bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service providing scenario of urban primary health care services delivery project working in selected municipality
Authors: Reza Hasan M. , Sarkar M. Abdul M.
Published: June 2019

Background: The urbanization and urban growth is going through very rapid in Bangladesh. This growth is being fuelled by rising incomes due to rapid expansion of commerce and industry. The rapid and incessant growth of urbanization on Kushtia district is creating continuous pressure on urban health care services. Urban poor people are also a vital factor for promoting urban primary health care services delivery project (UPHCSDP) to provide health care facilities.Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 576 patients in 3 selected urban primary health care centres in Kushtia Municipality with a major concentration of people residing in urban areas. Data were collected using questionnaires regarding type of care or treatment patients demanded and type of care they received from the clinic.Results: Study results showed that total of 46.5% of the subjects demanded maternal and obstetric health services and 8.6% demanded child health diagnosis and care. It was found that a total of 22.0% of the subjects received physical diagnosis from the centres. About 7.1% clients received advice or suggestions and 8.0% received normal delivery service from the centres.Conclusions: The result shows that these clinics provide a lot of health care services to the clients especially on maternal and child health care delivery system. These services are provided to the patient with less or free of cost. Study exhibited that the overall health care services of health care centres are good. The clients come to these centres for the good quality of treatment.
A cross sectional study on alcoholism and its comorbidity patterns among urban adult population in Salem Tamil Nadu
Authors: Gurupatham Dhanasekar , Shanmugam Jeevithan
Published: June 2019

Background: Alcohol use is associated with serious public health problems thereby raising the global morbidity and mortality. The main aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of alcoholism and its co morbidity pattern among urban adult population in Salem district, Tamil Nadu.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among urban adult population in Salem district involving 493 participants. Convenient sampling method was used. Informed consent was obtained from each participant and information was collected by using a predesigned structured questionnaire. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used for data entry and SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis.Results: It was found from the study that the prevalence of alcoholism was high. Alcohol use in any form was found in 38% of the study participants. 8% of the participants confessed that alcohol is an eye opener to them. 6% of the participants lost their job and 15% of the participants were hospitalised due to alcohol.Conclusions: The study showed higher prevalence of alcohol use among urban adult population in Salem district. Awareness about the ill effects of alcoholism among the population and necessary rehabilitation will help to reduce alcoholism consumption and its related disorders.
Knowledge regarding menstruation among school-going adolescents of urban Bareilly
Authors: Mathur Roopali Nath , Kaur Daljeet , Katyal Rashmi , Datta Bibhash , Mathur Mohit
Published: June 2019

Background: Adolescence in girls has been recognized as a special period. Adolescents are a large and growing segment of the world’s population. Adolescence in girls is a turbulent period of development, which includes stressful events like menarche. Some of the special problems of adolescents are nutritional problems, menstrual disorders, leucorrhoea, and psychological problems. Though menstruation is a natural process, it is linked with several misconceptions and practices in India due to different rituals in the communities, which sometimes result in adverse health outcomes. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge about menstrual hygiene among urban adolescent girls in Bareilly.Methods: The study was conducted in the urban area of Bareilly taking a sample size of 450 girls with multistage sampling technique.Results: About 40% of participants had complete knowledge regarding menstruation, 64.9% of participants regarded menstruation as a curse of God, and 35.6% of the participants perceived urethra as the main source organ for blood during menstruation.Conclusions: This research addressed the issues in managing their menstruation and maintaining a good standard of menstrual hygiene in adolescent girls.
Knowledge, attitude, practice and determining factors regarding nutrition during pregnancy among females of rural Punjab
Authors: . Sanyogita , Singh Tejbir , Deepti S. S.
Published: June 2019

Background: The health of a pregnant mother and her nutritional status can influence the health and survival of the growing foetus because of the biological link between them. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and determining factors regarding nutrition during pregnancy among females of rural Punjab.Methods: 359 mothers of 2 months to 24 months old children were selected from Verka block of district Amritsar using stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using a semi structured and pretested questionnaire. Analysis was done using frequency distribution, simple percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square was used to test hypothesis at 5% level of significance.Results: Findings reveal that 81.1% of respondents stressed on adding extra diet during pregnancy out of which only 77.3% of mothers actually added or increased one or more food items. Place of residence, education and parity were significantly associated with knowledge regarding diet increase during pregnancy. Fear of caesarean section and difficult labour were the main reasons given for not adding extra diet during pregnancy.Conclusions: The study however suggests that there is a need for educating the mothers regarding importance of diet during pregnancy.
The study of blood pressure profile among school going adolescents in urban Agra
Authors: Singh Akash K. , Misra Sunil K. , Chaudhary Shailendra S. , Singh Geetu
Published: June 2019

Background: Hypertension once considered a problem of adults only in the high income countries, now dramatically is on the rise in low and middle income countries. An established predictor of adult hypertension and organ damage is childhood hypertension. Thus for the control, effective treatment and prevention of its complications, early diagnosis of hypertension in adolescents in an important strategy. The objective was to study the blood pressure profile and its socio-demographic determinants among school going adolescents in urban Agra.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done among 534 adolescent in age group of 13-18 years studying in various government and private schools in urban Agra. Socio demographic details, anthropometric measurements and family history of hypertension were obtained. Also the dietary habits, physical activity, mode of transport to school were included in the present study. Blood pressure was measured at 0 and 30 minutes and average of two readings was taken as the final reading of that individual.Results: It was found that 49.82% of the study subjects had above normal blood pressure and among them 21.16% were hypertensive and 28.66% had pre-hypertension. Higher blood pressure showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) association with gender, age, dietary habits, physical activity, body mass index, and parental history of hypertension.Conclusions: Hypertension among the adolescent age group was very high. Prevalence of high blood pressure significantly associated with age, gender, family history of hypertension, physical activity, type of school and dietary habits.
Assessment of Anemia status among school going adolescent of Raipur and Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Agrawal Shailendra , Jain Kamlesh Kumar , Sharma Mini , Verma Nirmal , Gupta Shubhra A. , Gaikwad Madhu
Published: June 2019

Background: According to WHO, adolescence is the population of 10-19 years of age. According to NFHS III, in Chhattisgarh, 58.7% adolescent girls and 34.6% adolescent boys aged between 15-19 years were anemic. So, to combat anemia MoHFW launched weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) programme with the objectives to reduce the prevalence. Thus the present study was in attempts with the objective to assess anemia status among school going adolescent of Raipur and Jashpur districts of Chhattisgarh.Methods: It was a school based cross-sectional study conducted in the two districts of Chhattisgarh during 2017-18 among the students aged between 12-19 years and the sample size was 480. By using simple random sampling method, four schools from each district and from each school total 60 students i.e. 10 students from each class 7th -12th were selected by using systematic random sampling method. Permission from DEO of the respective district followed by permission from the principal of each schools and consent from parents of the student was taken and then study was proceeded.Results: In the present study, the mean age of the students in Raipur and Jashpur district was 15.1±1.8 years and 15.2±1.8 years respectively. Out of all the students, in Raipur district, 101 (42.1%) students were found to be anemic and mean Hemoglobin level was 12.5±1.9 gm/dl. In Jashpur district about two third 147 (61.2%) of the students were anemic and mean Hemoglobin level was 11.9±1.9 gm/dl.Conclusions: This study concluded that anemia is still high among adolescent boys and girls.
Tobacco abuse and dental problems among sanitation workers of Allahabad city: a cross sectional study
Authors: Ansari Abdul M. M. , Prakash Shiv , Parveen Khurshid , Anand Deepak
Published: June 2019

Background: ‘Sanitary labourers’ are known by different names such as ‘Health Labourers’, ‘Manual Scavengers’ garbage man, trash man etc. They are mainly involved in street cleaning, waste carrying, drainage and toilet cleaning in the cities. Intake of alcohol and tobacco products is prevalent to cope with the inhuman task of cleaning filthy sewage, and as a modality to forget their health problems. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to find out the association of dental problems with tobacco abuse among the study population.Methods: The study population included 610, 122 from each zone of Allahabad city through “Proportionate stratified random sampling”. The study subjects was interviewed and examined, Dental problems were assessed by taking history, doing a clinical examination, reviewing past medical records.Results: Dental problems were found to be higher in prevalence among “exclusive smokers”, “combined abuser” and “exclusive tobacco” chewers as compared to “non abuser”. Dental caries were found to be higher in prevalence among the entire three abusers group as compared to “non abusers”. Missed teeth were found to higher in prevalence among “combined abuser” and “exclusive tobacco chewers” group as compared to “non abusers”. Enamel erosion was found to be higher among “exclusive tobacco chewers” group as compared to “non abusers”. All these finding were found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Dental problems were found to be more prevalent among tobacco abusers than non abusers.
Factors affecting breastfeeding techniques among postnatal mothers: an experience in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Gupta Shubhra Agarwal , Sharma Mini , Ekka Abha , Verma Nirmal
Published: June 2019

Background: Large number of factors related to mother and neonates can affects breastfeeding technique. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to know the association of maternal and neonatal characteristics that can affect correct breastfeeding techniques after intervention among post natal mothers admitted in a tertiary care centre.Methods: An institutional-based pre and post interventional study design was used. 414 lactating mothers were contacted during study period.Results: It was found that parity, time of delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight were statistically significantly associated with correct breast feeding technique.Conclusions:This study highlights that correct breastfeeding technique depends on various factors related to mother and neonate.
Prevalence of genital infections among women in reproductive age group in a rural area in North Kerala
Authors: Thomas Enid Elizabeth , Kumaran Jayasree Anandabhavan
Published: June 2019

Background: Genital infections, a major cause of illness among women in reproductive age group, affect their quality of life and social living. Early diagnosis and treatment of STI/RTI is also an important aspect in prevention of HIV transmission. As there are only a handful of studies in Kerala and none in Kannur assessing the prevalence, associated factors of genital infections and health seeking behaviour among women in reproductive age group, this study stands important.Methods: A community based descriptive study was conducted in Kulappuram area of Cheruthazham Panchayat which is the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Kannur, Pariyaram from June, 2017 – July, 2018. A total of 404 women in reproductive a group were studied. A semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Data was analyzed using SPSS-version 19 software.Results: The mean age of the study population was 32.20±10.741years. 52.7% of the study population had genital infection, with 40.6% having symptoms of Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI) and 12.1%, symptoms of Urinary tract Infections (UTI). The presence of these was significantly associated with menstrual disorders, cloth as menstrual pad users, marriage, sexual activity and absence of infertility. Only 39.0% of the women with infections had sought treatment.Conclusions: Although there was high prevalence of genital infections among the study population, treatment seeking behaviour was very low. There is a need for sustained motivation and support to promote women to seek timely medical care than to suffer silently.
A survey of knowledge, attitude and practice of biomedical waste management among 150 nursing staff working in All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur
Authors: Chhabra Vivek , Meena Durga Shankar , Bohra Gopal Krishana , Midha Naresh , Maheshwari Bharat , Rohilla Amit
Published: June 2019

Background: India as a developing country is facing a lot of health care problems, with the increase in health care facilities, there is a growing concern of hazards of biomedical waste. Since the nursing staff is at the centre of biomedical waste handling, their knowledge of adequate disposal of biomedical waste is of utmost importance. So, we conducted a study regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing staff working in a premier institute of western Rajasthan with respect to biomedical waste and its management.Methods: This was a hospital-based descriptive, observational study conducted in our institute in the month of October and November of 2018. Written consent was taken and pre-defined questionnaire was prepared based on a review of literature on the subject. Scrutiny was done for the data for any logical inconsistencies, skip patterns and missing values. Coding of the data was done and entered into a Microsoft Excel. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis.Results: 150 participants took part in the questionnaire based study. The study showed that majority of participants have adequate knowledge, attitude and practice toward biomedical waste management but still, there were gaps in the knowledge and practice in essentially quite a lot of participants which should not be there.Conclusions: There is a need for strict implementation of biomedical rules at all the tiers of healthcare. There should be regular orientation programs for nursing staff and other health personnel working in the institutes.
Epidemiological profile of animal bite patients attending emergency department at a tertiary care health facility in a northern hilly Indian city
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Gupta Anmol , Sachdeva Amit , Chaudhary Ankit , Chamotra Shaina
Published: June 2019

Background: Rabies is a highly infectious zoonotic disease with a high case fatality rate. In India, approximately 20,000 deaths among 17.4 million exposed people occur every year. The data on animal bites is scarce and unreliable due to poor surveillance and hence, the projected figures are far less from the actual numbers. The present study was conducted to describe epidemiological characteristics of animal bite patients attending casualty department at a tertiary care Government health facility in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.Methods: It was a retrospective study based on secondary data received from animal bite register for year 2017 at casualty department of the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, Data of 1512 patients attending the casualty department with history of animal bite was included for the study purpose.Results: About 58% of victims were males and the maximum (22.6%) animal bites were seen in 21-30 years age group. Majority (51.6%) of patients were exposed to dog bites, followed by monkey bites (42.85%) and cat bite 49 (3.2%). About 69.9% of animal bites were in the lower limbs, followed by upper limbs (22.1%), abdomen (4.4%) and head and neck region (3.6%). Maximum bites were category III bites (74.6%) followed by of category II bites (12.9%).Conclusions: Study highlights the neglected but significant picture of animal bite in the Shimla city. Timely and correct post exposure prophylaxis for the animal bite victims is necessary to prevent rabies. This should be supplemented with a robust surveillance and reporting system. With the global aim of zero rabies deaths by 2030; it is time to strengthen the anti-rabies activities at every level.
A study of compliance to DOTS among tuberculosis patients attending a district hospital, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Upadhyay Shalini , Upadhyay Nishant
Published: June 2019

Background: Tuberculosis is an old disease and has deep social impact on the society. It is a re-emergent killer disease with rise in MDR and XDR strains. DOTS strategy under RNTCP has had a substantial impact over the past two decades. Treatment compliance is one of the key factors determining success of TB control program. The objective of this study was to find out the compliance rate with DOTS and factors responsible for non-compliance in the district.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using structured questionnaire in a tuberculosis unit of Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh. 100 tuberculosis patients aged ≥15 years registered for TB treatment were enrolled in the study.Results: Out of the 100 patients interviewed, majority of patients (95%) complied. The main reasons for non-compliance were improvement in symptoms after initial doses leading to discontinuation of therapy, and side effects of drugs. One of the defaulter migrated, so he could not be traced. Among factors influencing compliance to DOTS most important was strong monitoring.Conclusions: Health education and easy accessibility of healthcare services are required to further improve the compliance of TB treatment. Internet tools and social security schemes can play essential role in increasing awareness and strengthening the monitoring program.
Investigation of acute diarrhoea outbreak at Narasapura, Kolar
Authors: . Vishwas , . Ravishankar
Published: June 2019

Background: Greatest risk of acute diarrhea outbreaks occurs in over-populated communities & refugee settings characterized by poor sanitation, unsafe drinking-water and increased person to person transmission. Because the incubation period is very short, number of cases can rise extremely quickly and it calls for a prompt and thorough investigation. There were reports of cases of acute diarrhoea and based on the preliminary field work, the existence of an outbreak was confirmed. Hence it was decided to investigate the outbreak with objectives to determine the causes and source of acute diarrhoea outbreak at Narasapura village in Kolar and to suggest control measures.Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted in Narasapura village of Kolar which is a fast growing industrial area. All the households and migratory settlements of the affected area were included. Attack rates of the disease were computed, epidemic curve drawn and the results were analyzed to draw conclusions. Control measures were applied simultaneously.Results: The diarrhoea attack rate at AD colony was 10%. Males (65%) were more affected compared to females (35%). 15.4% stool samples were positive for Vibrio cholera and 18% of the water samples was found to be non-portable. Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa strain was implicated as the cause for present outbreak.Conclusions: Cholera continues to be a public health problem in migratory settings, causing disease outbreaks. Environmental risk factors and lack of awareness are the contributory factors which need to be addressed.
Adult glomerular diseases in east zone and zonal prevalence in India: an Omnium Gatherum
Authors: Dogra Pavitra M. , Shanmugraj G. , Jana Sebabrata , Hooda Ashok K. , Sharma Alok
Published: June 2019

Background: India is a vast country with four geographical zones. Zonal heterogeneity amongst prevalent adult glomerular diseases is expected and has not been analysed in past studies.Methods: We conducted clinico-histological correlation of 290 kidney biopsies for adult glomerular diseases (GD) at tertiary teaching hospital in Eastern India between January 2013 and December 2015 and compared our data with biopsy data from other geographical zones in India to evaluate zonal variability (intra/inter) of adult glomerular diseases.Results: Males dominated all clinical syndromes except subnephrotic proteinuria (SbNP). IgA Nephropathy (IgAN, 41.1%) and Focal Segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS, 17.3%) were prevalent primary GD whereas Lupus nephritis (LN, 52.2%) and diabetic nephropathy (DN, 23.9%) were prevalent secondary GD. IgAN (44.4%) and LN (33.2%) dominated SbNP group whereas FSGS (30.2%) and Membranous nephropathy (MGN, 22.3%) dominated nephrotics. Mean eGFR (CKD-EPI) amongst EyRD and RPRF was 39.6±12.9 and 6.2±2.9 ml/min/1.73m2 respectively. In contrast, biopsies from East India showed MCD prevalence, followed by FSGS. Kidney biopsy data from West India showed MCD prevalence whereas Northern India and South India studies showed FSGS and MCD prevalence, but later data showed an IgAN emergence, as in our data.Conclusions: There is considerable heterogeneity in prevalent adult glomerular diseases in different geographical zones (inter and intra) in India. FSGS and MCD were the most prevalent in all zones. Our study showed IgAN prevalence in East Zone, similar to South India. Reason was, increased number of kidney biopsies in EyRD (eGFR 30-60 ml/min) and subnephrotic proteinuria.
Biosocial and awareness profile of adolescent clients and utilization patterns of the services at an ARSH clinic at Patna, Bihar
Authors: Sinha Nivedita , Kumar Amar , Singh Rashmi
Published: June 2019

Background: Adolescents constitute about 21% of India’s population. Realizing the special needs of adolescents, GOI launched the adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) program in 2006. ‘Yuva’ clinic was established for the first time in Bihar in 2012 at Patna Medical College for providing services as per ARSH protocols. This study aimed at analyzing the biosocial and awareness profile of the adolescent clients vis a vis ARSH strategy, and the utilization of services at the clinic.Methods: Cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Total of 1180 adolescents (950 males, 230 females) was studied. Sixty-six percent males, 74.8% females were urban; about 90% were unmarried. Majority were from upper middle class. No females but 66.6% and 86.7% of males were taking alcohol and tobacco respectively. More than 90% of attendees reported regular physical exercise; 36.8% males and 58% females had abnormal BMIs. Seventy-six percent were nutritionally aware, 24.06% aware about reproductive and sexual health (RSH), and 64.74% about ARSH services. Rural and SES were significantly associated with the adolescents’ awareness of nutrition, RSH, and services available. Females had significantly more knowledge regarding RSH. Sixty-seven percent availed counseling services and 1.35% was referred, 50.6% came for clinical services out of which 69.8% remained unmet.Conclusions: ARSH clinic is a useful initiative. However there are gaps in services vis-a-vis ARSH strategies. If addressed, clinic is likely to attract more adolescents and achieve the objectives of improving their health and capacity to deal with their myriad problems in a better way.
Management of patients with obstructive lung disease in South India: a retrospective study of spirometry and bronchodilator use in an urban health centre
Authors: David Niger , Rahman Sajitha M. F. , Pricilla Ruby Angeline , Abraham Sunil , David Kirubah V.
Published: June 2019

Background: Based on the burden of obstructive lung diseases program (BOLD), the global prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was 11.7% in which 90% of the deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. India and China are estimated to account for 66% of total global COPD mortality. The Indian Chest Society (ICS) recommends spirometry to document irreversible airflow limitation in patients suspected of having COPD. However, the reported usage of spirometry among primary care physicians in India is only 10-20% as primary health care centers in India are not equipped with spirometry or inhaler devices.Methods: A retrospective study was done on patients treated for respiratory symptoms with bronchodilators at an urban health centre to document the practice pattern of primary care physicians with regards to use of spirometry in patients on bronchodilators.Results: Of the 1196 patients on bronchodilators, spirometry was documented in 15.5%. Patients on inhalers, using more than one therapy and males less than 55 years were more likely to undergo spirometry. About 52.4% of patients who underwent spirometry were found to have post bronchodilator forced expiratory volume at first second (FEV1)/ forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 0.7 of which 43% had severe disease and 44% had poor post-broncho-dilator reversibility.Conclusions: Besides diagnostic spirometry, management guidelines for COPD should be complemented by health education to change patients’ perception of respiratory symptoms, increase awareness of COPD in those with risk factors and change their health seeking behaviour along with continuous professional development activities for primary care physicians.
Awareness about tuberculosis among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Singh Kamaljit , . Dikshita , . Panya , . Aditi , Pabla Herleen , Chawla Sumit
Published: June 2019

Background: Tuberculosis has remained a disease of public health importance since ages and is known to inflict large quantum of socioeconomic cost on the society. Since nurses are in direct contact with both hospitalised and ambulatory patients, they are likely to play a vital role in the effective implementation of the RNTCP. The present study attempts to evaluate the awareness of nurses about TB.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care institute, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan for period of 1 year. Data was collected from 180 staff nurses and appropriate statistical tests were applied for evaluation of the same.Results: Knowledge regarding the predisposing factors causing the disease, first line drugs under DOTS treatment, full form of DOTS, patient wise boxes and about the side effects of the treatment were comparatively low among the subjects.Conclusions: Nurses are directly handling and managing patients but the knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis was not satisfactory among them. Therefore efforts must be made to organize regular workshops and periodic seminars to upgrade their knowledge.
Study to assess knowledge, attitude on organ donation among medical students in a medical college, Telangana, India
Authors: Priyanka S. , Singh C. Sunil Pal , Reddy P. Narsimha
Published: June 2019

Background: Organ donation rate in India is only 0.26 per million. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge about the need of organ donation. Health care professionals play a vital role in imparting positive knowledge regarding organ donation.Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted among 1st year MBBS students (n=135). Data was collected and pre and post analysis was done using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire. Data was entered in Ms Excel and analysed using SPSS 17 software.Results: Media was found to be most common source of information regarding organ donation. 91.1% support organ donation. 78.5% have not heard about donor card. Only 34.6% have heard about jeevandan scheme. 77.8% participants has knowledge that brain death is irreversible and 65.9% students believe that there is age limit for organ donation. 87.4% has adequate knowledge that single donor can donate to multiple recipients and 95.6% students believe that organs should not be donated from persons who has cancers or HIV.Conclusions: From the data analysed it is evident that there was a significant increase in knowledge following Awareness session on organ donation. Many have a positive attitude towards organ donation.
A study to assess the knowledge and attitude of adolescents towards obesity in a private school in Thrissur district Kerala, India
Authors: Shaji Garggy , Joseph Navya Choolaparambil , Mathu Aswathy , Joshy Vidhu
Published: June 2019

Background: Overweight and obesity are 5th leading risks for global deaths. Adolescence is a transitional period, which requires special attention. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has widely increased world-wide, making it one of the most common chronic disorders in this age group. To assess knowledge and attitude of adolescents towards obesity and to assess its associated factors.Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among students of classes 9, 10, 11 and 12 in Devamatha public school, Thrissur from May to November 2018. In total there were 179 students. A pretested self administered questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: 46.4% of adolescents had low knowledge on obesity, 46.9 have moderate knowledge, and only 6.7% of them had high knowledge on obesity. 24.6% of adolescents have negative attitude towards obese individuals, 68.2% had neutral attitude and only 7.3% had positive attitude towards obesity. As the age increases, there is increase in knowledge about obesity and positive attitude towards obese individuals. Both knowledge and attitude is better in children belonging to Christian families. Better knowledge and attitude is seen among students who are hostlers than day scholars. Children with better marks in annual exam had better knowledge and attitude towards obesity. Children who had positive family history for obesity have better knowledge and attitude towards obesity.Conclusions: There is a need for targeted activities to improve the knowledge and attitude of the students towards obesity.
A cross-sectional study to evaluate malnutrition prevalence in under 5 children and health seeking behaviour of their parents in an urban slum area of a metropolitan city
Authors: Inkane Swapnil M. , Chavan Sushant S. , Bawa Mukesh S. , Kinge Amol D.
Published: June 2019

Background: Malnutrition is widespread in rural, tribal and urban slum areas and it is a significant public health problem described as a silent killer, silent emergency, and invisible enemy affecting those who cannot express their voice and have to depend upon others for their advocacy. Numerous studies showed that education of parent’s, especially maternal education emerges as a key element of an overall strategy to address malnutrition. The best global indicator of children’s wellbeing is growth. Assessment of anthropometry is the single measurement that best defines the nutritional and health status of children, and provides an indirect measurement of the quality of life of the entire population.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was carried out in an urban slum area of Mumbai city, Maharashtra. Total 300 children of 0-5 years of age were enrolled in the study. A list of all the children below five years of age belonging to study area was taken from the health post situated in premises of UHTC. All mothers or primary care takers of the children were interviewed and weight and height of the children was recorded.Results: Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 69.33%, 60.33% and 45.66% respectively. Mother’s literacy, low birth weight and morbidities like diarrhoea, fever and cough in previous fifteen days were significantly associated with malnutrition.Conclusions:Chronic malnutrition was more prevalent in this area. Mother’s literacy had a much higher impact on better nutritional status of children. Morbidities like diarrhoea, fever and cough had made the children nutritionally vulnerable as malnutrition was higher in those children.
A profile on occupational health hazards among the working class of factories in an industrial area of Bengaluru
Authors: Srinivas Chetana , Dandiganahalli Shivaram Priyanka
Published: June 2019

Background: The occupational safety and health scenario in India is complex. The working class are victims of different occupational disorders and psychosocial stresses cause being poverty, lack of education, poor working conditions, excess working hours, etc. The morbidities include musculoskeletal disorders, generalized weakness, heart burn, endocrine disorders, injuries, etc. Hence, the present study was conducted to list the occupational health hazards of the working class of factories in an industrial area of Bangalore.Methods: The study was conducted in various factories of an industrial area in Bangalore. Socio-demographic profile, health hazards, stress, quality of life and DALY of the study subjects was assessed using a standard, pre-structured proforma. Descriptive statistics like mean and percentages was used for data analysis.Results: 384 subjects were included in the study. Majority being males i.e. 322 (86.4%) and aged 31 to 40 years, educated upto high school i.e. 342 (89%). The most commonly seen morbidities are diabetes mellitus (4.4%), hypertension (3.6%). Among the study subjects, 77% had no stress, 12.1% had mild stress and 10.7% had moderate level of stress. On assessing the quality of life, it was found that 83.5% were in good physical health, 77.6% had pain and symptoms, 96.8% were satisfied with their social relations and DALY assessment showed that diabetes was responsible for 28.42 years of life lost due to disability.Conclusions: Majority of them had no stress and diabetes was the most commonly seen morbidity.
Visualizing ideas-heard of C-map
Authors: Neethiselvan Rajarajeswari , Anbalagan Suguna , Anbalagan Surekha , Narayanan Seetharaman
Published: June 2019

Communication and interaction between teachers and students always plays a vital role in building a sound educational system where learning becomes an experience. Further enhancement of this learning and understanding of the subject can be supported and secured by a process of conceptual mapping. Conceptual mapping is a step-wise process which includes text filling, relational predicates (understanding) and finally constructing the map. It is a technical tool which is easily accessible and economical in its time use. The idea of using the concept map is still in the primitive level and more emphasis has to be made in this area to use it to its full potential in the academic field.
Knowledge and attitude of health care professional’s towards clinical pharmacy services in Nedjo General Hospital, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Ginenus , Gamachu Busha , Mengie Teklie , Maqbool Mudasir
Published: June 2019

Background: Clinical pharmacy service (CPS) is an expanding patient-oriented, hospital role with the potential for encroachment on the physician's role. In large part, the success of CPS will depend on the degree to which other health professionals accept the concept and are willing to cooperate with its disciples. Unfortunately, our information about the degree of knowledge regarding acceptance and reaction toward clinical pharmacy by other health workers is meager.

Methods: A cross sectional study design was carried out by using self–administered questionnaires on 110 health care professionals (HCP) in Nedjo General Hospital 10th March to 10th April, 2018.

Results: From the total respondents 91 (82.7%) were males and majority of them were nurses 46 (41.8%) followed by midwifes 23 (20.9%). This study showed that 67 (60.9%) of the HCPs had a good knowledge and 67.3% of the HCPs had a positive attitude about CPS. There was no significant difference between the HCPs knowledge of clinical pharmacy services in relation to their sex (p=0.744), age (p=0.313), profession (p=0.997), level of education (p=0.509), and experience (p=0.553). Regarding HCPs’ attitude of CPs role, there was no significant difference in relation to their sex (p=0.588), age (p=0.144), profession (p=0.059) and experience (p=0.394). However, the study revealed that there was a significant difference (p=0.009) between HCPs attitude and level education of HCPs.

Conclusions: Majority of the HCPs had a good knowledge and a positive attitude towards CPS. Attention should focus to hospitals to implement ward based CPS and increasing inter-professional relationships between HCPs and pharmacists. 
An unusual giant schwannoma over face diagnosed on FNAC: a case report
Authors: Chouhan Minakashi , Singh Mukul , Sushmita Shweta , Shahab Juhi , Arora Rashmi
Published: June 2019

Schwannoma is a slow growing benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor arising from schwann cells. It is also known as neurilemmoma. Although it is common in the head and neck region, it rarely exceeds 10 cm in size. Usually Schwannomas are not larger than 5 to 6 cm in diameter. Large tumors are uncommon and are found in posterior mediastinum or retroperitoneum. We are presenting an unusual giant cell schwannoma over face (cheek) measuring 12×10 cms in size which caused facial deformity to the patient. The tumor was diagnosed on FNAC where cell block was prepared and IHC was done which showed S-100 positivity. This size schwannoma over cheek site has not been reported in the literature as far our knowledge. Therefore this case is unique for its size over face.
Reversible thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Aggarwal Rashmi , Chugh Pradeep , Sudha Vipin Vasavan
Published: June 2019

Hyperthyroidism significantly affects the hemodynamics of the cardiovascular system. It is associated with development of atrial fibrillation, high output cardiac failure, pulmonary hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this paper we report a case of thyrotoxicosis induced cardiomyopathy. She was a 54 year old woman who presented with cardiomegaly (dilatation of all four chambers of the heart) secondary to Graves’ disease. She was treated with anti-thyroid drugs, β Blockers and diuretic and her euthyroid status was restored in 6 weeks. A repeat echocardiogram done at this point of time showed normal cardiac function with normalization of ejection fraction. So this was a case of reversible thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.
Comparative study between throat swab and ear discharge swabs culture and sensitivity findings in pediatric patients with bilateral chronic otitis media
Authors: M. S. Sudhakar Rao , T. P. Navneeth
Published: June 2019

Background: Chronic otitis media is one of the common infections seen in pediatric age group. The most widely recognized route of infection is via the eustachian tube. The inflammation of the pharyngeal end of the eustachian tube may prevent gas exchange, leading to lowering of the middle ear pressure and predisposes to aspiration of nasopharyngeal microbes into the middle ear cleft.

Methods: Eighty (80) cases of clinically diagnosed chronic otitis media among pediatric age group of both sexes selected on simple random basis were included in this study. Swabs from both ears and throat were taken and the samples were sent under strict aseptic conditions for culture and sensitivity testing.  

Results: The mean age of patients was 6.1years and the frequency of chronic otitis media was maximum in 1-5 years age group. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1.The most frequent organism isolated was S. Aureus followed by Psuedomonas. The ear swab and throat swab findings showed positive relationship (p<0.05) for the common organisms i.e., S. Aureus, pseudomonas and Streptococcus pyogenes respectively, thus suggesting a common etiological agent. Psuedomonal infection was found to be associated with large perforation in tympanic membrane.

Conclusions: The pathology in bilateral ear disease is central i.e., throat. Treatment in these cases is focused on selected drug with optimum dose and calculated regimen of treatment completely, thus reducing the morbidity of loss of physiological function of the ear and the grave complications involved.

 
Clinicopathological evaluation of benign neck masses with emphasis on correlation of preoperative ultrasound and cytology with postoperative histopathology in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Garud Priyanka , Gawarle Surendra , Keche Prashant
Published: June 2019

Background: Benign neck mass is a common clinical condition which an ENT clinician routinely encounters. Commonly presenting benign neck masses occur within lymph nodes, thyroid, parotid and other salivary glands. Less common pathologies presenting as neck swellings are from thyroglossal cysts, branchial cleft cysts, carotid body tumors, cystic hygromas, pharyngeal pouch abnormalities and lumps of skin appendages.

Methods: This is prospective observational based study. Duration of study is 1 yr 6 months. All palpable neck masses which are clinically diagnosed as benign were selected.

Results: Study was conducted in Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical college, Yavatmal of 123 patients out of which 84 were thyroid swellings, 18 were salivary gland swellings and 21 were other swellings out of which 9 were lymph node swellings. 80.48% were female patients and 19.51% were male patients. Maximum number of patients were between the age group 31-40 years (28.45%) followed by 26.05% in 41-50 years. This is 1yr 6months observational study of epidemiological and clinicopathological spectrum and outcome of management of benign neck masses. This study also determines the histopathological correlation and accuracy of FNAC in the diagnosis of benign neck masses.

Conclusions: We conclude from present study, that fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe, simple and more accurate than USG that can be done in diagnosing wide range of neck swellings. Probably USG guided fine needle aspiration cytology will be better investigation one can ask for. However confirmatory and accurate diagnosis is given by histopathology.
A retrospective study on head and neck malignancies in a tertiary care hospital in Telangana region
Authors: Deva Kumar K. Samson , Bhushan Ivaturi Phani , . Novshaba , Annam Chandra Shekhar
Published: June 2019

Background: Globally head and neck cancers constitute amongst 10 most common cancers.  In Asia especially in India, global head and neck cancers account to 57.5%.However the true incidence of head and neck cancers in India is hidden suggesting it as ‘tip of iceberg’. India is regarded as having the greatest risk of cancer burden, the reason being population overgrowth. India being the country of diversity, varied cultures and traditions, the demographic characteristic of these cancers also vary in different individuals.

Methods: All patients diagnosed with head and neck malignancy after histological confirmation between August 2014 and July 2018 were selected from hospital records. Data regarding age, gender, risk factors, socio economic status, clinical features, staging were taken and statistical analysis was done.  

Results: A total of 269 cases were collected out of which, 77% of all malignances in males and 23% in females. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type (94%). Maximum Incidence of HNC (51.6%) was in 40-60 yrs of age. Tobacco was most prevalent risk factor: 58.36% patients present at early stage, 41.63% present at late stage.

Conclusions: Oral cancers were most common among all. There is male predominance. Tobacco is the most common modifiable risk factor and most patients presenting at an early stage.
Nasal irrigation using saline at room temperature or body temperature: which is more beneficial in chronic rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Behera Subrat K. , Radhakrishnan Sruthi Thattamparambil , Swain Smruti
Published: June 2019

Background: Mucociliary clearance in nasal mucosa shows changes with temperature. In cold climate, it is expected to decrease, thus contributing to exacerbation of rhinosinusitis symptoms. If we raise the temperature of saline used for nasal irrigation to the normal body temperature, can it overcome this problem in cold climate? This study aims to examine whether irrigation using saline that is heated to 37°C has any superiority compared to irrigation using saline at 180C in rhino sinusitis treatment.

Methods: Prospective double blind study done in a tertiary care centre from November 2017 to March 2018. 32 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis were divided into 2 groups. Group A received saline nasal irrigation using saline at 18oc and Group B received irrigation with saline at 37oc for 2 weeks. Saccharine transit time and sino nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) scores were calculated before and after treatment in both groups and the results compared.  

Results: Saccharine transit time improved from mean pretreatment value of 12.4±5.52 minutes to 9.1±6.3 minutes in Group A and from 12.82±6.3 to 8.5±6.45 in Group B (p=0.0212). Mean SNOT-22 score decreased from 58.8±5.6 to 41.4±4.8 in Group A and from 57.5±4.2 to 37.9±5.1 in Group B after treatment (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Nasal irrigation using saline at 370C is more effective than saline at 18°C in increasing mucociliary clearance and improving symptoms in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.
Clinical and pathophysiological study of patients with vertigo at SAIMS, Indore
Authors: Patni Digant , Tyagi Alok , Munjal Vishal R.
Published: June 2019

Background: This was a prospective, descriptive study performed by collecting and analyzing the results of vestibular exams, evoked myogenic potential tests, pure tone audiometry test and impedence test performed in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore.

Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive study performed by collecting and analyzing the results of vestibular exams, evoked myogenic potential tests, pure tone audiometry test and impedence test performed in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore.  

Results: In age group of 20 to 60, maximum number of patients were in group of 31-40 (16), followed by 51-60 (15), followed by 20-30 (24.) Maximum positive seen in Romberg (07), followed by nystagmus (06), followed by Dix-Hallpike (06). The patients in our study (30 out of 50) were suffering from hypertension. Two patients were of Meniere’s disease and rest 16 were of SNHL, 08 were of SNHL and BPPV combined. The rest of the cases were of mixed hearing loss and other central hearing loss causes will have be ruled out.

Conclusions: The main aim of study is to study clinicopathological aspects in patients with vertigo. We also studied incidence of SNHL in our study. It has been established by this study that hypertension is one the major causes of vertigo in patients whereas VEMP has not proven to be very beneficial in our study to see peripheral vertigo patients. Most of the patients with BPPV also had a normal cVEMP which showed that it was not a very reliable instrument in BPPV.