive patients. Drugs like ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers, Calcium channel blockers and direct vasodilators are used to prevent these complications. In this present study, we concluded that telmisartan decreases urine albumin excretion around 30.42% from baseline after 12 weeks of treatment.
Nimesulide induced Stevens Johnson Syndrome: a case report
Authors: Naikwadi Shagupta A. , Jadhav Rupali B.
Published: July 2017

Adverse drug reactions to the prescribed medicines are the major obstacles in continuation of drug treatment. Stevens- Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe, episodic, acute mucocutaneous reaction which is most commonly elicited by drugs and occasionally by infections. Common drugs associated with SJS are sulphonamide antibiotics, anticonvulsants, non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and allopurinol. Nimesulide is an NSAID with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Here, we report a case of 21 years old male patient who developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome following ingestion of tablet Nimesulide. The patient was managed with parenteral corticosteroids, antibiotics, emollients, and supportive care. This case highlights the importance of Nimesulide and other NSAIDs as possible cause of SJS. Nimesulide has never been approved in countries like USA, Canada, Australia. But in India it is available as over the counter drug and is used for various indications like fever, myalgia, arthralgia. Therefore, the drugs which are banned outside India should be used with caution and practitioners should report all the adverse drug reactions to such drugs.
Can idiosyncratic drug reactions occur in quick succession? a case of cross sensitivity between levetiracetam and phenytoin
Authors: Nayak Chitralekha Anilkumar , Kakode Kalyani Pai , Rataboli Padmanabh V.
Published: July 2017

The occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to more than one drug in quick succession can cause diagnostic dilemma to the doctor and increased burden of suffering to the patient. We present a single case report of a 23 year old female who developed rash and agranulocytosis in quick succession as ADRs to phenytoin and levetiracetam respectively. These antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were prescribed as prophylaxis against post traumatic seizures (PTS). Hence a proper rationale for the prophylactic treatment of PTS and pharmacovigilance for early detection of adverse drug reactions is the need of the hour.
Iatrogenic phenytoin toxicity: a case report of medication error
Authors: Patel Shreya R. , Patel Kamlesh P. , Malhotra Supriya D. , Patel Pankaj R.
Published: July 2017

Medication errors may produce severe toxicity resulting in hospitalization. This can be compounded if the physician obtains the wrong concentration from a reference manual and a pharmacy miscalculates the conversion. We present a case report of phenytoin toxicity related to overdose in 19 year girl which is related to prescribing error and dose related error. A 19 years old girl came to emergency department with convulsions, gum hypertrophy and ataxia. Patient had history of convulsion before 2 months at that time she was given Tab. Phenytoin (100mg) (Eptoin) 2 times a day prescribed for generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS). Then before seven days she presented with convulsion so physician increased the dose of drug from 2 times a day to 3 times a day. Then patient developed gum hyperplasia and ataxia after 7 days and she presented with convulsion. Serum Phenytoin level was >40mcg/ml. Phenytoin was withdrawn. Then patient then recovered eventually. Medication errors may produce severe toxicity resulting in hospitalization. It also increases morbidity and mortality. A prescribing fault is a failure in the prescribing process. It leads to, or has the potential to lead to, harm to the patient. Phenytoin metabolism is dose dependent. So very small increments in dosage may result in adverse effects. In our case sudden increase in the dose by 100mg led to blood level double than therapeutic blood level. So, medication error occurred at the prescription level and because of that patient developed toxicity and she needed to hospitalization. In this case instead of suddenly increasing the dose of phenytoin one should change the drug or add another drug to prevent toxicity or side effect.
Correlation of ultrasound with histopathology for retained products of conception in medically managed abortions
Authors: Chopra Namita , Kaur Manpreet , Mohi Manjit Kaur
Published: July 2017

Background: Medical abortion uses an anti-progestin, mifepristone (RU486), followed by a prostaglandin (misoprostol). Objective of present study was to correlate findings of transvaginal ultrasound with histopathology for retained products of conception in medical abortions.Methods: An observational, prospective study was conducted on hundred women with gestation upto 12 weeks who underwent medical abortion with excessive or prolonged post abortal vaginal bleeding. Transvaginal scan followed by uterine evacuation was done under anesthesia, followed by histopathology.Results: Analysis was done statistically using Pearson Chi- square method. Sixty five percent subjects took MTP pill by unsupervised, self-intake and 35% on prescription. Among women who took misoprostol in dose of 400mcg, 89% had RPOC on histopathology. At the dose of 800 mcg, 73.3% had retained Products of Conception (RPOC) on histopathology. The correlation was found to be statistically non-significant (p value at 5% was 1.13). Ultrasound showed echogenic mass in the uterine cavity in 62 (62%) women, increased endometrial thickness ≥10mm in 13 (13%), gestational sac with no fetal pole in 6 (6%), blood clots in uterine cavity in 6 (6%), and empty uterine cavity in 3 (3%). Seventy five percent of women had histologically proven RPOC at endometrial cut off of equal to or greater than 10mm. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of transvaginal ultrasonography in detection of retained products of conception were 92%, 60%, 87.3%, 71.4% respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 84%.Conclusions: Transvaginal ultrasound for detecting retained products of conception in medically managed abortions has a high sensitivity and positive predictive value and is useful for screening women with clinically suspected incomplete abortion who require further intervention -medical or surgical.
First versus second stage caesarean section: a comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Sinha Sushma , Malik Surya , Dixit Mala
Published: July 2017

Background: A retrospective study was done to compare the maternal and neonatal complications of caesarean delivery performed in the second stage compared with the first stage of labor.Methods: This is a one year retrospective study done in a 100-bedded hospital, govt of NCT OF Delhi, New Delhi from 1st November 2015 to 31st October 2016.  Total number of deliveries in this one year duration were 1785, including both normal and caesarean deliveries. Total number of patients who underwent caesarean delivery in the first stage of labor were 159, and in 2nd stage of labor were 15 during this time period. These were designated into two groups, group 1 and group 2. These two groups were then compared in terms of maternal demographics, labor characteristics, maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes. Numerical variables were compared between groups by calculating P-value for each variable. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Caesarean deliveries performed in the second stage were associated with increased maternal morbidity in terms of blood loss, unintended extensions, blood transfusions, prolonged hospital stay, febrile morbidity. Similarly, Neonatal morbidity was much higher in the patient who underwent LSCS in 2nd stage of labor compared to 1st stage. There was increase in neonatal complications, for e. g. –5 minute Apgar <7, NICU admissions >24 hrs, neonatal septicaemia, (P-value <0.05).Conclusions: In conclusion, present study suggests that women undergoing caesarean section in the second stage of labor have increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Therefore, selection of birthing method should be made very carefully and meticulously to decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity.
Analysis of caesarean section rates using Robsons ten group classification: the first step
Authors: Koteshwara Sowmya , M. S. Sujatha
Published: July 2017

Background: The Caesarean section (CS) rate is steadily increasing worldwide including India. The overall CS rates are reported but rarely the women are classified. According to WHO Robson ten –group classification is useful as a global standard for assessing, monitoring and comparing cesarean section rates. Our objective was to classify women delivering in our hospital according to various categories as per the 10-group classification (Robsons classification) and analyzing the CS rate in each group.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at JSS Medical College, Mysore. The data was collected for all women delivering in hospital from January 2016-December 2016 and the women were classified according to Robsons 10 group classification. The proportion of women delivering in each group, the CS rate of each group, and the relative contribution to CS rate from each group was calculated.Results: Among a total of 5016 women delivering during the study period 37.65% of women were delivered by CS. Maximum no of pregnant women belonged to primigravida group (group 1 and 2). Major contributor to CS rate were primigravida (group 2) at 32.2%. Next contributors were group 5 and group 1 at 28.9 % and 18.6% respectively. Overall the three groups 1, 2 and group 5 contributed to 79.7% of the CS rate while the other group contributed to only 21.3% of CS rate.Conclusions: Applying Robsons criteria to classify pregnant women allowed for easy classification to identify the category of women most likely to have CS. Reducing primary CS rate and increasing VBAC rates will help to reduce CS rate.
Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and perinatal outcome: a rural tertiary teaching hospital based study
Authors: Reddy Ke Manga , P. Lakshmi Sailaja , Balmuri Sahithi , Jagarlamudi Avinash , Betha Kalpana
Published: July 2017

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is the commonest medical disorder in pregnancy. Women with GDM are at increased risk for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcome. Prevalence of GDM is known to vary widely depending on region of the country, dietary habits and socio-economic status. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of GDM and risk factors associated with it among women delivered in a rural tertiary teaching hospital in Telangana and further assess its impact on feto-maternal outcome.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences on GDM cases delivered from May 2015 to April 2017. GDM was diagnosed using 2 step procedure of screening with glucose challenge test followed by confirmation with oral glucose tolerance test using Carpenter and Couston criteria. Demographic data and details about perinatal outcome were obtained from medical records and analyzed.Results: The prevalence was low (1.83%) compared to other studies. Majority of the women did not have risk factors. Preeclampsia is the commonest maternal complication seen (18%). Hypothyroidism is more often associated with GDM (15%). Caesarean section rate was high (62%). Though the NICU admission rate was high (76%), neonatal outcome was found to be satisfactory.Conclusions: The low prevalence of GDM seen highlights the importance of carrying out studies in different population groups of India to know the exact prevalence of GDM in the country. Pregnancies in women with GDM continue to be at increased risk of maternal and perinatal complications.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of first trimester bleeding
Authors: Tiparse Awdhut , Gandhi Birwa , Patel Arpita
Published: July 2017

Background: Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester is a common obstetric situation ranging from an insignificant episode to life threatening emergency. The major causes are abortion, ectopic, and molar pregnancy. Ultrasonography is playing an increasing role in the diagnostic process. This study was taken up to evaluate its utility vis-à-vis clinical examination findings.Methods: A Prospective study was carried out on all inpatients admitted to Gopnath Maternity Home, Sir T. Hospital, Bhavnagar with complaints of bleeding per vaginum in the first trimester of pregnancy during the study period from December 2016 to May 2017. A complete general physical and pelvic examination was done to arrive at a clinical diagnosis. Patients were then subjected to ultrasound examination. Clinical diagnosis and ultrasound diagnosis were correlated.Results: Among these 200 cases, threatened abortion was the commonest cause of bleeding. This was observed in 74 cases (37%). There were 40 (20%) cases of missed abortion in the present study. Incomplete abortion and complete abortion in 14 and 6 cases respectively. There were 26 (13%) cases of ectopic pregnancy.Conclusions: Ultrasound is a valuable tool in the differentiation of causes of first trimester vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound is helpful in the decision-making algorithm about the safe continuation of the pregnancy, timely intervention for abnormal pregnancy.
Contraception-still miles to go: a study among married women in a rural area of West Bengal
Authors: Pal Jayita , Ahmad Shamshad , Siva Arohita
Published: July 2017

Background: Unregulated growth of population is the most important problem that is hindering the socio-economic growth of a developing country like India since its independence. Multiple socio-economic factors are responsible for non-acceptance of contraception. To meet the unmet need these factors are needed to be explored. The current study aimed to assess the rate of acceptance of different contraceptive methods, various socio-demographic factors affecting acceptance and to find out the reasons for non-acceptance among married women of reproductive age group in a rural area of West Bengal.Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 224 married women of reproductive age group with the help of a predesigned, pretested schedule.Results: Almost entire study population (98.2%) had the knowledge of any modern accepted method of contraception; health personnel (91.1%) being the most common source of knowledge. In majority of cases (69.6%) the decision of contraceptive use was taken by the husband and wife jointly. The overall prevalence of current use of contraception was 33.9% of which most common method adopted was found to be tubectomy (42.1%). The total unmet need was 50%. Multivariate analyses revealed that women aged more than 27 years, belonging to Hindu religion, nuclear family of higher per capita income with education of self and husband being up to or above middle level, having at least two leaving issue and one male child had higher odds of ever use of contraception.Conclusions: To bridge the gap of knowledge and practice intense awareness generating programmes focusing on the local barriers of contractive practice were the need of the hour to address this alarming public health problem.
A study of awareness and factors affecting acceptance of PPIUCD in South-East Rajasthan
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Gupta Vinita
Published: July 2017

Background: In spite of widely available choices for contraceptive method there is poor acceptance for the same because of less knowledge and ignorance. PPIUCD is one of best available contraceptive method which has potential to play a pivot role in country’s family planning programme. Present study is planned to find out awareness level and various factors affecting its acceptance among women in South-east Rajasthan. Methods: This was an observational study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College and Jay Kay Lon Hospital, Kota between March 2013 and August 2014. Subjects were 18550 women visiting the centre for antenatal care and child birth. A preformed and predesigned semi structured questionnaire was applied to determine if these women were aware of the PPIUCD. Acceptability was defined as the number of antenatal women who agreed to undergo insertion of PPIUCD. Data was analyzed in Microsoft Excel 2010 & SPSS ver16. Results: Out Of 18550 women, only 480 (2.58%) were aware of the PPIUCD. The overall acceptability was found to be 2.94%. Safe and effective long term method makes PPIUCD a choice for acceptance. Conclusions: Level of awareness for PPIUCD was poor among women of south-east Rajasthan region. PPIUCD can play a pivot role in country’s family planning programme.
Students’ sexual exposure in tertiary institutions: a case study of some universities in Abia state of Nigeria
Authors: Enwereji E. E. , Akubugwo E. I. , Onwuka J. O. , Ckikezie D. C.
Published: July 2017

Background: Studies have shown that new entrants in institutions of higher learning are at risk of sexual exploits by older students. Drama has been identified as an intervention strategy capable of internalizing both the emotional and cognitive dimensions of sexual problems for positive changes. This study used drama to create awareness on likely common sexual exploits in institutions of higher learning. Methods: Study used first year students in three universities, federal, state and private. It was assumed that first year students in institutions of higher learning are likely to be exposed to sexual overtures by older students. It was considered that using drama as an intervention will create awareness on types of sexual overtures experienced in tertiary institutions. A random sample of ninety ((90) students, comprising thirty (30) students in each of the universities studied was selected. Pre- and post-self-administered questionnaire were given to the selected students to complete. On completion, copies of the questionnaire (pre- and post) were analyzed using Tables and percentages. Results: The study showed that students in the three universities studied were approached for sex by fellow students but this was more in Rhema University 8 (28. 8%) than in other universities. Both male and female sexes approached the students for sex. Finding showed that some students practiced anal, oral, and multiple sex, but this was more in MOUA 10 (33.3%) than in ABSU and Rhema with 9 (30%) respectively. For knowledge on how HIV is transmitted, students had the knowledge that HIV transmission occurs by sharing sharp objects. This knowledge was more among students in MOUA 29 (97%) than those in ABSU 28 (93%) and Rhema 27 (90%). Conclusions: Drama therefore, is a valuable and timely intervention strategy capable of encouraging HIV risk reduction among university students.
Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among male Qassim university students
Authors: Jaber Mahmoud F. , Khan Asif , Elmosaad Yousif , Mustafa Mustafa Mohammed , Suliman Nagwa , Jamaan Ahmad
Published: July 2017

Background: Good oral health not only promotes an individual to look and feel good, it also helps in preserving oral functions. Oral health is considered an integral part of an individual's overall health. The study was carried out to assess oral health knowledge and practices among male students of Qassim University.Methods: This study included five hundred and eight Students from (4) male colleges in Qassim University enrolled in that academic year were invited to participate in this survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire consisted of (16) questions, written in Arabic and was pretested. Results: The students had good knowledge on the basic oral health measures. Majority (63%) of them they knew that poor oral health lead to gum disease, (59.1%) students were aware that maintaining oral hygiene by using toothbrush and paste. The attitude toward regular visits to the dentist were necessary (81.5%), they perceived brushing of teeth regularly prevents dental decay (94.9%), Sweets affected the teeth adversely (87.4%) and Soft drinks affect the teeth adversely (84.4%). But still students had poor oral health practices they brush their teeth once daily (71.3%) and brushed for less than the optimal time of two minutes (55.7%). Conclusions: Students had good knowledge on the basic oral health measures, but their attitude regarding oral health was diverse and practices toward oral health were relatively poor. Oral health education programs should be conducted with reinforcement, to close the gap between knowledge and practice.
Management of diarrheal diseases among children under five years: a case study of mothers at Kakamega county, Kenya
Authors: Njeru Peterson M. , Kariri John M. , Murigi Mary W. , Waweru Heuston M. , Muriithi Felister M.
Published: July 2017

Background: Despite much effort and successes in the management of diarrhoea, the disease has remained among the top five causes of mortality and morbidity in Kenya, particularly among infants and children below five years. Advent of HIV/AIDS and the harsh economic situation is Kenya has led to increase in diarrhoea diseases. This study was conducted to determine the mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice in the management of diarrheal diseases among children under five years of age.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Lurambi sub-County, Kakamega County. Systematic sampling technique was used to determine the study population. The research instruments were; observational checklists, an in-depth interview schedule, self-administered semi-structured questionnaires and focused group discussions. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSSand involved univariate and bivariate analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis.Results: Overall, 88% mothers each with at least one child under five years took part in the study. 84% of the respondents had knowledge of the causes of diarrhoea; however only 31% knew methods of diarrhoea prevention. 41% of the respondents managed diarrhoea cases with non-recommended home remedies such as salt and sugar solutions. The study also established that 37% of the health workers were not trained on diarrhoea management despite them being directly involved in the case management.Conclusions: Overall, the research identified a gap between knowledge and practice. There is need for improving home based case management and implementing a community strategy for diarrhoea management.
Cross-cultural determinants of pre-adolescent self-esteem and body image
Authors: De Gracia Manuel , Trujano Patricia , Nava Carlos , Limón Gilberto
Published: July 2017

Background: The general framework of this research is that the sociocultural context and socio-economic conditions in different countries representing the macro-system of the transactional model of health, with varying degrees of cultural and linguistic familiarity and contact history. Culturally bound definitions of what is desirable and attractive play an important role in body image formation.Methods: The aim of this cross-cultural study was to evaluate the different effects of general self-esteem, eating attitudes and behaviors, and the subjective perception of body image in two representative samplings of urban pre-adolescents (9-12 years old). All the participants were given the following tests: LAWSEQ, ChEAT-26, CFD, and BEStudy.Results: The multiple linear regression analysis showed the relative contribution of each independent variable: the LAWSEQ score explained 12.8% of the variance of the BES score, followed by the BMI (9.3%), the ChEAT-26 score (9.1%), and the CFD (7.8%). The results showed a differential profile between the two samplings.Conclusions: General self-esteem was the strongest predictive variable associated with higher levels of body esteem, while habits and behaviors related to worry about food and the choice of a thinner body image ideal were predictive of lower body esteem, regardless of the nationality, sex, or age of the participants.
Prevalence of hypertension in a rural community of coastal Karnataka: a cross sectional study
Authors: Saxena Trapti , K. H. Rajeev
Published: July 2017

Background: Hypertension is major risk factor for CVDs and its complications account for 9.4 million deaths worldwide every year. Hypertension itself is responsible for about 45% and 51% deaths due to heart disease and stroke respectively. Hypertension is a major public health concern in India both in urban and rural areas and it is increasing at an alarming rate in rural population. Because of inadequate access to health care facilities at rural areas, the early screening and treatment of hypertension is not done regularly, so we conducted this study. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension in a rural community of coastal Karnataka.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted at rural field practice area of Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences. Sample size was 300 and convenient sampling method used. Data was collected visiting homes and blood pressure measured with mercury sphygmomanometer by. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.Results: Among 300 participants, 45% and 55% were males and females respectively and mean age of the participants was 50.6±15.4 years. The overall prevalence of hypertension among them was 18% and the proportion of hypertension was more among males, people aged >45 years and illiterates.Conclusions: Our study shows that, hypertension has seeped into rural population also which was a concern of the urban population earlier. New cases of hypertension diagnosed were also more which indirectly indicates, most people are not aware of their blood pressure and importance of regular monitoring of blood pressure. So, doing regular screening and creation of awareness at rural areas will help in reducing the morbidity and mortality due to hypertension and its complications.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes using Indian diabetes risk score and its risk factors in a rural area of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: S. Sathiya Narayanan , S. Shankar , S. K. Padmini
Published: July 2017

Background: Currently the number of cases of diabetes worldwide is estimated to be around 150 million. This number is predicted to double by 2025, with the greatest number of cases being expected in China and India. In countries like India, there is also a lack of awareness about the existing interventions for preventing diabetes and the management of complications. This underscores the need for mass awareness and screening programs to identify and overcome the burden due to diabetes in India. The aim and objectives of the study was to find out the people at risk of developing diabetes using a simple risk factor scoring in a rural area in Tamil NaduMethods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2016 to August 2016 among 974 participants in the three rural blocks in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. A house to house visit was made and all population above 35 years of age, presenting on the day of survey were included in the study. Socio-demographic variables, risk factors were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and High Risk Analysis for diabetes was done as per Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS).Results: Out of 974 study subjects, 62 (6.34%) of them reported that they had diabetes. Based on the screening tool, 253 subjects were found to be in the high risk category (score >60). Proportion of subjects with high risk score in the self-reported diabetes group (58.07%) were high compared to apparently normal group (23.79%) and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) using Chi Square test.Conclusions: This study estimates the usefulness of simplified Indian diabetes risk score for identifying high risk diabetic subjects in the community. Use of the IDRS can make mass screening for diabetes in India more cost effective.
Strengthening of sentinel surveillance through priority settings in public health resource allocation
Authors: Gumashta Raghvendra
Published: July 2017

Background: Sentinel Surveillance assists in designing, re-designing and formulating health policy, programs and public health interventions and hence there is need to have a relook into the need for improving its implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Methods: Informal interview based cross sectional study was undertaken during January 2015 to December 2016 among the programmatic stakeholders including the doctors, laboratory technicians and support staff for understanding of the constraints observed during conduct of surveillance. Results: Time constraint and delayed supply of goods (94%), non-observance of guidelines (56%), dilution of sample quality (46%), requirement of training needs assessment (32%), absence of local communication network among stakeholders (68%), need for new initiatives (68%) and need for well trained staff during sample transport (34%) are important areas for quality enhancement. Conclusions: Framework support for surveillance requires strengthening from technical inputs of stakeholders thereby facilitating multi stage corrective actions directed towards achievement of appropriate public health actions.
Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus in tertiary care hospital, SRMSIMS, Bareilly, U.P.
Authors: Gupta Vaishali , Pachori Ravi , Goyal Rahul Kumar
Published: July 2017

Background: S. aureus has been recognized as continuously challenging the clinicians despite the availability of antibiotics from nearly 70 yrs and emergence of various types of antibiotic resistance mechanisms especially to methicillin and vancomycin, which was the theme of this study. The study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus in Tertiary Care Hospital, SRMSIMS, Bareilly and also to determine the current status of Vancomycin susceptibility in our Hospital setup considering E-Test as gold standard.Methods: This study was prospective in design from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014 and conducted in the Department of Microbiology, SRMSIMS, Bareilly. All S. aureus strains were screened for vancomycin resistance by Dual strip E- test.Results: Out of 505 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, we found that MRSA, VISA, and VRSA as 80.8%, 0.6% and 0.0% respectively. In cases of MRSA, antibiogram showed sensitivity in the range of 99.4 -100% for glycopeptides, and sensitivity to levofloxacin, chloramphenicol was 77.5% and 65.2% respectively.Conclusions: On evaluation of MIC by E-strips, we found that 17% of MRSA were showing MIC values quite near to the MIC value of VISA. So, these strains may convert to VISA, if the injudicious use of vancomycin antibiotics is not stopped.
Are rural adults happy? An observational study of happiness and its determinants
Authors: Rao Chythra R. , Soans Shashi J. , Anjum Zari , Kumar Muthu , Kamath Asha , Shetty Avinash
Published: July 2017

Background: Happiness has been defined as the degree to which an individual judges the overall quality of his or her life as favourable. The happiness of a society, depends on its individual members. So, the study was designed to assess happiness among rural adults and to identify various socio- demographic, family and health determinants affecting happiness.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, KMC Manipal. The study included 403 permanent residents of field practice area, aged ≥20 years, of both gender and willing to participate in the study. Information pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics, details pertaining to co-morbidities, habits and family particulars were collected by personal interviews using a pre-designed questionnaire. Happiness was assessed using the Oxford happiness questionnaire.Results: A total of 403 subjects participated in the study and among them 82% of the respondents were happy and 17.6% were unhappy, as per the Oxford happiness questionnaire. Over half of the participants belonged to 30-60 years and two-thirds were females (66.5%). There was no gender difference in reported happiness. Almost all the people who had cordial relationship with family members (99.1%) and neighbourhood (97.9%), owning a house (94%) and being without co-morbidities (56%) were happy. Past hospitalization, concerns about child marriage and employment made people less happy.Conclusions: Good relationship with family members and neighbourhood, absence of co-morbidities was positive determinants of happiness, while hospitalization, concerns about employment and marriage of their children contributed to unhappiness.
Life style associated risk factors in teenage students, in Miraj town: a cross sectional descriptive study
Authors: Lokhande Ganesh S. , Jadhav Sachin B. , Rajderkar Shekhar S. , Bavaskar Yogita G.
Published: July 2017

Background: The transition from childhood to adulthood may be referred to as ‘adolescence’ or ‘teenage’. Adolescence is not only a time of opportunity but also of vulnerability to risky behavior, which can have life-long consequences, especially on education, career and various aspects of health. Behavior patterns that influence health in adulthood have their origin in adolescence. Considering such factors, the present study had been undertaken with the objectives to study dietary habits and nutritional status of study population, to study knowledge, attitude & practices of study population regarding risk factors and to study the significant behavioral deviation including drug abuse.Methods: Cross sectional, descriptive study was being conducted in selected High schools and Junior Colleges in the Miraj town. The method of data collection was the pre-designed, pre-tested proforma. The data was analyzed by using SPSS.Results: Overall prevalence of under-nutrition was 49.83%. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 3.68% and 1.49% respectively. Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was more in participants with habit of eating outside home. Various forms of tobacco, alcohol and pan masala were used by 58.9% of the family members / friends / peer groups of the study participants.Conclusions: The students of age group 18-19 year were more likely to have risk taking behavior than students of age-group 13-17 year.
Readiness for self-directed learning among undergraduate medical students of Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam
Authors: Madhavi K. V. Phani , Madhavi B. Devi
Published: July 2017

Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) has been identified as an important skill for medical graduates. To meet the challenges in today's healthcare environment, self-directed learning is most essential. Readiness for SDL is the degree to which an individual possesses attitudes and abilities necessary for SDL. The present study was taken to assess the self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among 4th semester medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The objectives of the study were to assess the self-directed learning readiness among 4th semester undergraduate medical students of Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam using SDLR instrument; to find out the association if any between readiness for SDL and students’ demographic characteristics.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 4th semester undergraduate medical students of Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in the month of June 2016 to assess the self-directed learning readiness, using Fishers’40–item self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS) which contains 3 domains. The student’s response was collected in a 5‑point Likert scale. The readiness for SDL was categorized as high (>150 scores) and low (<150).Results: The mean SDLRS score was 145.17±18.181 with 105 (64%) students scoring <150 indicating low readiness. The mean sores in the 3 domains of self-management (SM), desire for learning (DL), self-control (SC) were 43.81±7.134, 45.88±6.916, and 55.26±8.296 respectively.Conclusions: Self-directed learning readiness appeared to be low among medical students. This study points out the need to address SDL skills among medical students, and need to find ways to build SDL skills among them.