Diagnostic Accuracy of Griess Test for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy.

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a microbiological diagnosis based on the isolation of a specified quantitative count of bacteria in a properly collected specimen of urine from pregnant women without signs and symptoms, which are referable to urinary tract infection. Global prevalence of ASB in pregnancy is 1.9-9.5%. Objectives: 1. To evaluate the accuracy of Griess test as a tool for screening of ASB in pregnancy. 2. To measure the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of Griess test in comparison with urine culture (Gold standard) and its diagnostic ability by ROC curve. Methodology: A Cross sectional study was done during June and July 2012. Predesigned, pretested questionnaire was used for collection of data regarding demographic profile. Midstream urine sample was collected in sterile container, Griess test was done and urine sample sent for culture. Results: In the present study, the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 18% among the pregnant women. The sensitivity of Griess test was 92.3% and specificity was 99%. Area under the curve is 0.96. Hence Griess test has good diagnostic value when compared to urine culture for detecting bacteriuria, it is statistically highly significant with p=0.000001. Conclusion: ASB is not uncommon among antenatal mothers in the population studied. Hence routine urine examination and Griess test for detecting ASB should be included in the ANC on routine basis.

Prevalence of coronary heart disease in rural population of Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.

Background: Coronary heart disease contributes much to the burden morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases globally and more than 80% of CVD-related deaths worldwide now occur in low and middle income countries. By the year 2020, India will bear 60% of the world’s cardio vascular disease burden. The present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in the age group of 20 years and above among the rural population of Bagalkot, Karnataka. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Shirur, a rural field practice area of S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot between 1st January 2011 to 31st October 2012, to study the prevalence of CHD among individuals aged 20 years and above. The systematic random sampling method was used to draw the sample of 1226 respondents from 7015 eligible individuals. Results: The present study revealed the prevalence of CHD as 7.58% with the prevalence of symptomatic CHD (4.81%) was higher compared to asymptomatic (2.77%) cases. CHD was found to be significantly associated with increasing age in both genders (p<0.001) with male (60.22%) predominance. Higher prevalence of CHD was found among Hindu individuals, married people, illiterate and also among the individuals belonging to lower socio economic class. Conclusions: Higher prevalence of CHD was found in the study in Shirur; a village of North Karnataka is a matter of concern and has to be addressed by regular screening and health education regarding the risk factors and lifestyle modification.

A profile of tobacco consumption among females of more than 15 years of age in field practice area of RHTC Kaladagi.

Introduction: In India it has been estimated that roughly one-third of women and two thirds of men use tobacco in any form (smoke or smokeless form).Awareness of the hazards of smokeless tobacco consumption is very low in rural populations. On the other hand, many believe that tobacco use has medicinal value for curing or palliating common ailments such as toothache, headache, and abdominal pain. Aimand objectives: 1.To know the prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption among females of more than 15 years of age 2.To study the factors responsible for smokeless tobacco consumption among them. Material and methods: Study design:Across sectional study. Study setting: Rural HealthTraining Centre (RHTC) Kaladagi, Bagalkot. Study participants:Women more than 15 years of age in slum area ofRHTCKaladagi.(255) Statistical analysis: Chi square test. Results: In present study 17.6% of women were chewing tobacco. 88.89% of women were chewing tobacco because of toothache. There is association between tooth ache and tobacco consumption and it is statistically highly significant also. Chi-square value=190.8 (P<0.0000001)

A study of cytological abnormalities of pap smear and its risk factors among married women of reproductive age in urban field practice area - Bagalkot.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is both a preventable and a curable disease, preventable because the pre-invasive stage can be detected by screening and curable because the verily early stage can be cured. The incidence and mortality from this disease in developing countries is very high.Women of low socio-economic status and minority women are at particular risk for not adhering to recommended cancer screening guidelines. Objectives: 1.To study the cytological abnormalities of pap smear among married women in reproductive age group. 2.To study the risk factors of various stages of cervical dysplasia. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the urban field practice area of S Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot during 2009-2010. All married women in reproductive age group were included in the study. After obtaining a informed consent, they were interviewed with the predesigned, pre-structured proforma. Data were obtained on social and demographic factors, education, marital and reproductive history and tobacco chewing was obtained. Under aseptic precautions, pap smear was obtained. Results: In the present study, 211 married women participated, among them maximum (45%) were in the age group of 26-35 years. The pap smear report of these participants were inflammatory (57.8%). Severe dysplasia was reported in 9 women. Among the study participants, 66(31.3%) of the women had normal pap smear. Inflammatory smear was present more among 26-35 year age group (30.8%), Class II socio economic status (32.7%) and among Hindus(54.1%). Severe dysplasia was maximum reported among 46-55 years age group, class II socioeconomic status and among Hindus. Recommendation and conclusion: Cervical cancer is a problem with multiple causes and a multipronged approach is essential to combat it. It is essential to provide health education for women, particularly those from the lower socioeconomic strata regarding sexual and genital hygiene and appropriate treatment of sexually transmitted infection.