ABSTRACT
This study has determined the prevalence of self-stigma, its characteristics in terms of alienation, stereotype endorsement, perceived discrimination and social withdrawal and stigma resistance among leprosy-affected persons and its relationship and extent of this relationship with various socio-demographic features. This has been done by carrying out a cross-sectional survey of 120 active people affected by leprosy during 2020-21. An internationally validated and standardised instrument (ISMI) was used to measure self-stigma. Statistical techniques such as independent t-test, Pearson’s and point biserial correlation and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The study found significant correlations between ISMI self-stigma scores and socio- demographic variables with moderate to minor deviation across the four components of the ISMI scale. The high to low correlation of various components of the ISMI scale found is discrimination experience, followed by stigma resistance, stereotype endorsement and alienation. Overall, the highest self-stigma was found in disabled people affected by leprosy, followed by those whose age was less than 40 years, followed by unemployed and male people affected by leprosy. It was concluded that alienation was maximum among people affected by leprosy who were either disabled, aged less than 40 years or were males. Discrimination experience was reported mainly by unemployed, disabled, males and younger people affected by leprosy. The findings indicate that proper methodology and components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may help reduce self-stigma among leprosy-affected persons
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the early and mid-term outcome of total correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) done through transatrial approach avoiding ventriculotomy with or without transannular patching.Methods: Of 210 patients undergoing total correction for TOF between January 2016 and January 2019, 180 patients were operated via transatrial approach. The ventricular septal defect closure, infundibular resection and pulmonary valvotomy were performed through the right atrium. Age ranged from 12 months to 44 years (mean, 2.6 years), 104 patients were male and 76 patients were females.Results: Three patients (1.67%) died in early post-operative period. Pulmonary complications were seen in 8 (4.44%), septicemia in 1 (0.55%), low output syndrome in 2 (1.10%) and temporary arrhythmias in 6 (3.33%) patients. Reintubation was needed in 3 (1.67%) patients. Early reoperation was needed in 3 (1.67%) patients in view of post-operative bleeding. There were no mediastinal or deep sternal wound infections. None of our patient had complete heart block. There were no late deaths or late reoperations. Echocardiography before discharge did not reveal significant residual VSD in any patient. The mean right ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient was 28 mmHg (range of 20 to 44 mmHg) which decreased on follow-up echocardiography to 16 mmHg (range of 14 to 24 mmHg) at mean follow up of 23 months. None of our patient had severe pulmonary or tricuspid regurgitation or severe right ventricular dysfunction on follow up.Conclusions: Transatrial repair of TOF is associated with remarkably low morbidity and mortality in our early experience.