ABSTRACT
This paper aims to address the concern that quantitative public health studies do not integrate theoretical considerations. This qualitative study uses content analysis to explore the application of theory in Indian public health articles listed on PubMed. Social determinants such as poverty, income, social class, education, gender, caste, socioeconomic position, socioeconomic status, immigrant status, and wealth were the keywords used to identify the articles analysed in this study. From a selection of 91 public health articles, we identified potential theoretical frameworks based on the pathways/recommendations/explanations mentioned. Additionally, using the case of tuberculosis in India, we highlight how theoretical perspectives play a critical role in providing a holistic view of major health challenges. Finally, by emphasising the need to adopt a theoretical perspective in empirical quantitative research on public health in India, we hope to motivate scholars to include a theory or theoretical paradigm in their future research.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To compare the efficacy of ketoprofen and pethidine for peri-operative analgesia and post-operative nausea and vomiting in children undergoing vitreoretinal surgery and surgery for retinal detachment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children aged 7 to 16 years and ASA I status, undergoing vitreo-retinal surgery were randomly allocated to receive either ketoprofen 2mg/kg or pethidine 1mg/kg intravenously for peri-operative analgesia. In all patients, general anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone and intubation was facilitated with vecuronium bromide and maintained with 33% oxygen in nitrous oxide and isoflurane. Intra-operative and post-operative monitoring was done by an observer blinded to the technique. Intra-operative rescue analgesia was used if heart rate and/or blood pressure increased by 25% from pre-incision values. Post-operative pain and episodes of nausea and vomiting were evaluated at recovery (0 hour), 2, 6 and 24 hours intervals. Standard rescue analgesia and anti-emetic agents were administered if required. RESULTS: Eighty-six children were enrolled in the study. Forty-four received ketoprofen while 42 received pethidine. Intra-operative analgesia was comparable in both the groups and no significant difference was found in the requirement of intra-operative rescue analgesia, as well. Postoperatively 6/44 (13.6%) children in ketoprofen group had pain at recovery compared to 17/42 (40.4%) in pethidine group. Pain at 2, 6 and 24 hours, and postoperative analgesic requirement were not significantly different among the two groups. Post-operative nausea, vomiting, and antiemetic requirement were significantly less in the ketoprofen group at all time intervals. CONCLUSION: Ketoprofen is a satisfactory alternative analgesic to pethidine for vitreoretinal surgery and results in a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.