ABSTRACT
Background: Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat accumulates to such an extent that health may be adversely affected1. World Health Organization (WHO) has described rising rates of obesity in the developed world as an epidemic but even in a developing country like India incidence of obesity is rising2.Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart diseases, colonic cancer, osteoarthritis and stroke. Objectives: The present study was planned to find association (if any) of obesity status with blood pressure in middle aged males. Materials and Methods: 125 middle aged male subjects were recruited for the study after applying exclusion criteria. According to their body mass index( BMI), they were divided in control, overweight & obese groups & their blood pressures were measured. Statistical analysis was done using t test & coefficient of correlation. Results: Higher values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found in overweight & obese group as compared to control group which were statistically significant. Statistically significant positive correlation between BMI and systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure was found. Interpretation and Conclusions: Higher values of systolic & diastolic blood pressures in both overweight & obese groups reiterates the role of higher BMI as a cardiovascular risk factor. It is necessary to impart health education to general public regarding health risks associated with higher BMI.
ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.