bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward cervical cancer and screening among sexually active Saudi females visiting a primary care center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algabr Ghadah Abdulrahman , AlSaud Lama , Ismail Alaa Ateef S. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Background/Aim:
Women’s knowledge of cervical cancer (CC) and awareness of screening procedures are important to improve adherence and reduce mortality. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cervical cancer and screening among sexually active Saudi females visiting a primary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study among sexually active Saudi females who visited the primary care center of our institution using a self-administered survey questionnaire between July and December 2020.

Results:
Six hundred and one Saudi women participated in the survey with a mean age of 34.0 ± 10.8 years. Three in four women (75.7%) were aware of cervical cancer and 325 (54.1%) believed that doing a Paps smear helped them diagnose and prevent CC. However, 479 participants (79.7%) do not see the need to go for CC screening (n = 199, 41.5%) and 113 (23.6%) had not heard of Paps smear screening. There were 109 women (18.1%) who has good knowledge of cervical cancer and screening and 492 women (81.9%) had poor knowledge.

Conclusion:
There was a high proportion of women with poor knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and screening. Most women do not feel the need to undergo screening. Primary care physicians and healthcare providers should revisit the implementation of policies or information dissemination of programs and materials to increase awareness and knowledge for cervical cancer screening and vaccination throughout primary healthcare centers.
Assessment of clinical and virological outcomes of rural and urban populations: COVID-19
Authors: Bhocal Usha , Katyal Ashima , Dhull Divya , Raghuraman Kausalya , Nandal Namita , Gill Paramjeet S. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To assess the clinical and virological status in urban and rural populations.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak for a period of six months. Upper respiratory tract (URT) specimens including nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from the patients and their contacts and processed by RT-PCR technique for COVID-19 detection. Further, clinical and virological response in both the population were assessed and compared.

Results:
A total of 37,724 URT samples were tested, out of which 20,144 (53%) samples were from the rural population and 17,580 (47%) from the urban population. Out of the total samples from urban and rural population, COVID-19 positivity was 13.9% in urban population and 6.2% in rural population. Around 86% patients or contacts were asymptomatic in both the rural and urban population and rests were symptomatic 14%. Among the symptomatic patients, sore throat was seen as the most common presenting symptom (95-100%) followed by fever (80-83%), dry cough (55-61%), nasal discharge (18-23%), and breathlessness (3-5%) in both the rural and urban population.

Conclusion:
Our outcomes provide novel facts that the COVID-19 epidemic severely affected both rural and urban populations but with few differences. In our study, positivity rate in case of urban population was 13.9% as compared to 6.2% in rural population. There are two foremost facets that contributed variation in positivity in both the population. First, better immune response in rural population as compared to urban population which can be due to the fact that rural people in India are more exposed to various pathogens during their early lifetime thus, improving their immune status. Second, factor could be elevated population densities in urban areas which can contribute to increased infectiousness thus higher positivity rate. In addition, people living in urban population have to commute more for their work and are exposed to more people throughout the day thus, having more possibility to get infection of COVID-19 as compared to the rural population. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies conducted on COVID-19, among rural population of Haryana. Hence, this study will allow us to fill the gap in knowledge about the variation in contagion spread and immune response in both rural and urban populations.
The relationship between personality dimensions with resiliency and sense of coherence with respect to the role of spiritual health in the patients’ candidate for eye surgery
Authors: Mihandoust Soada , Nematollahzadeh Zohreh , Shirvani Mohammad , Al- Karboolee Nasir Jamal Nasir , Joudi Mitra , Fouroozandeh Maryam , Moghadam Farhad Adhami 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
This research aimed to determine the relationship between personality dimensions with the rate of resiliency and internal cohesion regarding the intermediary role of spiritual health in candidate patients for eye surgery.

Methods:
The method used in this is of correlation type, and statistical population in this project included all eye patients chosen for eye surgery who were examined at technical eye clinics in Tehran. The statistical sample included 200 patients from the statistical population who were chosen through a targeted sampling method. The data collection tools were Conner and Davidson’s tolerance questionnaire (2003), Maccary and Costa’s personality questionnaire (1985), Antonowski’s internal cohesion scale (1970), and Politzin and Elison’s spiritual health questionnaire (1982). The research hypotheses were examined through regression analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and path analysis.

Results:
The results showed that the calculated fit indices of the structural model of the research were correlated with the five dimensions of personality and internal cohesion of patients undergoing eye surgery with respect to the mediator role of spiritual health with 88% confidence. Investigation of path analysis coefficients showed a significant relationship between exogenous and intermediary variables on resiliency and internal cohesion (P value = 0.00).

Conclusion:
According to the results of the research, the spiritual health variable plays a significant mediating role for exogenous and endogenous variables in this model. Therefore, personality traits not only directly influence resilience and internal cohesion but also indirectly influence spiritual well-being.
Post-COVID-19 manifestations: A study of analyzing symptoms, complications following hospitalization
Authors: Kaur Daljeet , Agrawal Kailash Chandra , Deep Aman , Choudhary Hazarimal , Soni Laxman , Saran Rajendra , Sankhla Vasudev 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Post-COVID-19 symptoms and diseases appeared on recovered from COVID-19. Hence, the study aims to investigate and characterize the manifestations which appear after recovery from the corona virus infection.

Objectives:
To investigate the post-COVID-19 Manifestation, to demonstrate different symptoms or signs that appeared during COVID and after recovery from the disease and to see association of independent factors (like age, sex, BMI, Comorbidities) with Post-COVID complication.

Methods:
The study was conducted using cross-sectional study among COVID positive patients admitted and then recovered in Bangur Hospital, Pali, Rajasthan, including ICU and Isolation wards from March to December 2020. Sample size calculated was 423 with simple random sampling.

Findings:
In our study of these 421 COVID-19 cases, median age was 36 year (Interquartile Range: 26-55 years). Post-COVID manifestation (at least one symptom) significantly associated with age of subjects (p = 0.001), subjects who were in ICU during COVID-19 positive (p = 0.003), symptomatic subjects (p = 0.009) during COVID positive and SPO2 level at the time of admission during COVID positive (p = 0.01).

Conclusion:
The recovered subjects should be highly vigilant in maintaining and monitoring their health status as there is a risk of future complications after recovery.
Clinical spectrum and outcome of pregnancy with liver diseases – A prospective study
Authors: Bahadur Anupama , Mundhra Rajlaxmi , Kashibhatla Jyotshna , Chawla Latika , Rajput Rashmi , Zaman Rabia , Mahima Mahamood MM , Kumari Purvashi , Gupta Rohit 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective:
Liver diseases constitute a family of diseases in pregnancy which are less often studied individually. Spectrum of liver diseases directly or indirectly related to pregnancy comprise 3% of all pregnancies. The biggest challenge is to arrive at a diagnosis in such cases. With this study we aimed to study the prevalence of different Liver diseases in pregnancy in our population and its effect on fetomaternal outcome.

Material and Methods:
This was a prospective observational study carried out from March 2018 to March 2020. A total of 184 pregnant women with diagnosis of some form of liver disease as evident from their symptoms, signs or biochemical investigations were included in study cohort.

Result:
Primigravida accounted for majority of study cohort (44.02%). Approximately 90.21% belonged to 20-35 yrs. Age group. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) was the most common liver ailment (66.84%) followed by viral hepatitis (10.32%), Hyperemesis gravidarum (7.06%) and HELLP syndrome (6.52%). There was one case of Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (0.54%), four cases of Pre-eclampsia with liver dysfunction (2.17%), seven cases of Jaundice in pregnancy (3.80%) and 3 cases of pre-existing liver diseases (1.63%). 5 cases (2.71%) of antepartum eclampsia, 5 cases (2.71%) of postpartum eclampsia and 1 case (0.54%) of post-partum HELLP was seen. 33.33% patients were delivered early by induction or caesarean section because of liver dysfunction.14.67% required blood or blood products transfusion.1.63% had postpartum hemorrhage.1.08% mothers required intensive care admissions. Neonatal outcome was poor with 6.41% being growth restricted, 9.61% premature, 8.97% were intrauterine dead fetuses, 2.56% had early neonatal deaths and 7.05% needed neonatal intensive care unit admissions.

Conclusion:
Timely admission, quick diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with liver diseases in pregnancy can make a significant difference in mortality and morbidity rates due to liver ailments in pregnancy.
Knowledge and awareness of glaucoma in a population of Abha, Southern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alamri Abdulrahman , Bakri Khulud Ali , Alqarni Shahd Mohammad , Alosaimi Maram Nawar , Alshehri Ebtihaj Yahya , Alshahrani Mariam Salem 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Glaucoma is a disease that results in a painless elevation of intro ulster pressure (IOP), which can lead to progressive optic nerve damage and visual field loss. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is certain that understanding the disease and knowing the people most susceptible, such as those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension may help treat the condition and check it regularly to avoid irreversible blindness.

Materials and Methods:
This study was done to measure the extent of people’s awareness and knowledge about glaucoma. The study was cross sectional and used a questionnaire to find about the awareness of glaucoma among the residents of Abha. The sample size was 1563. It was conducted within 2 months of taking ethical approval and informed consent. Data was analyzed by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) program, version 22.

Results:
The study results showed that around 77.1% of the respondents had heard about glaucoma. Of the 1563 participants, the majority were women and they constituted 81.0%. Nearly 88.3% replied that glaucoma may lead to blindness and 86.9% agreed that early screening helps avoid the complications of glaucoma. Although just 5.4% did glaucoma screening, 43.0% concurred that this blindness can be treated.

Conclusion:
Current research evaluated the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among the residents of Aseer. Good awareness level regarding glaucoma was found among 725 respondents (46.4%) and 53.6% had poor awareness.
Study of diagnostic utility of Xpert MTB/Rif test on pleural fluid in the evaluation of patients presenting with Pleural Tuberculosis in Nepal
Authors: Mishra Deebya Raj , Bhatta Narendra , Lamsal Madhab , Bhattarai Narayan , Maskey Robin , Shah Niharika 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Existing tests for the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) have major limitations in terms of accuracy, time to diagnosis and drug resistance testing. A test which can diagnose pleural TB and detect resistance, like Xpert MTB/Rif, would be optimal for rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Methods:
A prospective observational study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern Nepal. Fifty-one patients with clinic-radiologic suspicion of pleural TB were included. The results of pleural fluid Xpert MTB/Rif were compared with two Composite Reference Standards. Composite Reference Standard-1 consisted of positive pleural fluid smear, positive culture, positive histology of pleural biopsy, and positive sputum results. Composite Reference Standard-2 included those with Composite Reference Standard-1 and those with high ADA values (>40 U/l) with response to anti-tubercular treatment at 8 weeks of follow-up.

Results:
Thirty-six patients were diagnosed as Pleural TB. Nine fulfilled Composite Reference Standard-1. Pleural fluid Xpert MTB/Rif was positive in five cases with Composite Reference Standard-1 and nine cases with Composite Reference Standard-2. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value with reference to Composite Reference Standard-1 were 55.56%, 88.10%, 50%, and 90.24%, respectively. Using Composite Reference Standard-2 as reference, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 25%, 93.33%, 90%, and 34.15%, respectively. Two cases were diagnosed Xpert Rif resistant on pleural fluid.

Conclusion:
Due to low sensitivity, the Xpert MTB/Rif test cannot be recommended as initial test of diagnosis in a high prevalence setting. At the same time its clinical utility lies in testing of patients suspected to have drug-resistant pleural tuberculosis.
Mucormycosis and diabetes in the times of COVID-19: A Mumbai-based observational study
Authors: Hinduja Anupa R. A. , Tambe Rahul R. , Giri Purshottam A. , Sunil Suchithra , Limaye Harshad , Kalpana G 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
There is a significant increase in the number of mucormycosis cases in the setting of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study was undertaken to understand the clinical profile of such patients and the risk factors associated with increased mortality of this already deadly infection.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted by including microbiologically confirmed cases of mucormycosis with the background of COVID-19 infection (COVID-19–associated mucormycosis [CAM]). Data was segregated into those of survivors versus non-survivors and the two groups were analyzed for various risk factors. Early and late CAM were also compared.

Results:
The case fatality rate was 21.73% (5/23 patients). Case fatality in early CAM was 33.3% versus 9.1% in late CAM. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (P = 0.01) and cranial nerve involvement (P = 0.0482) were associated with increased mortality. Diabetes and poor glycemic control were the common factors in all patients. Early CAM patients were more likely to have orbital or cerebral involvement (P = 0.0065). Patients having chronic liver disease had a higher risk of mortality (P = 0.0395). Sequential treatment or concurrent dual drug therapy with a combination of antifungal drugs was independently associated with better survival (P = 0.0395). The average duration of treatment with amphotericin-b required for cure by survivors was 29.05 ± 17.05 days. The average duration of treatment with isavuconazole/posaconazole for survivors was 50.32 ± 25.23 days.

Conclusion:
Early CAM had a higher case fatality rate. Patients had better recovery rates with sequential or dual antifungal treatment. The raised incidence and mortality in the COVID-19 pandemic is probably related to the COVID-19–induced immunosuppression with associated diabetes and excessive use of steroids.
Association between stuttering and psychosocial complications in Saudi Arabian individuals: A pilot study
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Sameer , Al-Ghamdi Hussain A. , Allarakia Basmah M. , Alshatri Fahad A. , Al-Ghamdi Abdulrahman , Al-Ghamdi Mohammed 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Stuttering is a multifaceted speech disorder that affects the interpersonal communication. It has a significant psychosocial impact on individuals who stutter and on their families. Stuttering is associated with substantial psychosocial morbidity, including social or generalized anxiety, stigmatization or discrimination, impaired self-image, and poor quality of life. Psychosocial morbidity, such as the one reported among stuttering individuals, may provoke suicidal ideation that varies with gender, age, geographic region, and psychosocial reality. The present research aimed to determine the association between stuttering and psychosocial complications in Saudi Arabian individuals.

Materials and Methods:
This study targeted a total of 107 male patients with stuttering. Only 59 of them fulfilled both inclusion and exclusion criteria. The researchers formulated a valid questionnaire to obtain quantifiable data for analysis. The questionnaire consisted of 76 questions spanning various domains. Following the data collection, a quantitative analysis was carried out.

Results:
A total of 79.5% of the participants were adolescents or young adults between the ages of 16 and 26. Among them, 17.8% had a later onset of stuttering. The age of onset tended to be higher than 5 years, with over 80% of respondents reporting an age of onset in the last 5 years of their age. Among the participants, 57.6% reported a positive family history of stuttering.

Conclusions:
The present study reports that patients who stutter (PWS) are at a higher risk of developing negative thoughts leading to suicidal attempts due to social anxiety and depression. Therefore, future studies should be designed to establish the relationship between stuttering and suicidal thoughts in order to establish policies that may improve the quality of life of those who stutter.
Agricultural pesticide use and misuse: A study to assess the cognizance and practices among North Indian farmers
Authors: Sachan Beena , Kandpal Sunil Dutt , Singh Arvind K. , Kaushik Amit , Jauhari Sugandha , Ansari Arshi 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Farmers’ cognizance regarding pesticide use and overuse is limited and their practices for handling of pesticides is unsatisfactory. However, their perception concerning risks and safety of pesticides play a very important role in safe spraying and indirectly protect them from adverse health hazards.

Objective:
To assess the cognizance about use and risks of overuse of pesticides and evaluate practices for the storage, preparation, and disposal of pesticides.

Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 farmers of Lucknow who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A multistage random sampling was done to interview the farmers. A pretested structured questionnaire was to collect the information regarding the cognizance about use and risks of overuse of pesticides and evaluate practices for the storage, preparation, and disposal of pesticides.

Results:
More than half (55%) of the farmers did not read and follow the pesticide label. Maximum (80.2%) were unaware that pesticides are banned or restricted for use. Thirty-seven percent did not know that some pesticides may cause lethal intoxications. Majority of the farmers (42.6%) stored the pesticides anywhere in the house. More than two-thirds of the farmers (69.7%) mixed only needed pesticides followed by a low percentage of them applying on other crops (15.8%) and dispose in the field (11.7%).

Conclusion:
The study concludes that cognizance and practices of the farmers for pesticide use and risks associated with it was not satisfactory and exposes them to adverse health outcomes.
Role of Dantabija, Haridra, and Zingiber (DHZ) combination to restore health and immunity in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Agarwal Mukta , Bhushan Divendu , Pati Binod K. , Jha Kamlesh , Kumari Amita 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused various clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic, minor flu-like symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and even death. Early restriction of viruses is of utmost importance in controlling the spread of COVID-19. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of a common herbal extract combination of pomegranate (dantabija), turmeric (haridra), and zinger (DHZ) in mild to moderate covid cases.

Methods:
A hundred covid-positive subjects of mild to moderate severity have been randomized to control and study groups. The study population has been given the fixed-dose combination of DHZ as an adjuvant to standard treatment. Data have been analyzed using standard statistical tools.

Finding:
DHZ as an adjuvant helped in turning 83.33% of patients negative in the home quarantine group whereas 40% of patients in the hospitalized group turned negative with the addition of DHZ in the standard management. The percent negativity was lower in patients who received only standard management. Out of all patients, who did not receive DHZ, only 38% of patients in home quarantine and 32% in hospitalized patients became negative for COVID-19. Patients who received DHZ also showed improvement in blood pressure levels, oxygen levels as well as improvement in all symptoms associated with COVID-19 infections.

Interpretation:
DHZ has shown a promising effect in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 as an adjuvant to the standard therapy. The study results indicated that the combination probably produces its effect by its immunomodulatory action.
Factors influencing adherence to self-care practices among patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus from Saurashtra region of Gujarat: A conclusive research
Authors: Joshi Jwalant , Patel Punit , Gandhi Shreyashkumar , Patel Nitesh , Chaudhari Ashishkumar 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
It is commonly understood that diabetes self-care practice is critical in the management of the disease. However, the magnitude and determinants of self-care practices are not well evaluated at the community level.

Methods:
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 178 type 2 DM patients. Self-care practices were evaluated for the last seven days and each item was scored from 0 (none of the days in a week) to 7 (all 7 days were followed).

Results:
Adherence to medication (89.3%) and blood glucose monitoring (65.2%) were relatively higher than other domains. Factors associated with dietary adherence were secondary level education and above (OR = 22.1, 95% CI = 6.85 to 71.3), physician or endocrinologist treating doctors (OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.24 to 11.32), joint and three-generation family (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.23 to 8.92) and upper and middle socioeconomic class (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1 to 6.2). Good glycemic control was significantly associated with dietary adherence (OR = 6.81, 95% CI = (2.71 to 17.16), medication adherence (OR = 4.59, 95% CI = 1.3 to 16.24) and regular exercise (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.62 to 8.19).

Conclusion:
There is need to develop structured diabetes self-care education programs with involvement of private practitioners as a majority of the patients consult private practitioners for treatment. Health educators might have to place emphasis on self-care education to patients as well as caregivers belonging to low socioeconomic class and having lower education.