ABSTRACT
Paederus dermatitis is the skin irritation resulting from contact with the haemolymph of certain rove beetles, a group that is comprised by the genus Paederus. In May 2018, there was an increase in the number of residential students reporting with burning skin lesions. In this context, an outbreak investigation was conducted. A team of public health specialists visited these residential buildings and premises. The inmates who were affected were interviewed and examined. Suspected insects were collected and entomologically evaluated by the Zoological Survey of India. On examination of the affected individuals, it was observed that the rashes were very much suggestive of acid fly toxin induced lesions. Inspection of the premises, revealed small heaps of dried leaves with moisture at two sites which could have served as a suitable environment for acid fly multiplication. Our study concluded that Paederus fuscipes as the causative agent. Top storeys of buildings, illuminated at night, facing potentially wet areas were considered to be the potential risk factor. Fly proofing of the building, cleaning the institution premises and chemical treatment was suggested as appropriate control measures.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis B virus is transmitted by body fluids, such as blood and serum. Sexual transmission, vertical transmission, and unsafe injections, including intravenous drug use, are the most common routes of infection for Hepatitis B infection. Medical students have a very important role in preventing the disease by improving the disease knowledge among themselves and the patients they will eventually treat.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the KAP among medical students of the first three academic years regarding hepatitis B virus infection. The sample size was 222 students. Data were collected from 230 students using a semi structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS v20.Results: Among 230 medical students, 79.1% students had good knowledge about hepatitis B whereas 84.3% of the respondents had the right attitude towards hepatitis B. The practice component was low with only 44.8% of the respondents having correct practice regarding hepatitis B infection.Conclusions: Although the knowledge and attitude regarding hepatitis B infection is high, the practice levels are low indicating the need to encourage proper practices among the medical students.
ABSTRACT
Background: Global warming is a phenomenon of an increase in the earth’s temperature. It leads to an environmental, as well as social loss, which has shown an upward trend since the industrial revolution. Greenhouse gases have been showing catastrophic consequences as well. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among students on the environment so as to discover the gaps and take steps to curb them.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 10th grade high school students. Purposive sampling was done. A pre-tested, semi-structured and self- administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using SPSS V2.0.Results: In this study, 48% of the students were boys and the remaining 52% were girls. A majority of the students were Hindu and belonged to the age group 15-16 years. A hundred percent of the students showed concern regarding the degrading environment. 85% agreed to fact that it can be restored by cumulative efforts. Everyone regarded the sun as the ultimate source of energy. The attitude on protecting the environment was high among the majority of the students. 50% of the students save electricity when not needed. 69% of the students had good knowledge, 65% had a good attitude and 53% had a poor level of practice concerning the environment.Conclusions: In light of the scarcity of adequate literature this study was able to identify gaps among students. Appropriate measures are needed to strengthen their knowledge and attitude and improve their practice.