ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Dengue, caused by mosquito bite, is an emerging disease of international concern. Evidence regarding the prevalent dengue serotypes is scarce, but essential for its management during the outbreaks. Hence, we mapped the distribution and trends of currently prevalent dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in Odisha. METHODS We conducted a facility-based retrospective study from referral samples sent for the diagnosis/confirmation of dengue in 2018. The samples were serologically tested for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgM antibody and NS1. Only NS1-positive samples were chosen for sero-typing. A pool of 8–10 NS1-positive samples were analysed for district-wise serotypes. Ribonucleic acid extraction and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done from NS1-positive samples. The PCR products were then subjected to gel electrophoresis. RESULTS A total of 2892 samples were screened for dengue virus across various districts of Odisha where 763 samples were found to be NS1-positive. Thirteen of 18 districts covering all topographies of Odisha predominantly had DENV2 serotype. Only few districts such as Balangir, Kalahandi and Rayagada had mixed serotypes. CONCLUSION Although DENV2 is predominantly prevalent, mixed serotypes too exist in Odisha. Evidence based on variations of dengue serotypes across topographies, seasons, gender and age groups may support public health efforts in preventing the disease.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: COVID-19 pandemic has triggered social stigma towards individuals affected and their families. This study describes the process undertaken for the development and validation of scales to assess stigmatizing attitudes and experiences among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 participants from the community. Methods: COVID-19 Stigma Scale and Community COVID-19 Stigma Scale constituting 13 and six items, respectively, were developed based on review of literature and news reports, expert committee evaluation and participants’ interviews through telephone for a multicentric study in India. For content validity, 61 (30 COVID-19-recovered and 31 non-COVID-19 participants from the community) were recruited. Test–retest reliability of the scales was assessed among 99 participants (41 COVID-19 recovered and 58 non-COVID-19). Participants were administered the scale at two-time points after a gap of 7-12 days. Cronbach’s alpha, overall percentage agreement and kappa statistics were used to assess internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Results: Items in the scales were relevant and comprehensible. Both the scales had Cronbach’s ? above 0.6 indicating moderate-to-good internal consistency. Test–retest reliability assessed using kappa statistics indicated that for the COVID-19 Stigma Scale, seven items had a moderate agreement (0.4-0.6). For the Community COVID-19 Stigma Scale, four items had a moderate agreement. Interpretation & conclusions: Validity and reliability of the two stigma scales indicated that the scales were comprehensible and had moderate internal consistency. These scales could be used to assess COVID-19 stigma and help in the development of appropriate stigma reduction interventions for COVID-19 infected, and mitigation of stigmatizing attitudes in the community.