bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Unemployment among the Educated Youth in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mallawarachchi L. U. , Peiris T. S. G.
Published: October 2022

As unemployment among the educated youth has been a common problem over the past years in Sri Lanka, this study was initiated to determine the factors affecting the educated unemployed youth (EUY). Data from the Annual Labor Force Survey in 2016 conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) was used for this study. This analysis is based on 4002 individuals whose age category of (15-24) and qualified with the G. C. E. (O/L) and G. C. E. (A/L) qualifications. For the analysis, seven variables used were gender, race, religion, marital status, education attainment, literacy in English and the residential sector. When each variable was considered separately, it was found that gender, religion, education attainment, literacy level in English and residential sector have significant impact on EUY. The educated female unemployed youth is significantly higher than that of males. The highest percentage of EUY was found among Buddhists while the lowest percentage was found among Muslims. The rate of EUY having G. C. E (A/L) qualification is significantly less than that of G. C. E. (O/L) qualification. Of the residential sector, the highest unemployed rate (78%) was found in the estate sector. When all the seven variables were considered simultaneously using Binary logistic model, only gender, religion, marital status, education attainment, and residential sector were found significant on EUY. The overall correct classification rate of the Binary Logistic model is 76.2%. When only two way interactions were considered, the model was found to be significant based on Hosmer and Lemeshow statistic (p=0.460) and the overall correct classification was improved to 77.1%. The significant interaction was found between gender and education attainment, religion, marital status and English literacy. The percentage of married male EUY is significantly lower than that of unmarried male, but the percentage of EUY is almost same for females irrespective of marital status. The lowest percentage of EUY was noted for males having G. C. E. (A/L). The percentage of male EUY who are unable to read and write is almost the same than that of males who are able to read and write. Percentage of female EUY is much higher among those unable to read and write than that of able to read and write. The inferences derived in this study can effectively be utilized to reduce the EUY in Sri Lanka.
The Paddy Farmers’ Channel Choice and Links to the Public and Private Marketing Channels in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesooriya W. A. N. , Champika P. A. J. , Kuruppu I. V.
Published: October 2022

A better understanding of the paddy marketing channels paves the way to explore the dynamics of the rice economy in mixed marketing conditions. Thus, paddy/rice industry in Sri Lanka has now become a serious concern with all its multi-faceted implications. This study examines the influencing factors for the choice of marketing channels by the paddy farmers as well as the links to the public and private marketing channels in Sri Lanka. A sample of 345 farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling from DS divisions in Ampara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa districts. A pre-tested structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were conducted to collect primary data. Binary logistic regression was deployed for the data analysis. Results revealed that the average paddy land cultivated in the Maha season in Anuradhapura, Ampara, Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa was 3.41 ac., 3.50 ac., 3.09 ac., and 4.80 ac. respectively. Nearly 52% of the farmers sold their paddy to the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) showing the popularity of the Government Paddy Purchasing Programme (GPPP) in major producing areas. Analysis further indicated that, low land extent (p<0.1), availability of paddy storage facility (p<0.1), distance to PMB centers (p<0.1), distance to private collectors (p<0.05) and quantity of wet paddy sold (p<0.1) were the criteria which had significant impact over choice of paddy marketing channels. Positive significant coefficient of ‘Distance to PMB center’ reflects that, even if a selected farmer is residing far from the PMB center, he or she is more inclined to select GPPP. PMB centers offer more price premium than in the open market and in some cases, this was more than Rs.10.00/kg. “Quantity of wet paddy sold” is the variable which indicates a negative and significant impact on selecting GPPP. If a particular farmer tends to sell higher quantity of paddy as ‘wet paddy’, he or she is less likely to select GPPP. Farmers who, did not possess safe storage facilities, had difficulties in finding a suitable place to dry paddy, had high labour requirement to reach 14% moisture content in the final produce and the farmers who faced immediate cash needs were more inclined towards private buyers. There are more opportunities for small-scale farmers who produce limited surplus of paddy in government paddy purchasing channel. More time and cost involved, ineffective buying process, strict quality checks, lack of sufficient storage facilities, delaying of the commencement of purchasing and lack of drying facilities are the major problems faced by the farmers when selling paddy to the PMB centers. The major problem highlighted by the farmers regarding selling paddy to private sector is inability to receive a fair price.
Growth, Physiology, Weed Abundance and Yield in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Under Three Nutrient Input Systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: Ariyasena P. D. , De Silva C. S. , Dissanayaka D. M. D. , Devasinghe D. A. U. D.
Published: October 2022

A field experiment was conducted to compare the growth, physiology, weed abundance and yield in rice under three input systems; organic, conventional and integrated, during the 2019 Yala season as the second season of a long-term cropping systems trial. The design used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with six (6) replicates for each treatment. The rice variety used in the experiment was Bg 300 and three treatments were based on three input systems such as T1 – Conventional input system (100% Department of Agriculture (DOA) inorganic fertilizer recommendation), T2 – Integrated system (50% of Department of Agriculture (DOA) inorganic fertilizer recommendation +50% of the rate of compost added to organic input system) and T3 – Organic system (No inorganic fertilizers and only compost with the rate of 10000 kg ha-1). At the panicle initiation and harvesting stages, there was a (p<0.05) significant difference (in rice shoot biomass across the three input systems, with the organic system having the lowest values compared to the other two. At panicle initiation, 50% heading, and harvesting phases, a significant difference (p<0.05) in plant height was noted among the three input systems, with the organic system showing the lowest values at all stages. The organic system had the highest weed count at all three crop stages and no significant difference between integrated and conventional systems. The three input systems had a significant difference in final grain yield at 14 percent moisture. At 14% moisture, there was no difference in final grain yield between conventional and reduced systems (4.85 and 4.67 tonnes/ha) with the organic system having the lowest value (2.74 tonnes/ha). Overall results indicate that reducing inorganic fertilizers by 50% with the combination of organic manure as in the integrated system gives similar final grain yields as the conventional system of new improved varieties like Bg 300 in high potential areas like Anuradhapura. Also, organic systems can show low crop growth and yields due to inadequate nutrient supply through organic materials and high weed density during the first year of transition.
Continuous intention of using zoom for e-learning: Empirical evidence from management undergraduates in University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
Authors: Chandradasa I. , Galhena B. L.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence Sri Lankan university students’ intention to continuous use of government-introduced zoom applications for e-learning during the post-COVID-19 pandemic. This study is a quantitative study and self-administered questionnaire survey was used to collect data for a sample of 200 undergraduates of the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Ruhuna. The results of the study found that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, effort expectancy, work-life quality, facilitating conditions and internet experience are the most influential factors that influence Sri Lankan university students’ intention for continuous use of zoom application for e-learning. The study's findings provide important recommendations for policymakers, designers, developers, and researchers, allowing them to get more familiar with the main factors that influence to continue the use of zoom for e-learning during the pandemic. Recognizing the factors influencing the intention for continuous use of the system is a major problem faced by the universities and higher educational institutions that implement e-learning for conducting academic activities continuously since there is a lack of knowledge on the essential issues and elements that influence the student's continuous intention for use of e-learning systems during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the current study was done by adding another three variables to UTAUT 2 model to examine students' continuous intention of using zoom for e-learning.
New-onset systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with pseudo-pseudo Meigs’ syndrome
Authors: Al Hammadi Nouf
Published: October 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex disease and can present with almost any organ involvement, including serosal inflammation. Our patient is not known to have any medical problems, presented for the first time with pseudo-pseudo Meigs’ syndrome (PPMS), and after extensive workup to rule out other possibilities like infection and malignancy, she was found to have systemic lupus erythematosus. Several other cases have been reported in the literature; our patient had to have a pleural biopsy for completion of workup. She responded to prednisone and Immune suppression therapy (including mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and Plaquenil).
Association between vitamin D levels in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fatima Kaneez , Asif Muqaddus , Nihal Kanwal , Hussain Hassan Ul , Hasan Ayeza Waseem , Zahid Marium , Burney Muhammad Husban , Asad Fatima , Fatima Sarah , Saleem Minahil Binte , Khalid Muhammad Abdullah
Published: October 2022

Background:

This meta-analysis aimed to pool all the available data to provide a well-powered assessment of the role of maternal Vitamin D levels in developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) because already published studies evaluating this association are small in sample size and yielded conflicting findings.

Material and Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was performed. We searched electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Central) from inception to April 2021 for published and unpublished observational studies that determined the association between the reduction of Vitamin D levels and the risk of developing GDM in pregnant women. Results from studies were pooled as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and odds ratios (OR) using the random-effects model.

Results:

Forty-four studies, consisting of 37,838 pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. Dichotomous studies showed a significant association between maternal Vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of GDM (OR = 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.57; P < 0.00001). Studies with continuous data also showed a significant association between maternal Vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing GDM (weighted mean difference (WMD): –5.14 nmol/L, 95% CI = –6.28 to -4.00; P < 0.00001). Moderate heterogeneity was also detected.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, all studies demonstrated that lower levels of maternal serum Vitamin D were associated with a higher risk of developing GDM in pregnancy.
Establishment of the role of myofibroblasts in invasive process of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A pilot study
Authors: Gandhi Vaishali , Mahajan Anupama , Kansal Yash Pal
Published: October 2022

Aims:

To establish the role of myofibroblasts in invasive process of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods:

Four study groups were formed as follows: group 1 consisting of 30 cases of well-differentiated OSCC, group 2 consisting of 30 cases of moderately differentiated OSCC, group 3 consisting of 30 cases of poorly differentiated OSCC, and group 4 consisting of controls. Staining of all of the specimens was done using a-SMA antibody through immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedure. Multiplication product of staining intensity (A) and percentage of a-SMA-stained immuno-positive cells (B) gave a final staining index (FSI). According to FSI, score zero was graded as index zero; score one and two were graded as index low; score three and score were graded as index moderate; and score six, seven, eight and nine were graded as index high.

Results:

Mean FSI among specimens of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 7.93, 8.47, 8.8, and 0, respectively. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing the mean final staining index among specimens of groups 1, 2 and 3. However; while comparing between groups 1 and 4, groups 2 and 4, and groups 3 and 4, significant results were obtained. While comparing the FSI among overall OSCC group (groups 1, 2 and 3) and controls (group 4), significant results were obtained.

Conclusion:

Myofibroblasts are an integral component of processes associated with the creation of a permissive environment for cancer invasion process in patients with OSCC.

Clinical Significance:

Myofibroblasts are associated with the creation of progressive and invasive processes of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Hence, they might be employed as a part of future target for therapeutics in cancer therapy.
Torsion of fallopian tube with gangrenous ovary and early pregnancy: A rare case report
Authors: Singh Komal , Aloke  , Mandal Sanchita
Published: October 2022

Torsion of the fallopian tube during early pregnancy is a very rare phenomenon. Most of them present with acute abdominal pain and are often misdiagnosed with a twisted ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, etc. A 19-year-old female was referred to the medical department for pain abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. Her last menstrual period was 28 days back. The urine pregnancy test was negative. Ultrasonogram (USG) was suggestive of encapsulated exophytic hemorrhagic cyst in the right adnexa arising from the right ovary. A huge right-twisted fimbrial cyst with hemorrhagic contents (14 cm × 12 cm) along with a gangrenous right ovary was evident in emergency laparotomy. Right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. She was discharged with an uneventful postoperative recovery. She presented again after 2 months with postoperative amenorrhea, nausea, and vomiting. USG suggested 12 weeks of pregnancy, which continued until term. Eventually, a lower segment cesarean section was done for fetal distress. A twisted fallopian tube during pregnancy is a rare phenomenon. A high index of suspicion necessitates prompt diagnosis and prevention of future fertility and obstetric morbidity.
Breast cancer knowledge among health professionals: A pre–post-knowledge-based intervention study
Authors: Rehman Huma T. , Jawaid Hina , Tahir Aisha , Imtiaz Misha , Zulfiqar Tehzeeb , Aziz Tariq
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Breast-cancer-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced by following worldwide-accepted screening guidelines and by appropriate education and training of health professionals on risk identification and screening. The study aimed to determine the significance of educational sessions in improving health professionals’ knowledge about breast cancer, particularly screening modalities that can benefit the patients.

Method and Materials:

An interventional study was conducted among 260 health professionals, including medical students, nurses, and allied health professionals. The intervention was an educational session on breast cancer risks and screening guidelines. Health professionals’ knowledge about breast cancer risk, presentation, and screening were tested by a structured questionnaire before and after the educational session. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26. Chi-square was used to identify differences in pre and post-test. P value was considered significant at <0.05.

Results:

There is a significant difference between pre-session and post-session responses in all areas of knowledge about breast cancer, with much improved outcomes after the educational session.

Conclusion:

Health professionals lack knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, screening tools, presentation, and management. Regular education sessions improve these knowledge gaps and help early detection and treatment of women at risk of breast cancer.
Blood donation intentions and predictors among Hosanna town dwellers, south nation nationality peoples region, Ethiopia
Authors: Mecha Aregash , Erchafo Belay
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Blood is a vital concern to society. It contributes to saving millions of lives each year in both regular and emergency situations. Globally, there is a continual need to maintain a safe and sufficient supply of blood and blood yields. Patients who are in need of blood transfusion as part of their medical management have the right to wait for safe and sufficient blood. However, globally, many patients still suffer unnecessarily and die because of a deficiency in safe blood transfusion.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the intention and factors influencing the donation of blood voluntarily among hosanna town dwellers.

Methods:

Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 677 adult dwellers of age 18–60 years old that were selected by multi-stage sampling in hosanna town Hadiya Zone, SNNPR Ethiopia, December 2016.

Result:

In this study, 204 (30.1%) of the total participants had ever donated blood. But only 236 (34.9) had the intention to donate blood in the future, which is much less. Age, income, educational status, attitude, and knowledge of participants showed statistically significant association with blood donation intention. As a unit increase by a comprehensive knowledge of the participants, blood donation intention increases by 1.46 (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: (1.24–1.72)) and people with a favorable attitude towards blood donation had 6.36 times (AOR = 6.36, 95% CI: (3.30–17.24)) more likely intended to donate blood than those who had unfavorable attitude. People who had no formal education have intended 84% less likely when compared with those who had completed primary school only (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI: (0.04–0.64)). Similarly, people who were in the first, least, tertiary income category had blood donation intention 82% (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: (0.06–0.58)) less likely when compared with people in the highest group.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

As only 30.1% and 34.9 had ever donated blood and intended to donate blood, respectively, which is very low. Lack of awareness and periodic sensitizations were major reasons. Thus, it would be better if the Hadiya zone health department, hosanna town health office, and blood bank hosanna branch take the initiative to increase awareness on voluntary blood donation in the community through different strategies and periodic sensitizations.
Pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women infected with COVID-19 with and without underlying disease: A case-control study
Authors: Rostami Amirabbas , Birang Nafise
Published: October 2022

Emerging infections have many effects on the health of pregnant mothers and their fetuses. Given the importance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during pregnancy, this study aims to evaluate the pregnancy and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 by using previous studies. To conduct this study, all studies related to the subject under discussion during the years 2000–2021 were checked out by systematic search in internationally available databases, including Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Finally, 21 closely related studies were selected to investigate the main objective. The results showed that common symptoms of COVID-19 in pregnant women included fever, cough, and muscle aches. The most common laboratory results included decreased blood lymphocytes and increased blood CRP. Consequences of pregnancy and childbirth in pregnant women included increased preterm delivery and increased cesarean section. Based on the results of the reviewed study, it can be concluded that newborns of mothers with COVID-19 were negative for COVID-19. However, the most common outcome for infants born to mothers with COVID-19 was low birth weight. Clinical signs, laboratory results, and radiographic criteria in pregnant women with COVID-19 are similar to those in non-infected adults. However, it is recommended that precautions be taken to prevent transmission of the virus, as well as preventive health instructions, particularly masking.
Vaccine hesitancy towards COVID vaccine among unvaccinated frontline health care workers working in a designated COVID care center: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shankar Sindhu S , Suresh Anandu , Satyanarayana Pradeep T.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Frontline health care workers (FLHCW) like doctors and nurses are bound to treat COVID patients being themselves not immune to disease are at a greater risk of COVID infection than the general population. The study was started with objectives to find out the vaccine hesitancy towards the COVID vaccine and to find out the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among FLHCW working in a designated COVID care center.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was a cross-sectional study carried out for a period of 6 months from Jan 2021 to June 2021 at a designated COVID care center. FLHCWs who were part of treating COVID patients were our study participants. Among them, FLHCWs who had not received even one dose of COVID vaccine (Covishield) were included in the study. FLHCWs who had been part of the COVID vaccine trial were excluded from the study. The sample size calculated based on a previous study found to be 240. The data collected were entered into a Microsoft office excel sheet, analyzed using SPSS v 22(IBM Corp). Descriptive statistics were applied, and parametric tests were used to compare among the groups with statistically significant P value lesser than 0.05

Results:

A total of 121 (52.6%) of FLHCWs were aged more than 30 years, 118 (51.5%) were male participants, 100 (43.5%) were paramedics by occupation, 51 (22.1%) had contracted COVID infection, 202 (87.8%) had received information, education, and communication (IEC) regarding COVID vaccine. FLHCWs more than 30 years, male participants, currently not working in COVIDward, FLHCWs who had not received IEC about COVIDvaccination and paramedics had higher scores of Vaccine hesitancy, and the difference was statistically significant indicating vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusion:

Vaccine hesitancy remains a persistent global threat. Awareness campaigns can be tailored to specific locales to address identified concerns regarding vaccines.
Melasma-like actinic lichen planus in a middle-aged Saudi male
Authors: Alhajri Abdulmohsen , AlNazer Najat A. , Aldawsari Saleha A. , Al Ameer Mohammed A. , Alsahaf Hassan Ahmed A.
Published: October 2022

Actinic lichen planus (LP) is a rare variant of the common papulosquamous disease LP. It occurs mainly on sun-exposed parts of the body and has a high incidence during spring and summer. We report a case of melasma-like presentation of actinic LP in a 52-year-old Saudi man not known to have any comorbidities, who presented with asymptomatic, hyperpigmented patches on the face.
Nutritional assessment in hospitalized elderly patients, its sociodemographic determinants and co-relation with activities of daily life
Authors: Mukundan Megha , Dhar Minakshi , Saxena Vartika , Panda Prasan K. , Bhat Nowneet K.
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Present study was planned to identify various sociodemographic factors influencing nutritional status in elderly and impact of nutritional status on activities of daily living in them.

Methods:

Total of 177 patients were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Nutritional status was assessed at the time of discharge by using Mini Nutritional Assessment form (MNA). Kartz Activity of Daily Living was assessed at 3 months before admission, at the time of admission, at discharge and 3 months after discharge. After written informed consent and ethics clearance patients were enrolled in the study. Analysis was done using the SPSS version 23 and Chi Square test was used to find the association between different qualitative variables. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Mean age of the study participants was 68.64 ± 7.73 years. 40 patients (22.6%) were found to be malnourished. Higher age, living alone, high CCI score and low ADL at discharge were associated with malnutrition. Mean ADL score was 5.82 at - 3 months time point in well-nourished patients which decreased during admission and then increased to 4.94 at the 3 months after discharge. Mean ADL score was of 5.33 at -3 months time point which kept on decreasing during admission and at 3 months after discharge in malnourished group. All these changes were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Nutritional status is a modifiable risk factor in elderly so identifying and optimizing nutritional status of elderly will optimise their functional status and improve quality of life.
Protocol for developing telephone-based brief psychosocial intervention for COVID-19 patients in India
Authors: Shetty Kannappa V. , Sharma Upasana , Kalyanasundaram Madhanraj , Kumar Sanjeev , Bamney Urmila
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

The ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge mental health impact on people, especially the infected population. They are at greater risk of developing psychological symptoms due to the fear of death and developing severe disability, lack of proper treatment and social restrictions, stigma, and discrimination. The early psychological symptoms, if ignored, may have long-term consequences on the health and well-being of COVID patients. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health services have been impacted negatively, and the need for technology-based psychological interventions has been identified as an alternative treatment method. Hence, the Telephone-Based Brief Psycho-Social interventions (TBPSI) will be developed for COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Method:

A five-session tele psychosocial intervention including rapport establishment and assessment, supportive counselling, activity scheduling, relaxation technique, and post-assessment will be developed based on the extensive review of the literature. Face and content validation of the intervention package will be done by the mental health experts. Further, the feasibility of the intervention program will be tested on COVID-19 patients in the Dharwad district, and later, the same will be implemented across the COVID hospitals of Karnataka state.

Discussion and Conclusion:

The study results may bring new insights into the culturally sensitive technology-oriented interventions during this pandemic in the country. The paradigm may be shifted from routine treatment to cost-effective and time-based intervention in the public health system in India. The telephonic brief psychosocial interventions can be utilised as a mainstream treatment during non-emergency situations as well.
Association of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) and tobacco use among women of reproductive age group in India: A secondary data analysis from NFHS-4
Authors: Sharma Nitika , Joshi Nishigandha , Nazar Gaurang P. , Arora Monika , Malhotra Sumit , Bhatt Garima , Goel Sonu
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Tobacco use in any form is known to exert several perinatal complications. Through this study, the authors aimed to study the association between tobacco use and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) among women (aged 15–49 years) in India.

Methodology:

We used data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–2016) to study the association between tobacco use and HDP among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in India. Since the NFHS follows a complex multi-level sampling, sampling weights were used to study the univariate and multivariate associations between the independent and dependent variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) are reported along with 95% Confidence Intervals.

Results:

A sample of 1,07730 women was included in the analysis. HDP was more likely to be experienced by smokeless and smoking tobacco users (AOR 1.3, 95% CI (1.0-1.6) and AOR 2.7, 95% CI (2.0-3.7), respectively). Women with secondary (AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.7-0.8)) and higher education (AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.6-0.8)) were less likely to suffer from HDP as compared to those with no education. Women with daily (AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.5-0.8)), weekly (AOR 0.8, 95% CI (0.6-0.9)) or occasional AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.6-0.9)) consumption of fruits were less likely to experience HDP as compared to women with no fruit intake.

Conclusion:

Healthy diet and lifestyle factors can contribute to reduce the risk of HDP across women. The antenatal check-ups in India should also comprehensively focus on screening and counseling of women against tobacco use.
Tobacco smoking and blood pressure: How are they related among the Indians? – A secondary analysis of National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 data
Authors: Pathak Barsha Gadapani , Rahini S , Manapurath Rukman M. , Sharath BN , Gupta Rakesh , Goel Sonu
Published: October 2022

Background:

India, the second leading producer of tobacco, puts the population at a higher chance of tobacco consumption contributing to a significant disease burden. Though tobacco smoking is a modifiable risk factor for hypertension and has been on the rise among the population, studies on the relationship of tobacco with hypertension are limited in India.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the population-level risk of tobacco (smoke) use and elevated blood pressure (BP) among Indians and also assess the association of risk of tobacco smoking with hypertension based on the place of residence.

Materials and Methods:

Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 conducted between January 2015 and December 2016 was utilized. The prevalence of hypertension and its magnitude of association with smoking factors was found using univariable logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to predict the association of smoking products with elevated BP by adjusting the model for sociodemographic factors, illness, physical characteristics, and state-wise data.

Results:

The weighted prevalence of hypertension was 16.56% (confidence interval [CI]: 16.34–16.78) in males and 11.20% (CI: 11.12–11.27) in females. Among those who smoked tobacco, 15.3% women and 22.4% men were hypertensive. This study highlights the significant association of smoking of various tobacco products with hypertension in both men and women on univariate analysis. But the adjusted mean elevated BP among the tobacco-using males and females was not significantly associated with smoking cigarettes, pipe, cigars, and hookah.

Conclusion:

Cigarette smoking is a modifiable factor for the development and progression of hypertension. Adequate preventive and promotive health measures targeting the young, rural inhabitants and the poorer sections of society may help in reducing tobacco consumption.
Diet and lifestyle risk factors associated with young adult hypertensives in India – Analysis of National Family Health Survey IV
Authors: Manapurath Rukman Mecca , Anto Rosna Mary , Pathak Barsha , Malhotra Sumit , Khanna Poonam , Goel Sonu
Published: October 2022

Background:

Young adults with hypertension have a higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular diseases. Global evidence suggests a significant role of diet and lifestyle risk factors on hypertension among the young adult (aged 18–39 years) hypertensive population.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to look for the association of diet and lifestyle risk factors with young adult hypertensives.

Results:

This study reports the prevalence of young adult hypertension based on a national representative sample based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) data and the association of behavioral risk factors with young adult hypertension. The survey adopted a two-stage stratified random sampling. The outcome variable was hypertension, whereas the exposure variables were various diet and lifestyle factors. The prevalence of young adult hypertension in India was 12.4% among men and 8.2% among women. Sikkim had the highest prevalence among both sexes. Lower prevalence was seen in the states of Delhi and Kerala. Marital status, body mass index, eating meat, alcohol intake, and taking coffee or tobacco 30 min before BP measurement were found to be associated factors that put both the sexes at risk of developing hypertension. The wealth index was concluded as a risk factor only in men while the level of education came out to be a risk factor only in females.

Conclusion:

This study is the first from India which gives a recent estimate of prevalence of young adult hypertension by state and individual level characteristics in addition to national level estimates for India.
Seroepidemiological study of human brucellosis in the Northeast region of Meghalaya, India
Authors: Shukla Jayshree L. , Husain Aliabbas A. , Lyngdoh Samantha A. , Nonglang Flavius P. , Sahai Nitin , Gogoi Manasjit , Singh Lokendra R. , Bhan Surya , Kashyap Rajpal S.
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of major public health concern. In India, the incidence of brucellosis remains vastly underreported due to its non-specific clinical presentation and sub-optimal sensitivity of existing gold standard tests. Studies in Northeast India have shown high incidences of brucellosis in livestock, but the region lacks data on human brucellosis despite its high associated risk. In the present study, we report the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and its associated risk factors in Meghalaya, Northeast India.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted in East Khasi Hills and Ri.Bhoi districts of Meghalaya, from July 2018 to July 2020. A total of 1046 suspected patients with febrile illness along with associated risk factors were recruited through camps and various diagnostic laboratories in the defined region as per the pre.specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline, demographics, and clinical characteristics were recorded of all the consenting participants. Blood samples were analyzed for brucellosis-specific IgM antibodies through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results and discussion:

The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 11.37% in Meghalaya. Among recruited participants, females were found to be more susceptible than males. Risk factors such as consumption of meat were found to be more significantly associated with brucellosis disease in the study region. Among the clinical presentations, pyrexia of unknown origin, myalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome were found to be significantly associated with brucellosis disease in IgM.positive cases.

Conclusion:

Our result suggests further epidemiological investigations for human brucellosis in Northeast India toward improved advocacy for accurate diagnosis, and development of proper response mechanism in areas of high endemicity.
Placental chorioangioma with an emphasis on rare giant placental chorioangioma and associated maternal and perinatal outcome: Clinicopathological study in a single centre
Authors: Vig Tanush , Tirkey Richa S. , Jacob Smitha E. , Manoj Kumar Ramani , Yenuberi Hilda , Rathore Swati , Mahasampath Gowri
Published: October 2022

Context:

Giant placental chorioangiomas (GPC) are exceedingly rare and harbour potential to cause feto-maternal complications with resultant morbidity.

Aims & Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study using details from Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Pathology is done to study the various clinical and pathological features of placental chorioangiomas with a special emphasis on the rare GPCs and associated complications.

Results:

Over a period of 16 years, 20 cases were diagnosed as chorioangioma in our institution. 60% of these occurred in primigravida (n=12) and 71% cases carried a female foetus. Only 25% cases were > 30 years. Maternal and foetal complications occurred in 85% and 50% cases. Pre-term labour was the common maternal complication and foetal death/stillbirth was the most common foetal complication. There were 15 cases of GPC, 73% occurred in primigravida (n=11) and 75% of cases carried a female foetus. There were no cases of maternal death or recurrence. Primigravidity was associated with maternal complication in contrast to multigravidity (P = 0.049). Mean age of mothers with maternal complications and those without maternal complications reached statistical significance (P = 0.001). Though histologically all the cases were similar, calcification and infarction were seen exclusively in GPC cases.

Conclusion:

GPCs are rare and our data adds evidence to use 4cm as an optimum cut-off in the definition. GPCs were associated with a high percentage of primigravidity, female foetus, and poorer outcome of pregnancy. Routine examination of placenta in unexplained foetal/perinatal demise must be stressed to detect microscopic evidence of chorioangioma.
Prevalence and associated factors for awareness of hypertension in India: Findings from national survey-4
Authors: Grover Ashoo , Venkatesh U. , Ghai Glory , Babu Vignitha , Aggarwal Sumit , Singh Ravinder , Chinnakali Palanivel , Kishore Jugal , Singh Mahendra Pratap , Goel Sonu , Durga R , Yashwanth R D , Kishore Surekha
Published: October 2022

Background:

Despite the fact that hypertension is increasing, merely 50% are aware of the disease. Being aware of hypertension is important to control it.

Aim:

The study’s objective was to estimate the level of hypertension awareness in India and explore its associated sociodemographic factors.

Materials and Methods:

The data collected in National Family Health Survey 4 (2015–2016) among men aged 15–54 years and women aged 15–49 years were analyzed. Taking awareness of hypertension as an outcome variable, descriptive analysis, and multivariable logistic regression model were performed, by gender.

Results:

Of 1,41,215 hypertensive individuals analyzed, 34.7% of men and 53.6% of women were aware of being hypertensive. The control among those aware was 67.1% in men and 74.6% in women. The awareness varied among states ranging from 29.6% in Chhattisgarh to 75.6% in Tamil Nadu. The multivariable logistic regression model explained the awareness of hypertension in males increased with age (odds ratios [OR]: 0.226 for 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.139–0.366 for 25–29 years of age increased to 0.599 for 95% CI: 0.48–0.74 for 40–44 years of age), education (OR of 0.66 for 95% CI: 0.51–0.85 for primary increased to 0.69 for 95% CI: 0.54–0.89 for secondary school level), and wealth status (OR of 0.407 for 95% CI: 0.309–0.535 for poor wealth quintile increased to 1.030 for 95% CI: 0.863–1.230 for the richest wealth quintile). For women, the awareness increased with age (OR of 0.306 for 95% CI: 0.119– 0.791 for the age of 20–24 years increased to 0.736 for 95% CI: 0.570–0.951 for the age of 45–49 years) and wealth status (OR of 0.28 for 95% CI: 0.18–0.44 for poor wealth quintile increased to 1.262 for 95% CI: 0.859–1.855 for the richest wealth quintile).

Conclusion:

Improving access to hypertension screening and awareness especially among men, with lower wealth and younger age is needed.
Hypertension among women in reproductive age in India: Can we predict the risk? An analysis from National Family Health Survey (2015–2016)
Authors: Bhimarasetty Madhavi Devi , Pamarthi Kiran , Prasad Kandipudi Kesava Lakshmi , Padmasri Yalamanchili , Nagaraja Sharath Burugina , Khanna Poonam , Goel Sonu
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hypertension in women of reproductive age group is of special concern because of the vulnerability of women to pregnancy-induced hypertension apart from socio-cultural vulnerability.

Aim:

The objective of the study was to identify the predictors for hypertension among Indian women and to develop a risk score which would provide an opportunity for early detection and appropriate action.

Material and Methods:

This study was based on the data collected in National Family Health Survey in 2015–2016. Women in India of 15–49 years were the study population. Data were analysed using SPSS v17. Logistic regression analysis was carried and expressed as odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals to identify predictors of hypertension. The risk score for hypertension was developed after shrinkage of variables and by using regression coefficients obtained by standard Logistic Regression Model.

Results:

Among 6,87,230 women between 15 and 49 years, 77,788 (11.3%) were hypertensive. The study results revealed that there was an increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension (26.5%) with increasing age, and with increasing weight (23.4%). Urban areas (12.3% vs 10.9%), alcoholics (19.2%) and various forms of tobacco users (14.8%) had more prevalence of hypertension.

Conclusion:

Age, residing in urban area, consuming tobacco products, consumption of alcohol, non-vegetarian diet and overweight, were found to be the significant predictor variables, and were used to develop the Risk Prediction score using logistic regression model.
Online survey to assess computer vision syndrome in children due to excessive screen exposure during the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown
Authors: Wadhwani Meenakshi , Manika Manika , Jajoo Mamta , Upadhyay Ashish Datt
Published: October 2022

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the normal daily routine activities of children were restricted as a result of the need to stay indoors. Consequently, children were forced to attend online classes provided by their educational institutions at their homes. Due to the subsequent increased screen exposure, children have started complaining of blurred vision, headache, and symptoms related to computer vision syndrome (CVS), predisposing them to myopia.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of CVS symptoms, such as blurring of vision, headache, and watery eyes in children, due to increased screen time during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

This was a non-randomized, questionnaire-based study conducted at the ophthalmology department of a tertiary care pediatric hospital. The participants were parents of children aged between 6 and 16 years attending regular school. Enrolled parents were interviewed through a Google Form after completing the online consent in English. Eligible participants were recruited by a circulation of this form through multiple groups on social media, namely, WhatsApp and email.

Results:

A total of 145 parents participated in the study. The children were classified according to the duration of exposure to digital devices ranging from less than 2 h to less than 6 h daily. There was a significant association between the increase in the number of activities and the development of CVS symptoms in children (r = 0.15; P = 0.036).

Conclusion:

COVID-19 lockdown has largely affected the lifestyle of school-going children by significantly decreasing their outdoor activities and increased online exposure to screen, thus predisposing them to myopia, ocular ill health, and increased dry eye symptoms. Increased exposure to online screen was detected during this lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic; this strongly supports the recommendation to decrease the number of hours of online screen exposure and encourages students to regularly get engaged in outdoor activities.
COVID-19 and Saudi medical students: A cross-sectional study on knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception
Authors: Altuwaijri Naif R. , Almatroudi Mohammed A. , Alodhaibi Ibrahim A. , Alnader Raghad Y. , Alhabdan Soltana M. , Aloriney Abdulmalik
Published: October 2022

Background:

The knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic among health care workers can affect virus transmission and control. As the primary individuals in contact with infected patients, health care workers risk infection. There are a few studies on the knowledge and self-practice prevention for COVID-19 among medical students.

Objectives:

This study evaluated the COVID-19-related knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perceptions among medical students and interns.

Methods:

This study used a quantitative cross-sectional evaluation of the Saudi Arabian medical students utilizing a previously published online survey in 2020.

Results:

The study questionnaire was completed by 474 respondents. The average knowledge and preventive behavior score was significantly lower in males. The reported source of information showed a statistically significant association with knowledge and was higher in the respondents who reported world health organization (WHO)/centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)/UpToDate as their main source of information. The National Guidelines of the Ministry of Health was the second source to be reported for seeking information. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the knowledge and preventive measures scores. The respondents who did not follow any information regarding COVID-19 had significantly lower knowledge and preventive behavior scores than those obtaining knowledge from sources. The preventive behavior score was not significantly different between clinical and pre-clinical students.

Conclusion:

This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of COVID-19 following the onset of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia, indicating an acceptable level of undergraduate students’ knowledge regarding the epidemic and its control measures.