ABSTRACT
The prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis is high in Indian women in the reproductive age groups. Poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices and low socio-demographic features are the major risk factors associated with BV and candidiasis. The aim of the study was to access the MHM practices in association with BV and Candida infection in the population of western Odisha.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient department of O & G, VIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, from December 2016 to November 2018. Vaginal swabs were collected from the posterior vaginal fornix for analysis. BV was diagnosed by using Nugent’s laboratory diagnostic criteria and identification of Candida was done by Albi QuickTM rapid test. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioural (MHM practices) features from the study participants. All data were double-entered into Epi Info 7 software and analysed using Stata 11.0.RESULTSIn 352 women, the prevalence of BV and candidiasis was found in 38.92% (137/352) and 32.67% (115/352) of women respectively. Women were divided into three groups on the basis of age i.e. 18-25 years: 87 (24.72%); 26-35 years: 194 (55.11%); and 36-45 years: 71 (20.17%). Both BV and candidiasis were significantly high in women of 36-45 years age group compared to 18-25 years age group (p<0.05). Women of 36-45 years age group had more number of cases with low education (19.72%), housewife (67.61%), and living in rural villages (61.97%) compared to younger women (p<0.05). Regarding MHM practices, women in the higher age groups used more reusable cloths as absorbent materials (p<0.002), changed absorbent material less frequently (p=0.042) and changed their absorbents somewhere other than in a toilet facility (p<0.018) compared to younger women.CONCLUSIONSThe higher prevalence of BV and candidiasis in higher age groups of women may be due to the poor MHM practices, lack of higher education and other low socio-demographic conditions compared to younger age women. An increased awareness for MHM practices is important to combat the associated morbidities related to BV and candidiasis.
ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of hypertension is increasing globally as well as in Indian subcontinent. Exercise leads to an increase in the blood pressure especially systolic blood pressure. However, an increase in the diastolic blood pressure after exercise remarks for a risk of cardio-vascular disease. This study was undertaken to evaluate the exercise hypertension among the healthy young adults.Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in a tertiary health care facility. A total of 150 healthy students were finally included in this study for analysis. The study subjects were belonging to 18-22 years old of both genders. The blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer. Author used two stair equipment for exercise in which students are allowed to step-up and step down for 5 minutes without any rest. The statistical analyses were carried out by using Graph-Pad Instate. Results: The mean age of the students was 19.8±1.3 years and 92(61.33%) being males. The mean systolic blood pressure was 117.1±7.74 mmHg in resting condition which was significantly increased to 140.0±13.9 mm Hg after exercise (p<0.0001). In contrast, the diastolic blood pressure in resting condition was 78.3±7.89 mm Hg which was significantly reduced to 71.85±7.96 mm Hg after exercise (p<0.0001). The decrease in the diastolic blood pressure was inconsistence and 9 students had increased value after exercise which was found to be normal.Conclusions: Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured during resting condition and after exercise was significantly differs. These differences were found to be normal which remarks for a better cardio-logical status in healthy young students.
ABSTRACT
Background: The haemoglobin content and red blood cells counts in four different ABO blood groups in healthy adults remain conflicting with different results. The present study was undertaken to analyse the possible differences in the haemoglobin content and red blood cell counts in health adults in four ABO blood groups.Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in a tertiary health care facility. A total of 227 healthy students were finally included in this study for analysis. The study subjects were belonging to 18-22 years old of both genders. The haemoglobin content was measured by Sahli’s method and ABO blood group typing along with Rh D typing was carried out in all the students. The statistical analyses were carried out by using Graph-Pad Instat.Results: The mean age of the students was 19.91 years with 59.9% being males. Both haemoglobin level and red blood cells counts were significantly high in males compared to females. Blood groups A, B, AB and O was reported in 41(18.06%), 63(27.75%), 15(6.60%) and 108(47.58%) healthy students respectively.conclusion: There was no significant difference was observed in the mean haemoglobin level and red blood cells counts among the four ABO blood groups.
ABSTRACT
The severity of sickle cell disease may vary from asymptomatic to severe form including episodes of painful events and severe anemia. This hospital-based study was carried out to study the incidence of different clinical signs and symptoms in patients with sickle cell disease during hospitalization. Forty patients with sickle cell disease were included in the study. Hematological and clinical parameters were analyzed in each patient. Majority of the patients had episodes of painful events (65.0%), followed by fever (42.5%) and jaundice (32.5%). Fourteen patients had infection including malaria (6 patients), urinary tract infection (4 patients), septicemia (2 patients), pneumonia (1 patient), and acute calculous cholecystitis (1 patient) and 2 patients died. Patients with infection had lower hemoglobin level compared to patients without infection.Infections in these patients lead to higher morbidity and mortality rate. An early choice of antibiotics for infections along with supportive therapy for sickle cell disease can reduce the disease severity and save valuable life