bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient related factors that influence utilization of antenatal care at Saku sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Murithi David , Oluchina Sherry , Kariuki Dainah
Published: December 2020

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is the continuous care that is accorded to women in the course of pregnancy. Notably, antenatal care is an efficient health intervention aimed at inhibiting maternal mortality and morbidity majorly in areas where women have poor health. This study therefore assessed the patient related factors that influence utilization of ANC at Saku sub-county, Kenya.Methods: This research applied descriptive cross sectional study design. The study was carried out in Saku Sub County in the following randomly selected health facilities: Marsabit County Referral Hospital, Dakabaricha Dispensary and Jirime Dispensary.  The study population comprised of post-natal mothers aged between 15-49 years seeking services at maternal and child health clinic (MCH) in Saku Sub County. The Cochran's Sample Size Formula was used to calculate a sample size of 154 respondents. The study employed a researcher- administered semi-structured questionnaire and use of focused group discusions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression were used in the analysis.Results: Tertially/University education was significantly associated with utilization of ANC Services (OR=0.377, p-value=0.012, 0.177-0.806). There was a significant association between. The age between 15-19 years with the utilization of ANC services (OR =2.470, p-value=0.044, 1.024-5.955).Conclusions: There was a significant association between utilization of Antenatal care and receiving support from family members (p-value=0.035). Mothers are likely to utilize ANC services more often if they receive family support. Therefore, family support exerts a positive impact on a pregnant woman’s psychological well-being, as well as on the health of her newborn. Sensitizing men about antenatal services and their benefits health-care providers is important.
Status and effects of health workforce related factors on implementation of universal health care in Nakuru West Sub County, Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Selvester Jackline Mokeira , Esilaba Moses Otiati , Donde Oscar Omondi
Published: December 2020

Background: Globally, due to low health care coverage, there have been continued efforts to ensure that there is increased accessibility to quality, affordable and equitable universal health care (UHC) services in most parts of developing countries, such as within Nakuru county in Kenya.Methods: The study focused on determining health workforce gaps in health care facilities that affect the implementation of UHC in Nakuru West Sub County. Cross-sectional study design was applied, data was collected using structured questionnaires, analyzed using statistical package for social sciences 23rd version and presented in charts for ease comparison.Results: The findings of this study indicated that there was shortage of HWCs. This implies that the staffing in the facilities located in Nakuru West Sub-County is inadequate for the implementation of the Kenyan government UHC and it was evident that the mostly affected sections were the nursing, public health officer (PHO), pharmacy, clinical officers and laboratory in that order. Most alarmingly, majority of the HCWs (58.2%) were not being appreciated for good work, despite the fact that they play a key role in the implementation of UHC.Conclusions: It is therefore imperative for the county government which is the arm of the Kenyan government to ensure that they recruit adequate health care workers in all cadres to serve the continuously rising population and HCWs should have adequate level of education, acceptable training skills and be well- motivated.
Spatial analysis of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Talaud Islands regency
Authors: Mandagi Chreisye K. F. , Kalesaran Angela F. C. , Kolibu Febi K.
Published: December 2020

Background: The number of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases in Indonesia from January to February 2016 was 8,487 with 108 deaths. DHF is an infectious disease that continues to increase from 2014 until 2016 in Manado city. DHF cases in Talaud Islands Regency from 2014 to 2016 were 143 cases. Regional spatial analysis would simplify the distribution of DHF cases in high-risk areas. To be aware of the DHF outbreak cycle, it is necessary to model spatial risk factors based on geographic information systems (GIS) to tackle and eradicate DHF cases by region.Methods: This study aimed to analyze the spread of DHF in Talaud regency based on age, sex, population density and area height. The design of this research is qualitative analytic by using an ecological study approach. The research scope was 19 districts in Talaud regency. Secondary data are used which consists of case number, age, sex, population density, and area height taken from the Talaud district health office with 66 DHF cases in 2018-2019 and analyzed using the GIS approach through spatial analysis.Results: Based on the number of DHF cases that is most in the age group of 5-11 years. Male gender is more likely to suffer from DHF than female. Spatial description of the condition of the altitude in the Talaud Islands regency at risk of suffering from DHF is>50 meters above sea level. Spatial description of population density with most DHF cases is not densely populated area with less than 1,620 inhabitants per km.Conclusions: The health office of Talaud islands regency needs to actively promote health by providing information about eradicating mosquitoes.
Development of an instrument for measuring adolescent health compromising behaviours among rural students: a Delphi study
Authors: Mandal Kasturi , Mandal Pankaj K.
Published: December 2020

Background: There is an increasing trend of health compromising behaviors in adolescents worldwide. As behavioral determinants are extremely culture specific, person specific and as such least instruments have been developed in West Bengal. The aim of this study was to develop a specific instrument with strong content validity for measuring adolescent health compromising behavior of adolescent students of rural area.Methods: Face and content validity were evaluated in three round Delphi procedure by a panel of 15 experts who had extensive experience and knowledge of adolescent health compromising behavior. To ensure good cultural fit of the instrument with the rural context, modified Delphi procedure conducted among five stakeholders: medical and nursing, psychologist, sociologist, education experts, and parents. Reliability testing done among 100 students through test retest method with one-week interval.Results: A 85 questions-based instrument was developed reflecting 5 areas of health compromising behaviors; physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, unhealthy eating, poor dental hygiene, tobacco use and their multi-dimensional correlates. After round 3 Delphi, the final instrument had overall S–CVI/Ave of 99.05% and found to be reliable as evident by Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) for the scoring questions ranged from 0.72 to 0.84 and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k) for nominal data, ranged from 0.8-1.Conclusions: The instrument has similarities as well as differences compared with instruments of Western origin. The instrument was valid and reliable and can be applied in both research and practice for measuring adolescent health compromising behaviors.
The impact of cataract surgery upon visual acuity and quality of life in patients with cataract in Tripura
Authors: Acharya Monali , Baidya Subrata , Das Rituparna , Sarkar Phani , Choudhury Himadri
Published: December 2020

Background: The major cause of blindness in India is cataract. Blindness leads to poverty due to reduced productive activity and this leads to reduced quality of life. This study was aimed at evaluating the visual acuity (VA) change pre and post cataract surgery, the post-surgical quality of life (QOL) outcomes and level of satisfaction estimation.Methods: This was a cross sectional, hospital based study carried out in a tertiary care centre in Tripura. It included 200 patients over a period of 1.5 years to compare the VA, QOL, psychosocial status and satisfaction level pre and post cataract surgery. Indian vision function questionnaire 33 (INDVFQ33) was used to assess QOL.Results: Out of 200 patients, in 53% preoperative VA ranged from >20/400 - <20/200 while in 5% patients it was only perception of light. Postoperatively 80% of the patient achieved best corrected VA (BCVA) of 20/30 or better, 18% patient attained BCVA ranging from 20/40 to 20/60. Only 2% had a BCVA of 20/60 or worst.  QOL parameters like mean pre and post -operative general function score, psychosocial scale and visual function scale showed improvement following cataract surgery. 69% of the patients were satisfied with the cataract surgery, whereas 31% were not completely satisfied.Conclusions: The study revealed that there was a marked improvement in VA post cataract surgery and it also influenced the QOL in all scales.
Assessment of knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among females of reproductive age group of Rama University Campus, Kanpur
Authors: Nath Som , Nath Manjusha
Published: December 2020

Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological process indicating beginning of reproductive life but sometimes it is considered as unclean phenomenon, vulnerable to reproductive tract infection (RTI). Considering the relationship between menstrual hygiene problem and RTI, the study was undertaken to determine the demographics and knowledge, practices and awareness related to menstrual hygiene.Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among non-medical females of age group 15 to 45 years, involved in different professions in the campus of Rama University, Kanpur. Study subjects were selected by simple randomization method and were interviewed for menstrual hygiene in pretested proforma and data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods.Results: Eligible females using sanitary pads were mostly literate/students (55.6%) while those using old cloth pads were mainly Home makers (36.8%), mess workers/maid (35.1%). This difference was found to be statistically significant (χ2=27.055, p=0.001). Females of lower class (22.8%) were mostly using old cloth pads. Females have different ideas about menstruation viz. cleans body/remove dirty blood or fluids (19.5%); while  22.5% study females did not have any idea about menstruation. ‘Safe and easy to use’ was the main reason of using sanitary pads (32.5%) while easily available at home (31.3%), mothers/sisters/friends using it (24.1%), was main reason of using old cloth pads.Conclusions: Literacy and social class has an impact on using sanitary pad by eligible females. Females using old cloth were due to family environment and lack of education. There is a need of correct knowledge from beginning i.e. school age and proper menstrual hygienic practices to protect the women from RTI.
Feeding practices and knowledge regarding vaccination in mothers of under 5 children: a questionnaire based study in a metropolitan city hospital of India
Authors: Ray Sanghamitra , Meena Rajesh Kumar , Solanki Hariom Kumar , Jain Prakash Chand
Published: December 2020

Background: India has a high burden of under five mortality. Faulty feeding practices and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases is a major hurdle. Objective was to assess breast feeding practices and vaccination status of children of less than 5 years by age and its correlation with socio-demographic profile.Methods: This was a cross- sectional descriptive study involving children of nine months to five years.Results: Health seeking behavior in terms of adequate antenatal checkup and institutional deliveries was quite high; but only one third of children had early initiation of breast feeding and the main reason was delay in rooming-in. Early breast feeding had significant correlation with the greater duration of breast feeding and the duration of exclusive breast feeding was significantly associated with the literacy status of mother. Only 34% of children were vaccinated on time and frequent migration was the cause of delay in 25%. Ground level workers were the main source of information regarding vaccination in this study population.Conclusions: Feeding practices were not satisfactory. Institutional fallacies also came into focus such as delayed rooming-in. Awareness regarding vaccination was inadequate and was incomplete in majority of children. General awareness and health seeking behavior of our community still need enhancement to a great extent.
Knowledge, attitude and practices for antenatal care, danger signs of pregnancy and family planning among pregnant women in a rural area of Kerala, India
Authors: John Nimmy N. , George Amrutha
Published: December 2020

Background: Maternal health services have a potentially critical role in the improvement of reproductive health. The use of health service related to availability, quality and cost of services as well as the social structures, health beliefs and personal characteristics of the users. Objective was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice related to antenatal care (ANC), danger signs and family planning among the pregnant women.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in May 2020 to August 2020 in a rural area of Thrissur district of Kerala, India. 150 pregnant women (aged 18‑35 years) attending the antenatal clinics were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire.Results: The knowledge and attitude of the participants towards antenatal care, danger signs of pregnancy and adopting family planning methods was adequate in the study population. The total score of knowledge was 80%, positive attitude was 91% and practice was 77%. The participants also had knowledge regarding pregnancy danger signs. Nearly 92% were aware of bleeding per vagina being a danger sign, 85% stated weak or no movement of baby as a danger sign, 75% knew that pain in abdomen was a danger, 68% knew excessive vomiting as a danger sign while a mere 41% reported that convulsions were a danger sign.Conclusions: The role of health workers in increasing awareness among mothers about the importance of ANC, the danger signs of pregnancy and adopting family planning methods are of paramount concern.
Morbidity pattern among the adolescents attending the rural health training centre in Nagaon, Barpeta District, Assam
Authors: Boruah Beeva , Hajong Sudipta , Hakmaosa Annamika
Published: December 2020

Background: WHO (World Health Organization) defines adolescence as the segment of life between the ages of 10 and 19 years. The health problems of adolescents are very different from those of younger children and adults. Adolescent’s problems constitute a bulk of morbidities, which are unrecognized and uncared iceberg of disease burden. Moreover, the complex psychosocial morbidities and high risk behaviour of adolescents have been recognized as a threat to survival, growth and development. The objective of this study was to study the morbidity pattern prevalent among adolescents who attended the rural health training centre in Nagaon, Barpeta district, Assam.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried among 140 adolescents aged between 10 to 19 years, who visited the rural health training centre during the study period using convenient sampling technique. Data collection was done by using a semi structured questionnaire. A detailed history was taken regarding present and past illness. General and systemic examination was done. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17 and the results expressed in percentages.Results: The most common morbidity was anaemia, seen in 69.29% adolescents (males-66.04% and females-71.26%), followed by upper respiratory tract infection 37.14% (males-44.51% and females-34.48%) and dental problems 28.57% (males-28.30% and females-28.74%).Conclusions: Anaemia is the most common morbidity seen among adolescents in the present study. Early detection of the morbidities through regular survey will help in the prompt treatment and prevention of serious complications.
A study on perception of clinicians regarding use of electronic medical record for patients attending outpatient departments in a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India
Authors: Dutta Samarpita , Madaam Nirupam , Kumar Parmeshwar
Published: December 2020

Background: Information technology is increasingly being recognized as an important tool for improving patient safety and quality of care. Use of electronic medical record has the greatest potential for improving quality in healthcare. Use of technology in a highly interactive environment such as the OPD has to be user friendly and acceptable. Therefore a study was carried out to assess the perception of clinicians regarding use of computer modules in clinical care in the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital in northern India.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out over a period of two months in which 70 clinicians in the selected hospital were administered pre-designed questionnaire format for self reporting. It required them to rate their preferences regarding adoption of a computer based module for their OPDs and how this would affect their time and quality of patient care.Results: For a given computer based module in OPD, 81.4% of the clinicians supported its adoption. The mean scores suggested that most clinicians perceive that use of electronic medical record would improve quality of care. The mean scores for any of the parameters did not differ significantly amongst supporters and non-supporters of adoption of the module except on one parameter that it would be easier to follow a patient seen earlier by another clinician (p<0.05).Conclusions: Although there might be an initial resistance to change, overall clinicians perceive that introduction of electronic medical records on outpatient department would lead to improved quality of medical information management.
A cross-sectional study of perception among medical students on online learning amid COVID-19 pandemic, at Government Medical College, Agra, India
Authors: Singh Kunver V. , Aqeel Khan I. , Misra S. K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Online learning emerged as an alternative method in time of COVID-19 pandemic.  Zoom app, google app, LT software platform etc are helping to minimize the gaps in learning as a consequence of the current circumstances in which conventional teaching is being withheld. We conducted a study to find perception among medical undergraduate students of our college regarding effectiveness of online learning.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 medical undergraduate students of S.N. Medical College, Agra. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used and a total of 506 students responded. Data obtained was analyzed and inferences were drawn.Results: We observed mixed perceptions having both favorable as well as unfavorable elements with their first and short experience of online learning. Majority of students found time flexibility (58.8%) and location flexibility (62%) in online learning as beneficial. While three-fourth (77.5%) missed interest created in collective learning. Majority also felt lack of concentration (59.7%), understanding (51.0%) and interaction (67.2%) with online learning. Around two-third of them reported technical malfunctioning and also pilling up of lesson material. Half of the student stated that home environment was not conducive for online learning. 71.2% wanted both online learning and conventional learning as future mode of learning after the end of pandemic. 28.3% recommended improvement in the online learning.Conclusions: This study found mixed perceptions regarding online learning. This study also provided valuable inputs which can be utilized to improve effectiveness and quality of online medical education delivery in future.
Study of geographical distribution of number of cases of COVID-19 in different areas of Maharashtra
Authors: Mohanty T. , Doke P. P. , Patil K. H.
Published: December 2020

Background: Geographical differences in number of COVID-19 cases and death are affected by population density, age, gender distribution and mitigation measures like social distancing etc. The aim of this study was to determine the geographical distribution of number of cases of covid-19 in different areas of Maharashtra. The investigator wants to know, which area, which age group and which gender has been affected the most by COVID-19 along with the effect of lockdown.Methods: Area and population of all the COVID-19 affected area was collected and area wise number of cases till 31st May 2020 was considered. Association between number of COVID-19 cases and population of areas was calculated and gender-wise and age-wise case distribution was also calculated.Results: Cases are more in urban areas mainly in corporation (Chi square=114441; p<0.0001). Age group 31-40 years’ is most affected (11.5 per 100,000 population affected). Young adults as well males were affected most and even though population of children is quite big, they remained less affected (chi square=22117).Conclusions: This COVID-19 is a disease of urban area primarily affecting corporation areas. High population density and overcrowding are mainly responsible for initial phase of this disease only in corporation area. Strict lockdown and other social measures decreased both transmission and mortality rate.
Effectiveness of structured teaching program regarding child abuse on knowledge among mothers of school-age children at selected rural areas
Authors: . Sanghpriya
Published: December 2020

Background: Child abuse is a significant global problem with a serious impact on the victims throughout their lives. According to WHO (2013) which estimates that the international level of prevalence in child abuse and neglect was approximately 50500 children were at the risk of abuse right now. Objectives of the study was to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program regarding child abuse.Methods: Research design was quasi experimental one group pre-test-post-test design used & setting was selected rural areas of Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, UP. Samples 73 mothers were selected by purposive sampling technique. Tools were used as self-structured knowledge questionnaire.Results: Revealed that the mean score of the pre-test knowledge was 10.42 with SD of 1.95 whereas the mean score of the post-test knowledge score was 17.61 and SD was 1.7. Based on the findings researcher compared the calculated t value i.e. 21.05 and the tabulated value i.e.1.99 on 72 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of significance. Since the calculated value was higher than the tabulated value the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and accepted the alternative hypothesis. Which revealed that there was a significant increase in the level of knowledge.Conclusions: Thus the structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding child abuse was effective.
Effectiveness of planned teaching programme regarding worm infestation on knowledge among mothers of under-five children in rural area of Lucknow district
Authors: Yadav Sandeep , Kumar Rohitash , Singh S. K.
Published: December 2020

Background: According to the World Health Organization 241 million children between the ages of 1 and 14 years are at high risk of parasitic intestinal worms in India. As per the first-post news updated November 24, 2019, At least 241 million children below the age of 14 years are at high risk of getting stomach worms in India. The study was conducted with the objective to assess the level of knowledge and effectiveness of planned teaching programme on knowledge regarding worm infestation among the mothers of under-five children.Methods: The experimental pre-test-post-test control group design used and probability random sampling technique was adapted to select 92 mothers for both groups. Tool was used semi-structured knowledge questionnaire and planned teaching programme was implemented only on experimental group.Results: The results revealed that in experimental group post-test mean and SD score i.e. (16±3.56) was significantly higher the pre-test score i.e. (8.26±3.79) and compared the ‘t’ value, calculated ‘t’ value was (3.76) at the level of significance (0.05) and tabulated with 45 degree of freedom i.e. (2.01). So, it showed that the planned teaching programme regarding worm infestation among the mothers of under-five children in rural area was found effective.Conclusions: The present study assessed the knowledge among mothers of under-five children regarding worm infestation and found that mothers had poor knowledge related to worm infestation. After the planned teaching programme on worm infestation there was significant improvement on knowledge of the mothers of under-five children regarding worm infestation in experimental group.
Effectiveness of a planned teaching program regarding modified bass brushing technique on knowledge among school children at selected school of rural area of Lucknow district
Authors: Macknight Shweta , Kumar Rohitash , Singh S. K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Pre-schooler are very much prone to infectious diseases due to low immunity among those diseases the commonest is dental carries which occurs due to improper brushing technique. The study was conducted with the objective to assess knowledge and effectiveness of planned teaching program regarding modified bass brushing technique among school children at selected rural area.Methods: Research design and setting experimental pre-test-post-test control group design used and setting was selected rural area, Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Sample and sampling technique total 66 sample and villages for experimental and control group were selected through simple random technique. Tools were used as self-structured knowledge questionnaire and checklist.Results: Revealed that in experimental group post-test mean and SD score (7.55±1.09) was significantly higher than pre-test score (5.06±1.03) and in checklist the post-test mean and SD score (7.64±1.32) was significantly higher than the mean and SD pre-test score was 5.27±0.45. The researcher compared the calculated t-value (11.04) with the tabulated value (1.986) for the questionnaire and the checklist t-value 3.14. In control group the knowledge questionnaire post-test mean and SD score was (5.27±0.45) and pre-test mean and SD score was (4.24±1.03) with the t-value of 0.04. Whereas checklist post-test mean and SD score (5.21±0.48) and pre-test mean and SD score (5.27±0.05) with the t- value 0.32.  Conclusions: Thus the planned teaching programme on knowledge regarding modified bass brushing technique was effective.
Socioeconomic factors affecting trastuzumab usage in patients with breast cancer in a resource constrained setting in North India
Authors: Singh Pragya , Pasricha Rajesh , Pandey Laxman , Joseph Deepa , Ibrahim Ajas , Bhadoria Ajeet S. , Gupta Manoj , Ravi Bina
Published: December 2020

Background: Trastuzumab is now the standard of care in patients with Her-2 positive breast cancer. Despite its availability, high cost of treatment of trastuzumab makes it out of reach for many patients. This study analyses access to trastuzumab and identified potential barriers to its use in a large tertiary care hospital in northern India.Methods: This is a cross- sectional study of all the Her-2 positive breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated in our institute in 2018. These patients were investigated to look into various socio-economic factors for acceptance or non-acceptance of trastuzumab by using a predesigned questionnaire. Chi square test or Fishers exact test was applied.Results: Out of 310 diagnosed cases of carcinoma breast 52 (16%) patients were Her-2 positive. The majority of the trastuzumab recipients belonged to upper/middle socioeconomic status as compared to the non-recipient group (75% vs. 34.4%, P=0.004). Most of the receiver were well-educated (75% vs. 28.2%, P= 0.0009) and belonged to the high-income strata (55% vs. 37.5%, P= 0.22). It was found that the treatment of maximum (84.6%) Her-2 positive patients were met by out- of- pocket expenditure (OOPE) and 71.9% of the patients cited financial issues as the main cause of not taking the drug.Conclusions: The patient’s socioeconomic class and their education level significantly influenced the usage of the drug. Improving patient education as well as the implementation of the government health scheme can improve the availability and usage of this drug.
Effectiveness of educational intervention regarding foot care on knowledge among diabetes mellitus patients at selected health centers
Authors: Pandey Anjali , Kumar Rohitash , Singh S. K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes is one of the four major types of non-communicable diseases. It is considered as global epidemic. One of the most common, costly and severe complications of diabetes is diabetic foot. Aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of educational intervention regarding foot care on knowledge among diabetes mellitus patients at selected health centers.Methods: In this study the research approach was quasi experimental one group pre-test post-test design was applied. Total 80 samples selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. The educational Intervention was introduced to the group after the pretest. Knowledge was assessed by semi structured questionnaire.Results: The result revealed that the mean pretest knowledge score regarding foot care was 5.21 which after post-test increased to 9.65. The standard deviation in pre-test 2.34 which after post- test increase 3.14. The obtained “t” value 4.765 was statistically highly significance p<0.05. The null hypothesis H0 is rejected and research hypothesis is accepted. There was significant association found with educational, status, income, knowledge about diabetic foot, and source of informationConclusions: The study concluded that, the educational intervention administered by the researcher was effective to increase the knowledge regarding foot care among diabetes mellitus patients.
Descriptive study of patients related to COVID-19 pandemic attending psychiatric clinic in Gwalior city
Authors: Changulani Richa , Shukla Durgesh , Mishra Ashok , Changulani Mukesh
Published: December 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has adversely affected the lives and livelihood of millions in our country. This has played havoc on the psychological health of a large section of our population. It is not known, however, whether this has led to an increase in the number of patients of psychiatric disorders. With this aim, this study was planned.Methods: An observational study was done on 100 participants who visited the private psychiatric outpatient clinic of Gwalior district between mid-May to mid-September. Data entry and statistical analysis was done in MS-Excel Software.Results: Out of 926 patients with no previous history of psychiatric illness who attended the clinic for the first time, 100 (10.8%) patients had illness as a direct consequence of stress of COVID 19 and subsequent lockdown. The majority were Hindu (87%), males (65%), general category (63%) and 96% were residing in urban areas. 56%, 13% and 10% of patients  had Moderate depression, Panic disorder and Anxiety disorder respectively. The precipitating reason for their illnesses turned out to be: fear of viral infection (56%), uncertainty of the situation (90%), losing their source of income (61%), Frustration, boredom and lack of social contact.Conclusions: In our study, young male participants emerged as risk group. Maximum participants were facing fear of infection, fear of loss of career, uncertainty, frustration due to boredom and lack of social contact as factors of psychiatric health concern.
Knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary healthcare centre
Authors: Kumar Gopal , Verma Ramesh , Agrawal Ginni , Sachdeva Aman
Published: December 2020

Background: In India the rate of organ donation is less than 1 per million population. The need for organ transplantation is more than 5 lakhs per year. There is a wide discrepancy between demand and donation. Health care professionals can play a vital role in creating awareness in the society and encouraging the people to donate organs and thus help in filling the gap between the demand and donation. Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation among medical students.Methods: A 24 item semi structured and self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation from 300 undergraduate medical students in PGIMS, Rohtak. Data was collected, compiled and analyzed using SPSS.Results: The awareness regarding different organ donation was found to be kidney (79%), liver (70.7%), heart (61%), intestine (3.7%), and lung (10.3%). 28% participants were knowing about NOTTO (National organ and tissue transplant organization). 85% participants were willing to donate their organs.Conclusions: There is good knowledge and positive attitude towards organ donation among undergraduate medical students. But their attitude is not being transformed into organ donation. Separate chapters on organ donation and its need in our country should be included in the school curriculum, interactive sessions should be held in medical colleges and opportunities should be given to them during their college life to voluntarily donate their organs, only then we can cultivate their positive attitude and knowledge.
Study of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in tertiary care hospital in northern India
Authors: Garhwal Suchitra , Poonia Anil Kumar , Agarwal Veeha
Published: December 2020

Background: Anemia is major health problem in developing countries with many underlying etiologies, particularly nutritional deficiencies. Pregnant women are prone to become anemic, and anemia leads to increased morbidity and  mortality in mother along with poor pregnancy outcome. This study focused on evaluation of anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in northern India.Methods: Total 1000 pregnant women attended antenatal clinic were enrolled and were evaluated for anemia, and various red blood cell indices were studied.Results: Prevalance of anemia in this study population was 80%, while relative prevalance of mild, moderate and severe anemia was 33.5%, 48.5% and 20% respectively. Majority of cases were because of iron deficiency anemia.Conclusions: Prevalance of anemia is very high in pregnant women which is a major cause for poor pregnancy outcome. Measures need to be taken at various level to improve nutritional status of pregnant women.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice on people with diabetes mellitus in general medicine department of tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Neupane Dinesh Raj , N. Upendra , Thomas Jaiji , Joy Jojymol K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes has become a scourge to mankind. According to World Health Organization, over 366 million people are affected with diabetes worldwide and its number is likely to be doubled by 2030. The study was conducted to educate the patients regarding diabetes which may lead in improving the quality of life of the patients. However, prior to educating and intervening the patients regarding the disease, KAP study was conducted to assess the current status and behaviour of the patients towards Diabetes Mellitus (DM).Methods: The study was cross sectional study conducted for the period of six months starting from July 2019 to December 2019 in medicine department of Tertiary care teaching Hospital, Karnataka. Pre-structured questionnaires were formed for data collection.Results: In our current study, 60 (46.15%) were men and 70 (53.85%) women. Out of the total of ten knowledge question asked, average of men answering correctly were 29.5% and women answered correctly were 21% and rest were incorrect. Among the total of five attitude questions asked, average of 25.08% men agreed to correct response and 18% women agreed to correct response rest disagreed whereas in total of six practice questions average of 26.92% men and 14.61% women claimed that they practice the activities as per the questionnaires.Conclusions: Knowledge of diabetic patients was fairly good, attitude and practices were not satisfactory females showed relatively poor response towards the disease in comparison to male. We strongly feel that there is a need to design and develop individualized diabetes educational program to aware and educate people about diabetes.
Knowledge and skills of accredited social health activists in home based new-born care in a rural community of Northern India: an evaluative survey
Authors: Choudhary Mangi Lal , Joshi Poonam , Murry Levis , Malhotra Sumit , Shankar Jeeva
Published: December 2020

Background: Home based new-born care (HBNC) is a strategy implemented by the Government of India to overcome the problem of new-born deaths and reach the unreached new-borns in the community. Aim was to assess the knowledge and skills of ASHA workers and factors influencing the skills.Methods: In an observational study, a total of 48 accredited social health activists (ASHA) working under a primary health centre (PHC) were enrolled using a total enumeration sampling technique. A self-developed, pre-tested and validated tool based on home based new-born care was used for data collection.Results: Mean knowledge and skill scores of ASHA workers were 16.4±4.2 and 27.7±4.3 respectively. Nearly half of the ASHA workers had average knowledge, while two-thirds had good skills towards HBNC. Most of ASHA workers had shown good skills in measuring the temperature of new-borns, handwashing and count the respiration correctly, while less than 40% of ASHA workers performed weight recording correctly. Knowledge and overall skill scores of ASHA workers were positively correlated (r=0.58, p<0.001). Statistically significant associations  were observed  between the overall skills scores of ASHA workers and  educational status, working experience and the last training attended on HBNC (p=0.001).Conclusions: Most of the ASHA workers had exhibited good skills, but were lacking scientific knowledge related to HBNC. There is need for having periodic re-orientation training for facilitating application of scientific knowledge to HBNC.
Clinicopathological profile and outcome of COVID-19 infection among children and newborn admitted to a dedicated COVID hospital in West Bengal, India
Authors: Bose Some Suvra , Khemani Poonam , Khemka Arpita , Ghosh Ananya , Mondal Rakesh
Published: December 2020

Background: Aim of the study was to assess the clinicopathological profile and outcome of COVID 19 infection in children and newborn in a dedicated COVID tertiary care center.Methods: A retrospective study of a cohort of 105 children (1 month-12 years.) and 128 newborns admitted from 7th July to 7th August 2020. All the admitted children were COVID 19 positive and newborns were delivered from mother with COVID positive status. We collected data from medical records regarding epidemiology, clinical features, comorbidities, investigational report, treatment and outcome of the study population.Results: The median age of 105 children was 3 years with IQR (11 months-6 years) with almost equal sex distribution with higher disease prevalence and severity in younger age group. The mean duration of stay is 10.11 days (SD: 4.93). 35 (33.3%) children were asymptomatic, whereas 53 (50.5%) mildly symptomatic, 8 (7.6%) moderate disease severity, 9 (8.6%) critically ill at time of admission. Fever (57%) and Cough (23.8%) commonest symptoms. Hyper inflammatory syndrome was a new challenge in COVID affected children as well as concomitant infections like Dengue, Scrub and enteric fever, 38 (56%) children had comorbidities and 14 (13.3%) required PICU admission with 4 (3.8%) children. 42 out of 128 neonates became positive being born from 128 COVID positive mother and the rate of longitudinal transmission was more in outborn babies. None of the newborns tested swab positive within 48hrs of life and the preterm and LBW babies were relatively less infected. Most of the neonates were asymptomatic (84%) and we recorded zero death among COVID positive newborn.Conclusions: In the absence of comorbidities and concurrent infections, COVID 19 is relatively benign in Indian children.
Outcomes of community based mammography camps in urban and rural Maharashtra
Authors: Dyavarishetty Padmavathi V. , Patil Dipak C. , Kowli Shobha S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Breast cancer ranks at number one, amongst all cancer cases in India. Biennial mammography screening is recommended to enhance early detection of breast cancer. Lack of awareness, cost and availability of services is a hindering factor to undergo screening. Free screening mammography camps as means to motivate women to seek the facility at her doorstep was the strategy adopted under the breast cancer awareness and screening programme. The outcome of the mammography camps is reported here.Methods: Mammography camps were conducted in urban and rural areas of Maharashtra over a period of three years. The process involved identification of eligible beneficiaries, health education, clinical breast examination followed by mammography in the mobile unit. Each camp had 25 to 40 women as this was the maximum limit that could be done per day by the mobile unit.Results: Total 358 women underwent mammography screening in 10 community based screening camps, of which 2 camps were conducted in rural areas. Women were mostly between 50 to 70 years. Of the 40.8% women with some abnormalities in the mammogram, one was diagnosed with breast cancer and eight had benign breast lesions.Conclusions: Though only a single case was detected, the camp approach was successful in sensitising the women on the need for preventive health checkup and motivated women to undergo mammography. Organising camps is by no means an easy task, however the camp approach may be the only way to provide access to mammography facilities in most parts of the country.
Beneficiary satisfaction with mobile medical units in the state of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Nair Amrutha , Raikwar Aakash A. , Wassey M. Abdul , Dogra Vishal
Published: December 2020

Background: Mobile health services in India have gained significant attention recently. However, there is little information regarding the beneficiary satisfaction of such services. Beneficiaries’ satisfaction and perception plays significant role in utilization of services. We assess the program beneficiaries’ satisfaction of using mobile health services in rural Andhra Pradesh.Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design to survey the mobile health services program beneficiaries in rural Andhra Pradesh (October 2016 to October 2018). Beneficiaries availing the mobile health services from 277 mobile medical vans across 13523 villages were selected using multistage sampling. Exit interviews (using Likert-scale questions) were used to reveal the ease of access in utilising mobile health services and satisfaction among the program beneficiaries.Results: A total, 1080 exit interviews were conducted. Above ninety percent of beneficiaries completed the exit interviews (response rate: 95%). More than two-thirds (72%) of the respondents were females and aged >45 years (71%). Of all respondents, the majority were Hindu (89%), belonging to socially disadvantaged groups (80%), and illiterate (56%). Nearly all (95%) program beneficiaries found mobile health services easily accessible and building their knowledge and awareness (94%) on key health issues. Ninety-five percent of the program beneficiaries strongly favoured recommending the use of mobile health services to others. The overall satisfaction rate was 95% (Cronbach alpha 0.925).Conclusions: Mobile health services in rural areas are effective in meeting the beneficiaries’ expectations. High beneficiary satisfaction and trust in mobile health services strongly favours such services in other rural geographies.
Estimating the impact of lockdown on COVID-19 cases in Pune, Maharashtra
Authors: Mahajan Saurabh , Kumar Pravin V. , Pushkar Kumar
Published: December 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic commenced in China in December 2019 and has since become a major public health problem. To slow this down, countries went into lockdown with different levels of restrictions on movement and mandatory home confinement except for essential requirements and services. It effectively decelerated the pandemic by strengthening the healthcare system and thus averted lakhs of cases and saved thousands of lives. The aim of this study is to analyze statistically that the lockdown plays an important role in preventing COVID-19 and its impact on number of cases per day in Pune.Methods: This record based descriptive study is conducted after secondary data analysis of number of new cases of COVID-19 per day from the period 27 Apr to 03 Sep 2020 in Pune. Crowdsourced line listing of COVID-19 cases in Pune was obtained from https://www.covid19india.org/ which is Govt portal of COVID data and freely accessible. The data was thus analyzed to calculate effective reproduction number (Reff), growth rate and doubling time.Results: On plotting weekly reported number of COVID-19 cases, no specific impact of lockdown on COVID-19 cases in Pune were noticed. Reff when plotted on the timeline shows a decline post lockdown. Growth rate also shows a slight declining trend post lockdown.Conclusions: The importance of lockdown has been quantitatively confirmed to be effective in combating the spread of COVID-19 cases, focus should be placed on its effective implementation by the masses.
Acceptance and determinants of indoor residual spraying in two blocks of Tripura: using LQAS technique
Authors: Debnath Sankha Subhra , Baidya Subrata , Das Rituparna , Deb Durba
Published: December 2020

Background: Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) with insecticide (DDT) is one of the most important component of integrated vector management for malaria prevention. Though, NVBDCP targets at least 80% coverage at high risk malaria zone by effective protective measures (eg. IRS) by 2017, but the real coverage is however limited, due to low community acceptance and several other factors. Objectives were to assess the IRS coverage in two blocks of Tripura and to study the factors influencing IRS acceptance.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 600 households of all 30 sub centres of two blocks of Sepahijala district of Tripura 2015 to 2017 using LQAS technique. Head of the families were interviewed to collect information regarding IRS. Data analysis was done in SPSS 20.0.  Statistical analysis used Chi square test was applied to assess the association between different variables. P-value (<0.05) was considered as statistically significant.Results: IRS coverage and acceptance were 61.7% and 75.05% respectively. The factors influencing IRS acceptance were Age of the Head of the family p 0.015, Religion p 0.011, Education p 0.04, Occupation p 0.018, type of Community p.0.000, House type p 0.000, By LQAS analysis, 9 out of 30 lots were accepted for having target coverage of IRS (80%).Conclusions: IRS coverage was lower than the NVBDCP target of 80 % coverage. Sound programmatic management strategy along with IEC, BCC is needed to scale up the coverage.