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Background- COVID-19 is the Pandemic disease caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. There are many myths regarding COVID-19 vaccine spread by community people at rural area. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge about myths of COVID-19, Bhopal Ratua (M.P). The World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with global experts, governments, and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread. The urban people have poor attitude regarding myths about Covid- 19 vaccination. Materials & Methods- A Study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding Covid Vaccination among rural community people. 30 rural community people from a selected rural community were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 40 questions was used. Results- Almost all had some pre-test knowledge regarding the myths surrounding Covid-19. Whereas the knowledge was increased post-test. Conclusion- We concluded that such awareness programs may have a positive impact on increasing the knowledge of rural people. After that the vaccine needs to go through a review by the National Regulatory Authority, who will decide if the vaccine is safe and effective.
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Background: Menstruation is a taboo subject among adolescents girl; lack of knowledge regarding the menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and menstrual abnormalities has significant negative influence on young women. Most of the time menstrual abnormalities were not reported timely resulting in their late diagnosis as well as intervention, burdening adolescents and young adult women physically and mentally. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the menstrual patterns, abnormalities, effects of these abnormalities on the student population in form of social withdrawal, sickness absenteeism, and degrading academic performances. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on menstrual abnormalities among 187 undergraduate students of Medical College Kolkata was conducted to illuminate menstrual problems and its effects on their regular activities. By systematic random sampling technique participants were selected. Questions were related to menstruation, variations in menstrual patterns, dysmenorrhea and its severity, premenstrual symptom, family and medical history in relation to menstrual abnormalities, social withdrawal, monthly sickness absenteeism and degrading of academic performances. Results: The mean age of subjects at menarche was 13.19 ± 0.931 years. Of all the abnormalities, dysmenorrhea was the highest with 84% of prevalence, followed by pre-menstrual symptom with prevalence of 68.4%. Social withdrawal (17.8%), college absenteeism (5.7%), and degrading of academic performance (8.2%) were reported among the students. Conclusion: Menstrual abnormalities must be promptly diagnosed and treated, and students must get counseling addressing these issues if they are to improve their health and quality of life and reduce their chances of developing further illnesses.
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Background: Medical students are reported to have high levels of mental distress that includes problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress due to the highly competitive curriculum. In the post-pandemic era with a renewed perspective toward health system and popularization of online classes, current batch of students are exposed to diverse sources of mental distress. Aims and Objectives: Objectives of this study were to find out the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, family background and academic profile of the study participants, and to estimate the proportion of different varieties of mental distress among them, and to examine relationship of mental distress with sociodemographic, behavioral and academic profile. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 649 undergraduate students by census method using depression anxiety stress scale-21 items. Results: The study participants are predominantly Hindu, urban, unmarried, hostelites, males from nuclear families and belonging to upper socioeconomic class according to Modified B.G Prasad Socioeconomic Status Scale (January 2022). The proportion of depression, anxiety, and stress among study participants was found to be 49.61%, 58.86%, and 33.13%, respectively. Proportion of mental distress was significantly higher in the age group of 21–24 years. Those who preferred to study more at night were more anxious and stressed. Stress was higher in students with addiction to gadgets too. Participants hailing from rural areas, hostelites, and paying guests were relatively more depressed. Conclusion: There is urgent need for emotional support and provision of personalized counseling for the MBBS students as unchecked mental distress can turn into severe psychological morbidity.
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Background: A lot of comorbid conditions and health problems result from unhealthy dietary habit and sedentary lifestyle in all age group, but more among geriatric population. Due to progressive fragility, weakness, and comorbidities, there is gradual decrease in overall physical activity in elderly which again leads to different health problems and this vicious cycle is going on. There was scarcity of evidences related to dietary pattern and physical activity of elderly population particularly in West Bengal. Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted for estimating the physical activity level of the study participants and to determine its relationship with the sociodemographic profile and dietary consumption pattern. Materials and Methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Geriatric Outpatient Department of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, from August 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022, among 124 participants aged 60 years and above attended OPD in first 2 months of study period. IPAQ-SF questionnaire was used for assessment of physical activity. Analysis was done in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 20) software. Results: Larger proportion (52.4%) participants belonged to HEPA active (Category 3) according to physical activity status. Age of the participant, place of residence and socioeconomic status and consumption of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, flesh food and egg, milk and milk products, and sugar and jaggery were significantly associated with physical activity. Conclusion: In the present study, significant proportion (32.3%) was minimally active which should be dealt properly. Physical activity should be promoted to all elder persons as a part of healthy lifestyle.
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Background: In addition to risk of developing different non-communicable diseases, chronic diseases, and disabilities with increases of age, elderly people are more likely to suffer from mental and psychological distress and sleep disturbances which are again very much related to other physical problems of elderly. However, these two issues are often neglected and also were not addressed by research work adequately. Aims and Objectives: In above backdrop, our present study was conducted to determine sleep pattern and perceived stress among elderly population and their relationship with sociodemographic parameters. Materials and Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Geriatric Outpatient Department (OPD) of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, from August to October 2022, among 161 geriatric OPD patients. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for eliciting sociodemographic information. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and perceived stress scale were used for assessing sleep quality and perceived stress of participants respectively. Data were analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20). Results: About 41.2% participants suffered from poor sleep pattern. About 41.2% of geriatric participants had low level of stress and rest had moderate stress. Age and marital status were significantly associated with both sleep pattern and perceived stress. Socioeconomic status was related to sleep score, whereas perceived stress was associated with education of elderly participants. Conclusion: Poor quality of sleep and stress has an impact on other physical health problems of elderly such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, awareness generation among general population and provision of adequate management in elderly health clinics regarding these two issues is required.
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Background: Child rearing practices are very important determinants of overall growth and development of child. As mother is primary caregiver of child, her knowledge regarding child rearing is very important. Unfortunately, till today, in India, teenage marriage and teenage pregnancy are very common. These adolescent mothers are not only underprepared physically and psychologically for giving birth and rearing a child successfully, but also it is assumed that have no proper knowledge. However, there was no sufficient research study for assessing knowledge regarding child rearing among teenage pregnant women in West Bengal, especially in rural area. Aims and Objectives: Assessing the knowledge regarding child rearing practice and its relationship with the determinants among teenage pregnant women in rural area of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in rural field practice area of Medical College, Kolkata among 99 adolescent pregnant women during time period of July–December 2021. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version 20. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 17.60 (±1.23) years. Among the participants 58% being school dropout and 46% were homemaker. Maximum number of participants was married and got pregnant within age group of 15–17. Only 59.6% had good knowledge about child rearing. Number of child and perceived social pressure was statistically significant with the CRK score. Conclusions: The government should give more emphasis to improving maternal education and preventing teenage marriage and teenage pregnancy as a long-term strategy for improving child health.
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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a contagious viral pathogen, creating a public health emergency, and affecting lives and livelihood of millions of populations globally. Good knowledge, attitude, and practice are essential to prevent and stop the widespread transmission. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding COVID-19 among health-care workers (HCWs) in tertiary care hospitals of Odisha. Materials and Methods: The present study is an observational, cross-sectional, and question-based online research. Questions were created on Google forms. Link was generated and given through social media apps. The questionnaire consists of four sections. First section comprised demographic characteristics. Second, third, and fourth sections contain questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice related to COVID-19, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistical procedures were done through IBM SPSS statistics version 24.0. The research was granted approval by Institute Ethics Committee of IMS and SUM Hospital. Results: Data were analyzed in 430 subjects, 205 females and 225 males. The majority of HCWs have good knowledge score 86.5%, attitude score 80.9%, and practice score 91.2%. The mean knowledge score was 6.6 ± 0.84 and mean attitude score was 28.5 ± 1.89. Knowledge and attitude score was found to be significantly different among age groups and gender, p<0.001. Mean attitude score had a significant difference with working status, P = 0.025. Mean knowledge and attitude score was significantly higher across professions and work experience, P < 0.001. Good practice score varies significantly across professions, P < 0.001. Conclusions: The most of HCWs had good knowledge, positive attitude, and adopted appropriate practices regarding COVID-19. Periodic educational interventions are strongly recommended for HCWs to upgrade their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding coronavirus diseases.
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Background: Adolescence is the intermediary linking phase from childhood to adulthood. Physical, sexual, psychological and social developmental changes during this period. Adolescence is a period of increased awareness of bodily cues and self-reflection, including evaluation of one’s own body and appearance. Body misconception and body dissatisfaction, two very important potential causative factors of bad nutritional status of adolescents, have not been adequately investigated in rural India. Aims and Objectives: The present study on adolescents was conducted to assess the lifestyle factors and degree of dissatisfaction and misconception of their body. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, and community-based cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing adolescents residing in the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata, during the months of March–April, 2022. The data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: A total of 239 respondents were interviewed (74.1% male and 25.9% female). About 47.3% were early adolescents, 46.4% were middle adolescents, and rest 6.3% were late adolescents. About 56.5% was indulged in some kind of exercise. According to the total adolescent body image satisfaction scale score, 66.5% seemed to be satisfied with their body image. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with participants’ age, gender, socio-economic status, and type of family. Conclusion: It is evident from the study that girl children, adolescents of the lower socio-economic status group, and middle, and late adolescents are more prone to be dissatisfied with their body image. Hence, they need to be given extra focus for restoration of their mental health.
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Background: Rabies is a fatal but preventable zoonotic disease and prevention of rabies following exposure is largely dependent on proper wound care and timely initiation and completion of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which again dependent on awareness of general population regarding prevention of rabies and economic burden related to PEP. Aims and Objectives: With this background, the present study was carried out to estimate the economic burden, knowledge, and practice regarding prevention of rabies and to determine predictor of practices. Materials and Methods: Facility-based, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Rabies Immunization Clinic, Medical College, Kolkata, among 110 animal bite victims (>18 year age) who are attending for PEP during study period (January 2022 to June 2022). Results: About 48.2% study participants had poor knowledge score related to prevention of rabies. Although direct economic burden for all participants was nil, 53.6% participants faced heavy indirect economic burden. Only 62.7% study participants cleaned wound properly following exposure. About 73.6% of study participants had history of timely initiation as well as completion of PEP with regularity. Proper wound care following exposure was mainly determined by awareness level of study participants regarding prevention of rabies, whereas timely initiation as well as completing PEP with regularity was mainly predicted by economic burden incurred by the participants. Conclusion: For achieving zero human deaths due to dog-mediated Rabies by 2030, more emphasis to be given on awareness generation among general population and combating economic burden related to PEP.
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Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is emerging as a serious health problem in Odisha, India. A new form of severe CKD affecting adults, not due to traditional risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, has been reported in Sri Lanka, Central America, and Egypt in the last two decades. This has been named CKD of unknown origin (CKDu), and it is fatal due to late recognition and rapid disease progression. The aim of the study was to elucidate the association between different sociodemographic, and biochemical parameters with renal morphology in CKD of unknown origin patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 124 consecutive patients with CKD from the period January 2018 to December 2018. Patients in the age group 18–60 years who met clinical criteria for CKD were included. Participants answered a questionnaire. After the necessary history, clinical evaluation, and blood and urine analyses, a kidney biopsy was undertaken. Kidney biopsy was feasible in 51 patients as the rest 61 patients had shrunken kidneys and 12 patients did not give consent. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, obstructive kidney disease or any other congenital diseases, snakebite, pregnancy, malignancy, gout, primary hyperparathyroidism, infectious diseases like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), TB, Hepatitis B and C, malaria, syphilis, leprosy and coagulopathies were excluded. Among the 51 patients, 23 had CKDu, 25 had chronic glomerulonephritis and three biopsies were inconclusive. Results: The mean age of CKDu patients was 36.78 ± 9.85 years. Males (73.9%) were predominantly affected. A family history of CKD was seen in 82.6% of CKDu cases. Hyponatremia and hypokalemia were predominant biochemical abnormalities in our CKDu cases. Binary logistic regression showed rural residence, family history of CKD, exposure to smoke from burning coal, charcoal, or biomass fuels, low socioeconomic status, and low body mass index were strongly associated with CKDu. There was an increased risk of developing CKDu in persons with a family history of CKD [p = 0.003, odds ratio (OR)— 17.58], persons exposed to smoke from burning coal, charcoal or biomass fuels (p = 0.003, OR- 32.4), and patients with low socio-economic status (p = 0.001, OR- 15.87). Interstitial fibrosis (IF), interstitial inflammation with mononuclear infiltration, tubular atrophy (TA), and global glomerulosclerosis (GS) were pertinent histopathological findings in our study. Conclusion: There is no strong evidence for a single cause for CKDu, and multiple environmental, occupational and social factors are probably involved. We need to design consistent and comparative multisite studies to identify etiologies of CKDu, across high-risk populations that may help elucidate the importance of region-specific vs global risk factors.
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Background: It is a common believe that self medication prevails more in medical students. Dental students do believe in self medication. With this background, current study aimed to determine the attitude and practice of self medication among dental students. Aim and Objective: To know prevalence, attitude and practice of self medication among dental students in a dental college. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 2nd year dental students in a tertiary care teaching hospital to assess attitude and practice regarding self-medication. Data were collected from 90 students using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Results: The study finding revealed that overall prevalence of self medication is 86.67% among the participants. There is an increase in prevalence of self medication from 58.97 to 86.67% after joining to professional course. Most common source of self medication is senior抯 advice (92.30%) followed by book reference (83.33%). Most common disease for which self medication is used are fever, headache/body ache, cold/flu (100%) followed by acid peptic disease (92.30%). The use of self medication is more in communicable/infectious disease (91.02%) than noncommunicable disease (62.82%). Most commonly used drug for self medication are analgesics, antiallergics and antipyretics (100%) followed by antacid/PPI (84.61%). The prevalence of use of antibiotics among the participants are 73.07%. 26.29% participants use herbal medication as self medication. Most of the participants use self medication as and when basis (52.57%). Only 25.64% participant took full course of the medication and 21.79% participants use self medication for long term. Most of the participants strongly agree or agree for self medication in community and among dental students. About 54% disagree saying medicine should be prescribed by licensed medical practitioner. Conclusion: Attitude and practice of the students towards self-medication was positive and reason being dental students and influence of seniors. Since they are in the initial year of course with inadequate knowledge, awareness must be created about appropriate use and adverse drug reaction arising from self-medication.
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Background: Blood is essential for human survival though it is a scarce and precious resource. Blood Transfusions also have some risks, like immunomodulation in the recipients, transmission of infectious agents, and may lead to serious adverse reaction. Hence, it is necessary to make an efficient use of blood and blood products. Aims and Objectives: With this background, the present study was carried out at the blood bank of Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal, India to evaluate the utilization pattern of blood and blood components. Materials and Methods: Facility based, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted on the basis of secondary data collected from records of blood bank, medical college, Kolkata, regarding blood and blood component transfusion pattern of patients who were admitted in medical college and hospital and received blood and blood components from blood bank medical college, Kolkata during period from September 1, 2021, to September 15, 2021. Results: Total number of transfusion recipients during the study period was 1339. Total 2621 no of blood and blood components were issued. About 66.84% (895) of all recipients were transfused with single unit of blood or blood component. Packed red blood cells were the maximum utilized blood component. The most common diagnosis for patients requiring blood and blood components was anemia. Conclusion: A large proportion of patients were transfused with single unit of blood or blood component, which might not be beneficial. Training, regular meeting with clinicians and periodic assessment of blood usage are recommended to prevent inappropriate transfusion.
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Background: Several studies support the influence of ethnicity on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the difference in correlation between obesity profile and blood pressure (BP) between Sikkimese and immigrant students in Gangtok. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim, Gangtok. A total of 274 students aged 18–25 years were included in the study. The anthropometric parameters (Height, weight, BMI, and Waist Circumference [WC]), systolic and diastolic BP (DBP) of the ethnic and immigrant group, were recorded. Two-tail Students’ test was performed to compare two groups and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to measure the linear correlation. Results: Mean value of all variables-BMI, WC, Systolic BP (SBP), and DBP was higher in the immigrant group as compared to the ethnic group, but the differences were not statistically significant. Lower prevalence of general obesity, abdominal obesity, elevated BP., and hypertension was found among Sikkimese compared to non-Sikkimese young adults. A stronger positive correlation was found between BP and WC and between BP and BMI in immigrants compared to the ethnic group. Conclusion: Higher incidence of different cardiovascular risk factors in young immigrant adults as compared to the ethnic Sikkimese group in this study points toward ethnicity-dependent differences in the relationship between obesity profile and BP.
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Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) had been introduced in National Immunization Schedule recently in West Bengal in view to prevent pneumococcal diseases mainly pneumonia and meningitis, which was a leading cause mortality and morbidity particularly in under 5 age group. Like all other health program, success of this initiative would be dependent on awareness level of beneficiaries. Aim and Objective: The present study aimed at estimating parenteral awareness level related to pneumococcal diseases and PCV. Materials and Methods: The observational and analytic study was conducted among parents of 404 children (who were eligible for PCV-1) attended in Immunization Clinic, Medical College, Kolkata. Sociodemographic parameters of families of study participants were elicited. Parenteral knowledge regarding pneumococcal diseases and PCV was assessed. Results: About 58.4% of parents neither had any awareness regarding pneumococcal diseases, nor had any idea related to PCV. Only 30.7% of parents had any knowledge regarding pneumococcal diseases and 31.7% had any awareness related to PCV. Maternal education, social class, and residence were found to significant predictor of parenteral knowledge both in unadjusted model as well as when adjusted with sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: As parenteral knowledge level in the present study was not satisfactory, more stress to be given in conducting awareness generation campaign for newly introduced PCV vaccine throughout the state in general, and in vulnerable urban areas particularly, where awareness among beneficiaries was significantly poorer.
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Background: Development in early childhood is an important determinant of health status in future life and any damage to brain in that period may affect quality of life. Reliable data regarding prevalence and predictors of developmental delay among under-5 children are required for combating this problem. Aim and Objective: Our study aimed at estimating proportion and determining predictors of developmental delay among 0–6-year-old children. Materials and Methods: An observational analytic study was conducted among 173 children (<6 years) attended in immunization clinic, medical college, Kolkata. Developmental status of children was assessed by Trivandrum Development Screening Chart. Sociodemographic parameters of children and their families were studied. Maternal morbidity and care during antenatal period as well as child morbidity and care during neonatal period were also assessed. Results: Proportion developmental delay among <6-year-old children was 26%. Maternal morbidity during antenatal period was revealed as significant predictor [AOR = 9.835 with 95% CI: 3.089–31.314]. Childhood morbidity and hospitalization during neonatal period were also found to be significant determinants of developmental delay [AOR = 28.041 with 95% CI: 8.826–89.089 and AOR = 28.286 with 95% CI: 8.790–91.023, respectively]. Conclusion: Improvement of neonatal care resulted in much reduction in neonatal mortality rate at the cost of increase in prevalence of developmental delay. Hence, more emphasis is now to be given on early detection and intervention of developmental abnormalities. It is mandatory to focus not only on care during newborn period for reducing mortality but also on “care beyond survival” which is the sixth pillar of India Newborn Action Plan.
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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by coronavirus family (SARS-CoV-2). There is a rising trend of the pandemic ever since its inception. Although the healthcare workers are already oriented and play a central role in the response to COVID-19, there is very limited information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients attending health facilities toward SARS-CoV-2. Aim and Objectives: Assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice on prevention of Novel Coronavirus among patients attending general out-patient department (GOPD) in a Medical College of Eastern India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in GOPD of Kolkata for 3 months in 119 adults. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data by interview method. Results: The mean age of study participants was 41.05 ± 15.09 (S.D.) with 49.6% belonging to the age group of 20–40 years. Knowledge regarding prevention of transmission was noted among 70.5% of study participants. About 96.6% followed the good practice of wearing mask while going outside and 70.6% covered both nose and mouth. The various socio-demographic variables were associated with the knowledge and practice of COVID-19 transmission. It was noted that education, occupation, and socio-economic status showed statistically significant association with knowledge and correct practice of using mask during the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a moderately fair level of knowledge concerning SARS-CoV-2 among the general population and a significant association with positive attitudes and practices toward preventive health measures to combat COVID-19.
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Background: Vehicular or automobile emission constitutes a significant health injury to traffic policemen posted at thenumerous traffic junctions. Aim and Objectives: Evaluating the spirometric lung function test parameters of traffic policemen posted in Gangtok town and to compare and measure the findings with general police personnel and also to study the effect of exposure to long-term automobile pollution. Materials and Methods: In this study, after matching for anthropometric variables such as weight, height, and body mass index, 40 traffic policemen were taken as case and 40 general duty policemen were taken as control groups. The exclusion criteria were duly screened, and only those subject who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included after which the spirometric pulmonary function tests (PFT) ‘s evaluation was done. The indices measured in the study included (1) Forced vital capacity (FVC) (2) Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (3) FEV1/FVC ratio (4) Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (5) Forced mid expiratory flow (FEF 25–75%). Spirometric indices of the subjects and controls were statistically analyzed using the student’s t test and p value computed against the degree of freedom. Results: The traffic policemen showed decline in various PFT indices as compared to controls in terms of FVC(L), FEV1 (L), FEV1/FVC, FEF 25–75%, PEFR, although it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The traffic policemen working in Gangtok town had decreased PFT, although it was not statistically significant in this study. Even then, we strongly recommend for the adoption and practice of various preventive measure from vehicular pollution and conduction of further studies on larger samples.
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Background: Contamination in a bacteriology laboratory setup may result in erroneous interpretation. Aim and Objective: To estimate the bacterial isolates from different surfaces of the bacteriology laboratory of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A total number of 165 samples were taken from different surfaces of the laboratory including tabletops, floor, walls, and workbench tops at the beginning of morning session for consecutive thirty working days (June 2019). Surface swab technique was followed using pre-incubated Nutrient agar (Basal plate), Mac-conkey’s agar (Selective and differential media), and Blood agar plates (enriched media). Aerobic incubation was done overnight at 37°C. Discrete colonies were studied by Gram, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Albert staining followed by the tests for motility and a series of biochemical reactions. Results: Out of 165 collected swabs, growth was observed in 23 (13.93%). Out of these 23 isolates, none was from the workbench top. Majority (47.82% i.e., 11/23) was from the floor. Amongst 23 isolates, 14 (60.86%) were Gram-positive in nature and 7 (30.43%) found to be motile. Isolated bacteria comprised Micrococcus spp. (34.78% i.e., 8/23), Pseudomonas spp. (17.39%,4/23), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (13.04% i.e., 3/23), Bacillus spp. (13.04%, i.e., 3/23) and Acinetobacter spp. (21.73% i.e., 5/23). From floor, majority of the isolates were Micrococcus spp. (45.45%, i.e., 5/11) whereas in wall, mostly Bacillus spp. (33.33%, i.e., 3/9) and tabletop, all of the isolates were Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. Conclusion: Vigilant disinfection and maintenance of personal hygiene of laboratory workers are essential to eliminate contamination.
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Background: Malnutrition in under five children is prevalent widely. It affects growth as well as development; also causes higher morbidity and mortality among children significantly. This public health problem is multi-factorial. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of under nutrition and its risk factors among children up to 2 years of age attending a tertiary health care institution of Kolkata. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 0 � 23 months, attending the Immunization clinic of CMSDH, Kolkata, during December, 2019 朖anuary, 2020. Data were collected by interviewing the accompanying caregivers, anthropometric measurements of the study subjects and review of records. Results: Among 135 children studied, the prevalence of stunting was 14.1% (5.8% severely stunted), underweight was 9.7% (3.8% severely underweight), wasting was 18.5% (8.1% were SAM).Younger age group (0-6 months),boys and children having inappropriate feeding for age were at increased risk of under nutrition. Children having working mothers, birth spacing of <3 years, LBW and delayed initiation of breastfeeding (>1hour) were at higher risk of stunting and underweight. Incorrect age of introduction of complementary feeding had higher risk of wasting. Conclusion: Several risk factors for malnutrition were found which are amenable to prevention.
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Background: Urinary pathogens develop lesser resistance against Nitrofurantoin than other antimicrobials such as Fluoroquinolones, Cotrimoxazole, and Carbapenems. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity pattern of the urinary isolates against Nitrofurantoin in uncomplicated Urinary tract infection (UTI). Materials and Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020, with 759 cases with signs and symptoms of uncomplicated UTI. Aseptically collected midstream urine was inoculated on Nutrient Agar Media, MacConkey’s Agar media, and Blood Agar media for bacterial isolation. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by disk diffusion technique on Mueller Hinton Agar (Kirby Bauer technique) as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Out of total of 759 urine samples, in 165 cases bacterial pathogens were isolated (21.73%). Only 17 were resistant to Nitrofurantoin (10.30%) whereas resistance to Fluoroquinolone (Ciprofloxacin) was in 58 isolates (35.15%) and Cotrimoxazole, in 37 isolates (22.42%). Resistance against Carbapenem antibiotics (Imipenem and Meropenem) was found in 29 isolates (17.57%). All the Nitrofurantoin resistant isolates were Gram-negative. Majority of the Nitrofurantoin resistant isolates were Klebsiella pneumonia (8 out of 17, i.e, 47.05%). All Nitrofurantoin resistant isolates were sensitive to Colistin and Tigecycline. Five out of 17 Nitrofurantoin resistant isolates were sensitive to Meropenem and Imipenem (29.41%). The Fischer exact test reveals that Nitrofurantoin is effective against the isolates resistant to Fluoroquinolones, Cotrimoxazole, and Carbapenems. Conclusion: Nitrofurantoin, even today, remains a good choice for empirical therapy for uncomplicated UTI.