bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of chemical constituents in medicinal plant coleus aromaticus extracts
Authors: Kumar N. Santhosh , Nusrath Aliya , Ramadas Dinesha
Published: February 2018

Background: Indian medicinal plants have great potential towards curing many diseases. Medicinal plant Coleus aromaticus is known for its wide medical applications. The main objectives of the study undertaken were to analyze the phytochemicals and compare the concentration present in the dialyzed Coleus aromaticus protein extract with various solvents.Methods: Various extracts of the medicinal plant Coleus aromaticus leaves such as dialyzed Coleus aromaticus protein, hydro alcoholic extract, ethanol extract and chloroform extract were prepared and analyzed for various phytochemical concentrations such as Total phenols (Folin-Ciocalteu method), Flavonoids (Aluminum chloride method), total sugars (Dubois method) and Proteins (Bradford’s method). Standard graph for each component was plotted.Results: The protein concentration in dialyzed Coleus aromaticus protein extract is considerably higher (5.8μg/10μl) than hydro alcoholic extract (1.6μg/10μl), ethanol extract (5.2μg/10μl) and chloroform extract (2.8μg/10μl). The other phytochemicals like total phenol, flavonoids and total sugars were low in concentration in the dialyzed Coleus aromaticus protein extract compared to hydro alcoholic extract, ethanol extract and chloroform extract.Conclusions: In this study, the protein concentration in dialyzed Coleus aromaticus protein extract is considerably higher than the same in other solvent extracts. This is the basis for further studies to unfold the antioxidant activity of Coleus aromaticus protein in vitro.
Dengue fever in Morocco: result of surveillance during the year 2017 and first imported cases
Authors: Bajjou Tahar , Akhouad Youssef , Hilali Farida , Elkochri Safae , Laraqui Abdelilah , Touil Nadia , Lahlou Amine Idriss , Mahassine Fattouma , Sekhsokh Yassine
Published: February 2018

Dengue is a significant mosquito-borne infection in humans, and its worldwide prevalence is rapidly increasing. The vector aedes albopictus has been revealed recently in the town of Rabat. Morocco established a program of active surveillance of dengue fever comprising many hospitals and laboratories across the kingdom. The purpose of this work is to describe the result of the surveillance of the dengue virus (DENV) infection during the year of 2017 among Moroccans and tourists who presented in our hospital with clinical signs of infection and to report the first confirmed positive cases of Dengue.From 20 December 2016 to 20 December 2017, 21 patients were hospitalized for suspicion of DENV infection. Half of them were returning from Côte d’Ivoire which is a popular tourist and business country for Moroccans and where an outbreak of DENV was confirmed on July 2017. Fever, headache, arthralgia-myalgia and malaise in addition to the notion of return from an endemic country justify in clinicians the demand for analysis of detection of dengue virus by RT-PCR.Dengue infection was confirmed in two patient both coming from Côte d’Ivoire, a Moroccan and an Ivorian who were staying in Abidjan during the period of the outbreak of 2017.
Multiple endometrial polyps in a pre-menopausal woman-sonographic and elastographic findings with histopathological correlation
Authors: Paul Varghese , Phatak Suresh , Marfani Gulam , Gupta Nipun
Published: February 2018

We are presenting a case report of a 34-year-old female with history of inter-menstrual bleeding PV and Menorrhagia since 6 months with multiple endometrial polyps. Ultrasound and elastography findings are discussed.
Isolation, characterization and evaluation of antioxidant activities of secondary metabolites producing actinomycetes of terrestrial origin
Authors: Padma B. Jessy , K. Saraswathi , P. Arumugam , Shiny R. Anna
Published: February 2018

Background: Microbial secondary metabolites are important sources of natural compounds when compared to others with potential, beneficial therapeutic applications. There are chances of discovery of new Streptomyces species and new compounds from the respective genus. Due to ever and over increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to our current arsenal of antibiotics, a great need exists for the isolation and discovery of new antibiotics and other drug agents. Based on the above concept actinomycetes are mainly targeted for secondary metabolites production and evaluation of compounds therapeutically.Methods: Totally 15 pure isolates were obtained from two different soil samples by spread plate and quadrant streak techniques. Their colony and surface morphology were studied by morphological and biochemical characterization. Secondary metabolites were extracted by solvent extraction and the presence of bioactive compounds was detected by thin layer chromatography. The antioxidant potential was determined by Dot plot, DPPH and Phosphomolybdenum assay. The nature and the number of active compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis.Results: Among the 15 isolates, 10 isolates were found to have characteristic features of actinomycetes and 8 isolates were found to be fast growing actinomycetes. Among these 8 isolates, isolates of terrestrial origin were found to possess more bioactive compounds than those of marine origin and the four terrestrial isolates selected for evaluation of bioactive compounds and determination of antioxidant potential showed that the isolate TS 1010 had better and efficient secondary metabolite activity.Conclusions: Thus, from the above study it is seen that not only actinomycetes of marine origin, but terrestrial origin are also fast growers and possess better antioxidant and radical scavenging activity.
Impact of middle level eye care personnel on the delivery of eye care services in South-western Nigeria
Authors: Bogunjoko Tayo J. , Hassan Adekunle O. , Okonkwo Ogugua , Akanbi Toyin , Ulaikere Mildred , Akinye Ayodele , Bogunjoko Halima , Lawal-Sebioniga Monsurat Y.
Published: February 2018

Background: The objectives of the study were to review the training and assess the impact of middle level eye care personnel (community ophthalmic technician) with skills to complement the services of the ophthalmologist for efficient eye care system and fulfilling vision 2020 goals.Methods: The collaboration between 2010 and 2015 was reviewed with an institutional questionnaire for both Eye Foundation Centre and College of Health Technology in Ijebu, Nigeria: structure of 2 year training Programme and one year internship, community ophthalmic technicians (COT) as assistants to ophthalmologists, hierarchy/career options and challenges and ensuring clinical quality and their strength in the Eye Foundation Eye Health System were appraised.Results: From 2010 to 2015, a total of 72 COTs have graduated, 41(57%) of them employed by the Eye Foundation Hospital Group. Apart from this, 28 did their internship in 2015, 19 (68%) out of this at Eye Foundation establishments in southwestern and north central Nigeria. Others are employed by other government or nongovernmental agencies. From 2010 to 2015, outpatients’ visits have increased from 42,962 to 104,239 at its peak, surgical volume from 3,999 to 18,350 at the Eye Foundation Hospital Group. The COT programme has been accredited by International Joint Commission on Allied health personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO).Conclusions: COTs with skills are required in large numbers to complement the services of ophthalmologists for efficient eye health system. Their contribution is very important to meet the vision 2020 human resources objectives for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Spirituality relationship to the quality of life of children with cancer in Dr. Sardjito general hospital
Authors: Pratiwi Etik , Mulatsih Sri , Setiyarini Sri
Published: February 2018

Background: In Indonesia, the prevalence of cancer up to 1.4 per 1000 population. Acute lymphocyte leukemia is one of type of cancers. Sspirituality is an element that increasing and is recognized by many patients with the disease at an advanced stage. Assessment of spirituality in children acute lymphocyte leukemia had ever done by the researcher before shows that spirituality contributes a positive influence to the coping and the achievement of adaptation. Aim of this research was to know how the relationship between spirituality with quality of life in children with cancer.Methods: This study used a mixed design (mixed method), with sequential explanatory strategy. Quantitative approach to the cross-sectional design and in- depth interviews in qualitative data collection. Research has received permission from the The Medical and Health Research Ethics Committee (MHREC).Results: There is a relationship between spirituality and the quality of life of children with cancer with a total value of p=0.001. Spirituality related to the children quality of life emotional, school, and physical domains with each value of p=0.001, p=0.026, p=0.028. Spirituality is not related to the social domains with p=0.054. Qualitative analysis shows that there are six categories from in-depth interviews, that is namely; prayer as a healing pain, the joy and gratitude; the interaction of the source of happiness; loneliness sadness source; socialitation with the enviroment; seek help in overcoming difficulties.Conclusions: There was correlation between spirituality and quality of life of children with cancer.
The effect of female genital mutilation on couple sexual function
Authors: A. Abdel Raheem Talal , M. R. El-tahalawi Samar , M. Abo Raia Nesreen , Younis Elsary Asmaa , Mahmoud Ibrahem Kairman
Published: February 2018

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure that had physical, social, psychological, and sexual complications. The study aimed to assess effect of FGM on couple sexual function.Methods: case control nested from cross-sectional study in Fayoum governorate; it was conducted during a period of five months (March 2016 to July 2016).Results: The prevalence of FGM was 432(83.4%). The risk of exposure to mutilation was about four folds higher among women inhabitant rural areas, and about nine folds higher among low educated women, and around six folds higher if parents were low educated. Around one-third of women in the study 157 (30.3%) suffered psychological problems and 142 (27.4%) of them suffered marital and social problems related to FGM practice. Mutilated women had five folds decrease in desire: four folds decrease in sexual satisfaction and five folds increase in sexual dysfunction on contrary 57% to 59% decrease in arousal and orgasm. As regards to husband sexual satisfaction, it decreases by around three folds if their wives were mutilated. There is statistically a significant increase in couple sexual dysfunction among complicated mutilation.Conclusions: FGM is still practiced in Egypt and it resulted in many physical, psychological, and social complications; also it had a negative impact on the couple's sexual life.
Bullying and being bullied: prevalence and psychosocial outcomes among school going adolescents of Rohtak
Authors: . Shiba , Rajput Meena , Goutam Ankit , Rajawat Gaurav
Published: February 2018

Background: Bullying is a problem which is commonly faced by so many school going children and adolescents usually in the form of nasty teasing, name-calling, threatening, physically hurting, exclusion from group, spreading false rumors etc. A victim of bullying is at increased risk of behavioural and emotional problems, depression, psychotic symptoms including anxiety, insecurity and poor school performance. The objectives of the study were to measure the prevalence of bullying behaviours among adolescents and to determine the effects of bullying and being bullied on psychosocial adjustment.Methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out from August, 2016 to February, 2017 among school going adolescents 11-18 yrs of age. A total of 300 students were chosen using multi stage sampling from ten schools of five community development blocks of Rohtak.Results: Out of 300 participants 176 (58.7%) were male, 124 (41.3%) were female. 21.6% (65) students bullied other students, 19% (57) were being bullied. More boys reported bullying others and being victims of bullying.Conclusions: The effects of being bullied are direct, pleiotropic and long- lasting with the worst effects for those who are both victims and bullies.
Factors influencing blood donation among the workers of a tertiary care hospital, Chitradurga: a comparative study
Authors: S. Sameeya Furmeen , Reddy Mayuri Reddy
Published: February 2018

Background: Blood donation is very vital to save human life as there is no substitute for human blood. Even though the hospital workers are well aware about blood donation, many of them are not into voluntary blood donation. Hence the present study focuses on the hospital workers.Methods: A cross-sectional study with purposive sampling was done in the workers of Basaveshwara Medical College. After obtaining verbal consent, the data was collected by a pre-designed, pre-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: A total of 258 workers participated, the mean age was 30.83±7.44; 97 (37.6%) were donors and 161 (62.4%) were non-donors. The donors were mostly in the age group 31-40 yrs (48.1%), males (63.3%), those who were single (40.2%), graduates (45.4%), belonging to socio-economic class I (56.7%). Most were voluntary donors (70.1%), 48.5% had donated 2-5 times, 24.7% were regular donors with 37.5% donating yearly. The predominant reason for not donating blood among the non-donors was ‘no request for blood’ (63.4%). Around 175 (67.8%) were willing to be voluntary donors in the future, whereas 57 (22.1%) were willing to donate only for family and friends and 26(10.1%) were not willing to donate blood. Willingness to donate was found to be significantly associated with age, education, occupation, socio-economic class, source of information and the type of donation.Conclusions: Males and those in higher socio-economic class predominantly donated blood. Donors considered blood donation as a humanitarian cause and felt it gives moral satisfaction than the non-donors. Non-donors thought blood donation leads to weakness/anemia and is harmful to health than the donors.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduate nursing students: thematic analysis on experiences of overweight and obese participants
Authors: Manivannan Shyamala D.
Published: February 2018

Background: Overweight and obesity is the growing concern of public health. Obesity is on the rise in adults as well as adolescents. Obesity becomes worse with the transition from the teen years into the young adult years. This study aimed to find the prevalence of overweight and obesity in undergraduate nursing students and conduct thematic analysis of the experiences of participants who were overweight and obese.Methods: Descriptive survey and qualitative approach was used to collect data. Self-reported information on weight and height elicited using descriptive survey to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity. After obtaining informed consent focus group interviews conducted for overweight and obese participants. Interviews transcribed.Results: SPSS version 17 used for analysis. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the participants was 21.46±SD 4.17. The overweight and obesity prevalence was 11.60% and 5.20% respectively. Thematic analysis yielded several themes like change of place, caring family, support and assurance, shyness and bullying, unpleasant experiences and isolation, hereditary etc.Conclusions: Harmful weight reduction strategies to be prevented through good monitoring, mentoring and by establishing “peer support groups” in nursing colleges.
Assessment of nutritional status of children aged under five years in tribal population of Jawadhu hills in Tamil Nadu
Authors: T. T. Gopinath , Logaraj M. , John K. R.
Published: February 2018

Background: Malnutrition is more common in India than in Sub-Saharan Africa. One in every three malnourished children in the world lives in India. Tribal population constitutes about 8% of the total population in India. They are particularly vulnerable to under nutrition, because of their geographical isolation, socio-economic disadvantage and inadequate health facilities. The objectives of this study were to assess the Nutritional status of children under five years in a Tribal area of Jawadhu hills under Puthurnadu PHC Sub-center and to find the associated risk factors accompanying the under five children.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in a tribal area of Jawadhu hills Puthurnadu PHC sub-center. A total of 316 children participated in the study. A predesigned, pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio demographic profile (age, sex, religion, education, income) from the Mother/Guardian and measured all possible anthropometric measurements.Results: The overall prevalence of under nutrition was 26.9% in which Severely under nourished were 9.2%, the overall prevalence of stunting was 55.4% in which severely stunted were 23.4% and the overall prevalence of wasting was 10.4% in which severely wasted were 1.9% respectively. Male children were found to be more malnourished than Female children in our study. Children from joint family are more prone to get malnourished than Nuclear families.Conclusions: The overall prevalence of stunting was higher (55.4%) which is greater than the cut-off point stated by the World Health Organization to indicate that the severity of malnutrition. Adequate measures to be made to overcome malnutrition.
Does fluorosis affect the intelligence profile of children? A cross sectional analysis of school children of district Una, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Bhardwaj Ashok K. , Singh Mitasha , Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Anupriya , Grover Ashoo
Published: February 2018

Background: The sub Himalayan region of the country does not fall in highly endemic region for fluorosis. Researchers over the world have hypothesized that high fluoride level in water is the cause of low intelligence level among children and adolescents. We aim to establish the association of high and low fluoride levels with intelligence level and oral health status of children aged 10-14 years in district Una, Himachal Pradesh.Methods: The study was conducted in randomly selected 15 government high schools of district Una. Study population included 600 students of government run schools in age group 10-14years. This ICMR funded project was carried out from 2014 through 2017. Dean fluorosis index was used to study fluorosis level and Intelligence test was conducted on students by using Raven’s standard progressive matrices questionnaire.Results: The 60% of sites studied for fluoride levels were found to have >0.5 ppm fluoride level in water and none of them with level more than 1 ppm. Prevalence of dental fluorosis was 12.2%. Dental caries and high Dental Aesthetic Index were positively associated with high fluoride level in water. Low intelligence level of adolescents was not significantly associated with high fluoride level (OR;95% CI: 1.34; 0.72-2.49).Conclusions: This sub Himalayan region is not endemic for fluorosis however lower level of fluoride is observed in many sites. Fluorosis was not significantly associated with intelligence hence indicating towards multifactorial causation of disease.
Assessment of household water treatment and storage practices
Authors: Pradhan Subrat K. , Sinha Upasana , Satapathy Durga M. , Swain Amit P. , Mishra Rudra P.
Published: February 2018

Background: Maintenance of drinking-water quality is a pillar of primary prevention and continues to be the foundation for the prevention and control of waterborne diseases. Improved water supply and sanitation, and better management of water resources, can boost countries’ economic growth and can contribute greatly to poverty reduction. The objective of the study was to assess household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) practice.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 2 months. Total of 250 household were surveyed under the UHTC. Data was collected using WHO toolkit for monitoring and evaluating household water treatment and safe storage programme. Descriptive analysis was done.Results: Majority had piped connection (32%) followed by public standpipe (31.2%), hand pump (27.6%) as source of water. 60% had knowledge about boiling followed by chlorination 27%, membrane filters 22.4%. Majority i.e. 63% of the participants had thought boiling as the best method for disinfection of drinking water.Conclusions: Majority had piped connection, Maximum kept water container clean and covered. Only one fourth of the total household surveyed suffered from diarrhea in last 6 months.
Association of somatic problems with mental health among sickle cell anaemic adolescents of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Ogre Shyama Charan , Shrivastava Priyamvada , Chakravarty Moyna
Published: February 2018

Background: The sickle cell disease is characterized by various somatic problems and medical complications with psychological problems. Sickle cell patient faces physical, economical and psychological burden. There is paucity of evidences in understanding the bio-psychological aspects of sickle cell anaemic patients especially in India. Therefore, an attempt has been made to know the somatic problems in adolescents and its effects in mental health of the adolescents suffering from sickle cell anaemia. The main aim was to find out association of somatic problems with mental health among adolescents suffering from sickle cell anaemia and occurrence of somatic problems among homozygous/heterozygous sickle cell adolescentsMethods: The total sample of the study consists of 309 sickle cell anaemic adolescents of age range 11-19 years. The information was collected for present research from various hospitals and health clinics of Chhattisgarh state during January, 2013 to July, 2015. An interview-schedule was prepared to know the various somatic problems and other related information. Mental Health Battery (Hindi version) was used to assess the mental health among sickle cell anaemic adolescents developed by Singh and Gupta, 1983.Results: The study revealed that 23.3 percent of the cases were homozygous whereas 76.7 percent cases were heterozygous. The overall contribution of mental health dimension are 28.0% (R2=.280; F (3,304) =31.250; p<0.01) in which two predictors of mental health namely Emotional Stability and Overall Adjustment contributed significantly. Total 84.1 percent patients were reported somatic problems and somatic problems of sickle cell patients are significantly and negatively related to all dimensions of mental health.Conclusions: For reducing the somatic problems, mental health of the adolescents will have to be increased.
Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among students of backward community and minority girl’s hostels of Mysuru city
Authors: Y. S. Krishnaveni , B. Prakash , Kulkarni Praveen , M. R. Narayanamurthy
Published: February 2018

Background: Mental health is one of the major concerns among Non-communicable diseases with 10-20% of children and adolescents suffering mental disorders worldwide. If untreated, these conditions severely influence child’s development, education and their potential to live productive lives. This study is an effort to find out factors influencing mental health in hostel students, and its effects in their daily routine which will help hostel supervisors, parents and teachers to deal with students and help to achieve maximum progress in their academics.Methods: This is a Cross sectional study done among 353 students in BCM (backward community and minority) girls hostels of Mysuru. Students above 18 yrs and willing to participate in study are included and those suffering from acute illness/recent trauma /injury are excluded. Data collected using validated questionnaire (PHQ 9 for depression and GAD7 for anxiety).Results: Among 353 students included depression was observed in 245 (69.4%) of students and anxiety was found in 222 (62.8%) students. Depression and anxiety was associated with single parenting, socioeconomic class, masters degree courses, food habits, lifestyle and menstrual irregularities, multi logistic regression showed association of depression with premenstrual syndrome and anxiety with exercise, socioeconomic class, financial difficulties and premenstrual syndrome.Conclusions: Depression and anxiety were more prevalent in adolescent students and are associated with sedentary lifestyle, socioeconomic condition of students and reproductive health. Depression and Anxiety has impact on comfortable stay in hostel and relation with peers. These factors can be addressed to mitigate the effects.
Supportive supervision as an effective intervention in improving water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in government health facilities of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Subramaniam Sudharshini , Selvavinayagam T. S.
Published: February 2018

Background: Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is one of the important components of Sustainable Development Goals which is essential for achieving any global health-related goals. WASH in health care facilities is prioritized as a necessary input to achieve health goals. Supportive Supervision has been established as an effective intervention in improving the performance of health care workers. This paper evaluates the role of supportive supervision in improving WASH facilities in the health care facilities of high priority districts of Tamil Nadu.Methods: The effectiveness of supportive supervision in improving WASH facilities was assessed through a pre-post experimental research design. World Health Organization proposed steps were followed while planning for the supportive supervision. Supervisory visits were made using checklists in all secondary level public health facilities in 7 High Priority Districts which were chosen based on the preliminary WASH survey conducted by UNICEF. The same health facilities were revisited after 3 months and supervised using the same checklist.Results: In the first supervisory visit, 41.6% of the health facilities (57 out of 137 facilities) were non- functional in terms of WASH score, while only 5.8% (8 out of 137 facilities) were fully functional. In the second visit, proportion of non- functional facilities had dropped from 41.6% to 7.3% and there has been an increase in the partially functional (52.6% to 71.5%) and fully functional facilities (5.8% to 21.2%) which was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Supportive supervision was able to show a significant improvement in the WASH facilities in all types of facilities.
An assessment of quality of life of transgender adults in an urban area of Burdwan district, West Bengal
Authors: Naskar Prosenjit , Roy Sima , Naskar Somnath , Gupta Indrajit
Published: February 2018

Background: Transgender people are stigmatised in our society and are being discriminated in every aspect of life. Many of them experience abuses in various forms since childhood. Accordingly these might have adverse consequences on their life and modify their quality of life (QOL). This aspect needs to be explored. In this context the present study was conducted to assess the QOL among adult transgender people and to find its association with their socio-demographic characteristics in Burdwan municipal area of Burdwan district.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July-December 2016 among 79 adult transgender people residing in the study area. Sample size was based on 50% having satisfactory QOL with 95% CI, 10% relative error, and 10% non-response rate with finite population correction (total target reference population 96). Subjects were selected by simple random sampling and recruited for interview by time space sampling. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed by a predesigned schedule and QOL was assessed by using a validated Bengali version of WHO-QOL BREF questionnaires.Results: 56.9% people were found to be have good QOL score as a whole. Maximum and minimum percentages of good QOL score was found in environmental domain (84.7%) and social relationship domain (45.8%). A significant positive correlation was found between education and monthly income with QOL score while negative correlation between age and QOL score. Marital status, current living status and occupation were found to have a statistically significant association with QOL score.Conclusions: The study measured QOL as well as identified some important socio-demographic variables which affected QOL among transgender people. These findings can help the government to plan conceptually to improve QOL in this special transgender group of population by some legislation, social awareness and facilities dedicated towards them.
A study to assess the prevalence of anaemia amongst adolescent girls residing in selected slum of Bhopal city
Authors: Melwani Veena , Dubey Manju , Khan Amreen , Toppo Manju , Choudhary Yachana , Priya Angelin
Published: February 2018

Background: Adolescence has been defined by the WHO as the period of life spanning the ages between 10 to 19 years. This is a vulnerable period in the human life cycle for the development of nutritional anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia among adolescents is 27% in developing countries and 6% in developed countries. The study was done with the objective to study the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls of selected urban slum of Bhopal.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 3 months on adolescent girls residing in selected urban slum of Bhopal. 98 adolescent girls who were registered in Anganwadi and present at time of study were interviewed. The data regarding their socio-demographic profile, anthropometric measurements were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Hemoglobin level was also estimated using Hemocue (Hb 201) and participants were classified as having no, mild, moderate and severe anaemia based on WHO grading of anaemia. Data was compiled using MS Excel and analysed using Epi info 7.Results: Anaemia was present in 57.65% girls. Out of which 34.7% had mild, 44.9% had moderate and 20.4% had severe anaemia. 29.4% knew improper diet as a cause of anaemia followed by Vitamin deficiency (25.8%) and iron deficiency (22.3%). 29.4% girls did not know any cause of anaemia. Similarly 29.4% and 51.7% of study participants did not know of any symptoms and treatment of anaemia respectively.Conclusions: The overall prevalence of anaemia was high among study participants. Knowledge regarding anaemia, its symptoms, causes and treatment was very poor among study participants.
Quality of assessment of women at the time of admission for childbirth in secondary and tertiary public sector referral institutes in southern India
Authors: Tyagi Mukta , Singh Samiksha
Published: February 2018

Background: About 830 pregnant women die every day due to preventable causes which often get missed in initial assessment. We assessed the quality of assessment for high-risk conditions or complications at the time of admission for childbirth in two referral hospitals from a southern state of India.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among pregnant women admitted for childbirth in two hospitals (a district hospital and a medical college). We extracted information about high-risk assessment through history, examination and lab investigations and monitoring from case sheets and, prevalence of high-risk from registers. We interviewed the doctors and nurses, to understand the process of high-risk assessment for pregnant women at time of admission and monitoring thereafter.Results: Both the hospitals were lacking standard protocol for assessment and documentation in case-sheets was poor. Common investigations and basic examination was done for about two-thirds of cases but past and current history of common illness was elicited by only one-third of cases. Participants were insufficiently monitored during labour. 55% of the women had atleast one high-risk condition. Commonest high-risk was previous caesarean and complication noted was foetal distress. Most patients came in without referral records, and there was no mechanism for referral communication, or continuum of care across levels of care.Conclusions: A large proportion of pregnant women had any high-risk but a considerable proportion may be missed, or identified late. The documentation regarding assessment was poor. There is scope of improvement in high-risk assessment and monitoring of pregnant women admitted for childbirth.
Psychological distress, hopelessness and health service needs of late adolescents in rural Pondicherry, South India
Authors: Niranjjan R. , Sarkar Sonali , Balajee Karthik , Srinivasan Manikandan
Published: February 2018

Background: Late adolescence (15-19 years) is a period which entails stress and specific physical and mental health needs. The Objectives were to study the prevalence of psychological distress, hopelessness, and health service needs of late adolescence in rural Puducherry.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in a service practice area of Jawaharlal Institute Rural Health centre (JIRHC) during July-August 2015. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain demographic characteristics, health service needs and substance abuse among adolescents and their family members. Self-administered GHQ-12 questionnaire and becks hopelessness scale was used to assess the psychological distress and hopelessness respectively.Results: Of the total 324 participants, 170 (53%) were females. The mean (SD) age was 15.9 (1.3) years. One fifth of the adolescents (20.9%) had psychological distress. Moderate level of hopelessness was seen in 32 (10%) adolescents. Substance abuse was found in 125 (39%) of the family members of adolescents and 55 (44%) had problems at home related to the substance abuse. On multivariate analysis, problem in household due to substance abuse was the single independent risk factor [aOR 2.6; 95%CI (1.1-6.0)] for psychological distress. Majority of females expressed their need for an exclusive adolescent clinic (58%), sexual & reproductive awareness (67.5%) and information about contraception (67.4%). The need for mental health services was higher in females compared to males (55.6% vs. 44.3%), which was statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: In rural area of Puducherry, one out of five adolescents had psychological distress and ten percentages of adolescents had moderate level of hopelessness requiring mental health and counselling services.
Are workers in construction sites of Mangalore city healthy? a cross-sectional study
Authors: Raj Utsav , R. Pracheth , K. R. Nischith
Published: February 2018

Background: Construction site workers are prone to develop health problems due to poor living conditions. This is magnified by lack of timely access to health care. Thus, we sought to explore the health status of construction site workers.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in construction sites located in an urban area of Mangalore, from September to November, 2015 among workers aged ≥18 years, with consent. Information was obtained through a pre-designed, pre-tested interview schedule.Results: A total of 178 individuals participated in the study, which included 160 (89.80%) males. Majority, (80.80%), stated that they had experienced fever at least once in the past one year. Other major complaints were blocked nose (17.40%), followed by skin diseases (12.70%) and cough which was present in 12.30%. When the study participants had an illness, 65.70% visited a health facility. Majority (82.50%) preferred private doctors, 62.50% visited the doctor so that they could work better and earn more, and 37.0% were unable to afford the treatment due to high treatment cost.Conclusions: The most common health complaint was found to be fever. Nearly half of the study participants had illness which required treatment in the last one year. More than half visited a health facility when ill. A high proportion (82.50%) preferred private health facility.
Assessment of hand hygiene knowledge among medical and nursing students of Mysore medical college and research institute, Mysore
Authors: K. Manasa , S. G. Chandrakumar , B. Prashantha
Published: February 2018

Background: Improper hand hygiene among health care workers is the main cause for many nosocomial infections. Lack of knowledge and lack of recognition of hand hygiene opportunities during patient care are mainly responsible for poor hand hygiene among health care workers.Methods: Knowledge on hand hygiene was assessed using WHO hand hygiene questionnaire among medical and nursing students of Mysore medical college and research institute.Results: Among 276 medical and 225 nursing students who participated in the study, 26% of medical and 33% of nursing students had received formal training in hand hygiene in the last three years. Less than 50% of students had knowledge on source, routes of transmission of germs and minimal time needed for hand rubbing in hospital setting.Conclusions: The knowledge is limited on hand hygiene actions which shows the importance of inclusion of hand hygiene topic in curriculum.
Determinants of vision function related quality of life of patients undergoing unilateral cataract surgical services in charitable hospitals in India: a multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Kurian Elizabeth , Vishwakarma Pankaj , Deenadayalan Jaikumar , Mondal Amit , Ranpise Dhanaji , Chavan Shobhana , Kumar S. G. Prem
Published: February 2018

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of avoidable blindness in developing world, including India. The objective of this study is to measure the changes in quality of life (VRQoL) after cataract surgery and identify the predictors of an improvement in these outcomes.Methods: A multi-center prospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted. At baseline patients aged ≥18 years with first-eye cataract were interviewed about VRQoL. Six months’ later participants were re-interviewed at their residences. Multiple classification analysis (MCA) was performed to assess the variation in the intensities of mean change scores for general function, psychosocial impact and visual function with select factors.Results: The six-month follow-up rate was 87.3%. There was a significant improvement in visual acuity and VRQoL post-surgery. The mean general function, psychosocial impact and visual function scores were 34.6 (SD 10.9), 10.5 (SD 3.7) and 8.4 (SD 2.2) in the baseline and 15 (SD 5.5), 5 (SD 2.2) and 4.4 (SD 1.6) in the follow-up assessments, respectively. In MCA, patients prescribed spectacles post-surgery (β 0.137) and those from rural backgrounds (β 0.137) had the most impact on general function. Patients with complete follow-up visits had a relatively higher effect on the psychosocial impact (β 0.084) whereas patients from rural background and men had the most impact on the visual function scores (β 0.102 and 0.076) respectively.Conclusions:Cataract surgery is associated with meaningful improvements in VRQoL in general. The determinants of better VFQoL include regular and complete patient follow-up visits and prescription and provision of spectacles post-surgery.
Burnout among clinicians in tertiary care setting
Authors: Chepuru Rajya Lakshmi , Lotheti Siva Kumar , Bhimarasetty Devi Madhavi
Published: February 2018

Background: “Burnout” is defined as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, or a coping mechanism to working conditions that are stressful, demanding and lack of recognition. Effects of burnout are many and can eventually threaten one’s job satisfaction, relationship and also health. High patient load, long working hours, poor logistics and infrastructure support and unreasonable demands from patients make clinicians vulnerable for stress and burnout. Objective was to study the prevalence of burn out in clinicians and factors associated with burnout.Methods: The study was an observational descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among Doctors in clinical departments of a Tertiary Medical care setting in October-November 2015. Sample size was 97. Study was conducted using Maslach Burnout Inventory with additional questions on demographic factors, work experience, hours of work and speciality. The inventory comprised 22 items on a seven-point Likert scale. Frequency of symptoms (ranging from ‘0=never’ to ‘6=every day’). Burnout was measured in three dimensions - emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA). The data was collected after taking Institutional ethics committee approval and verbal consent from participants. Data was analyzed using MS Excel 2007.Results: About 15% 0f clinicians showed high emotional exhaustion, 9% high depersonalization, and 18% low Personal accomplishment. More Females showed burnout than males and more clinicians from surgical branches showed burnout when compared to medical branches.Conclusions: Burnout exists among healthcare professionals and measures should be taken to identify causes and take remedial actions.
Socio-demographic factors affecting utilization of toilet among peoples attending tertiary care hospital at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Kawale Shailesh K. , Thakur Hemlata , Sharma Vivek , Minz Anmol
Published: February 2018

Background: By the end of 2011 there were 2.5 billion people, over one third of the world’s population, living without safe, adequate sanitation and hygiene. The government of India is working towards making an open defecation free communities all over the India through Swachh Bharat Mission. So present study was conducted with the objective to find out toilet utilisation and its associated socio-demographic factors among study population.Methods: A cross sectional, hospital based study was conducted among peoples attending tertiary care hospital of our medical college CIMS, Bilaspur. Total 384 individuals were interviewed during June 2017 to November 2017 by using predesigned and pretested questionnaire after taking written informed consent.Results: Among the total 384 study participants 75.8% ware male, maximum participants were in age group 30-49 years (i.e. 44.5%), 72.4% were married and 88.4% were literate. 62.8% study participants were residing in rural area, 55.4% were having kuccha house, 56.5% were having more than 5 members in their family and 27.6% were having under 5 year children in their family. Among study participants 83.9% were utilize toilet. Gender of study participant, residence, marital status, presence of under 5 years child in family and type of house of study participants are significantly associated with toilet utilization (p<0.05).Conclusions:Though overall toilet utilization is good but focus should be given to male population and especially peoples residing in rural area to achieve open defecation free India under Swachh Bharat Mission.
Morbidity profile of communicable diseases in a tertiary care hospital of Chandrapur, Maharashtra
Authors: Dhoble Shital S. , Atram Devishri P. , Kubde Sanjay S. , Naitam Anil
Published: February 2018

Background: Worldwide, developed and developing countries are facing the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, developing countries like India is more exposed and vulnerable due to multitude of factors. Objectives were to study the morbidity patterns of communicable diseases of indoor patients at tertiary care hospital and find out the seasonal distribution of the communicable diseases.Methods: A retrospective study was done over a period of 1 year from April 2016 to March 2017. 4766 admitted patients of communicable diseases were included using universal sampling method. Diagnosis was categorized as per International classification of Disease (ICD) 10 classification. Data was analyzed using spss 16.Results: Out of the total 4766 admitted patients, 62% were females and 38% were males. 56.40% patients admitted in the most productive age group (15-45 years) followed by 14.35% and 8.06% geriatric population and under 5 children respectively. Peak in admission was seen in monsoon season (July to Sept.). 34.54% patients were admitted for bacterial cause followed by 30.03% acute gastroenteritis (AGE). AGE, viral fever, malaria were more commonly seen in female while typhoid, measles, tuberculosis were more commonly seen in male.Conclusions: Many diseases have a seasonal variation and the burden of these diseases could be reduced if we take measures to detect the changes in their trend through the implementation of surveillance programs.
A cross sectional study on the prevalence and factors associated with geriatric depression in an urban slum of Davangere city
Authors: Dhar Ruchi , G. S. Vidya , Kashyap Ritu
Published: February 2018

Background: Various community-based studies have revealed that the prevalence of depression in geriatric population in India varies between 13% and 25%. In spite of the magnitude of this problem there are very few studies from India investigating geriatric depression and its associated risk factors. This study aims to establish the prevalence, socio- demographic correlates and factors associated with geriatric depression in an urban slum of Davangere city. Objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and its association with socio- demographic factors among the geriatric population in an urban slum of Davangere city.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from June to November 2016, among the geriatric people residing in an urban slum (Mustafanagar) of Davangere city. A house to house survey was done and all the geriatric people willing to participate in the study were selected and assessed for depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale.Results: In this study the prevalence of depression was found to be 39% among the elderly, of which 33% had mild depression and 6% had severe depression.Conclusions: In this study it was found that the prevalence of depression was higher among those who were widowed and those who were living alone. It was also more among the people belonging to Class V Socio-economic status (Modified B.G Prasad Classification) and people suffering from a chronic illness.
Nutritional status and cognitive impairment in elderly population in a rural area of Thrissur district, Kerala
Authors: Ramachandran Remya , Mundodan Jenyz M. , Saju C. R. , Joshy Vidhu M.
Published: February 2018

Background: The past decade has witnessed a marked increase in elderly population of India. This rapid ageing will substantially increase the number of elderly individuals, who are affected by cognitive impairment. Recent studies suggest the association between malnutrition and cognitive impairment in elderly. This study aims to describe the nutritional status and cognitive impairment in elderly population in a rural area of Thrissur district, Kerala.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 elderly residents of Adat Panchayat, Thrissur, from January to April 2016. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, which included socio-demographic variables, self-reported physical morbidities, mini mental state examination (MMSE) scale and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) scale.Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment and malnutrition in elderly was noted to be 55% and 12% respectively. Factors showing significant association with MMSE score included older age groups, female gender, elderly belonging to BPL families, financial dependence, single/widowed status and sleep difficulties. The association between cognitive impairment and nutritional status was found to be statistically significant with a p value of <0.001. A moderate to strong correlation was observed between MNA score and MMSE score (r=0.623).Conclusions: There is an association between cognitive impairment and nutritional deficit. Therefore it is essential to screen elderly for nutritional status while assessing cognitive impairment.