Smartphone addiction among undergraduate medical students and its association with academic performance

Background and aims: Smartphones have become an indelible part of a student’s life; but, their effect on academic performance of medical students is unclear with sparse data. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among undergraduate medical students, pattern of its use, and the association of smartphone addiction with academic performance. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study on all the undergraduate medical students in the Medical College Baroda, Anandpura, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from second year to internship after getting written informed consent. Sociodemographic details, patterns of smartphone use, and scores of the final examination appeared for, were obtained to assess academic performance using a self-report semi-structured questionnaire. Smartphone addiction was diagnosed using the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI). Result: Out of the 523 students approached, 427 returned completed questionnaires. Ninety five students (22.2%) had smartphone addiction, with the addicted students being more likely to change their phone often, use it for longer periods and in restricted places. No association was found with gender, age, years of use, and academic performance. Conclusion: Nearly one-fifth of the medical undergraduate students were suffering from smartphone addiction. However, it does not seem to have an association with academic performance among undergraduate medical students.

Study of ATD Angle, Finger Ridge Count in Pulmonar Tuberculosis Patients.

Objective: To determine whether the Dermatoglyphics parameters in Pulmonary tuberculosis patients (sputum smear positive cases) and normal healthy controls were differ or not. Materials and Methods: In present study 100 cases (77 males and 23 females) of Pulmonary tuberculosis (sputum smear positive) in the age group of 18 to 70 were collected and studied for Dermatoglyphics parameters such as ‘ATD’ angle, total and absolute finger ridge counts. These parameters of cases were compared to those of 100 unrelated healthy subjects (controls) and analyzed for statistical significance. Results and conclusion: In present study we observed decrease ‘ATD’ angle in both hands of male and female cases as compared to controls that difference was statistically highly significant. There were no statistically significant difference observed in total finger ridge count (TFRC) and absolute finger ridge count (AFRC) of cases compared to controls. Dermatoglyphics can be used for screening tool for Pulmonary tuberculosis contacts for genetic susceptibility to disease as a cost effective, noninvasive harmless technique.

Study of ATD Angle and Finger Ridge Count in Leprosy Patient of Bhavnagar District.

Introduction: The ATD angle and finger ridge count, are palmar dermatoglyphics features of an individual. During the first & second trimester of pregnancy epidermal growth occur in stages and result in an increase epidermal thickness. Epidermal ridges begin to appear in embryos at 10th week and are permanently established by 17th weeks. The types of pattern develop in palm & soles are genetically determined. They are of considerable clinical interest because they affected by certain anomalies of early development including genetic disease. Objective: There are certain genetic (Chromosomal), Non chromosomal & metabolic disease shows particular palmer dermatoglyphics features so in this study we were trying to find out the difference in dermatoglyphics features in leprosy patient and control group. Materials and Methods: The sample consists of 100 cases of leprosy in age group of 18-60 year from Bhavnagar district. The finger print and palm print were taken by using ink & pad method and Compared with Control group of 18-60 years. The dermatoglyphics parameter like ATD angle, TFRC & AFRC were studied and evaluated for statistical significance. Results and Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference was observed in ATD angle as compared with control. There was no statistically significant difference observed in TFRC & AFRC as compared with control. The dermatoglyphics features can be useful diagnostically to differentiate the leprosy patient and control group.

A Case-control Study of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Its Association with Multiparity among Patients Attending SSG Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat.

Objective: To know the association between pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and multiparity. Study design: Case control study. Setting: Shree Sayaji General (SSG) Hospital, Government Medical College, Vadodara. Participants: Women attending Gynec Clinics and Curative Practice and General Practice (CPGP) OPD. Sample size: One hundred fifty cases and 150 controls. Statistical analysis: Chi-square test. Results: The odds ratio (OR) for PID with multiparity as risk factor was 0.69 with 95% confidence interval (CI) being 0.42-1.09. Among 143 cases multiparity was present in 63 cases (44.05), while in 150 controls it was in 80 (53.33%). The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.141). But, the OR with untrained person as a risk factor for PID was 2.41 with 95% CI being 1.78-3.27. This suggests etiological fraction of 58.5% (CI 43.9-69.4%) among untrained persons. The delivery by untrained person was significantly higher in cases than in controls (p 0.00001). Conclusions: Present study did not show multiparity as risk factor but delivery conducted by untrained persons emerged as a risk factor.

Estimation of stature from hand length in living subjects of Gujarat Region.

Background: The hand length can be used as a basis for estimating stature in cases where only fragmentary or mutilated remains of an unknown person are recovered and also in age related loss in stature. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between Personal Stature and Hand Length in living subjects of Gujarat region and derive a population specific formula (regression equation) to estimate Stature from Hand Length. Methods: Height and Hand Lengths were measured of total 510 living subjects (258 males & 252 females) between the age group of 18-25 years belonging to Gujarat Region. Results: A positive correlation was found between Height and Hand Length and it was statistically significant. Regression equation for stature Estimation was formulated using Hand Length in both sexes. Conclusion: Dimensions of Hand can provide good reliability in estimation of stature. Simple linear regression equation so far derived can be used for estimation of height. If either of the measurement (Hand length or Total Height) is known, the other can be calculated. This fact will be of practical use in Medico Legal investigations and in Anthropometry.

Determination of sex from the anterior border of the human hip bone.

Background: The distinctive biometry of the anterior border of the human skeleton and its clear sexual dimorphism make it of interests from anatomical, forensic, obstetrical, radiological, archaeological and anthropological point of view for examination of skeleton remains. Aims & Objective: To determine the sex of human being from the anterior border of the hip bone. Material and Methods: For the present study total 306 normal dry human hip bones, out of which 202 are of male and 104 are of female, 141 are of Right side, 165 of Left side were studied. Osteometric board with graph paper and Sliding Vernier Calliper are used for all measurement. Results: Statistically highly significant(P ≤ 0.001) differences were detected between means in relation to sex for 6 variables ( The maximal width of the anterior border notch, The distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle , The distance from the anterior inferior iliac spine to the iliopubic eminence , The distance from the anterior inferior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle , The length of the notch between the anterior inferior iliac spine and the iliopubic eminence, The depth of the notch between the anterior inferior iliac spine and the iliopubic eminence), Statistically very significant differences(p≤0.005) were detected between means in relation to sex for 2 variables( Index of widening of the anterior interspinous notch, The depth of the anterior interspinous notch), Statistically significant differences(P≤.01) were detected between means in relation to sex for 1 variable (Index of widening of the notch between the anterior inferior iliac spine and the iliopubic eminence). These variables could be used for sex determination from the human hip bone or its fragments. Conclusion: Therefore we consider that these 6 variables are the best of the variables studied for sexing human hip bone (P < 0.001).

The study of total facial index in living subjects in Gujarat region.

Background and objectives: The total facial index exhibits sexual differences and different shapes of face. This information will be highly important for Plastic surgeons, Forensic Scientists, Anatomists, Human Biologists, Criminologists & Physical Anthropologists.Method: The present study was performed on 510 living subjects of Gujarat (243 male and 267 female) of 18 to 30 years in the year of 2011 with the objective to study the sex differences in total facial index. Total facial index was investigated with the help of face height and width with the use of sliding caliper.Result: The study showed that mean face height and width were higher in males than in females, and mean total facial index was also higher in males than in females. Interpretation and conclusion: Predominant face type in males was mesoproscopic while in females was euriproscopic and there was statistically highly significant gender difference.

The study of cephalic index in living subjects in Gujarat Region.

Background and objectives: The cephalic index exhibits sexual differences and different shapes of head. This information will be highly important for Plastic surgeons, Forensic Scientists, Anatomists, Human Biologists, Criminologists & Physical Anthropologists.Method: The present study was performed on 510 living subjects of Gujarat (243 male and 267 female) of 18 to 30 years in the year of 2011 with the objective to study the sex differences in cephalic index. Cephalic index was investigated with the help of head length and width with the use of spreading caliper.Result: The study showed that mean head length and width were higher in males than in females , while mean cephalic index was higher in females than in males. Interpretation and Conclusion: Predominant head type was mesocephalic in both sexes and there was no significant gender difference (p value > o.o1).

The types of talar articular facets and morphometric measurements of the human calcaneum bone of Gujarat Region.

Introduction: There are three facets over superior surface of calcaneum which forms Sub talar or talocalcaneal joint: Anterior, middle, and posterior talar facet. Three types of calcaneum that have distinct talar facets Were defined as types A, B and C. Materials and methods A total of 250 calcaneum (130 right, 120 left), with unknown gender, were dried and evaluated. Results In our study type B calcaneum (68.8%) was defined as the most common type, and type A calcaneum (30.8%) was second. By using joint facet differences and bone measurement, we tried to define calcaneum bone. Discussion In many diseases of foot, such as the talocalcaneal arthritis and coalition, intra articular fractures and congenital dysmorphology, flatfoot, valgus deformities, the size and shape of the bones, the relationships of the talus and calcaneum with each other and other bones of the foot must be considered for the internal and external fixation and surgical procedures. Type B calcaneum was defined as the most common Type in Gujarat region and these results correlate with the ones which were performed on bones of American, Indian and African, Turkish race and it was uncorrelated with the results of the Researches performed in Europe.

Prevalence of dental fluorosis & dental caries in association with high levels of drinking water fluoride content in a district of Gujarat, India.

Background & objectives: Endemic fluorosis resulting from high fluoride concentration in groundwater is a major public health problem in India. This study was carried out to measure and compare the prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries in the population residing in high and normal level of fluoride in their drinking water in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Vadodara district, six of the 261 villages with high fluoride level and five of 1490 with normal fluoride level in drinking water were selected. The data collection was made by house-to-house visits twice during the study period. Results: The dental fluorosis prevalence in high fluoride area was 59.31 per cent while in normal fluoride area it was 39.21 per cent. The prevalence of dental caries in high fluoride area was 39.53 per cent and in normal fluoride area was 48.21 per cent with CI 6.16 to 11.18. Dental fluorosis prevalence was more among males as compared to females. Highest prevalence of dental fluorosis was seen in 12-24 yr age group. Interpretation & conclusions: The risk of dental fluorosis was higher in the areas showing more fluoride content in drinking water and to a lesser degree of dental caries in the same area. High fluoride content is a risk factor for dental fluorosis and problem of dental fluorosis increased with passage of time suggesting that the fluoride content in the water has perhaps increased over time. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to confirm the findings.

A study of palmar dermatoglyphics of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bhavnagar District.

Dermatoglyphics, the ridged skin covering our palms and sole, are not only found on human beings. All primates have ridged skin, and it can also be found on the paws of certain mammals and on the tails of some monkey species. Palmar creases develop during the 2nd and 3rd month of intrauterine life and are not influenced by movement of hand in utero. They are of considerable clinical interest because they are affected by certain abnormalities of early development including genetic disorders. In the present study 100 patients of pulmonary tuberculosis (sputum smear positive) were collected from the department of TB & Chest diseases, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar (Gujarat) and from DOT centers of Bhavnagar. Out of 100 cases, (77 males and 23 females) are of pulmonary tuberculosis (sputum smear positive). There was no statistically significant difference observed in finger print pattern in between male & female and total cases and control in this study.

A study of palmar dermatoglyphics in leprosy in Bhavnagar District.

Dermatoglyphics, the ridged skin covering our palms and sole, are not only found on human beings. All primates have ridged skin, and it can also be found on the paws of certain mammals and on the tails of some monkey species. The drag against the ridges when feeling the texture of a surface heightens the intensity of stimulation of the nerve endings. The sample consists of 100 cases of leprosy in the age group of 18 to 60 years. Fingerprints and palm prints were taken, using the Ink and Pad method, described by Harold Cummins and Midlo. The dermatoglyphics of 100 leprosy cases are studied in the age group of 18 to 60 year. All cases are selected from Bhavnagar district & Taluka places of Bhavnagar District. Out of 100 cases 70 Case of Multibacillary type, (40 Male & 30 Female) and 30 case of Paucibacillary type (16 Male & 14 Female) are compared with the control of different age group 18 to 60 years, (74 Male & 26 Female). there was no statistically significant difference observed in finger print pattern and in between male & female in present study in MB, PB and control.

Morphometric study of greater sciatic notch of dry human hip bone in Gujarat region.

The distinctive morphology of human skeleton and its clear sexual dimorphism make it of interests from anatomical, forensic, obstetrical, radiological and anthropological point of view. 100 known sex normal dry human hip bones obtained from Medical College Bhavnagar, 168 known sex normal dry human hip bones from BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad and Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad were studied the year of 2005-06. The posterior segment of Greater Sciatic Notch, Genoves’ sciatic notch index and posterior angle are found to be significant by t test (P < 0.001). The posterior angle of greater sciatic notch was found to be highly significant for determination of sex of hip bone.

Study of mandibular canine teeth dimorphism in establishing sex identity in Gujarat region.

Mandibular canines exhibit the greatest sexual dimorphism amongst all teeth. The present study was performed on 368 healthy MBBS students of Medical College, Bhavnagar (216 males, 152 females) of 18 – 24 years with the aim to investigate whether any correlation existed between odontometric measures including mandibular canine index, and sex determination in the year of 2006. Mean value of intercanine distance was higher in males than females and the difference was statistically highly significant (p value<0.01). Comparison of mean values of left and right mandibular canine widths exhibited lesser values in females. The variation in right and left mandibular canine width between males and females was highly significant (p value<0.01). The right and left mandibular canine index (MCI) among genders showed significant difference. Our study conclusively establishes the existence of a definite statistically significant sexual dimorphism in mandibular canines and MCI.

Morphometric study of pterion in dry skull of Gujarat Region.

The pterion is a commonly used landmark on neurocranium; classified in four types: sphenoparietal, frontotemporal, stellate and epipteric. In this study we have found out morphology and location of pterion of skull of Gujarat region and comparison of their morphology with other populations. 42 skulls of unknown gender were examined on both sides from Department of Anatomy, Medical College Bhavnagar. Measurements of the location of the pterion were made by using stainless steel callipers. Sphenoparietal was the most common form comprising 91.7%. Measurements between from center of pterion to posterior end of frontozygomatic suture, vertical distance to upper margin of zygomatic arch, horizontal distance to lateral margin of optic canal and horizontal distance to outer end of the sphenoid ridge on the lesser wing of the sphenoid were taken. Anatomical variations of the pterion, which are of interest to anthropologists, forensic pathologists and surgeons, deserve further investigation in other populations from different areas.

Study of carrying angle and its correlation with various parameters.

The role of carrying angle in the sex determination and its cause of formation is a long debated issue in Anatomy and Anthropology. Most studies have focused on the question of cause of formation of carrying angle, difference in sex and age but little attention has been given to correlate the carrying angle with various parameters. Hence, an effort has been made to find out correlation of carrying angle with height, and length of forearm. For present study, total 333 (173 female & 160 male) asymptomatic, healthy students of Nursing School, Homeopathic Medical College, Ayurvedic College and Medical College belonging to various regions of Gujarat were selected. There ages ranged between 17 to 22 years. An improvised instrument goniometer was used for measurement of carrying angle. Height was measured in standing, erect, anatomical position from vertex to heel with bare foot. Vernier caliper of 12” was used to measure the length of forearm. According to the present study, height and length of forearm of the person are inversely related with the carrying angle. Greater carrying angle in female is considered as secondary sex characteristic. Knowledge of the carrying angle helps in paediatric elbow surgery. It also helps orthopedic surgeon for correction of cubitus varus deformity occurring after malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus.

Study of femoral neck anteversion of adult dry femora in Gujarat region.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the average angle of femoral neck anteversion in an Indian population. Unpaired 92 dry femurs, 50 of female (27 right and 23 left) and 42 of male (22 right and 20 left) devoid of any gross pathology were used to measure the femoral neck angle (FNA) from Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Bhavnagar in year 2005. They were evaluated by the Kingsley Olmsted method, and the data were statistically analyzed. In female femoral neck anteversion range form –8.3° to +30.4º with a mean of 16.4º on left and 10.5º on right sides. In male femoral neck anteversion range from –13.7° to +25.6º with a mean of 14.3º on right and 7.2º on left sides. The female femora showed about 2.7° more anteversion than the male femora. The average left-sided femora showed about 6.4° more anteversion than the right-sided femora.

A study of congenital anomalies in newborn.

Total 4210 babies were studied in the neonatal period immediately after birth, which shows overall 0.88%. incidence of congenital malformations. Incidence was significantly higher (6.1%) in mothers aged > 30 years as compared to younger age group. Religious pattern of mother and consanguinity of marriage had no much effect on the incidence. The incidence was marginally higher in primiparous patients (47.2%). Only in 12% of cases some etiological factors could be found, of which maternal fever in first trimester was the most common. 10 cases with CNS malformations had hydroamnious. The anomaly was detected antenatally in 49%cases with the help of USG. The ration of still birth to live birth was 4.19:1 suggesting that many of the anomalies are incompatible with life. There was no overall difference in the sex of the babies. However most of anencephalic babies were female. Preterm babies had four times more incidence of congenital malformations as compared to term babies. This represents ―phenomenon of nature’s selection‖. Associated hydroamnios also accounts for preterm labour similarly congenital malformations were more commonly found in low birth weight baby. Out of all system involved in congenital mal formation, CNS was the commonest and accounted for 1/3 rd of the cases.