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Introduction: The present study was conducted to explore the awareness and perception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among pregnant women. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01, 2021, to September 28, 2021, among 301 pregnant women aged 18–35 years at antenatal care outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra. Results: On assessing the knowledge and awareness score, the mean score (± standard deviation) was 7.83 ± 1.2 out of 16. A total of 176 (58.5%) had good scores(?8). There was no statistically significant association between knowledge and awareness scores and the level of education, type of residence, and age or with weeks of gestation. Although the overall awareness of study participants was satisfactory, 177 (58.8%) felt that COVID-19 vaccines should be avoided during the first trimester. Interestingly, 45 (15.3%) felt that vaccines should not be given during menstruation. There were misconceptions about perceived contraindication, with 81(26.9%), 50(16.6%) and 43(14.4%) responding that diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are contradicts respectively. Interestingly, a total of 52 (17.3%) responded as likely when enquired whether the present vaccine can cause infertility. Similarly, about 62% of study participants felt that the vaccine might alter the DNA. Conclusion: The present study revealed good overall knowledge and awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant with certain misconceptions. The findings suggest that immediate health education programs, risk communication, and correct information should be disseminated by respective health authorities.
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Background: Universal developmental screening is recommended at 9, 18, 24 and 36 months. The Government of India Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card is an immunization record that is used to monitor child development, and identify children requiring further evaluation. Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the MCP card for developmental screening, and perform its item analysis. Study design: Mixed-method study (prospective study of diagnostic accuracy and qualitative study). Participants: Mother-child dyads of children between 2-36 months of age were recruited from the outpatient department or wards of a tertiary level children’s hospital from November, 2019 to October, 2021. Children with confirmed neurodevelopmental disorders/disability, and mothers with less than 6th standard education were excluded. Intervention: Each mother was given a MCP card, and taught how to mark the items. This was followed by the researcher’s evaluation (index tool). The reference tool was a comprehensive clinical assessment (CCA) by the researcher and an expert. The CCA included clinical examination of hearing, vision, and neurodevelopment; and psychometric assessment of development and adaptive function. Each mother underwent an in-depth interview. Overall and group wise psychometric properties of diagnostic accuracy were computed. The interview transcripts were analyzed thematically. Outcomes: The proportion of children with ‘fail’ and ‘delay’ by the evaluation of the researcher with the MCP card and the expert by the CCA, respectively. Results: The study population included 213 children (40.4% females). Fifty-two (24.4%) children were identified as ‘Fail’ by the MCP card and 43 (20.2%) as ‘delay’ by the expert’s CCA. The overall sensitivity and specificity was 83.7% (95% CI 69.3-93.2) and 90.6% (95% CI 85.2-94.5), respectively. Acceptable diagnostic accuracy was found in the age-group 7-9 months, 13-18 months, and 25-36 months. Conclusions: The MCP card may be used for developmental screening at 9, 18, and 36 months.
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“Life well spent is long”, is well stated by Leonardo Da Vinci. A person's quality of life throughout all of those years of survival, rather than how many years they live, is what defines a long-life span. Superior constitution, great bodily components, excellent soul, adoption of a wholesome diet, and living a healthy lifestyle are the factors of this longevity. The lifespan of the individual should be checked by the doctor before any other aspects such as ailment, season, bio-fire, age, mental agility, homologation, constitution, medication, and location are examined. The attributes of Deerghayu that is long life span, along with Aahara (eating habits) and vihara (routines) to preserve longevity of life with the highest quality, have been outlined by Acharya Charaka after the Namakarana (naming ceremony) and Sushruta in Jatisutriya adhyaya in their description of life span. The present study analyzes the characteristic features of Deerghayu and the maintenance of these characteristics playing an important role in a long and healthy life.
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Purpose: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS?OCT) by a swept source can visualize the ciliary body. The study was performed for analyzing the feasibility of a new swept?source OCT (Anterion) device for measuring iris ciliary sulcus, ciliary body thickness, and iris thickness. Methods: It is a pilot study among 30 normal young participants and hospital employees with their consent. The ciliary body, iris thickness, and ciliary sulcus were measured and compared to the results in the literature. We obtained 28 good?quality results. The main outcome measures were iris thickness (near and away from the pupillary margin), ciliary body thickness, and iridociliary sulcus measurement. Results: The iris thickness 2.5 mm from the pupillary margin was 0.70 ± 0.10 mm in the right eye and 0.68 ± 0.11 in the left eye. Closer to the root, the iris thickness varied from 0.55 ± 0.16 mm (right eye) and 0.57 ± 0.12 (left eye). Ciliary body thickness: Right eye 0.59 ± 0.14mm (28 good images), left eye 0.58 ± 0.13mm; ciliary sulcus (inner angle): right eye 82.65 ± 26.6°, left eye 83.66 ± 30.1°. Conclusion: Anterion OCT is feasible in our setting for various measurements and can provide valuable inputs to ophthalmologists for the treatment of ocular diseases.
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Introduction : The medical personnel especially have to deal with both the Biological and Psychological consequences originating from the influence of virus. Emergency Care Units equipped with ambulance service always should be at the fore front to face all emerging untoward incidents. Ambulance Drivers often disregard their physical health and mental stress in order to fulfil the duties entrusted on them. Methodology : Cross-sectional questionnaire based on-line survey was conducted. Ambulance drivers were North and South India were taken as study subjects. Knowledge based questions and mental stress were assessed using Perceived Stress level Scale (PSS). The questionnaires were translated toTamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi languages. Chi-square test was done to find the association between variables. Results : Among the 101 respondents, 84.2% were having good knowledge about the pandemic. Statistically significant association between number of patients transported per day and the knowledge levels of Ambulance drivers was found (p =0.048)(Chi-square value=15.65). Drivers in Government sector were having more knowledge compared to private sector (p =0.038)(Chi square value=6.53). The perceived mental stress was found to increase with a greater number of patients being transported per day, which was statistically significant (p =0.001)(Chi-square value= 30.42). Conclusion : Knowledge regarding COVID-19 virus was adequate among the Ambulance Drivers. Knowledge was found to be more among drivers who work in Government medical establishments. Mental stress was more among drivers who transported more than 5 patients per day.
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Background and Objectives@#Severe to profound hearing loss impacts the capacity for verbal communication as well as the social, emotional, and overall quality of life; however, the association between socio-emotional rehabilitation and post-hearing aid use is not widely explored. This study aimed to investigate the socio-emotional change in post-hearing aid fitted individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 60 individuals comprised of 15 females and 45 males with severe to profound hearing loss within the age range of 40-60 years (mean age and standard deviation of 53.4±6.1), participated in this study. Participants were divided into two categories with a 10-year age interval i.e., 40–50 and 51-60 years. These participants were equally divided into hearing aid user (HAU) and non-hearing aid user (NHAU) groups. The hearing handicapped inventory for the adults-short version (HHIA-S) adapted from Weinstein & Ventry (1983) was used in this study. @*Results@#The mean social score of all the participants was significantly higher than the mean emotional score. However, no such advantage was observed between the HAU and NHAU groups. The mean social score of females in the HAU category was significantly higher than males. The mean social and emotional scores were also compared across two age categories in the age range of 40-50 and 51-60 years and revealed no significant difference between mean social and emotional score across the age categories (p=0.026). @*Conclusions@#In individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, social rehabilitation occurs quicker than emotional. In the HAU group, socialization occurred faster in females than males. These findings suggest that a customized counselling should be developed for the social and emotional wellbeing as these two parameters improve distinctly.
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Bilateral distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms also called “kissing aneurysms” or “mirror aneurysm” are extremely rare, accounting for only 0.2% of all intracranial aneurysms. There have only been a few examples of mirror DACA aneurysms reported in the literature. Here, we report a rare case of mirror DACA aneurysm in a middle aged female with its successful clipping. Patient was admitted with severe headache and altered sensorium. Computed tomography (CT) head was suggestive of anterior inter-hemispheric hematoma. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was done which was suggestive of two distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms located at same anatomical position. It was treated through microsurgical clipping. Mirror image DACA aneurysms are rare occurrence. All patients with ruptured DACA aneurysms should have angiography with 3D reconstruction studies. This aids in determining the aneurysm’s morphology and planning treatment accordingly.
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@#Introduction: Humans have learned to recognize and process plants into medicinal forms through centuries. Burns can spread to other tissues, especially when infected with bacteria such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study aimed to assess the in vivo antibacterial and wound healing activity of 2% formulation of 2-Medpy-3-CN on infected burn wounded animal model. Methods: In vitro antibacterial activity of the Alsti was done by broth dilution and disc diffusion methods. Alsti 2% ointment was prepared for the infected burn wound treatment. A total of 18 rats are grouped into A, B, C, and D, the first three groups (A-C) were injured thermally, and Group D was used as healthy controls. The three test Groups were exposed to MRSA ATCC 43300 at 105 CFU/mL. Group A was treated with 2% Alsti, Group B with Silver sulfadiazine 1% (SSD), and Group C was untreated. Wounds healing was assessed by the healed area and microscopic identification of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained skin tissue. Results: Wound healing progresses with application of Alsti 2% ointment as observed through wound diameter and histopathological changes of the skin. Wound diameter decreases with treatments, while the contrary was observed in the non-treated group. Microscopic observation of the stained skin showed that epidermal development, and collagen formation progress with treatment days. Untreated wounds showed marked inflammation, progressive ulceration, and necrosis. Conclusion: Alsti 2% formulation showed antibacterial and wound healing activities, hence, can be used as alternative in burn wound infections.
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Infective endocarditis is an unconventional infectious disease nonetheless life-threatening. A roundabout of 3% to 5% cases of Streptococcalinfective endocarditis is caused by nutritionally variant Streptococci (NVS). Granulicatella species is one of the atypical causes of infective endocarditis. In this context, the authors are disclosing a case of infective endocarditis in an underlying rheumatic heart disease patient, caused by Granulicatella adiacens. The patient had breathlessness for the past four months, on and off fever for two months anew and mid-diastolic murmur with vegetation in aortic valve as appeared by echocardiogram. The blood cultures were tested positive for Granulicatella adiacens. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous vancomycin for a period of six weeks.
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Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative aberrometry (IA) in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and compare it with conventional IOL formulas. Methods: This was a prospective case series. Eyes with visually significant cataract and axial hyperopia (AL <22.0 mm) underwent IA?assisted phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL (Alcon AcrySof IQ). Postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was compared with predicted SE to calculate the outcomes with different formulas (SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Haigis, Holladay 2, Barrett Universal ? and Hill?RBF). Accuracy of intraoperative aberrometer was compared with other formulas in terms of mean absolute prediction error (MAE), percentage of patients within 0.5 D and 1 D of their target, and percentage of patients going into hyperopic shift. Results: Sixty?five eyes (57 patients) were included. In terms of MAE, both Hoffer Q (MAE = 0.30) and IA (MAE = 0.32) were significantly better than Haigis, SRK/T, and Barrett Universal ? (P < 0.05). Outcomes within ±0.5 D of the target were maximum with Hoffer Q (80%), superior to IA (Hoffer Q > IA > Holladay 2 > Hill?RBF > Haigis > SRK/T > Barrett Universal ?). Hoffer Q resulted in minimum hyperopic shift (30.76%) followed by Hill?RBF (38.46%), Holladay 2 (38.46%), Haigis (43.07%), and then IA (46.15%), SRK/T (50.76%) and Barrett Universal ? (53.84%). Conclusion: IA was more effective (statistically significant) in predicting IOL power than Haigis, SRK/T, and Barrett Universal ? although it was equivalent to Hoffer Q. Hoffer Q was superior to all formulas in terms of percentage of patients within 0.5 D of their target refractions and percentage of patients going into hyperopic shift
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Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition that is encountered. Graves disease and Hashimoto抯 thyroiditis are the most common autoimmune conditions in which conversion of hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism is seen. Chances of conversion of hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism is extremely rare. This case highlights that there should be a high index of suspicion for a possible conversion of hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism. The etiology being an autoimmune switch by an external stimulus in genetically susceptible individuals. Hereby, presenting a case of 53-years female, who is a known case of type II diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome diagnosed with minimal change disease who presented with a hormonal profile showing hyperthyroidism. She had a history of hypothyroidism in the past for 12-years and was treated with levothyroxine and was off treatment for the past 2 years. Further evaluation showed presence of primary Sjogren抯 syndrome which has let to this conversion.
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Dermatomyositis, a connective tissue disorder, is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterised by skin manifestation.The diagnosis of dermatomyositis is based on rashes on the skin, progressive muscle weakness, elevated serum muscle enzymes, abnormal electromyogram, and abnormal findings on muscle biopsy. Hereby presenting this rare case of a 57-year-old female with dermatomyositis with all the typical clinical findings with interstitial lung disease.
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Background: In developing countries like Bangladesh, skin diseases are very much prevalent. On the other for the difference of climate and environment, the pattern of skin diseases differs from one country to another and even crosswise diverse parts within the same country. The prevalence of skin disease in the overall population varies from 11.16 % to 63 %. Moreover, this prevalence differs in different ages of the inhabitants of the same country. Aim of the study:The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of skin diseases in patients attending the OPD of Dermatology and Venereology in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of Dermatology and Venereology in Kustia Medical College, Kustia, Bangladesh from January 2019 to December 2022. In total 400 skin diseases patients were included as the study population. According to the inclusion criteria of this study, patients of several age either male or female suffering from any kind of skin disease for at least one month were included as the study subjects. A predesigned questioner was used in data collection. All data were collected, processed and analyzed by using MS Office and SPSS version 23.0 programs as per need. Results:In this study, majority of the participants (55%) were with non-infective skin diseases. Besides this, 37% were with infective skin diseases and the rest 8% were with both infective as well as non-infective skin diseases. Among infective skin diseases group patients, the highest number of patients were with scabies which was found in 13.75% casas. Besides this, the frequencies of tinea infection, pyoderma, pityriasis versicolor, STD and herpes zoster were also noticeable. On the other hand, among non-infective skin diseases group patients, the highest number of patients were with eczema which was found in 15.25% patients. Besides this, the frequencies of ‘miscellaneous & mixed’ acne vulgaris, urticaria, psoriasis, nevoid disorder and alopecia were also noticeable.Conclusion: As per the findings of this current study we can conclude that, the prevalence of non-infective skin diseases is higher than that of infective skin diseases in Bangladesh. The frequencies of infective skin diseases like scabies, tinea infection, pyoderma, pityriasis versicolor, STD and herpes zoster as well as non-infective eczema, acne vulgaris, urticaria, psoriasis, nevoid disorder and alopecia claim more attention of physicians as well as health policy makers of Bangladesh.
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Formative research creates evidence. Evidence-based interventions are implemented in community settings. In the past, evidence-based interventions have failed to get desired outcomes. The tuberculosis control program despite being evidence based did not succeed at the beginning. Similarly, evidence-based treatment of hypertension and diabetes has not yet controlled these diseases. This is where the role of implementation research (IR) starts. IR either as part of evidence-based research or independently should be a part of health programs so that the program shall be able to ensure feasibility, fidelity, penetration, acceptability, sustainability, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity
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Background & objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited disorder of erythrocytes, is highly prevalent in the tribal population of India. The tribal population of India is approximately 100 million and it is necessary to identify the magnitude of this problem. Furthermore, the prevalence of the disease is unknown among the five million tribal people of southern provinces of Rajasthan. In this study, we intended to determine the prevalence and characteristics of sickle cell disorder among the tribal inhabitants of southern Rajasthan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the tribal students of the Maa-Baadis and hostels situated in the five tribal sub-plan districts of Rajasthan. Maa-Baadi centres are located in every village, whereas for every four to five villages, one hostel is allocated to accommodate the tribal students. The screening for SCD was done by solubility test and electrophoresis was used for confirmation. Results: A total of 36,752 tribal students were screened from 1,006 Maa-Baadi centres and 243 hostels. The prevalence of SCD among the tribal students was 5.8 per cent. The prevalence of heterozygous and homozygous conditions was 5.61 and 0.17 per cent, respectively. Among the five sub-plan districts, the highest prevalence was observed in Sirohi district (10.5%) followed by Banswara (7.42%), Udaipur (6.53%), Pratapgarh (5.51%) and Dungarpur (1.89%). Among the four major tribes belonging to these districts, the highest prevalence was recorded in Garasia tribes (13.81%). The history of leg ulcers and the mean pulse rate were significantly high in SCD individuals. Interpretation & conclusions: SCD is a significant problem among the tribes of southern Rajasthan, with the highest prevalence among the Garasia tribe. The present study recommends that a structured screening programme targeting the entire tribal population with appropriate counselling as well as providing treatment through the existing health system is the need of the hour.
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Background and Aims: Biologics are a relatively new class of highly effective drugs in the management of psoriasis. They act on specific immune processes, achieve rapid and sustained clearance and do not cause target organ damage unlike conventional systemic therapy. It appears that their use in our country is not as widespread as in developed nations despite these benefits ; their prohibitive cost may be a major factor for the limited usage. This survey aimed to find out the extent of use and factors hindering usage of biologics for the management of psoriasis by Indian dermatologists. Methods: It was a cross?sectional questionnaire based study. The questionnaire was designed after a focussed group discussion, followed by validation. The survey was sent in the form of a link to Indian dermatologists. The responses were recorded in excel-sheet and the data was analyzed by SPSS ver 25. Results: Of the 310 participants who took part, 287 completed the survey. Two hundred (70%) were users of biologics, while 87 (30%) had never used them. Cost was the major factor which prevented biologic use. Majority of the respondents used biologics in less than 2 cases per month. Secukinumab was the most common biologic used followed by etanercept. The factors which determined choice of biologics were convenience, cost, previous experience, co-morbid conditions and recommendations by an expert. Limitations: A small sample size was the limitation of the study. Dermatologists who do not use biologics may be under?represented in the study. Conclusions: Biologics are not used optimally by Indian dermatologists for management of psoriasis. The cost, fear of adverse effects, lack of awareness and inadequate felt need are major factors which prevent their regular use
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Background: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis relies more on the clinical acumen of the surgeon than on the investigations. As the condition is associated with an acute-phase reaction the analysis of WBC, neutrophil percentage and serum level of CRP has been demonstrated to be important diagnostic tools. Surprisingly the level of CRP becomes proportionately raised with increasing severity of the histopathological variety of the appendix. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to compare the preoperative CRP level with postoperative histological findings and find out a predictive value of CRP as an indicator for surgical intervention in acute appendicitis.Material & Methods:It was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study executed in the Department of Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January to December of 2015 where 107 patients were included in this study. Preoperative level of CRP and WBC count was done in all selected patients. Histopathological severity of the resected specimen of the appendix was determined postoperatively. The correlation between preoperative clinical factors and the actual histological severity and identification of surgical indication markers was assessed to determine whether only the CRP level significantly differs between the surgical treatment necessary group and the possible non-surgical treatment group.Results:54% (58) of the patients were female out of a total of 107. Peak incidence (25.2%) was in the 16-20 years age group. Neither age nor gender had any significance with the type of appendicitis. Among the patients 28.1% (30) had gangrenous appendicitis. In patients with histopathologically proven acute appendicitis, both the WBC count and serum CRP level were raised. But only the CRP level significantly differs between gangrenous appendicitis and uncomplicated appendicitis (p-value<0.0001). The specificity and sensitivity of serum CRP for gangrenous appendicitis were 97% and 71% respectively. The ROC curve indicated that the cutoff value of CRP for gangrenous appendicitis is 6.2 mg/dl. Conclusions:A normal pre-operative serum CRP measurement in patients with suspected acute appendicitis is most likely associated with a normal or uncomplicated inflammation of the appendix. The rate of unnecessary appendectomies would probably reduce in this patient group by deferring surgery. Only the CRP level is consistent with the severity of appendicitis and can be considered to be a surgical indication marker for acute appendicitis.
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Objectives: The present study was planned to delineate the blood pressure (BP) response of the lowlanders during initial 6 days of acclimatisation to high altitude. Materials and Methods: 398 normotensive sojourners at sea level ascended to HA (3,500 m). Blood pressure response of these subjects were analysed for 6 consecutive days at HA. Based on the BP response of these subjects on the 6th day at HA they were divided into two groups: HBP-high BP group and NBP- normal BP group. Results: It showed that on 6th day at HA, 51 out of 398 subjects presented with BP?140/90 mmHg (HBP) while others remained normotensive (NBP). Comparative systolic BP of HBP and NBP groups during successive days at HA were as follows: HA day 1 (146.8 ± 13.7 mmHg vs 146.3 ± 8.8 mmHg, p>0.05), HA day 4 (144.5 ± 8.7 mmHg vs 135.0 ± 7.0 mmHg, p<0.05) and HA day 6 (148.1 ± 7.9 mmHg vs 131.7 ± 5.3 mmHg, p<0.05). Whereas, diastolic BP of HBP and NBP groups were: HA day 1 (94.0 ± 8.1 mmHg vs 93.2 ± 6.6 mmHg, p>0.05), HA day 4 (88.9 ± 6.0 mmHg vs 85.3 ± 5.1 mmHg, p<0.05) and HA day 6 (93.8 ± 6.3 mmHg vs 83.7 ± 3.8 mmHg, p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that NBP had initially raised BP which returned to normal levels after acclimatisation period of 6 days, but in HBP, it started rising after 4th day. It can be concluded that those individuals whose BP on 6th day at HA does not return to normal after acclimatisation period needs regular follow up as these individuals can have a delayed acclimatisation normalising BP later on or can become hypertensive subsequently
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Kasurdi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Kasurdi HDSS) was established at Rural Health Training Center Kasurdi on February 16, 2018. Kasurdi HDSS has been established to increase the research potential of medical colleges and develop real?time data for research purposes to study the changes in population demography, health, and health?care utilization. Kasurdi HDSS currently follows 2755 individuals living in 549 households. The system collects the data from the population through annual rounds conducted by postgraduate residents of the department of community medicine. The data are collected in the digital format with the help of android-based tablets. HDSS has collected demographic data, reproductive data, data on diseases such as tuberculosis and noncommunicable diseases, and socioeconomic data. The HDSS is in the process to upgrade its data management system to a more integrated platform, coordinated and guided by national/international standards, and data sharing policy.
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Context: The widely accepted caries risk assessment tools such as the Cariogram model needs modifications in the scoring of different factors for reliable results. Aims: The study was aimed to report the caries experience in 3?60 years of the Rajasthan population and to apply the newly derived average decayed exfoliated filled teeth/Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (deft/DMFT) scores in the Cariogram model to assess the caries risk. Settings and Design: The cross?sectional study was planned in the Department of Dentistry and a total of 500 participants were equally divided into five groups (3?6, 7?12, 13?30, 31?44, and 45?60 years) were included. Methods and Material: All participants were examined for caries detection using deft/DMFT, ICDAS, and CAST indices according to the predefined protocol. A single examiner evaluated the participants in a dental operatory and data was recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: One?Way ANOVA and Tukey’s Post?Hoc tests were used to evaluate the significant difference between the groups of each caries index. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean deft/ DMFT and CAST scores of 3?6, 7?12, and 13?30 age groups with the 45?60 years age group. Caries prevalence was highest (83%) in 31?44 and 45?60 year age groups and lowest (51%) in the 3?6 year age group. Conclusions: Caries experience scores increase as the age increases and the highest scores were observed in 31?44 and 45?60 year age groups and the lowest were observed in the 3?6 year age group. The average ICDAS and CAST scores were higher when compared to the deft/DMFT index