ABSTRACT
Background: Self-prescribing among doctors is common. But the General Medical Council (GMC) and American Medical Council recommend that doctors should avoid prescribing for themselves, and close family members. Self-prescribing can lead to serious consequences. The present study reports the prevalence and pattern of self-prescribing among doctors working in various healthcare facilities of Kashmir Valley.Methods: Pre-validated questionnaires were sent to 200 doctors selected by convenience sampling. Only 184 returned the completely filled questionnaires.Results: At which 95.7% male doctors and 97.8% female doctors were self-prescribing. 100% doctors above the age of 40 years were self-prescribing. 100% post graduate students and consultants were practicing self-prescribing. 98.0% of those active as doctors for 1-5 years and 95.1% of those active for more than five years were self-prescribing. 60.7% doctors cited convenience, 40.4% time saving, 27.0% quick relief, 60.7% confidence, 14.6% low cost of treatment, and 15.7% crowd avoidance as a reason for self-prescribing. Major diseases self-treated were: headache (78.7%), respiratory symptoms (79.8%), fever (53.9%) and pain syndromes (31.5%). Major drugs used were: analgesics (80.9%), antipyretics (68.5%), antibiotics (58.4%), decongestants (49.4%) and antispasmodics (33.7%).Conclusions: The observed prevalence of self-prescribing was very high in this study. The issue of self-prescribing is common and requires attention.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the predictive relationship between authoritarian parenting style and academic performance in school students. The sample of 100 school students [50 male and 50 female] with an age range 9 to 17 years with mean age of 14.6 [±SD= 3.69] were recruited from various educational institutions of Karachi, Pakistan. The Authoritarian Parenting Style was assessed through subscale of Parental Authority Questionnaire [PAQ; Buri, 1991] whereas he Academic performance was assessed through last class achieved grade point. The Linear Regression analysis was employed for statistical analysis of the data. Results reveal authoritarian parenting style as a significant predictor of academic performance in school students. The authoritarian parenting style accounted for 38% variance in scores of academic performance. The implications and avenues for future studies are discussed
ABSTRACT
Neurofibroma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, usually found in association with Von Recklinghausen's disease of the skin. The solitary variant commonly occurs in the head and neck region, mostly affecting young adults. They are characteristically slow-growing masses, often asymptomatic and have been found most commonly in the tongue and buccal mucosa. A recent literature review highlighting incidences in various other locations has been tabulated here. We also report a case of a solitary neurofibroma of the gingiva in a 72-year-old male of 15 years duration. Histopathology revealed a fibromyxoid stroma with sinuous nerve bundles with buckled nuclei
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Radiographs is an integral part of patient management in dentistry, despite their detrimental effects. As the literature pertaining to radiation protection among Indian dental practitioners is sparse, exploring such protection is needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All private dental practitioners in Mangalore, India were included in the study. A structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was employed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, previous training, perceptions towards the need to spread awareness, and willingness to gain and implement knowledge about radiation hazards and protection. Information regarding each respondent's age, gender, education, and type and duration of practice was collected. RESULTS: Overall, 87 out of 120 practitioners participated in the study. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 9.54+/-2.54, 59.39+/-7.01, and 5.80+/-3.19, respectively. Overall, 25.3% of the respondents had undergone training in radiation protection, 98.9% perceived a need to spread awareness, and 94.3% were willing to improve their knowledge. Previous training showed a significant correlation with age, sex, and duration of practice; attitude was significantly correlated with education and type of practice; and knowledge scores showed a significant correlation with type of practice. CONCLUSION: Although the knowledge and practices of respondents were poor, they had a positive attitude and were willing to improve their knowledge. Age, sex, and duration of practice were associated with previous training; education and type of practice with attitude scores; and type of practice with knowledge scores. The findings of this study suggest a policy is needed to ensure the adherence of dental practitioners to radiation protection guidelines.