ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a group of common metabolic disorders that associated with abnormalities in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism which results in chronic complications. Attainment of optimal blood sugar level is generally based on appropriate usage and proper adherence to prescribed medications. The study was, therefore, aimed to assess adherence to oral antidiabetic drugs among diabetic patients attending outpatient clinic of L. L. R. Hospital, G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, U.P.Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 2017 to June 2018. The data was collected by interviewing T2DM patients receiving antidiabetic medications using Morisky’s four item adherence assessment questionnaire. The collected data was processed and analyzed with SPSS version 20.Results: From the 126 patients of diabetes, when asked about adherence to their medications as per the Morisky's four item method, 114 (90.47%) of them did not forget to take the drugs, 108 (85.71%) of patients reported that they had been being careful in taking their medications, 90 (71.42%) patients did not stop medications when they felt better and the other 108 (85.71%) patients reported that they did not stop medications when they felt worse while taking medications. This study shows that 54 (42.86%) respondents were adherent to their medications.Conclusions: This study revealed a moderate level of adherence among the participants and statistically significantly depended upon their socioeconomic status. Efforts are needed to increase the medication adherence of these patients’, so they can realize the full advantage of prescribed therapies.
ABSTRACT
We tend to think of bacteria as harmful ‘germs’, but, many bacteria actually help the body functions work properly. These bacteria are known as probiotics. The scientific evidence of beneficial effects of probiotics in health and disease is growing. This article highlights various such beneficial and potentially beneficial effects of probiotics.
ABSTRACT
Advancements in human healthcare are on an all time high. The treatment system is becoming hi-tech and sophisticated and vulnerable to errors at the same time. Various disasters have occurred due to medication errors at different levels of healthcare delivery. However, if a little bit of extra caution is observed by the various stakeholders these can be prevented largely.
ABSTRACT
With the advent of antibiotics, a new era ushered in bringing within its folds, a strong defense against the invading deadly microorganisms. This phenomenon is referred to as antimicrobial resistance. Carbapenemases are b-lactamases which hydrolyse carbapenems. The enzyme, New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1) breaks this ring, rendering the drug ineffective. NDM-1 producing bacteria are resistant to many existing antibiotics including carbapenems - a class of drug often reserved for emergency use and last resort treatment.