Assessment of Computer Vision Syndrome in Software Professionals

Background: According to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, computer vision syndrome affects 90% people who spend more than 3 hours a day on the computer. It is a group of eye and vision related problems. It is a temporary condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer display for prolonged, uninterrupted period of time. Also different reactions of the eye and the brain to the characters on the screen cause strain. Hence, this study is planned to assess computer vision syndrome in software professionals. Objectives: To assess Computer Vision Syndrome by history and clinical examination. Material and Methods: An assessment survey was conducted in a convenient software company. A total number of 60 people in age group 28-40 years having minimum exposure of three years to computer everyday were recruited in the study. A questionnaire was developed to collect data about perceived symptoms on computer vision syndrome. Results: It was observed that 80% of subjects suffer from backache, wrist and shoulder pain. 72% subjects complained of eyestrain and 70% complained of dry and irritated eyes. 62% subjects complained of headache. More than 50% subjects gave history of watering and redness of eyes. Conclusion: Study shows that more than 50% subjects suffer from some or the other symptom of computer vision syndrome. Early detection and prevention of computer vision syndrome is necessary to prevent future complications and better health of software professionals.

Platelet aggregability and fibrinolytic activity in different phases of menstrual cycle.

Background:- Sexual dimorphism in coronary artery disease (CAD) mortality is attributed to the cardioprotective effects of estrogen.This is reinforced by the observation that incidence of myocardial infarction is higher in menstrual phase, corresponding with low estrogen levels, in people who are predisposed to CAD due to the presence of modifiable risk factors. Cyclical variability of estrogen and progesterone in normal menstruating women may be associated with variability of platelet aggregation and fibrinolytic activity.There exists a delicate balance between fibrinolytic activity and platelet aggregation governing the haemostatic status. Objectives:- Platelet aggregability and fibrinolytic activity were measured and compared during menstrual (1-5 days), follicular ( 9-12 days) and luteal (20-25days) phases of menstrual cycle. Method:- In this cross sectional study of 50 normal menstruating females in age group of 18-35yrs, Platelet aggregability was measured by ADP induced platelet aggregation on a spectrophotometer. Fibrinolytic activity was estimated by euglobulin clot lysis time. Results :- Results were analyzed by students unpaired ‘t’ test. Change in platelet aggregability was found 0.12 ± 0.15, 0.04 ± 0.04 and 0.08 ± 0.07 in menstrual, follicular and luteal phase respectively. Platelet aggregability was found significantly (p < 0.001) higher in menstrual and luteal phases than follicular phase. The mean euglobulin clot lysis time was found 277.6 ± 43.96, 147.6 ± 52.78 and 244.6 ± 59.12 in menstrual, follicular and luteal phase respectively. Fibrinolytic activity was found significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in menstrual and luteal phases than follicular phase. Conclusion :- According to the present study, in both luteal and menstrual phases, not only platelet aggregability was found higher, but fibrinolytic activity was also found lower as compared to follicular phase, thereby pointing towards thrombotic tendency in these phases. Hence, these phases require careful monitoring in women who are susceptible to thrombotic disorders. However, follicular phase with lower platelet aggregability and higher fibrinolytic activity is relatively free from thrombotic risk.

Analysis of students’ feedback about teaching in department of physiology.

Background: Students’ feedback about teaching-learning process is recognized to be a valuable tool for the teacher who strives for excellence in his performance. In our department, we regularly obtain feedback from students by way of a questionnaire. Objectives: 1.To assess the effectiveness & quality of teaching. 2. To implement changes wherever possible so as to improve effectiveness of teaching and to make it more studentcentered. Materials & Methods: A questionnaire was administered to students to obtain their feedback about teaching in Dept of Physiology. It had questions about teaching methodology, evaluation and those of general nature. To enhance validity, it was anonymous & it was taken after the students had passed I MBBS examination. Results: Majority of students seem to prefer greater use of powerpoint along with blackboard. They have expressed interest in computer-assisted teaching. Seminars, quizzes and guest lectures are regarded as good adjuvant to routine teaching. They have suggested MCQ tests and theory viva after finishing a particular system and periodic practical tests. They have found pace of teaching comfortable but have protested about lack of time for extracurricular activities. Discussion & results: Based on students’ feedback, certain modifications were made in the Departmental teaching. Students’ feedback about positive and negative points of individual teachers was communicated to them.

Congenital malformation - A biological accident (A 6 years 9 months study in a rural based tertiary care hospital).

Background: Birth of live congenitally abnormal child especially at term is a great mental and social trauma to parents, family and to the society. In developed countries it is one of the main causes of infant mortality. It accounts 8-15% of peri-natal deaths and 13-16% of neonatal deaths in India. Aims & Objectives : To find out the incidence of congenital anomalies in live and still births and to find out association of major and minor anomalies to maternal demographic profile and to various obstetrics and medical parameters. Materials & Methods: This study was carried on rural based tertiary care referral hospital. All the deliveries occurred during 1st September 2004 to 30th June 2011 (81months) comprised 7053 births were enrolled. The new born were examined systematically by obstetrician and pediatrician. System wise distribution of anomalies and correlation with risk factors were analyzed. Results: Out of total 7053 deliveries, 6433 were live births and 620 were still births. Total number of congenital malformed babies were 71 (1.006%). 31 (43.66%) of the 71 malformed babies were still born and 27 (38.02%) were NND (neonatal death). It means out of 100 stillborn, 43 babies had structural malformation. Major malformation was present in 58 and minor anomalies were present in 13 fetus. Marginal Male predominance 40 (56.33 %) was noted. Central nervous system malformation was most common in live births followed by respiratory system and musculo skeletal system. 64% patients had not taken ANC (antenatal care) and in them 92% had major anomalies. 81.3% anomalies were detected by 2nd trimester USG (ultra sonography) and 18% anomalies were not detected by USG out of which 98% were minor anomalies. Conclusion: Congenital anomalies are a major cause of still births and infant mortality. Regular ANC, 2nd trimester USG for early detection and folic acid supplementation for prevention are the important factors to be considered to decrease the burden of congenital malformation.

Evaluation of risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus in medical students using Indian diabetes risk score.

Background: According to World Health Organisation, type 2 diabetes mellitus [type 2 D. M] has recently escalated in all age groups and is now being identified in younger age groups. This underscores the need for mass awareness and screening programs to detect diabetes at an early stage. For this purpose we have used a simplified Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) for prediction of diabetes in undergraduate medical students. Objectives: To screen and to identify 1st MBBS students at risk for developing type 2 D. M using IDRS. Materials and Methods : 261 undergraduates (1st MBBS students) were scored using IDRS which includes age, family history of diabetes, exercise status, and waist circumference. After scoring them, we assessed random capillary blood glucose (RCBG) in students with high IDRS score. Students with RCBG ≥ 113 mg/dl are followed for definitive tests for diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes. Results and Conclusion: We have assessed 261 students till now. It was observed that 5%, 55%, and 38% students in High, Moderate, and Low risk group, respectively, for developing type 2 D. M. The mean abdominal obesity in high risk students was 101.95 ± 5.76 as compared to 79.17 ± 11.08 in moderate and low risk students (P < 0.0001). 63% students were having sedentary lifestyle. Family history of diabetes in either or both parents was present in 25% students. Mean RCBG in students having score more than 50 was 97.33 ± 9.68 mg/dl. Also, two students were having RCBG > 113 mg/dl in which one student found to have prediabetic. Conclusion: This underscores the need for further investigations to detect diabetes at an early stage and to overcome the disease burden of diabetes in future. Prevention of obesity and promotion of physical activity have to be the future plan of action which can be suggested in the form of regular exercise and diet planning for the students as part of an integrated approach.