bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audiological screening of high risk infants and prevalence of risk factors
Authors: M. Regina , Moideen Sanu P. , M. Mohan , M.T.P. Mohammed , Afroze M. Khizer Hussain 
Published: February 2017

Background: Hearing loss in early life can have deleterious effects on child’s psychosocial, scholastic and social-emotional development. Early identification and timely intervention can provide the child with better speech and language development. This study has been done to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment among high risk infants as per Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) criteria and to study the risk factors associated with neonatal hearing impairment.Methods: This multicentric observational study was conducted among 613 high risk infants admitted and discharged from neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of Academy of Medical Sciences, Kannur, Kerala and Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Research Centre, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India (level III neonatology units with an NICU admissions of average around 1200 per year), during the period August 2015 - August 2016 (12 months). The babies were selected based on the JCIH 2007 criteria. All babies were subjected to behavioral audiometry (BA) and Oto Acoustic Emissions (OAE), preferably within 3 weeks. Those failing OAE were reevaluated at 6th week and with Auditory brain stem response (ABR) within 3 months time. Results: A total of 613 high risk babies were screened. 42 (6.76%) among them were having hearing impairment. The most common risk factors associated with hearing impairment was NICU stay for more than 24 hours, prematurity, low birth weight and meningitis/sepsis etc.Conclusions: Hearing impairment among high risk babies is not a rare condition. In our study, the prevalence was 6.76%. Low birth weight, admission to NICU for more than 24 hours, low APGAR, meningitis/sepsis, maternal and neonatal complications are significant risk factors for hearing impairment among neonates. This highlights the need for neonatal screening. Though we recommend a universal screening program, at least a targeted approach should be practiced in neonatal care. Those babies who are found to have hearing impairment should be closely followed up with early intervention and rehabilitation.
Clinico-microbiological profile of health-care associated infections in a paediatric intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital
Authors: Udawat Priyanka , Gupta Shalu , Manchanda Vikas , Saikia Diganta 
Published: February 2017

Background: The study was undertaken to determine the total burden of health-care associated infections, microbiological profile and their impact on length of stay and mortality in a PICU of a tertiary care Hospital by prospective surveillance.Methods: All children ≥ one month and ≤ twelve years of age admitted in PICU for more than 48 hours from December 2009 to November 2010 were followed according to CDC/NHSN surveillance definitions of HCAI. Incidence rates, incidence densities and device utilization ratio were measured for different HCAI. Length of stay and mortality of HCAI were compared with non-HCAI patients. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolated micro-organism was analyzed. Results: Out of total 618 patients admitted in PICU during study period 324 fulfilled study criteria. In those 324 patients 58 patients developed 68 episodes of HCAI. The CIR and IDs’of HCAI were17.9/100 patients and 22.14/1,000 patient-days, respectively. Of the 68 episodes of HCAI, there were 36 VAP, 17 BSI, 8 UTI, 2 pneumonia, 2 LRI-LUNG and 1each of SSI-MED, SST-Skin and GI-IAB. The most common microorganism isolated was Acinetobacter spp. followed by Pseudomonas spp. HCAI increased the average length of PICU stay (20 days versus 5 days, P<0.01) and Hospital stay (28 days versus 12 days, P<0.01). Overall mortality was significantly higher in patients who developed HCAI than non-HCAI (50.9% versus 21.3%, P<0.01).Conclusions: HCAI rates were higher than developed countries. VAP was the most common HCAI followed by BSI. HCAI increased the length of stay and mortality (P<0.01). Organisms isolated in HCAI were more resistant than non-HCAI isolates.
Verbal autopsy to determine the timing and causes of infant deaths in the northern state of India
Authors: Parashar Anupam , Barall Deepesh , Gupta Anmol , Chauhan Tripti , Kumar Devender , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Gopal Ashish , Kumari Sunita 
Published: February 2017

Background: Data on timing and probable causes of infant deaths are very important for the design of intervention to reduce mortality because of very limited study in the state. This study was undertaken to determine the timing and causes of infant deaths in our state using verbal autopsy. The suggestions and recommendations can be used to strengthen and improve the existing facilities and services for the better outcome of life in the early childhood.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 180 selected clusters by WHO cluster sampling method, using validated verbal autopsy tool for timing and causes of infant deaths.Results: Verbal autopsy was done for 45 infant deaths. 37.8% infant deaths were early neonatal, 15.5% in late neonatal and 46.7% in post neonatal period with mean age of 5.79±6.35 days in neonatal period while it was 5.07±3.38 months in post neonatal period. Of all the infants 57.78% were females. The major causes of death were severe infection (15.5%) in neonates, pneumonia (13.3%) in post neonates followed by LBW with prematurity (11.1%) and diarrhea (11.1%). No specific cause could be determined in 13.3% cases.Conclusions: The major causes of infant deaths are preventable. It emphasizes for the robust reporting mechanism to determine the exact causes of all infant mortality, strengthening of comprehensive health care delivery and ensuring the accessibility to the health care services to have a healthy infanthood.
Comparative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid adenosine deaminase levels in infective meningitis of different aetiologies
Authors: Rashid Mohsin , Mushtaq Sheikh , Manzoor Junaid , Bhat Javaid Ahmad , Chaman Shilakha , Hamid Abdul 
Published: February 2017

Background: Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi as well as by non-infectious conditions including inflammatory disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosis or Kawasaki disease) and neoplasia (e.g., leukemic meningitis). The objective of this study were to study cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels in infective meningitis of different aetiologies. And to assess the role of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels in differentiating tubercular from non-tubercular meningitis.Methods: The study was conducted on 70 patients of meningitis at Postgraduate Department of Paediatrics, in G. B. Pant Hospital, an associated hospital of Government Medical College Srinagar. Out of 70 patients included in the study 27 cases were Aseptic Meningitis (AM), 14 cases partially treated pyogenic -meningitis (PTM), 19 cases pyogenic meningitis (PM), and 10 cases were tubercular meningitis (TBM). ADA activity of CSF was quantified by colorimetry.Results: In our study we observed a significant high level of ADA 30.0±3.2U/L (20.0, 54.0) among the tubercular meningitis (TBM) patients and its respective level among Aseptic Meningitis (AM), was 8.1±0.3U/L (4.0, 11.5), partially treated pyo -meningitis (PTM) was 7.6±0.4U/L (5.0, 11.0), pyogenic meningitis (PM) was 11.6±0.5U/L (8.0, 14.5). In total Non-TBM ADA level was 9.1±0.3U/L (4.0, 14.5) units/liter. At cut off of > or equal to 10U/L sensitivity was 100% specificity66.67% positive predictive value33.33% negative predictive value of 100% diagnostic accuracy 71.43%. At a higher cut off of > or equal to 12U/L sensitivity was 100% and specificity increased to 81.67% positive predictive value 47.62% negative predictive value100% diagnostic accuracy was 84.29%.Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of CSF ADA activity is markedly high in differentiating TBM from non-TBM. Hence CSF ADA activity may be used as a simple, cost-effective and reliable test for early diagnosis of TBM.
Anti-snake venom induced reactions among children with snake envenomation
Authors: V. Poovazhagi , S. A. Ravikumar , A. Jagadeeswari , P. Arulganesh , S. Prabhu Raj , S. Anupama 
Published: February 2017

Background: Snake envenomation in children is a neglected tropical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Life threatening neurotoxic and hemotoxic envenomation in children demands timely Anti Snake Venom (ASV) administration to improve the outcome.Methods: This was a prospective observational study undertaken at the pediatric intensive care unit of tertiary care referral center at Chengalpattu. All the 26 children with evidence of snake envenomation were recruited after informed consent of the caregivers during the study period. Clinical presentation and ASV related reactions were studied.Results: In this study of 26 children with envenomation, neurotoxic envenomation was more common. Foot was the common bite site. 10 of the 18 children (55.5%) had nocturnal bites. Ptosis, local swelling, hypotonia, headlag, vomiting and shock were the common clinical features. Polyvalent antivenom was used in all these children. ASV reactions of varying severity was encountered in 18 of the 26 children (69.2%). All the acute ASV reactions were encountered in the first 30 minutes. All the 18 children had rashes to begin with. Rashes and itching were the common feature of ASV reactions. Among children with reactions shock was seen in 50 %. Overall mortality was 3.85% (one child). None died due to anaphylaxis. The administration of ASV in primary and secondary centers was not carried out in time and the occurrence of anaphylaxis were not managed with inj adrenaline prior to referral. Inj pheniramine maleate, atropine and hydrocortisone were used by those centers. Referral after ASV reactions led to delay in completion of ASV administration.Conclusions: Occurence of ASV reactions is high in children (69%). There is an undue delay in ASV completion with ASV reactions. There is an urgent need for prevention of ASV reactions either by monovalent venoms or premedication prior to ASV administration.
Acquired colonic atresia in a 4-month old term male infant: a rare case report
Authors: Rattan Kamal Nain , J. Gurupriya , Bansal Shruti , Kapoor Rohit , Yadav Roomi 
Published: February 2017

Acquired colonic atresias are very rare but, are known in association with necrotizing enterocolitis. We report a case of a 4-month term male infant with recurrent episodes of abdominal distension, bilious vomiting and constipation off and on, without the history of necrotizing enterocolitis. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, an inflammatory mass with multiple dense interloop adhesions were found in the mid-transverse colon. These adhesions were lysed to identify the proximal dilated and distal blind end of the colon. Rest of the gut was normal. This case is unique for the fact that, it is a case of acquired colonic atresia without history of necrotizing enterocolitis, unlike other reported cases of acquired colonic atresia.
Study of group education interventions for people with low back pain
Authors: Gupta Rishabh , Mahajan Shavi , Dewan Deepika , Gupta Rajat 
Published: February 2017

Background: Backcare education administered in a group situation is one of the most effective and economic methods of treating back pain. It is based on available scientific knowledge of the physiology and mechanics of the spinal structures and their relationship to daily activities. It provides the patient with a better understanding of the problem, aiming primarily at helping the patient take responsibility for his or her back pain, while relieving pain and functional disability.Methods: This study was carried out on 100 patients of chronic low back pain, attending the OPD of Post Graduate Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Jammu for a period of one year. Assessment was carried out before the treatment and after the treatment at four weeks, three months & six months post treatment. The following scales were used to measure the therapeutic response: the Modified Oswestry low back pain disability index, Visual analogue score (VAS), and clinical parameters like finger to floor distance and straight leg raising.Results: The patients showed significant improvement at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post treatment when compared to base-line data (p<0.001).Conclusions: It was concluded that all chronic low back pain patients would benefit from a group program of back care education.
Quality of life among breast cancer patients: a cross sectional study
Authors: Kanayamkandi Jeseena , Sunderam Shalini 
Published: February 2017

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. Over the last decade, Quality of life (QOL) has become an important outcome measure in the treatment of cancer patients. Aim and Objective-.1) To evaluate the Quality of life among Breast cancer patients; 2) To describe the socio-demographic profile of Breast cancer patients; 3) To find out association between socio-demographic characteristics of patients and Quality of life.Methods: It was a cross sectional, descriptive and hospital based study. Total duration of study was 6 months (April 2015-September 2015), conducted in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, Jharkhand 84 breast cancer patients were selected as study subjects and were interviewed by a validated questionnaire.Results: A total of 84 breast cancer patients were included in the study, most of the patients were between 40-60 years, mean age being 43.32±10.2. Most were non tribal, belonging to Hindu Religion. Majority were married. None of the participants had above average or significantly high QOL. 20.2% had average QOL, 51.2% had below average and 28.6% had significantly poor QOL. Married patients were found to have a significantly better QOL (p<0.05). QOL had no association with age, ethnicity, religion, education, occupation or socio-economic status of participants (p>0.05).Conclusions: Present study showed that majority of Breast cancer patients had poor QOL. Married patients were leading a comparatively better QOL than unmarried.
The correlation of obesity, smoking, fried foods consumption pattern and food intake with lipid profile in civil servant in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Sudargo Toto , Sari Fahmi Tiara , Naomi Novita Dian 
Published: February 2017

Background: Dyslipidemia is an abnormal change in the levels of lipid profile such as increased levels of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides or decreased levels of HDL. The proportion of the Indonesian population (> 15 years old) with a total cholesterol level above the normal value amounted to 35,9%. Objective: To determine the correlation of obesity, smoking, fried food consumption pattern and food intake with lipid profile in civil servant in Yogyakarta.Methods: This study is an observational study with cross sectional design at employees of Gadjah Mada University who perform medical check-up at the GMC-Health Center Yogyakarta. There are 179 respondents in the study. Subjects are categorized to have dyslipidemia (based on NCEP ATP III criteria) if it meets ≥ 1 of the following criteria: (1) Total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL; (2) LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg / dL; (3) HDL cholesterol < 40 mg / dL; and (4) Triglycerides ≥150 mg / dL. Fried food consumption patterns and food intake is obtained using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Data were analyzed by Chi Square, Independent t test and Mann Whitney test (adjusted for scale variables used) with a confidence level of 95%.Results: One hundred and fifty five of 179 respondents (87.3%) diagnosed with dyslipidemia. There are 52% abnormal cholesterol, abnormal LDL 67%, 43% and 28.5% with abnormal HDL and abnormal triglycerides, respectively. The statistical test showed the correlation of obesity (p=0,022), smoking (p=0,013), the type of fried food (p=0.047), the amount of fried foods (p=0,013) and fat intake from fried foods (p=0.036) has significant association with lipid profile levels.Conclusions: There is significant correlation between obesity, smoking, type of fried food, amount of fried foods and fat intake from fried food with lipid profile levels.
Assessment of knowledge regarding menstruation and practices related to maintenance of menstrual hygiene among the women of reproductive age group in a slum of Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Authors: Santra Sutanuka 
Published: February 2017

Background: Menstruation is a normal biological process and a key sign of reproductive health. Unfortunately, the taboo surrounding menstruation prevents women from articulating their needs. There is lack of awareness on the process of menstruation and hygienic management of the same. So, the problem of poor menstrual hygiene still persists in society. Objectives: 1) To elicit the knowledge regarding menstruation among the women of reproductive age group 2) To find out the practice of menstrual hygiene among them.Methods: A community based, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Baghbazar slum, Kolkata. A total of 160 menstruating women of the age group between 15-45 years were included. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Only 32 women (20%) had idea before menarche regarding menstruation. 65% women used only sanitary pad and 30% used only cloth pieces where as 5% used both pad and cloth piece. Prevalence of sanitary pad use was significantly higher among those aged <25 years (p<0.05). With increasing literacy status as well as socio economic status, use of sanitary pad was also found to be increased and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). About 42% of the cloth piece users reused cloth piece. All those, who reused cloth pieces, washed the used cloth pieces with soap and water and 50% of them dried those under sunlight. All the women practised some kind of restriction during menstruation. About 4% individuals did not take regular bath during their bleeding period. Some women (37.5%) suffered from reproductive tract infection during or just after menstruation. Most of the study subjects (95.6%) disposed used napkins in municipal vat.Conclusions: Awareness should be increased regarding maintenance of good menstrual hygiene through health education programme.
Prevalence of alcohol use among high school students, the pattern of consumption and the physical circumstances associated with alcoholism in an urban area of Kerala, India
Authors: S. S. Mini , U. Anuja , S. Shaheer Khan , K. Shameel K. 
Published: February 2017

Background: The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of alcoholism among high school students, the pattern of consumption and the physical circumstances lead them to alcoholism.Methods: This study was done as a cross sectional study in the high schools of Pagappara PHC area which is the urban health training centre attached to Government medical college Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Sample size was calculated based on the prevalence of a previous study conducted in Kottayam district Kerala and estimated as 300. Data was collected using a pre tested questionnaire through interview technique. Data entry was done in SPSS 16 and percentages were calculated to express the results.Results: The prevalence of drinking among the high school students was 21% and 1% of students were regular drinkers. Among those consumed alcohol 38.15 have used it before the age of 10 years. 61.9% started drinking for experimentation and beer was commonly used type (71%).Conclusions: According to this study 21% of students have consumed alcohol and 1% is regular users of alcohol. Thus, there is a dire need to intervene.
Assessment of under-five immunization coverage among the population of slum areas in Mangalore taluk, India
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Prabhu Sudhir , Jose Arun P. , Bhat Sowmya , Souza Oliver D. , V. Narayana 
Published: February 2017

Background: Immunization coverage is better in urban than rural areas. However, we anticipate and argue that within the urban areas disparities and inequities persist in immunization coverage and that the socioeconomically disadvantaged, particularly those who reside in slum areas are more vulnerable and may contribute to the lower uptake of immunization. The objectives of the study were to assess the under-five immunization coverage amongst the households in slums of Mangalore taluk and to identify determinants of full immunization uptake among under 5 in the slums population and to know the reasons for non-immunization or partial immunization of children.Methods: Community Based Cross sectional study was conducted in the notified slum areas of Mangalore during August-November 2015. Information was collected from the parents regarding vaccination of their children and sociodemographic variables using a semi-structured interview schedule.Results: 88 (57.7%) of under 5 children were fully immunized, 62 (41.3%) were partially immunized in the slum areas of Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Mean age of the children in our study was found to be 35.15 months. Immunization coverage was found to be associated with the presence of immunization card, occupation of mother, knowledge about universal immunization programme (UIP), knowledge about protection offered by vaccines.Conclusions: Unfortunately, the immunization coverage was found to be very bad in the slum areas of Mangalore city, Karnataka, India. There is an urgent need to ensure that regular health education sessions are conducted. Secondly, slum areas should be the target of RCH programme with special focus on immunization related activities e.g. ensuring that all households with children should have immunization cards, as the slum areas remain the neglected section of the society due to various reasons.
A study to determine the awareness and behavioral patterns/practice about road safety measures among undergraduate medical students, Bangalore, India-cross sectional study
Authors: M. S. Ramya , Jadhav Jyothi , T. S. Ranganath 
Published: February 2017

Background: Road traffic accident’s (RTA’s) is an important global public health problem causing 20 to 50 million non-fatal injuries and 1.25 million deaths annually, currently the 8th leading cause of death globally and predicted to become the 5th leading cause of death by 2030. RTA is one of the leading cause of death among the most productive age group (15-29 years) costing billions of dollars to deal with its consequences. The present study is aimed to determine the awareness and behavioral patterns about road safety measures among undergraduate medical students, Bangalore.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 540 undergraduate medical students in a medical college, Bangalore from August to October, 2015 by universal sampling technique using a semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire.Results: Majority of the study participants were aware of traffic signal rules 99.2% and helmets usage 98.8%. 87.7% knew that alcohol consumption is dangerous while driving/riding, 67% were aware of seat belts usage and only 64.8% were aware of usage of hands free devices while driving/riding. Among the 392 two wheeler and 188 four wheeler users, 36.2% and 50% regularly used helmets/seatbelts respectively and 70% followed lane rule. The risky behaviours like jumping traffic signals, riding hands free, drag racing and drunken driving were noted.Conclusions: In order to restrict the epidemic of RTA’s undertaking proper road safety measures are the best available interventions. The overall knowledge and practice of road safety measures was high except in certain areas the practice levels were not desirable which has to be strengthened.