bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social impacts of dams: Learning from lived experiences of Maphilingo community, Eswatini
Authors: Nhlengethwa Dumile G. , Chitakira Munyaradzi 
Published: December 2024

The World Commission on Dams (WCD) highlights the crucial issues of social impacts of dams on local communities and emphasises that these have been neglected in the quest for eradicating poverty through infrastructure development. The broader questions of equity, community engagement and learning and others remain important in community development. This study builds on existing knowledge to assess learning from the social impacts of Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP). A primary research was conducted in the Maphilingo Community Eswatini, which is in a rural setting. This article employs a qualitative approach to assess the learning resulting from the lived experiences of the Maphilingo community regarding the LUSIP project, using 32 semi-structured interviews, document review and observation. The community experienced positive and negative social impacts of the dam. Benefits were few and inequitable. Project spin-offs were minimal. Hence, community engagement was not meaningful, resulting in nominal learning opportunities. Communities normally learn considerable skills while working in project spin-offs like piggeries, that usual accompany dam projects. Hence, dam proponents should bring more project spin-offs, to optimise benefits and learning opportunities.Transdisciplinary contribution: This study utilises the social engagement school of thought for transdisciplinary research, merging development studies and pedagogical approaches. It integrates the WCD Framework and the Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) to form its conceptual basis, aiming to capture community experiences and learning from these experiences.
Smartphone addiction: Neck functional disability and quality of life among undergraduate university students
Authors: Baah Edmund Kwarteng , Asamoah Anthony Mensah , Amoakoh Raymond , Agbewu Emmanuella , Brown Eleazer Kofi Mensah , Akom Emmanuel , Deku Prince De-Gualle , Moses Monday Omoniyi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Smartphone usage is on an increasing rise among undergraduate students worldwide owing to their portability and usability. Although beneficial in many ways, excessive use places degenerative strain on the user’s skeletal system while also reducing their quality of life (QOL). This study investigated the relationships between smartphone addiction, neck functionality, and QOL among undergraduate students.

Methods:
A descriptive research design was adopted. Four hundred and four smartphone using undergraduates from a Ghanaian university (207 females, 197 males; mean age = 21.23 ± 1.769 years, who spent a mean of 8.13 ± 5.21 h on their smartphones daily) were recruited. The Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS), and assessment of QOL (AQoL) were used to assess smartphone addiction, functional levels of the neck, and QOL, respectively.

Results:
Among participants, 79.95% had a high degree of smartphone addiction. 99.26% scored above the normal range (≥20) on the CNFDS. There was a significant positive correlation between participants’ SAS and CNFDS scores (P = 0.038) and SAS and AQoL scores (P = 0.001), while CNFDS and AQoL (P = 0.885) were negatively correlated.

Conclusion:
Smartphone addiction is associated with neck disability among undergraduate students and negatively affects their QOL. Increasing awareness can alter how people perceive addiction. Further studies are required to understand the causes of smartphone addiction because the study also revealed that the participants were addicted to their phones.
Emergency Department Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Appropriate Indications for Indwelling Urinary Catheter Use
Authors: Al-Salamah Tareq , Alessa Alanoud , Aloraini Hassan , Abuguyan Fahad , Aldawood Badr , Farook Fathima Fazrina 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) are frequently used in emergency departments (EDs), but many insertions lack clear indications, leading to potential overuse. This overuse contributes to catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), costing billions in preventable healthcare expenses. Campaigns such as Choosing Wisely and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary IUC use, improve patient outcomes and prevent CAUTIs.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional survey and retrospective chart review were conducted at an academic tertiary care centre. The survey targeted ED providers, including physicians and nurses, while the chart review encompassed all adult ED patients in 2022. The survey covered demographic information, self-reported understanding and attitudes towards urinary catheters, including clinical scenarios, to evaluate the knowledge of appropriate indications for IUC insertion. The data analysis was performed using NCSS software and involved t-tests or one-way analysis of variance to explore associations between sample characteristics and knowledge scores. The significance level for all analyses was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
A total of 96 of the 198 ED staff members participated in the survey. The confidence rate for knowledge of appropriate indications for IUC insertion was 100% among physicians and 97.8% among nurses. However, the results from the clinical scenarios in the survey showed that participants incorrectly answered in a range of 8%–75%. The mean scores of correct answers among consultants, residents and nurses were 65%, 67% and 66%, respectively.

Conclusion:
There is a considerable gap between ED healthcare providers’ subjective knowledge and attitudes and objective knowledge of appropriate IUC placement, which serves as a basis for an intervention to reduce the potential for inappropriate IUC insertion.
Topography: A Mandatory Screening Tool for Ocular Allergies
Authors: Gadekar Sarika A. , Urkude Yugandhara Shashikant , Shitut Niyati Nitin , Mishrikotkar Jyotika Prasanna , Deshpande Supriya Ashish 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
Assess the need of corneal topography as a diagnostic tool for corneal ectasia in patients with allergic conjunctivitis.

Subjects and Methods:
Cross-sectional, descriptive study in which 90 children who are clinically diagnosed with allergic keratoconjunctivitis of age 6–18 years of both gender coming to ophthalmology outpatient department at a tertiary care eye hospital underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and corneal topography on Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany).

Results:
The maximum number of patients was in the age group of 6–10 years (48.88%) with a mean age of 11.28. The M: F ratio was 2.6:1 highlighting male preponderance. The most common history given by patients was diminution of vision and seasonal variation. 99.88% patients presented with congestion but 0.03% had positive Munson. 8.89% eyes presented with astigmatism of ≥−3. 3.88% had K-Max ≥49 D and 16.12% participants had K-Max between 46 and 48.9 on topography, suggestive of steep corneas. In our study, the most common axial curvature pattern found was symmetrical Bowtie (35.56%). Patterns suspicious of keratoconus like asymmetrical bowtie (23.89%), superior steepening (21.67%), inferior steepening (12.77%), symmetrical and asymmetrical bowtie with skewed radial axis (1.67%) was also noted. 15.56% patients had B-A outside normal limits which classifies them as keratoconus suspects. 27.23% eyes showed pachymetry between 499 and 450 μm and 7.78% showed pachymetry <450 μm, all these parameters indicate the paramount need to do an early corneal topography in all patients with allergic conjunctivitis. These patients also warrant regular follow-up with corneal topography to look for progression in thinning to confirm the diagnosis of keratoconus.

Conclusion:
The study highlights the importance of doing corneal topography in diagnosed cases of allergic keratoconjunctivitis for the early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus. More aggressive management of allergic conjunctivitis can prevent their progression to established keratoconus.
Outcomes of OcxyLon Plus (4% Chondroitin Sulfate and 3% Sodium Hyaluronate) on Endothelial Cell Count in Cataract Surgeries with Systemic Comorbidities
Authors: Selvaraj Rajalakshmi , Krishnamoorthy Sharanyaa , Vaithianathan Vanaja , Tipandjan Arun 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the endothelial protective effect of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD), which is a combination of 4% chondroitin sulfate and 3% sodium hyaluronate (OcxyLon Plus) with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

Methods:
It was a retrospective comparative study, where micro-incision cataract surgery performed using HPMC (Group 1) and the combination OVD (Group 2) were compared in 50 eyes each. Specular microscopy was done pre- and postoperatively at 1 month, to assess endothelial cell loss. The mean cell loss and percentage of reduction were calculated for variables such as age, diabetes, hypertension (HT) and cataract density.

Results:
In the age group of above 60 years, the combination OVD showed a lesser percentage of reduction of endothelial cells (14%) as against 22% reduction by HPMC which was statistically significant. The cell reduction with the usage of the combination OVD in diabetics (12%) and in hypertensives (11%) was lesser than the percentage of reduction with HPMC (18% in both diabetics and hypertensives) but not statistically significant. For cataract Grades 3 and 4, the difference in percentage of reduction was significantly lesser (P = 0.044) than the combination OVD. The mean phaco time was similar in both groups (OcxyLon Plus = 7.27 min and HPMC = 8.07 min). Thus overall, the mean endothelial cell loss in the combination group was 334 cells compared to the HPMC group which was 529 cells and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.027).

Conclusion:
OcxyLon Plus offers superior protection to the endothelium during phacoemulsification. Although it is a well-proven fact, the comparative analysis in terms of age, diabetes, HT, and cataract grading is novel in the present study.
Chemical-induced occupational asthma: A case series
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar , Mrigpuri Parul , Menon Balakrishnan , Sarma Mridul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract:
Exposure to a variety of chemicals is known to have adverse consequences, occupational asthma being one of them. Isocyanate exposure has been found to be associated with airways obstructive abnormalities, but Indian data in this context are scarce. Similarly, the reports on the association of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) with asthma are very limited. We hereby present two cases of occupational asthma related to exposure of acrylic polyurethane, KMnO4, and sodium hypochlorite.
Angioleiomyoma of the uterus presenting as an endometrial polyp: An uncommon occurrence of two cases with a literature review
Authors: Kapaganti Vamsi K. , Shahin Mohammed , Mishra Anurag , Sethi Pruthiviraj , Jena Saubhagya K. , Chhatria Bhismadev , Ayyanar Pavithra 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Angioleiomyoma is a benign neoplasm that arises from vascular smooth muscle cells. Angioleiomyoma of the endometrium is very uncommon. The differential diagnoses of this entity are myopericytoma, angiomyofibroblastoma, endometrial stromal tumor, and perivascular epithelioid cell tumor. 31-year-old and 45-year-old patients presented with heavy menstrual bleeding, lower abdomen pain, and dysmenorrhea. Perspeculum and radiological investigations showed an endometrial polyp. They underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy, polypectomy, and endometrial biopsy. Polypectomy specimens of both cases revealed polypoidal lesions lined by the endometrium. The core of the polyp was arranged in long intersecting bundles of spindle cells and interconnecting anastomotic patterns with many intervening thick-walled blood vessels. These spindle cells have oval and cigar-shaped nuclei, fine chromatin, and a moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm, resembling smooth muscle cells. These smooth muscle cells of the vessel wall were merging with the adjacent walls of the blood vessel. There was no nuclear atypia or necrosis. The mitotic rate was 0–1/10 HPF. Focal areas of hyalinization and adipocytic components were noted in one case. The endometrial glands did not show intraepithelial or invasive neoplasia. On immunohistochemistry (IHC), these spindle cells were diffuse and strongly immunopositive for SMA and Desmin. CD34 highlighted the endothelial lining of the prominent thick-walled blood vessels. By correlating with histomorphology and IHC positivity, a diagnosis of angioleiomyomatous polyp of endometrium was rendered. We report two uncommon cases of angioleiomyoma of the endometrium and discuss the differential diagnosis and literature review.
Decoding morbidity patterns in ASHA workers of Vadodara, Gujarat – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chauhan Grishma , Pankaj Neelabh , Dhakate Bhavna , Gadhavi Kinjal , Pandit Niraj 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) play a pivotal role as village-level functionaries under the National Health Mission, driving community transformation, facilitating health planning, and ensuring access to healthcare services.

Objectives:
To assess the physical health status of ASHA workers and to investigate the prevalence of morbidities among ASHA workers.

Material and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in Vadodara’s east zone, and involves 123 ASHA workers. A questionnaire focusing on health profiles, encompassing age, weight, height, body mass index, and blood pressure, as well as histories of acute and chronic illnesses, was employed for data collection. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize demographic and professional characteristics, and inferential statistics, such as Chi-square tests, were applied to assess associations and factors influencing the morbidity profile of the ASHA workers.

Results:
The participant’s mean age was 38.9 ± 6.85 years. The majority, 74 (60.2%), of them reported no morbidity, whereas 40 (32.52%) had a chronic illness and 9 (7.32%) had acute morbidity at the time of visit. Among the chronic morbidity, 50% of ASHA had poly morbidity. Anemia was found among most ASHAs, 32 (26.02%), followed by diabetes, 19 (15.45%), and hypertension, musculoskeletal problems, thyroid disorders, and obesity were the other major diseases found among the ASHAs in 14.63%, 13.82%, 13.01%, and 11.38%, respectively. Skin problems like fungal infection and rashes were found among 5.69%. Based on body mass index, 27 (21.95%) were found overweight and 14 (11.38%) were obese.

Conclusion:
The study revealed a 32% chronic morbidity prevalence among ASHA workers who are taking care of citizens’ health. It is high time to take care of our health team. First, they should be healthy as they are the role models of the community.
Prevalence and associated factors of uncontrolled blood pressure among hypertensive patients in a rural population of Salem, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Radhakrishnan Shankar , Arunthathi B Sanjana , Arulprakash S , Sangeetha S 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is a prevalent public health concern globally. It imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems, particularly in low and middle-income countries like India. Despite the availability of effective treatments, hypertension remains poorly controlled leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Rural areas often face unique challenges in managing hypertension due to limited healthcare access and awareness.

Objectives:
The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and to identify associated factors among hypertensive patients in rural Salem.

Materials and Methods:
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rural Health Training Centre over six months. A total of 382 hypertensive adults aged 18 years and above were included. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and clinical profiles were collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Clinical measurements included blood pressure, BMI, and laboratory investigations. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and logistic regression to determine factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Results:
The study revealed a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension (62%) among rural hypertensive patients. Factors significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension included older age (>60 years) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, P = 0.027), obesity (OR = 2.7, P = 0.001), employment (OR = 1.5, P = 0.048), diabetes (OR = 2.6, P = 0.036), alcohol consumption (OR = 2.8, P < 0.001), and lack of physical activity (OR = 3.2, P = 0.034). Compliance to treatment was associated with better blood pressure control (P = 0.002) with noncompliant patients having 1.23 times higher odds of uncontrolled hypertension.

Conclusion:
The study emphasizes the urgent need for tailored interventions addressing lifestyle modifications, patient education, adherence to treatment regimens, and improved healthcare access to enhance hypertension management. These efforts are crucial for reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improving public health outcomes in rural communities.
Assessment of satisfaction of using socially marketed health consumables at government settings among beneficiaries in a rural area of Hooghly District, West Bengal
Authors: Sur Aditi , Paul Bobby , Bandyopadhyay Lina , Sahu Monalisha , Basu Rivu , Banerjee Ankush 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
India is committed to achieving universal health care for all by 2030. The objective of social marketing is to promote public health and its goal is to improve health for all, but there are some challenges like irregular availability, quality issue, inadequacy of marketing causes under- utilization of the government supplied health consumables.

Objectives:
Present study aims to find out the usage pattern and assess the perceived satisfaction level of beneficiaries of using various socially marketed health consumables at government settings and explore the perception of healthcare personnel regarding barriers to its usage in a rural area of India.

Materials and Methods:
A community-based, Mixed-Methods study (Convergent parallel design) was done in the service area of the Rural Health Unit and Training Centre (RHU&TC), Singur of Hooghly district, West Bengal, between January 2023 and December 2023, where the quantitative component was carried out by face-to-face interview among 150 beneficiary household respondents selected by two-stage cluster sampling; and qualitative component was done by 4 Key informant interviews (KII) among healthcare personnel (medical officer, public health nurse, pharmacist). Statistical data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS 16 version and Microsoft Excel for the quantitative part, and thematic analysis was done for the qualitative part. Institutional Ethics Committee clearance was obtained.

Results:
Ever use of government-supplied contraceptives like Chhaya (Ormeloxifene), Antara (Injectable contraceptive), emergency contraceptive pills, and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) was done by only 15.3%, 10.7%, 7.3%, 32% of eligible beneficiary households, respectively. The major reasons cited for irregular use were unawareness of availability of the products (Chhaya = 76.3%, Antara = 64.9%, EC pills = 46.7%), poor faith regarding quality (Male condom = 40%, Generic medicines = 70%), inadequate promotion (IUCD = 53.9%). The majority of users of male condoms (90%), IFA tablets (52.9%), ORS (51.1%), and generic medicines (55.7%) were not satisfied after using those products. Key informant interviews among healthcare personnel revealed avoidance of using modern contraceptive methods and frequent unavailability of some socially marketed health consumables were the predominant causes of reduced uptake of those products by beneficiaries.

Conclusions:
Proper social marketing strategies, adequate promotion, regular awareness campaigns, and tailored training of field healthcare workers are required to improve the acceptability, availability, and marketing of these health consumables.
Need for travel health clinic: A cross-sectional study among international travellers availing yellow fever vaccination in a teaching institution
Authors: Sadawarte Deepika , Dakshit Kosturi , Sadawarte Mandar , Maria C. , Yadav Vaishnavi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Traveller’s health is one of the factors determining the success of his or her visit to the destination. The health aspects before, during and after travel are often neglected which may lead to untoward incidences during or after travel. Also, with the increase in national and international travel many emerging and re-emerging diseases are on the rise. This study was conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge and practices of the travellers and to find out the need for travel health clinics.

Methodology:
A cross-sectional study among adults attending the Outpatient Department of International Travellers vaccination was conducted for 3 months. Data was collected regarding the awareness, knowledge and practices of 216 travellers by using a pre-validated interview schedule. Systematic random sampling was used to select these travellers. Analysis was performed after entering the data in Microsoft Excel and SPSS software wherein frequency percentages were calculated and the association was found between the awareness and felt need for a travel health clinic.

Result:
The purpose of most of the travellers was job-related, the majority being males. As the study was conducted in a yellow fever vaccination centre majority knew only this as a travel-related preventable disease condition. The awareness regarding travel-related diseases was found to be less and which led to a felt need by the travellers for pre-travel counselling with a doctor.

Conclusion:
Travel medicine is an emerging area for health care providers and there is a felt need for a travel health clinic with the increase in the domestic as well as international travel.