bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends of coinfections among healthy blood donors: COVID-19 pandemic repercussion
Authors: Kukar Neetu , Handa Anjali , Syal Neha , Garg Parul , Gopalpuri Navreet S. , Kaur Harpreet 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity throughout the world in the last two decades. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has escalated the disease burden further by increasing the number of intravenous (IV) drug abusers and unemployment.

Aim:
The present study was done to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on seroprevalence as well as trends during pre, post and pandemic years of coinfection and mono-infections in the Malwa region of Punjab.

Setting and Design:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the department of immunohematology and blood transfusion at a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:
The data on transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) was collected for a period of four years from 2019 to 2022, that is, pre, post and during the pandemic period. All the blood samples were screened for viral markers, HIV I and II, HCV, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Malarial antigen and syphilis infection testing was done using a rapid diagnostic card test. The total number of sero-reactive cases and their distribution were noted.

Results:
A total of 58,953 donors were screened and included during the study period. Each blood donor was identified by a donor registration number. The overall TTI seroprevalence in blood donors was 2.83% (n = 1670). The seroprevalence of TTIs in blood donors showed an increasing trend for HIV, HCV, and HBsAg in 2019–2021, whereas there was a decrease in reactivity status in the 2022 (back to pre-pandemic year). There was a significant increase in the coinfection rate from 0.1% to 0.25%.

Conclusion:
The COVID-19 pandemic impact on the coinfection rate of TTI was significant. To curb these TTIs and coinfections, education and public awareness are the key factors. India is a developing country, so transfusion medicine specialists need to work day and night to practice safe blood services.
Breastfeeding knowledge, practices, and their determinants among recently delivered mothers: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Srivastava Anurag , Mahmood Syed Esam , Srivastava Payal , Shati Ayed A. , Riaz Fatima 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Breastfeeding is an important determinant of child survival. Breastfeeding practices vary throughout the nation.

Objectives:
To assess the breastfeeding practices and the knowledge of recently delivered mothers regarding breastfeeding practices.

Materials and Methods:
This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women who had delivered in the Moradabad region of Uttar Pradesh last year. A total of 423 households was divided between the six community health blocks according to probability sampling. A predesigned and pretested structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Knowledge scores were calculated.

Results:
The majority of respondents had the correct knowledge about breastfeeding immediately after birth (76.6%), prelacteal foods should not be provided (82.2%), colostrum feeding (89.0%), adequate frequency of breastfeeding (99.1%), and exclusively breastfeeding (78.7%). The knowledge scores about breastfeeding were good (64.9%) for mothers. A higher proportion of respondents practiced breastfeeding only, or cup fed with breast milk only their babies for the first 2 days of life (62.3%), and the majority fed their baby with adequate frequency. Only (55.7%) put their baby to breast within an hour after birth. Colostrum was not squeezed and thrown by nearly (59.7%) of mothers. The breastfeeding practices scores were good among one-third of mothers. Age of mother, type of family, mother’s education, socioeconomic status, and type of delivery were significant determinants of good breastfeeding practices (<0.05).

Conclusions:
The knowledge and practices of infant feeding can be strengthened by further engaging and counseling of mothers, family, and community members by health workers.
Understanding addictive behaviour of a group of slum dwelling female SLT users on the basis of PRIME theory: A case study in Odisha, India
Authors: Rath Hemamalini , Patyal Neha , Mishra Manikesh , Panda Abhijit , Sahoo Jyotirmayee 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
Tobacco addiction is an important public health problem. Among several theories of addiction proposed, PRIME theory of motivation is found to be a comprehensive one to synthesise prevention strategies.

Aims:
This case study was conducted on the basis of PRIME theory to explain smokeless tobacco (SLT) addiction patterns among slum dwelling female residents of Cuttack district, Odisha.

Settings and Design:
Cuttack district of Odisha state and Qualitative synthesis.

Methods and Material:
Qualitative semistructured face-to-face interviews and framework analysis techniques were employed. The study was conducted over a period of 2 months between February 2020 and March 2020. Face-to-face interviews of 26 participants of Dasha Sahi slum using a semistructured questionnaire assessing responses based on five main themes including P, Plans; R, Responses; I, Impulses And Inhibitory Forces; M, Motives; and E, Evaluations of the said theory.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic framework analysis.

Results:
A majority of the participants were multiple SLT product users, and they did not have an immediate plan to quit. Most of the participants showed strong emotional attachment with these products and considered them the only source of pleasure (want) in a life full of miseries. The words “Tobacco” and “Nicotine” were medical jargons for them. Though they were aware of the harmful effects, they had a positive evaluative belief about its use because of cognitive dissonance. Most of them were habitual users living in an environment full of physical and social cues.

Conclusions:
This case study is well in line with the PRIME theory in explaining the addictive behaviour; a comprehensive multi-strategic approach was formulated for inculcating quitting behaviour among this disadvantaged section of the population as suggested by the proposer of this theory.
Does psychoeducation module-based community intervention address Internet addiction among school-going adolescents? A quasi-experimental study from Mangalore, India
Authors: Narayanappa Poornima Hosadurga , Nirgude Abhay Subhashrao , Nattala Prasanthi , Philip Mariamma 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Excessive and uncontrolled use of the Internet leads to Internet addiction and negatively affects the physical and mental health of adolescents. Normalization of the Internet and electronic gadgets during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability of adolescents to developing behavioral dependency on Internet use. Intervention is needed to protect the formative years and to grow as responsible net users.

Aim:
To study the effectiveness of psychoeducational module-based community intervention on Internet addiction in adolescents.

Method:
This was a quasiexperimental study with pre- and post-test design. The study subjects were homogeneous and purposively selected single group from a secondary school in a city in southern India. Group intervention was executed for 5 to 6 hours with a prevalidated psychoeducation module on Internet addiction. The intervention focused on the prevention and control of Internet addiction. The level of Internet addiction was measured by using Kimberly Young’s Internet Addiction Test-20.

Results:
Of the total of 144 subjects, 72% were males and 28% were females. All were 14–16 years of age and were well versed with Internet gadgets and smartphone use and self-reported the use of the Internet/gadgets for at least 2 hours a day for recreational purposes. Descriptive analysis and RMANOVA show interventions were significantly effective (P < 0.001). Among total participants, the Internet addiction found at preintervention was 44.75 ± 19.69, with a postintervention at first month of 34.73 ± 16.14 and a postintervention at second month of 28.84 ± 13.98; reduced duration of Internet use was significant (P < 0.001) at postintervention.

Conclusion:
The psychoeducation module-based group intervention in community school settings is well accepted and effective on Internet addiction in adolescents.
Comparison of the effectiveness of ferrous ascorbate with ferrous sulphate in improving haemoglobin percentage among ante-natal mothers in rural field practice area of a medical college
Authors: Govindaraju S L Manojna , Yalamanchili Padmasri , Kandipudi Kesava Lakshmi Prasad , Vadlamani Sarada 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Anaemia in pregnancy is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a haemoglobin concentration of less than 11 g/dl in venous blood. The prevalence of anaemia among ante-natal mothers in India is 50.3%[3]. The government of India supplies ferrous sulphate for prophylaxis and treatment of anaemia among ante-natal mothers for free through the reproductive maternal neonatal and child health + adolescent (RMNCH+A) programme. However, patient compliance is poor due to gastrointestinal disturbances (of all registered pregnancies, less than 1/3 consumed a full course of ferrous sulphate). Previous studies in different settings have shown increased compliance and higher mean haemoglobin levels with ferrous ascorbate, which is more affordable than other commercially available compounds.

Objective:
Hence, the current study was done to compare the effectiveness of ferrous ascorbate with ferrous sulphate in improving haemoglobin percentage among ante-natal mothers in a rural field practice area of a medical college.

Methods:
An interventional community-based study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Andhra Medical College. The study was done among 76 registered (registered at Rural Primary Health Centre Simhachalam) ante-natal mothers in gestational age 13–17 weeks with haemoglobin concentration of 7–10.9 g/dl (mild to moderate anaemia) after taking informed consent. The study was performed for two years. Ante-natal mothers who were registered but unavailable during the study period, with a medical history of haematological disorders, chronic cardiac and kidney diseases, known or suspected to have sensitivity to iron compounds, with known thyroid dysfunction or mental illness were excluded from the study.

Results:
There was a rise in haemoglobin among the entire study population, which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There was a higher rise in haemoglobin among the antenatal women who took ferrous ascorbate than among those who took ferrous sulphate (mean difference = 0.344 gm/dl) after 12 weeks of follow-up, which was statistically significant (P = 0.014).

Conclusion:
The study compared the effectiveness of ferrous ascorbate with ferrous sulphate in improving haemoglobin percentage among antenatal mothers in a medical college’s rural field practice area. There was a significant rise in haemoglobin percentage among the study group, which was on ferrous ascorbate with better compliance and fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
Capacity building initiative for first-aid trainers and providers from the community and for the community: A quasiexperimental pilot study in schools
Authors: Khapre Meenakshi , Dhar Mridul , Anjali M , Bhushan Bharat , Ajith Athulya V. , Rao Shalinee 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Schools provide an ideal setting for teaching first-aid skills. A concern is who should train these students when medical doctors and paramedics are busy in hospitals. School teachers can be enabled with instructors’ skills for delivering first-aid training to students under the supervision of one lead instructor. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured first-aid training by trained teachers on knowledge and practice of first aid among school children of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

Methods:
This was a school-based pre- and post-test study. A convenient sample of 109 students (30–40 in each group) were recruited. The first phase was the assessment of needs by focus group discussion with school teachers and students, followed by the development and validation of the module and questionnaire. In the implementation phase, teachers were trained in first aid and facilitation skills, followed by students’ training. Knowledge and skill assessment was carried out. Feedback was noted.

Result:
Need assessment interviews revealed first aid is needed for injuries and bleeding, sprain and fractures, basic life support, choking, nose bleed, animal/insect bites, and lifting/transport of victims. The pretest mean score of students was 6 (2) and increased to 16 (2.1). The relative learning gain was 167%, and absolute was 50%. All students were satisfied with the course and instructors. The facilitation skills score of teachers increased from 39-49 just after training to 67-72 by the end of the second workshop.

Conclusion:
Teachers as facilitators for first-aid training of school students were found to be effective and feasible, and students were highly satisfied with the course and facilitators.
Patterns of identity: Lip prints, tongue prints and mandibular canine width as markers for gender determination—A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rana Priyanka , Suresh Dirasantchu , Sekhar M. Chandra , Sravanthi Y Mercy , Mehta Karan Hiral 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Forensic odontology plays a pivotal role in identifying individuals in legal contexts. This study analyses the efficacy of lip prints, tongue prints and mandibular canine width in determining gender, aiming to contribute to the evolving field of forensic dentistry.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 participants, analysing lip prints based on Tsuchihashi’s classification, recording tongue shapes and features through the use of alginate impressions and measuring mandibular canine width using a vernier calliper. The findings were reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.

Results:
In lip prints, Tsuchihashi’s Type I lip print was predominantly found in females, whereas Tsuchihashi’s Type III prevailed in males. Tongue shapes revealed a predominance of pentagonal shapes in males and ovoid shapes in females. The lingual apex was blunt in males and sharp in females. Mandibular canine width was higher in males than females on both the left and right sides.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study support the use of lip prints, tongue prints and canine width in determining gender as ancillary and supporting methods.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and Digital Health among hospital patients
Authors: Arjun M. C. , Poorvikha S , Kurpad Anura V. , Thomas Tinku 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
The Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to digitize the national healthcare system. The aim of this study was to estimate the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the ABDM and benefits of digital health among urban patients, who are likely to be early adopters of digital technologies.

Methods:
We interviewed 150 outpatients above 18 years of age, in a hospital in urban Bengaluru, India. Our questionnaire captured the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding ABDM and Digital Health, including open-ended questions to evaluate perceptions of the benefits and concerns regarding digital health.

Results:
Most of the participants belonged to the upper and upper middle socioeconomic classes. Only 8% of participants knew about the ABDM, although their knowledge and practice related to other Government digital services, like National Teleconsultation services (eSanjeevani), Arogya Setu and DigiLocker, were high. Many participants perceived digital health to be beneficial, but there were serious concerns regarding data safety, data privacy and misuse of health data by insurance companies.

Conclusion:
We established a baseline survey for assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of ABDM and digital health among urban patients. The results suggest that implementation agencies of ABDM should increase the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and devise new strategies to create awareness, disseminate correct information and address the concerns of citizens.
Training on empathy skills for elderly persons to medical undergraduates: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Chaudhuri Susmita , Ghose Sauryadripta , Santra Archismita , Paul Kalyan Kumar , Pandey Rajneesh 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Undergraduate medical students often lack the soft skill of empathy which is considered as an important attribute for doctors. Hence, this study was conducted to improve the empathy skills among undergraduate students of a medical college in Kolkata.

Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college in Kolkata among the undergraduate medical students during community medicine posting. Students were assessed for baseline empathy by Jefferson’s Scale of Empathy (student’s version) (JSE-S). Baseline perception was taken from geriatric persons about the empathy level of medical undergraduates using Jefferson’s Scale of Patient’s Perception about Physician’s Empathy (JSPPE). Training module was prepared, validated and imparted. Post-training score was obtained using the scales for students as well as geriatric persons. Data were entered in MS Excel and analysed using STATA MP16.

Results:
Total of 93 students participated. Overall Mean ± SD of pre-score of JES-S was 102.03 ± 13.02, and post-score was 109.03 ± 14.57; the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). With respect to JSPPE, score difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Significant difference was present in scores between the students who prefer people-oriented specialities compared to the technology-oriented specialities (P < 0.05). Increase in mean empathy score was significantly higher among female students than their male counterparts (P = 0.01).

Conclusion(s):
The study shows the effectiveness of training module in increasing empathy score among medical undergraduates which is the need of the hour to establish the proper building block of doctor-patient relationship.
Impact of school closure during COVID-19 pandemic on school-going children in a rural population of Haryana: A qualitative study
Authors: Mandal Suprakash , Hasan Mohamed S. , Berry Parul , Sangeet  , Verma Saransh , Suryansh  , Bharadiya Vishwesh , Singh Tejbeer ,   MBBS Student Research Study Group, Kumar Rakesh , Yadav Kapil , Misra Puneet , Salve Harshal Ramesh 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The Government of India undertook several measures for COVID-19 pandemic, of which school closure was one. This led to sudden shift of teaching methods from classroom-based to online mode. This study aimed to understand the effects of school closure on children during lockdown period.

Methods:
This was a community-based qualitative study conducted in Faridabad District, Haryana, India, from January 2022 to February 2022. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) with school students of 8th standard and above and two FGDs with parents of school students below 8th standard were conducted. In-depth interviews were conducted with two school headmasters, two teachers, a Senior Medical Officer (SMO), District Education Officer (DEO), and District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO). Responses were recorded, transcribed, and reviewed to identify themes, and thematic analysis was done. Four major themes were framed—academic, physical, behavioral, and psychosocial.

Results:
Decreased academic performance, teacher-student interaction, and distraction from the study were found in academic domain. There was reluctance to go back to school reopening. Low physical exercise, irregular sleep cycles meal skipping, and increased screen time were noticed. Limited mid-day meal nutrition was available. Increased fear, anxiety, and loneliness were faced along with an increase in household quarrels and violence. An increase in the number of child marriages was also reported. Few students had positive impacts like improvement in hygiene practices, learning new hobbies, and skills.

Conclusion:
School closure had impact on the physical, mental, socio-behavioral, and academic aspects of school-going children. In case of similar events in the future, these impacts must be kept in mind by policymakers to achieve a balance between effective pandemic control and fruitful childhoods.
Menstruation and masculinity: Exploring the relationship between boys and menstruation
Authors: Jayamohan Anusree , Tomar Shashi P. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Menstruation is considered a “women’s” topic in India because the majority of studies on the subject solely include girls and women. Adolescent boys are excluded from this discussion, which obscures the fact that menstruation is a social epidemiological phenomenon with ingrained gender disparities. In order to motivate boys to contribute significantly to women’s health, research on their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences linked to menstruation, including socioeconomic factors, must be done. Reducing gender differences in adolescent health requires addressing this.

Objectives:
The study aims to explore the knowledge and attitudes of school-going adolescent boys in urban Jabalpur regarding menstruation, considering factors such as family structure and sociocultural practices.

Materials and Methods:
Qualitative data using focus group discussions with 25 boys, age group 13-17 years from Jabalpur Urban area, Madhya Pradesh was conducted. Data was analysed by thematic analysis.

Results:
There was a mixture of curiosity and embarrassment about menstruation. Many were misinformed and lacked correct knowledge. Most of the children gained information from either the parents or their peer group. Sex education is not given properly in most of the schools. Boys with either sisters or female friends has more knowledge and good attitude regarding menstruation.

Conclusion:
Our study highlights the need of improving Indian boys’ understanding and beliefs about menstruation by addressing the social determinants that influence their menstruation-related experiences.