International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health

Editor: Dr. Jay Charan

ISSN: 2320–4664 (Print)

Frequency: 3 issues a year

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.ijmsph.com/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 715
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    A cross-sectional study on the compliance to antihypertensive drugs in a rural area
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Pandian, S; M, V; R, U
    Background: The burden of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing over the years. Worldwide, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality has been due to NCDs. Although NCDs are multifactorial, hypertension plays a major role as a risk factor. Lack of treatment adherence can lead to negative health consequences. Objectives: The objectives of the study were as follows: (1) To assess patients’ compliance to antihypertensive drugs; (2) to evaluate association between treatment compliance and sociodemographic determinants; and (3) to find out the factors responsible for non-adherence. Materials and Methods: This study was carried among 350 hypertensive patients in the rural field practice area of a medical college using simple random sampling method. The study population consists of hypertensive patients belonging to 20–60 years of age. A pretested structured questionnaire containing Morisky’s scale was used to assess patient’s adherence. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Version 22). Results: Nearly 53.7% of the study participants were female. The prevalence of treatment compliance was estimated to be 24.6%. Statistically significant association was observed between age, education, and socioeconomic status with adherence to hypertensive medications (P < 0.05). Many reasons were identified for non-adherence and they include cost of treatment (21.4 %), side effects (27.5%), alternative treatment (16%), lack of knowledge (32.8%), and multiple drugs (25%). Conclusion: The prevalence of 23.6% of patient’s being adherent to hypertensive medications was observed among the study population. It is necessary to strengthen treatment adherence by various health education campaigns and implementing various health programs.
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    The validity of the self-directed learning readiness instrument with the academic achievement among the Saudi medical students
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-01) Abdulghani, HM; Almndeel, N; Almutawa, A; Aldhahri, R; Alzeheary, M; Ahmad, T; Alshahrani, A; Hamza, A; Khamis, N
    Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) is very crucial for continuous professional development for all health-care professionals. Objectives: This study aims to measure the SDL readiness of the first clinical year medical students and its relation with their academic achievement. In addition, to examine the reliability and validity of SDL rating scales. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative cross-sectional study involving the 3rd year medical students at a Saudi medical school. The level of SDL readiness was measured by a validated Fisher’s scale which includes three subscales: Self-control (SC), self-management (SM), and desire for learning (DL), and student’s academic achievement by their grade point average (GPA). The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: High SDL scores were found to have a positive relationship with students’ academic achievement. The overall mean score of Fisher’s scale was 156.73 ± 15.85. The mean score of SC was 61.2 ± 6.4 followed by the DL 48.4 ± 5.6 and SM skills 47.1 ± 6.6. Factor analysis revealed that all three-factor models and individual subscales have an average to poor fit. Conclusion: The study results showed that the high SDL readiness score is directly proportional to students’ academic achievement. The students were highly self-directed learners, but the study could not confirm that the current SDL model had a strong level of reliability and validity when tested with undergraduate level medical student’s achievement by the GPA. Although the study confirmed that our students are self-directed learners, their time management skills need to be improved.
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    Practices and attitudes concerning expiration date, unused, and expired medication disposal
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Eltaib, L; Alanazi, SA; Ali, SE
    Background: According to the product type, the date of expiration is set after manufacturing or after dispensing of the medication or after opening of the medication’s container. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess practices and attitudes concerning unused, disposal, and expiration date of medications among Saudi population in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted during a period of 9 months from April 2019 to January 2020 on a random sample, all data were analyzed by means of descriptive analysis. Results: The total number of people answered the questionnaire during the study period were 529, nearly all the participants (99%) keep medication in their homes at the study time. Only half of the participants (53%) were aware that expiry date on the bottle differs after bottle opening. About 24% of participants do not check the expiry date while purchasing medications. The main cause mentioned for not checking the expiry dates while purchasing medicines were that pharmacist already checked (71%), about half of study participants (56%) check the expiry date of stored medicines at the time of usage. About 34% and 41% of participants reported that if they buy eye/ear drops and ointment/cream respectively, they will keep it in bedroom. About 74% of study participants throw away expired medicine in household garbage as it is. Conclusion: It is obvious that Saudi people have a sufficient level of awareness of the expiry date of medication; however, their practices are poor. In light of the study findings, there is a great need to improve public awareness toward the storage and disposal of drugs and its bad consequences.
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    Consequential exposure to hypothermia in gestational diabetic rats induces oxidative changes in the brain of offspring
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Sharief, R; Mahaboob, A; P, MB
    Background: Prenatal stress is unique due to range of problems and can affect the embryo/fetus beginning with conception. Gestational diabetes mellitus is the concern for expectant-mothers wherein glucose intolerance with consistent hyperglycemia is a threatening factor during pregnancy. Objectives: In the event of multiple stressors posing their effects on intrauterine life and placenta being the target of increased sympathetic tone during gestation, there is a possibility of functional vulnerabilities that may contribute to the pathogenesis in post-natal life. Studying brain regional discrepancies in offspring might help to know the prenatal stress-induced variation in the antioxidant barrier and promoted oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: The changes occurring in oxidative stress indices in discrete brain regions of rat offspring born as a consequential exposure to gestational diabetes (streptozotocin induction) and cold stress (15 and 20°C) are assessed in this study. Results: The findings specify the involvement of cold-stress provoked induction of higher degree oxidative stress within brain compartments as evidenced by a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and GSH as well as increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde. Results highlight the synergistic actions of stressors due to the increased generation of free radicals. Cold stress at 15°C found to cause exacerbatory actions by depleting antioxidant enzymes in diabetic subjects than the exposures made at 20°C. Conclusion: The findings prove that cold stress is a crucial stimulus to a fetus during gestation and acts as a trigger of oxidative stress especially in diabetic subjects and can pose an adverse impact. These changes could partly explain the increased vulnerability of prenatally stressed subjects to functional disorders including deficits in memory and cognitive processes in later life.
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    Google Classroom sessions as a modern e-learning tool for the second year undergraduate dental students – A questionnaire feedback study
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Kazi, MMAG; Shidhore, AA
    Background: With the advent of newer technologies in academic teachings, usage of e-sessions has increased to a larger extent. One such commonly used internet-based teaching forum is Google Classroom. It has certain distinctive features which makes its operation efficient for the students as well as teachers. It acts as a frontline for educative workflow and simple communication method for students. It facilitates enhanced learning along with teaching process, with being most advantageous to the students. However, there is a need to understand and evaluate the robustness and pitfalls of such methods. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess feedback of the 2nd year undergraduate dental students regarding sessions of Google Classroom as a modern e-learning tool. Materials and Methods: A feedback questionnaire consisting of 22 items was self-administered to perceive the opinions of undergraduate dental students regarding Google Classroom, through online medium. Considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant and at 95% confidence intervals, data were sorted and analyzed. Results: There were three domains derived – general domain, student-specific domain, and overall experience domain, wherein 90.5% of the students agree that Google Classroom can be considered relevant; as a new e-learning, 64.3% of the students rated their completeness of assignment submissions on Google Classroom as good and 72.2% of students responded that the knowledge gained from the Google Classroom sessions can be retained/ reproduced easily. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the undergraduate 2nd year dental students consider Google Classroom as a productive, efficient, and helpful modern e-learning tool for substantial studying and tackling exams in coronavirus disease-19 scenario.
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    Effects of internet and social media use among medical students of a tertiary care teaching hospital
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Deshpande, J; Kulshrestha, A; Akella, M; Kumar, A; Ambekar, H
    Background: The launch of many free low cost data packages has put India on the global map for large scale consumption of mobile data leading to exponential usage of social media. Internet has both positive and negative advantages on its users. Excessive use of social media is affecting the lifestyle of youth moreover, statistics show that addiction to social media resulted in increased health problems and change in behavior. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the pattern of internet and social media use and its physical and psycho-social effects on the medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital in a rural area using self-administered pretested questionnaire using Google forms. The descriptive statistical analysis of data was performed in the form of mean, standard deviation, percentages, and proportions. Results: The number of male and female participants was 184 (44.4%) and 230 (55.6%), respectively. Almost 37% of students spend more than 4 h on internet daily and 56% students responded that they visit social media more than 6 times/day. Headache, sleep disturbances, and burning sensation of eyes and neck pain were the prominent disabling symptoms. One hundred and twenty-seven (30.7%) students sleep for <6 h and 64.8% students stay up late to access internet and 43.9% students check social media immediately after waking up. Conclusion: Time spent on internet, social media to perform online access can be very productive but compulsive internet and social media use can have negative impact on physical and psycho-social health.
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    A study of retinal neurodegeneration using optical coherence tomography in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without retinopathy: A cross-sectional study
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-01) SSC; AKD; Jana, S; Bandyopadhyay, M
    Background: Neurodegeneration of retina (retinal diabetic neuropathy) is the earlier sign of diabetes mellitus before the appearance of any vascular sign of diabetic retinopathy. Hence, through neurodegenerative changes, we can diagnose and monitor the early neuronal damage of the retina. Objectives: The objective of the study were to establish whether the retinal neurodegeneration is earlier than vasculopathic changes in patients with diabetes and their relationship with the duration of diabetes. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 diabetic patients and 164 healthy controls were collected from a rural-based tertiary care hospital in West Bengal for this cross-sectional study. All have gone through proper history taking, comprehensive ocular examinations and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging to detect the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). Results: Our study showed that the RNFL thickness of the right and left eyes for the cases was 37.62 μm and 37.68 μm, respectively, and that for controls were 39.68 μm and 39.70 μm, respectively. The GCL thickness of the right and left eyes was 32.63 μm and 32.43 μm, respectively, in cases and that for controls were 33.73 μm and 33.87 μm, respectively. In respect of the duration of diabetes, mean RNFL thickness of the right and left eyes for <1 year, 1–2 years, and >2 years was 40.20 μm and 40.03 μm; 38.17 μm and 38.31 μm; and 35.48 μm and 35.69 μm, respectively. Mean GCL thickness of the right and left eyes for <1 year, 1–2 years, and >2 years was 34.25 μm and 33.72 μm; 31.98 μm and 31.44 μm; and 30.82 μm and 31.35 μm, respectively. The data were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods. Conclusion: This study showed that thinning of RNFL and GCL occurred in diabetes before the appearance of microaneurysm.
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    Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in a man presenting with palpitation – A case report
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) R, U; K, JSM
    Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is not a common presentation, but physicians get to see cases with pre-excitation syndrome. WPW is characterized by the existence of an accessory pathway that predisposes patients to tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Patients with WPW syndrome are at greater risk of hazardous ventricular arrhythmias. The majority of the cases never present with an underlying structural cardiac disease. It is always controversial to manage asymptomatic patients with WPW syndrome. Here, we discuss an uncommon case of a 48-year-old man with WPW syndrome after being evaluated for palpitation and giddiness.
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    Single-blind placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Sida cordifolia Linn. in treatment of semen disorders (Sukra Kshaya) using semen and hormonal analysis
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Gupta, M; Mondal, AK
    Background: Sida cordifolia Linn. is a well-known medicinal plant which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sexual properties. It shows good promise in the treatment of male sexual disorders during its pre-clinical studies. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the spermatogenesis action of aqueous extract of roots of S. cordifolia Linn. in clinical trials. Materials and Methods: The study uses qualitative criteria such as primary and secondary symptoms, and quantitative investigations such as hematological investigations, hormonal analysis, and semen analysis for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of research formulation through placebo-controlled clinical trials on 50 males having lack of sexual desire and non-satisfactory sexual life. Results: Very high inhibition was noticed in respect of primary symptoms such as lack of libido, difficulty in ejaculation or little amount of semen, as well as secondary symptoms such as nausea, body ache, headache, indigestion, loss of appetite, and general weakness in the research group. Lack of any adverse changes in hematological parameters (blood sugar, hemoglobin, ESR, RBC, and WBC) and biochemical parameters (bilirubin, protein, SGPT, SGOT, and ALP) indicates the non-toxic nature of research formulation. The hormonal levels registered a significant increase during the clinical study in research group, especially the testosterone level (8.53%). Semen quality evaluated through sperm count, motility, and morphology showed a significant improvement in research group, suggesting that administration of research drug in cases of stress-related sexual problems protected healthy cells by reduced generation of ROS and helped maintain quality parameters of spermatozoa during spermatogenesis. Conclusion: The research formulation made from roots of S. cordifolia Linn. shows good and significant (P < 0.05) therapeutic efficacy through inhibition of primary and secondary symptoms and enhancement in hormonal and seminal parameters, validating its spermatogenesis effect without any toxic or adverse effects.
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    Discard rate in blood transfusion service – A critical tool to support blood inventory management
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Luhar, RK; Shah, RJ; V, H
    Background: Blood and blood component plays a key role in health-care management. Even after enormous efforts, there is no substitute available. Blood is a scarce resource and blood wastage could impose a very serious impact on health care. Objective: The current study was conducted to determine rate and reasons for wastage of blood and its blood components. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in one of the largest standalone blood centers of West India. Data were retrieved from indigenous Integrated Blood Bank Management System software. The data were analyzed for a period of 12 months, from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Results: The total collection of blood units during the study period was 30,960 units. As per the policy of blood center, all the blood units were subjected to component separation with preparation with 88,973 components, including red cells, platelet concentrates (PLT), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate (CRYO) cryo-poor plasma (CPP), and single donor platelet (SDP). A total of 2637 blood and blood components (2.96%) were discarded during the study period. Discard rate among blood and blood component as per separation was found whole blood 0.99%, red blood cells 2.28%, FFP 1.88%, PLT 4.66%, CRYO 3.88%, CPP 1.25%, and SDP 0.47%, respectively. Among total discard rates, the major reason is seroreactivity of blood donor (1.11%), followed by expiry (0.67%), quality checks (0.29%), clotted bag (0.03%), Direct antiglobulin test (DAT/DCT) positivity (0.00%), and other causes (0.06%). Conclusion: Worldwide comprehensive standards have been formulated to ensure better quality control in each step of blood transfusion service including collection, storage, testing, and distribution of blood and components. To prevent wastage of rare commodity, continued medical education for technical staff, self-audit, and tracking quality indicators for the blood components is highly recommended.
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    The association between the duration of using ocular prosthesis and upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Adrian, T; Lubis, RR; Arma, AJ
    Background: Ocular prosthesis is needed to replace the content of eyeball lost due to several factors. Adequate retention of ocular prosthesis requires an adequate upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the association between the duration of using ocular prosthesis and upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in 30 anophthalmic socket patients aged 22–77 that using ocular prosthesis more than 6 months. The contralateral eye with healthy socket was chosen as a control group. Upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth were measure using fornicometer. We design a fornix depth measurer for objective measurement of upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth. Results: From 30 anophthalmic socket patients, males were about 14 times more often than female, with the average age that was 51. The mean upper conjunctival fornix depth in males was 10.8 ± 0.6 and lower conjunctival fornix depth was 6.2 ± 0.8. The mean upper conjunctival fornix depth in females was 10.80± 0.6 and lower conjunctival fornix depth was 5.5 ± 0.7. There is medium relationship between upper conjunctival fornix depth and the duration of using prosthesis (cc = −0.435; P = 0.016) and there is high relationship between lower conjunctival fornix depth and the duration of using prosthesis (cc = −0.551; P = 0.002). Conclusions: There was a significant association between the duration of using ocular prosthesis and upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth.
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    Understanding the COVID-19 prevention and control strategies and their appropriate applicability through the basics of epidemiology
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-06) Sharma, DB; Shah, UM; Bhanderi, DJ
    The current article is about the background knowledge of corona, various epidemiological definitions and different strategies adopted to prevent and control corona infection. How the preventive measures are applied and what is epidemiological basis behind these measures is the core of the article. The article also mentioned the variations in mortality pattern and goes on defining important indicators as case-fatality ratio, deaths/1 lakh population and the relevance of both in the current situation of corona infection. In the article, important terms such as different types of cases in corona infection, basic reproduction number, effective reproduction number, and their epidemiological significance in corona infection, herd immunity, and herd immunity threshold are discussed. The importance of lockdown as a preventive measure, enforcement of epidemic disease act 1897 and its amendment, disaster management act 2005, social distancing, cough etiquette, and others are highlighted.
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    Visual impairment and blindness among elderly in rural area of North Karnataka – A cross-sectional study
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-06) Khona, PP; G, SM
    Background: Loss of sight of a person should not remain just a statistic but a personal tragedy, not only for the individual concerned but for all of us who claim to be concerned. With the introduction of universal eye health: A global action plan 2014–2019, dealing with a reduction in avoidable blindness across the world, this study would help in enlightening the present scenario in this region. Objective: The objective of the study was to know the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness among elderly in a rural area. Materials and Methods: All individuals aged 60 years and above residing in the area covered under Vantamuri Primary Health Centre (PHC), Belagavi, were selected for the study. A sample size of 620 was calculated and obtained by population proportionate sampling from five subcenters under Vantamuri PHC. Sociodemographic data were collected from the study subject with the help of pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire and detailed ocular examination was carried out. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in our study was 28.07% and 2.90%, respectively. Female constituted more than half (61.11%) of blind individuals, whereas male (51.39%) dominated visual impairment. Cataract was the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness. Conclusion: Blindness was more common among elderly female compared to male. Cataract being the most common cause for visual impairment, it can be prevented by more coverage and better health care services in the rural area.
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    Review of Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-07) Garg, KK
    Agricultural revolution and increasing pesticidal use have brought its share of downsides in the form of pesticidal poisoning. Every year approximately 300,000 deaths happen worldwide due to pesticide poisoning. Organophosphates, chlorates, and aluminum phosphide are the commonly used pesticides. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is the most lethal among the available pesticides and no antidote is available and aptly called as suicide poison. The common use and easy availability of ALP is causing acute and chronic health effects which have reached major proportions in Asian and Middle Eastern countries such as India, Bangladesh, Iran, Jordan, and Sri Lanka. Toxicity of ALP is related to prompt release of lethal phosphine gas as ALP tablet absorbs moisture. Phosphine gas mainly affects cardiovascular system gastrointestinal tracts, lungs, and kidneys. The clinical features of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pulmonary edema, cyanosis shock arrhythmias, and alter sensorium. Diagnosis of ALP poisoning largely depends on history and clinical setting and treatment is usually initiated without waiting for silver nitrate paper test or gastric aspirate analysis. Treatment includes early gastric lavage symptomatic supportive therapy and palliative care. There has been greater understanding about the mechanism and pathophysiology of ALP toxicity over the years, although that cannot be commented about the treatment modalities. Government efforts to restrict sale have been offset by the lack of strict enforcement by regulatory agencies. Case fatality rates from ALP poisoning have shown some decline over the years due to early supportive management. Different treatment modalities and protocols have been tried at various centers with variable success; however, further research for an antidote is the need of the hour.
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    Study of clinical, radiological, and pulmonary function characteristics of patients having asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-06) Chauhan, J; Patel, B; Parekh, C
    Background: Asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome defined as a syndrome characterized by persistent airflow limitation with several features usually associated with asthma and several features usually associated with COPD. This overlap makes the difference between COPD and asthma with persistent airflow limitation difficult, especially in smokers and elderly people. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the clinical features, radiological and pulmonary function characteristics of patients having asthma-COPD overlap syndrome. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Baroda, attached to SSG Hospital, Vadodara. A total of 100 patients enrolled which were clinically diagnosed with chronic airway obstruction as defined in the GOLD/GINA asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) guidelines. Results: In this study, a total of 100 patients were enrolled, out them 76 patients were male and 24 patients were female. Fifty-three patients were from urban area and 47 patients from rural area. Most patients belong to age ranging from 40 to 86. Ninety-nine patients had a breathlessness and it was the most common symptom followed by chronic cough in 93 patients, sputum production in 70 patients, wheezing in 70 patients, running nose in 65 patients, and chest tightness in 46 patients. In smoking history, 25 patients were current smoker, 49 patients were ex-smoker, and 26 patients had never smoked in their life. In pulmonary function test, 26 patients had a normal test, 13 patients had obstructive abnormality with no significant bronchodilator reversibility, 54 patients had a obstructive abnormality with significant bronchodilator reversibility, and 7 patients had a restrictive abnormality. Conclusion: Clinically diagnosed ACOS patients were mostly males, belong to middle age groups, had breathlessness, wheezing, chronic cough with sputum production, and rhinitis and sneezing as the major symptoms. The pulmonary function tests revealed majority of the patients having obstructive pattern in pulmonary function test (spirometry). Furthermore, a majority of these patients had significant positive bronchodilatory response.
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    Awareness of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic among interns of a tertiary care hospital
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-06) Priya, P; Sherkhane, MS
    Background: Coronavirus disease officially called as COVID-19, which was noticed during December 2019 (Wuhan) China, later became a major public health problem leading to pandemic affecting worldwide and causing morbidity and mortality, despite various control measures. This research was undertaken to assess the level of awareness of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among interns of a tertiary care hospital. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess awareness of coronavirus (COVID-19) among interns of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 97 interns of a tertiary care hospital in Dharwad district, Karnataka, India. An online pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was developed using Google forms, with a consent form attached to it for voluntary participation, through which data were collected and the distributions of responses were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Awareness regarding coronavirus among 97 interns were assessed. Of which 41 (42.3%) were male and 56 (57.7%) were female. Newspaper and television were the primary reliable source of information about coronavirus. Cough (95.87%) and fever (90.72%) were the most common symptoms. The majority of the interns (90%) agreed that coronavirus could lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and renal failure. About 90% considered that it can be prevented by handwashing, wearing masks, and by maintaining distance. However, with respect to curability of the disease, the awareness was on a dismal note. Conclusion: Awareness of acquiring and transmitting coronavirus was found to be adequate, except for the curability aspects. Thus, it is the need of the hour to have timely updates about the disease and newer guidelines to restraint the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19.
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    Prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly and acrania in pregnant females – Report series of eight cases
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-05) Debnath, M; Sharma, D; Mishra, S
    Acrania and anencephaly are characterized by the partial or complete absence of skull and brain tissue. Due to this, the neural tissue is exposed and it leads to non-function of few parts of the hemispheres. A total of eight cases of acrania and anencephaly were included in the report. Five cases were acrania and three cases were anencephaly. Both cases were diagnosed between 15 and 24 weeks of gestation period. In the present report, all the pregnant women carry fetuses with neural tube defects. Out of five acrania cases, there is a partial or complete absence of cranium in all the cases, and in one case, there is a twin intrauterine gestational sac that was noted. However, out of twin sac, the first one is having a good heart rate (155 bpm) and the second fetus is having no cardiac activity, i.e., early fetal demise. On the other hand, out of three anencephaly cases, two anencephaly cases were diagnosed with partial absence of the fetal brain and the complete absence of the cranium, and in one case, there is a partial absence of cerebral parenchymal tissue above the orbit with the absence of cranial vault. By the use of ultrasonography, we can diagnose the anencephaly and acrania at a very early stage without any side effects. The cause of anencephaly and acrania is dependent on the number of factors one of which is a folic acid deficiency. Sentence is reviewed and corrected): It is always better to consume the folic acid supplements that are advised by the physician during the planning of pregnancy to avoid the congenital anomalies of the fetus like anencephaly and acrania. The ultimate focus of the study is to evaluate the morphology of the fetus in case of anencephaly and acrania which could lead to the early detection of abnormalities and also to create awareness among people to take folic acid supplements to eschew such abnormalities.
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    A case series of hemorrhagic neurological complications of sickle cell disease: Multiple faces of an underestimated problem!
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-06) Kamath, SD; Pai, MG
    Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of hemoglobinopathies that vary in severity, the most severe form, homozygous sickle cell anemia, is often associated with neurologic complications. The incidence of various neurologic complications in SCD ranges from 6% to 30% in different series. Although the incidence of acute ischemic stroke and chronic cerebral ischemia is higher in SCD, about 20–30% of the neurological complications may be hemorrhagic in nature. Complications such as spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, hemorrhagic stroke, extradural, and subdural hematomas have been described in the literature. The aim of this article was to report uncommon spontaneous hemorrhagic neurological manifestations of SCD. We have described three uncommon hemorrhagic neurological complications of SCD. One case had a parenchymal (intracerebral) bleed and presented with acute onset of parkinsonism, while two cases had an extradural hematoma (EDH), of which one patient had recurrent EDH at the same site which is hitherto not reported in the literature. Two patients survived, while one with recurrent EDH succumbed. Hemorrhagic neurological complications should be included in the list of differential diagnoses of neurological presentations in patients of SCD. EDH is an uncommon complication of SCD, while recurrent EDH is extremely rare. The condition should be suspected early in patients with SCD, as timely treatment often reduces the mortality.
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    Role of polymerase chain reaction of ascitic fluid and its correlation with adenosine deaminase levels in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-06) Singh, BK; Singh, K; Khanna, R; Meena, RN
    Background: It is still difficult to diagnose tuberculosis as a source of abdominal pain. Due to the lack of non-invasive diagnostic testing, the diagnosis remains a problem. Determining the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in ascitic fluid in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis, we can conclude whether it is sensitive/specific or not and further its use in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the role of PCR in ascitic fluid in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis and also to correlate the ADA levels of ascitic fluid with the PCR report. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study includes 41 clinically suspected abdominal tuberculosis patients (age range 15–65 years) over a period of 2 years. A detailed history, clinical evaluation, and relevant investigations, including radiology, were done in all patients. Bacteriological or histological approaches had to support the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis, and PCR was also tested for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in ascitic fluid. Results: The mean age of patients was 31.71±12.32 years with male:female ratio was 1.4:1. PCR was positive in 24 (58.8%) cases. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a cutoff value of 35.3 IU/L (AUC 0.998, P < 0.001) for the ADA level produced the best results as a diagnostic test for abdominal tuberculosis, yielding the following parameter values: Sensitivity 100%, specificity 94.1%, positive predictive value 96%, negative predictive value 100%, and diagnostic accuracy 97.56%. ADA values were significantly elevated during abdominal tuberculosis, indicating that ADA can still be a valuable diagnostic tool. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ascitic fluid PCR is a safe tool for diagnosing it and should be tried at least before surgical intervention.
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    Explanatory factors with knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary blood donation
    (International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2020-06) Odunlade, O; Akinlosotu, M; Osho, P; Ogundele, T; Oboh, AT; Akinkunmi, F
    Background: Voluntary non-remunerated blood donation practice in Nigeria needs to be clarified, considering the current increasing requirement for blood transfusion. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate explanatory factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary blood donation among people in Ondo South senatorial district Ondo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-four residents were recruited purposively, using stratified and convenience sampling techniques with a pre-tested questionnaire used for the survey. Results: Of the 384 patients recruited into the study, 50.3% were between ages 18 and 39 years; mostly married (84.4%); predominantly with tertiary education (52%); and mostly self-employed (67.4%). Knowledge about voluntary blood donation was poor (mean score 8.4) despite 74.5% claimed awareness of voluntary blood donation. Attitude was good (mean score 8.0). Most respondents (88.5%) did not consider religion a barrier to blood donation. Practice was poor (mean score 0.59). Only 16.9% have donated blood before and 23.1% of this did voluntary blood donation. Education and age made significant differences in knowledge and attitude but not with practice. Occupational factor and religion made no significant difference in knowledge, attitude, and in practice, but marital status did on knowledge. Conclusion: There is good awareness of voluntary blood donation and a positive attitude however practice lags considerably in practice. Misconceptions about blood donation needs to be addressed, while efforts should be made by stakeholders toward educating the populace on the need to voluntarily donate blood.