ABSTRACT
Many individuals at the end of life are unable to convey their wishes regarding medical treatments. Advance directives (ADs) or living wills (LWs) allow them to crystallise their wishes in a written form so that these can be carried out if the relevant situation arises. In many countries, ADs are legally valid and enforceable; they reduce the use of life-sustaining treatments, which often merely prolong life without improving or even maintaining the quality of life. Such treatment puts a financial burden on the patient’s family, often leading to penury. Resources are limited, the more so in countries like ours, and should be spent only when/where they can make a difference. The general public is not well versed in the advantages and disadvantages of life-sustaining treatments and needs to be educated on how to distinguish between them. A well-designed legislation for legalising ADs would help society at large. In addition to legalising ADs, some countries are contemplating making them compulsory. We could learn from them and empower our citizens by giving them the right to self-determination at the end of life.
ABSTRACT
The informed consent process is a shield which protects subjects from harms that may be caused by a scientific enquiry. Only a competent participant with a complete understanding of the trial can give informed consent. Although the content of a valid informed consent form (ICF) has been established, the Drugs and Cosmetics (First Amendment) Rules, 2013 have stipulated that ICFs must fulfil the requirements of Appendix V of Schedule Y. We considered 50 ICFs and analysed whether they complied with Appendix V. Our analysis reveals a gloomy picture, with 70% of the ICFs deviating from the requirements of the law. We have identified the elements most commonly overlooked in the ICFs analysed. We recommend certain points which must be incorporated into ICFs to help participants better understand the trial. Our findings indicate that adequate action needs to be taken to ensure the protection of the rights of research participants.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine the inheritance pattern of type‑2 diabetes and make stratification for the general population risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was developed for o btaining the family history. Analysis of the data was carried out by using student and Chi‑square tests and for stratification; the guidelines of Scheuner et al. were followed. RESULTS: The pattern of inheritance is the male sex specific (χ² =13.44). The mean age of onset of diabetes in parents was 58.61 ± 2.94 and in offspring 46.75 ± 2.54. In all 47.22 ± 11.53% families were found in high risk and 31.94 ± 10.77% in the moderate risk category. In female diabetics, the onset was in the age range of 41‑60 years. CONCLUSION: We found a high‑risk of diabetes and familial clustering in successive generations of Brahmins with prominent male sex specificity. In females onset of diabetes was coinciding with the period around menopause.