Comparison of COVID-19 Infection in Children During the First and Second Wave

Concerns have been raised in the media that ‘the third wave’ will severely afect children. Here, an experience of SARSCoV-2 infection in children is reported. Of the 8,626 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests performed in children (0–17 y) from March 2020 to July 2021 at the authors' institute, 1470 (17%) were positive, [711/4821 (14.7%) during the frst wave (July 2020 to January 2021), and 759/3583 (21.2%) during the second wave (February 2021 to July 2021)]. The children in both waves were similar in presentation (74.1% mildly symptomatic versus 80.2% mildly symptomatic; rest asymptomatic). None of them had COVID pneumonia. Five children died (0.3%), all of a serious primary non-COVID disease. Seventy-three cases of MIS-C during August 2020 to July 2021, with low mortality (2.7%) were also identifed. The similarity in COVID-19 infection in children between the frst and the second waves seems to suggest that the likelihood of the ‘third wave’ hitting children hard is low.

COTPA implementation status: An observational study in South Indian city

Background & objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) document released on the World No Tobacco Day, 2020, mentions that tobacco kills over 22,000 people worldwide every day either from its use or second-hand smoke exposure, which is one person every 4 sec. In 2003, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was enacted by the Indian government to control/regulate use of tobacco and tobacco products. Despite various amendments to this law, there has not been any appreciable decrease in tobacco use. The objective of this study was to assess the compliance level with sections 4-10 of COTPA in urban Puducherry in South India. Methods: Random sample survey of 13 wards was carried out in selected parts of the city of Puducherry. The estimated sample size was minimum 160 public places and point of sales (PoS) each. A pre-tested checklist was used to obtain information on compliance with COTPA. Statistical and spatial analysis was performed using STATA v12.0 and QGIS v2.14.21, respectively. Results: Eight per cent of public places, 0 per cent of PoS, 1.7 per cent of educational institutions and 48 per cent of tobacco packages were found compliant with COTPA specifications. The compliance in public places varied from 0 (bus stops) to 55 per cent (religious places). Interpretation & conclusions: The overall compliance with COTPA was found to be very low in urban Puducherry. In order to ensure proper implementation of the laws, effective enforcement with periodic monitoring of various sections of COTPA are needed.

Evaluation of the International Society on Thrombosis & Haemostasis scoring system & its modifications in diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation: A pilot study from southern India

Background & objectives: Diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) rests primarily on the clinical profile along with supportive laboratory tests. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) had proposed a scoring system for the diagnosis of overt DIC. However, fibrinogen values which are supposed to be low are often found to be elevated due to the associated inflammation seen in some cases. Moreover, peripheral smear is known to show schistocytes, which is also not included in the score. This study was done to evaluate ISTH scoring system and its modifications in suspected DIC. Methods: Fifty-six patients were enrolled for the present study of whom; in four, fibrinogen assay could not be done. Modifications in the ISTH scoring with the exclusion of fibrinogen, i.e. modified ISTH (MI) score and subsequent inclusion of schistocytes, i.e. modified ISTH with schistocytes (MIS) score, were used. The modified scores were analyzed for diagnostic accuracy parameters and agreement with ISTH score. Results: Amongst 56 cases, 9/52 (17.3%), 22 (39.3%) and 17 (30.4%) were diagnosed as positive for overt DIC by ISTH, MI and MIS scores and mortality was 33, 22.7 and 17.6 per cent, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the MI score were 100, 74.4, 45 and 100 per cent and for MIS score were 100, 86, 60 and 100 per cent, respectively. The agreement between MI score and MIS score with ISTH score was moderate [?=0.502, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.272-0.732, P<0.001] and substantial (?=0.681, 95% CI: 0.45-0.91, P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: In the present study, the calculated mortality was highest by ISTH score. Best agreement was between MIS score and ISTH score. In a resource-constrained setup where fibrinogen assay and therefore ISTH score is difficult, it is suggested that MIS score can be considered.

Attack rate and household secondary attack rate of acute conjunctivitis during an outbreak in South India: A community‑based survey.

Introduction: Knowledge on epidemiology of the disease in the contemporary world will help to develop appropriate strategies to curtail the transmission during an outbreak. This study was carried out during an outbreak of conjunctivitis in selected areas of Puducherry, South India, to assess the attack rate of conjunctivitis, identify factors associated with developing conjunctivitis and calculate household secondary attack rate (HSAR) of conjunctivitis and its correlates. Methodology: During December 2014, a community‑based survey was conducted in a selected urban and rural area in Puducherry, South India. Simple random sampling was used to select primary sampling units and systematic sampling to select households. All individuals in the selected households were studied. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on sociodemographic characteristics, conjunctivitis during September–November, 2014, and number of household contacts who developed conjunctivitis within 7 days of index case. The attack rate and HSAR of conjunctivitis was expressed as percentage. Multivariate logistic regression was used to find factors independently associated with developing conjunctivitis and also 100% HSAR. Results: Of 3193 study participants from 772 households, 509 (15.9%, 95% confidence interval 14.7–17.2%) had an attack of conjunctivitis during the reference period. Of the 772 households, 218 (28.2%) had at least one case of conjunctivitis. Of 218 households, 33 (15.1%) households had 100% HSAR. Lower age, not being unemployed, low socioeconomic status, and residing in rural area were independently associated with developing conjunctivitis. Index case being male and living in a household with ≥5 members were independently associated with 100% HSAR. Conclusion: In the outbreak under study, more than one‑fourth of households had at least one case of conjunctivitis and about one in every six individuals had an attack of conjunctivitis.

Experience of non-scalpel vasectomy in a rural area of Tamil Nadu.

Background. Only 0.7% of men participate in the sterilization programme in Tamil Nadu. Various strategies were adopted to achieve a target of 10%. We aimed to assess the motivational strategies adopted by the health staff of Sathya Vijayanagaram block of Thiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu to improve the acceptance of non-scalpel vasectomy among the beneficiaries and to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of the acceptors of the technique. Methods. This qualitative study, conducted in November– December 2010, involved in-depth interviews of the health staff of Cheyyar Health Unit district. All those who accepted non-scalpel vasectomy between 2007 and 2010 were interviewed. Results.Early identification of targets and sustained motivation through a team approach, supported by administrative arrangements and intense information–education– communication activities, resulted in non-scalpel vasectomy contributing to 13% of all sterilizations. Acceptors were men from lower socioeconomic strata. Conclusion. The strategies adopted by the health system have contributed to the acceptance of non-scalpel vasectomy in the remote villages of a block in Tamil Nadu. This endeavour may be replicated in other districts of Tamil Nadu and others states of India to achieve the goals set for population control.

Iron-Folic Acid Intake Among Pregnant Women in Anumanthai PHC of Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.

Background: Prevalence of anemia in India is among the highest in the world. Apart from other causes of anemia, iron or folate deficiency is the most common cause, especially during pregnancy. Although, supplementation of diet with iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets has been a part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Program for over three decades, levels of IFA intake during pregnancy remain low. Material and methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 132 postnatal women registered in Anumanthai primary health center (PHC), Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, catering to a population of 56,142 through eight subcenters to explore factors affecting compliance to IFA. One hundred thirty-two postnatal women were interviewed after taking informed consent in local language using a pretested structured proforma. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 16. Results: Majority of the study subjects (134; 98%) were in the age group of 20-29 years. First-trimester registration was 99.4% and 99.3% received at least three antenatal visits at the PHC. Fifty-four (40%) of the study subjects did not consume any IFA tablet at all. Only 31.1% of the study subjects were aware that IFA tablets should be consumed for 100 days. About 25.9% consumed at least above 90 IFA tablets and only 5.9% consumed more than 100 IFA tablets. Nausea and vomiting 85 (63%) and counseling by village health nurse 115 (89%) were reported to be the most common hindering and facilitating factors, respectively. Conclusion: Despite high rates of antenatal visits, the intake of IFA was low.

Diabetes in rural Pondicherry, India: a population-based study of the incidence and risk factors.

Background: For India, the ‘diabetes capital’ of the world, it is essential to know the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its key determinants. As two thirds of Indians live in rural areas, a study was undertaken to assess the incidence and risk factors of T2DM in rural Pondicherry, India. Methods: In a population-based cohort study initiated in 2007, a sample of 1223 adults > 25 years of age from two villages of Pondicherry were selected using cluster random sampling. Data on risk factor exposure were collected using a structured questionnaire, anthropometric tests and fasting blood glucose assessment. During house visits, 1223 of 1403 invited subjects participated. Of these, 71 (5.8%) were found to have diabetes. In 2010–2011, 85% of the non-diabetics (979/1152) were followed up using the same protocol. We calculated the risk of T2DM per annum standardized by age and sex. Population estimates of the risk factors associated with T2DM were analysed using the Generalized Estimating Equation model and the Population Attributable Risk (PAR) for T2DM calculated. Results: During 2937 person-years (PY) of follow-up, 63 new cases of T2DM occurred, giving an incidence rate of 21.5/1000 PY. Almost one third (31.7%) of cases occurred in people aged below 40 years. The incidence was double among males (28.7/1000 PY; 95% confidence interval (CI): 21.0–38.7) compared with females (14.6/1000 PY; 95% CI: 9.4–21.7). Applying these rates to rural populations, it is estimated that each year 8.7 million people develop T2DM in rural India. Nearly half of the T2DM incidence was attributed to overweight/obesity and alcohol usage. Conclusion: T2DM incidence was 2% per year in adults in rural Pondicherry, India, with the rate increasing twice as fast in men. Increasing age, obesity, alcohol use and a family history of T2DM independently predicted the development of diabetes. As half of T2DM incidence was attributed to overweight/obesity and alcohol use, health promotion interventions focusing on maintaining an optimal weight and decreasing alcohol consumption may be effective in reducing the rise in T2DM cases.

The Role of Clinical Signs in the Diagnosis of Late-onset Neonatal Sepsis and Formulation of Clinical Score.

Neonatal sepsis is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The low birth weight and preterm babies are more vulnerable to it. It is diagnosed when generalized systemic features are associated with pure growth of bacteria from one or more sites. However, the signs of sepsis are nonspecific and the outcome of a neonate with sepsis depends on its early identification. So, this study is done to evaluate the role of various clinical signs in diagnosing late-onset sepsis, their statistical analysis and to develop a scoring system-based purely on clinical signs for early diagnosis and prompt institution of treatment.

Assessment of village water and sanitation committee in a district of Tamil Nadu, India.

A descriptive study was conducted among 75 members of five Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) and 15 local residents in Tamil Nadu, India to assess committee's formation and decision making process. There were 64% females and rest were males, all aged between 20 years and 45 years. A total of 50.7% of them passed 12 th standard and 29.3% belonged to self-help groups. Although, all of them were aware about presence of guidelines, none of them knew its contents. About 20% opined that meetings were not being conducted regularly. All members said that they had problems in attending meeting regularly, take decisions if at least 10 (67%) members are present and fund was not adequate for 1 year period. One-third of local residents did not know the committee formation process and none of them aware about guidelines. Formation and decision making process of VWSC should be improved to tackle the sanitation problem.

Cardiovascular disease risk management in a primary health care setting of north India.

OBJECTIVE: This study was primarily carried out to assess the feasibility of an adapted WHO CVD risk management package in a primary care setting. METHODS: A community intervention trial was conducted in eight health posts located in rural, urban, and slum areas of northern India. After a 4 day training, eight health workers implemented the package among 1010 adults > or =30 years of age from a randomly chosen cluster of households. Locally adapted scenario 1 WHO protocol was used for the assessment of CVD risks. The health workers inquired about smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity, symptoms of angina, and transient ischaemic attacks; and measured systolic blood pressure (SBP7), height, and weight. Those with a risk were counseled and referred to a physician. Hypertensives were followed at 1, 3, and 5-month interval to reinforce risk prevention and adherence to treatment. In a 20% random sub sample, in the study and control area before and after the intervention, WHO STEPS instrument was used to evaluate effectiveness of the package. FINDINGS: After training, the knowledge of health workers regarding risk factors and symptoms of CVDs increased from 47% to 92.5%, and their performance in detection of risks was comparable to the investigator. All health workers could pay scheduled home visits regularly. They referred 279 (27.6%) individuals having raised systolic blood pressure (SBP), and 74.5% contacted the doctor. Significant decrease in mean SBP (8.8 mm Hg) was observed during follow-up. Significantly higher reports of intention to quit tobacco (60.3% vs 25.5%) and regular intake of anti-hypertensive medication (58.3% vs 34.8%) were observed in the intervention area compared to the control area. CONCLUSION: Adapted WHO CVD risk management package can be implemented through primary care system.

Private sector involvement in tuberculosis control in Chandigarh.

Background: Private practitioners in India treat a substantial proportion of the TB cases. The present study is an attempt to find out the extent of private sector involvement in the control of tuberculosis in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Methodology: The study was conducted in Union Territory of Chandigarh, during 2003-04. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 20 per cent of private practitioners practising allopathic system of medicine in Chandigarh. A questionnaire was used for collection of data after pre-testing. Results: Out of 114 doctors interviewed, 71 per cent dealt with TB patients. In response to a question as to how many sputum samples were required for routine microscopy, 72 per cent stated 3 samples but only 6 per cent knew the correct timing of sputum collection. 8.6 per cent of the practitioners followed the recommended guidelines of RNTCP treatment. As to reasons for not following the standard guidelines, 46.6 per cent said that they were not aware of these guidelines. About 82 oer cent were willing to be partners for implementation of RNTCP. A case history was given to practitioners to assess their knowledge regarding DOTS. It was observed that only 7.8 per cent knew the correct dosage and 21per cent knew the correct duration of treatment. Conclusion: Knowledge of private practitioners regarding RNTCP and DOTS strategy was poor and they were not following recommended guidelines for control of tuberculosis, but they were willing to participate in the programme.