Swine flu awareness in pregnancy

Background: Swine influenza outbreaks are common in pigs year-round and infection in humans is a result of close contact with infected animals. Understanding the perception of the public and their potential resources would help public health agencies in developing educational programs to increase the awareness of the public. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on different aspects of swine flu.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 pregnant women was conducted at Varun Arjun Medical College, Banthara, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India to test their knowledge, attitudes, and use of precautionary measures against influenza infection.Results: In this study, 98 (98%) of pregnant women were aware of swine flu infection, 85 (85%) of pregnant women knew that swine flu is due to viral infection while 65 (65%) of pregnant women were aware that swine flu infection spreads through air while sneezing and coughing. In this study, 95 (96%) of pregnant women knew fever as symptom of swine flu, 83 (83%) of pregnant women knew cough and cold as symptoms while 64 (64%) of pregnant women knew headache and body ache as symptoms. 94 (94%) of pregnant women were aware that vaccination against swine flu can prevent swine flu infection. 80 (80%) of pregnant women knew that covering mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing can prevent spread of swine flu infection while 52 (52%) of pregnant women knew that frequent hand washing helps in preventing spread of swine flu infection. 76 (76%) of pregnant women received vaccination against swine flu while 24 (24%) of pregnant women did not receive vaccination against swine flu.Conclusions: Learning more about the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the public during swine flu and other infectious disease outbreak can be crucial to improve efforts by public health officials and clinicians.

Maternal body mass index: how much it affects mother and baby

Background: Overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity in the mother are associated with adverse obstetrics well as neonatal outcome. Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and the impact of body mass index (BMI) on maternal and neonatal outcome.Methods: This is a retrospective study from January 2018 to September 2018 on 180 women with singleton term pregnancies. Maternal and neonatal outcomes at delivery were noted.Results: In present study, 3 (1.66%) pregnant women were underweight, 57 (31.66%) pregnant women had normal BMI, 71 (39.44%) pregnant women were overweight while 49 (27.22%) pregnant women were obese. Gestational weight gain was less than 8 kgs in 40 (22.22%) pregnant women, weight gain was 8-15.9 kgs in 132 (73.33%) pregnant women while weight gain was more than 16 kgs in 8 (4.44%) pregnant women. Out of 3 underweight women, 1 delivered by cesarean section and 2 had normal delivery, out of 57 women with normal BMI, 21 delivered by cesarean section and 36 had normal delivery, out of 71 overweight women, 47 delivered by cesarean section and 34 had normal delivery while out of 49 obese women, 38 delivered by cesarean section and 11 had normal delivery. PET and GDM was seen in 9 (7.5%) women each while macrosomia were seen in 5 (4.16%) women.Conclusions: Increased association was seen with maternal obesity and adverse outcome of pregnancy like PIH, GDM, cesarean section.

Research attitude and practices of medical teachers

Background: The present study was conducted on medical teachers to evaluate their attitudes and practices towards research.Methods: This study was conducted at Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangaluru, Karnataka India. In a cross-sectional study, randomly, 50 medical teachers were selected for evaluation and assessment of attitudes and practices towards research amongst the medical teachers.Results: In this study, 44 (88%) of faculties were interested in research. 36(72%) of faculties said that they were using internet for research regularly while 14(28%) of faculties said that they were using internet for research sometimes. 36(72%) of faculties had attended state conferences, 18(36%) of faculties had attended national conferences while 5(10%) of faculties had attended international conferences. 6(12%) of faculties presented 1-2 papers in Conferences, 8(16%) of faculties presented 3-4 papers in Conferences while 36(72%) of faculties presented 1-2 papers in Conferences. 11(22%) of faculties were involved in research with the aim of purely research.19(38%) of faculties felt that resources are inadequate, 17(34%) of faculties felt that reference material is inadequate, 16(32%) of faculties felt that hospital records were inadequate,Conclusions: In this study, the attitude towards the research was quite healthy. There was a lack of utilization of research facilities and less research output like poster/ paper presentation in academic meets and research publications in the journals by medical faculties.

Ketamine and propofol: safe for short procedures

Background: Patients who attend the hospital for any form of operative procedure frequently undergo physical or mental pain and agitation. These patients are extremely anxious. It is important to choose the most appropriate form of anesthesia for induction for the analgesia or sedation. This study examined the safety and effectiveness of the Ketamine and Propofol combination technique for short procedures like D and C, MTP, evacuation and marsupilisation of Bartholin’s abscess.Methods: The present observational study was carried out in association with the Gynecology and Obstetrics department and Department of Anesthesiology of PDMMC and hospital, Amravati, Maharashtra, India over a period of 3 months from 1st January to 31st March 2019.Results: In present study, 28 (56%) patients were of 25-40 years age, 14 (28%) patients were of 41-50 years age while 8 (16%) patients were of 51-60 years age. 7 (14%) patients were underweight, 26 (52%) patients had normal BMI, 10 (20%) patients were overweight while 7 (14%) patients were obese. MAP before surgery was 100 ± 12, which decreased to 92±9.2 during operation and increased to 97±19.4 in the postoperative period. Heart rate and arterial SPO2 were not significantly different before, during, and after the operation. Mean VAS score for pain was 5.2±5.1 and the mean Ramsay’s score of sedation was 5.8 ± 0.01. 1 (2%) patient had apnea, 1 (2%) patient had skin reaction, 1 (2%) patient had cough, 1 (2%) patient had agitation while 2 (4%) patient had nausea and vomiting.Conclusions: Ketamine and Propofol combination technique can be recommended for use in the short procedures safely and effectively.

Practices for diabetes mellitus in doctors

Background: Doctors know everything about cause, diagnosis, treatment and care to be taken for diabetes mellitus. This study was carried out to evaluate awareness, attitude and practices of diabetes in doctors.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 100 male and 100 female doctors of various subjects who attended a conference at Mangaluru 25th to 27th October 2018.Results: Prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 12% in male doctors while it was 8% in female doctors. 11 (91.66%) male doctors and 8 (100%) female doctors were taking medicines for diabetes regularly, 8 (66.66%) male doctors and 7 (87.5%) female doctors were doing blood sugar regularly, 7 (58.33%) male doctors and 5 (62.5%) female doctors were doing diet control, 7 (58.33%) male doctors and 5 (62.5%) female doctors were doing exercise regularly, 9 (75%) male doctors and 8 (100%) female doctors were using footwear while 6 (50%) male doctors and 4 (50%) female doctors were taking proper dental care.Conclusions: In present study, doctors were aware of causes, diagnosis, treatment & care to be taken in diabetes. Still, routine check-up was not seen in 100%. After diagnosis, doctors were taking medicines quite regularly but regular follow up for diabetes & cardiovascular risk was seen in less numbers.

Patient satisfaction of outpatient department at ESIS hospital, Nagpur, India

Background: Employee state insurance scheme (ESIS) is a multidimensional social security system providing medical facilities to the insured persons and their family through large network of hospitals and dispensaries all over India. The present study was done to measure the satisfaction of OPD (Outpatient Department) patients.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in ESI Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India on 500 patients attending OPD. Patients were approached at the end of their OPD visits to know their perceptions towards the public health facilities, during the months of September and October 2017. Data collected was analyzed.Results: In present study, out of 500 patients, 210 (42%) said that crowd was average, 270 (54%) were satisfied with queue system, 390 (78%) were satisfied with the availability of drugs, 380 (76%) were satisfied with the behaviour of pharmacist.205 (41%) patients said it was not overcrowded, 310 (62%) patients were happy with the behaviour of registration clerk, 330 (66%) were satisfied with the seating arrangements for the patients and attendants, 265 (53%) were satisfied with the cleanliness, 205 (41%) were satisfied with the condition of toilets.390 (78%) patients said that doctor was available, 270 (54%) said that waiting time was less, 325 (65%) said that doctor listened to the problem attentively, 435 (87%) said that the doctor explained nicely about the disease while 425 (85%) were satisfied with the time given by the doctor.Conclusions: Almost half of the patients were satisfied with the registration facilities, basic amenities, service by doctor and pharmacy services. Mostly, patients chose this hospital as it was free for them due to their insurance and as it was near their house. Still, there is scope for improvement.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of medical students about self-medication for acne

Background: Acne is most prevalent in adolescent girls. Self-medication for acne is most common in medical students. This study was done to evaluate the knowledge, reason, perception and pattern of self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study included medical students of the second phase and final phase (part I and part II). A pretested questionnaire was given to them which included questions on knowledge, attitude and practice about self-medication for acne.Results: In present study, out of 200 girls, 142 (71%) girls were affected with acne while 58 (29%) were not affected by acne. A112 (56%) girls were using allopathic medicines, 32 (16%) girls were using homeopathic medicines, 28 (14%) girls were using ayurvedic medicines while 28 (14%) girls were using other non-specific things. clindamycin was used by 104 (52%) girls, adapalene + benzoyl peroxide gel was used by 26 (13%) girls, clindamycin + nicotinamide gel was used by 12 (6%) girls, toothpaste was used by 42 (24%) girls while Aloe vera gel was used by 76 (38%) of girls. The reason for self-medication was mild nature of illness in 130 (65%)  of girls, 96 (48%) girls did it to save the time, over the counter availability of medicines was the cause in 88 (44%) of girls, getting medicines from their previous prescription was seen in 52 (26%) of girls, 64 (32%) of girls did it to save the cost of consultation, 44 (22%) did it after getting knowledge from pharmacology book while 30 (15%) of girls felt embarrassed to tell their own symptoms.Conclusions: Self-medication for acne is quite high among medical students. Self-medication is part of self-care so it should be encouraged for minor illness. But should be based on thorough knowledge and restricted to over the counter drugs.

Evaluation of pain relief and satisfaction in women using epidural analgesia in labour

Background: Pain during childbirth is the most severe pain women may experience in their lifetime. Epidural analgesia is an effective form of pain relief during labour.Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at Omega Hospital, Nagpur in 50 women in labour who demanded epidural analgesia for pain relief. It was carried out to determine extent of pain relief and overall satisfaction in women using epidural analgesia.Results: In present study, out of 50, 28 (56%) patients delivered by normal vaginal delivery, 14 (28%) patients delivered by cesarean section, 8 (16%) patients had vacuum delivery while in no patient forceps were applied. In first stage,36 (72%) patients had zero score (no pain), 13 (26%) patients had 1-3 score (mild pain) while 1 (2%) patient had 4-6 score (moderate pain) after epidural analgesia. That means epidural analgesia had very good effect in first stage in terms of pain scoring. In second stage, 13 (26%) patients had zero score (no pain), 31 (62%) had 1-3 score (mild pain) while 6 (12%) had 4-6 score (moderate pain) after epidural analgesia. That means epidural analgesia had good effect in second stage in terms of pain scoring. In terms of satisfaction, 11 (22%) patients said it was excellent, 27 (54%) patients said it was good, 8 (16%) patients said it was average while 4 (8%) said it was poor. Apgar score for all babies at 1 min and 5 min was very good. It was ≥7 in all 50 (100%) of newborn babies.Conclusions: Epidural labor analgesia gives significantly less pain scores and has better maternal satisfaction. It is not associated with increased rate of instrumental vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery. Patients had excellent neonatal outcome.

Swine flu awareness in general population

Background: By simple hygiene and sanitation measures for cough, swine flu transmission can be effectively prevented. The purpose of this study was to know whether the people had enough knowledge about swine flu (H1N1) and to assess their knowledge about possible preventive measures to be taken including vaccination against swine flu epidemics.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during November to December 2018. 200 residents were surveyed.Results: In our study, 196 (98%) of respondents were aware of swine flu infection, 170 (85%) of respondents knew that swine flu is due to viral infection while 130 (65%) of respondents were aware that swine flu infection spreads through air while sneezing and coughing. 192 (96%) of respondents knew fever as symptom of swine flu, 166 (83%) of respondents knew cough and cold as symptoms while 128 (64%) of respondents knew headache and body ache as symptoms. 188 (94%) of respondents were aware that vaccination against Swine flu can prevent swine flu infection. 160 (80%) of respondents knew that covering mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing can prevent spread of Swine flu infection while 104 (52%) of respondents knew that frequent hand washing helps in preventing spread of Swine flu infection.Conclusions: The present review concluded that majority of the respondents had substantial knowledge regarding swine flu, yet there were notable deficiencies regarding the transmission, preventive measures and availability of vaccine. There is need for appropriate training regarding infectious diseases and continuous education programs.

Cervical cancer screening and prevention: how aware is the Indian woman?

Background: Carcinoma of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. It is the commonest cancer among Indian women. Awareness regarding cervical cancer and its prevention is quite low amongst Indian women. The Pap test is a simple and cost-effective technique for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in the months of September and October 2018. We included 200 women between 30 and 60 years of age.Results: In present study, out of 200 respondents, 160 (80%) respondents got married after 21 years of age while 40 (20%) respondents got married below 21 years of age. 148 (74%) respondents had 2 children, 30 (15%) respondents had one child while 22 (11%) respondents had 3 children. 166 (83%) had heard about cervical cancer, 24 (12%) knew that cervical cancer can be cured if detected in early stage while only 10 (5%) knew that it can be prevented. 54 (27%) respondents knew that pap smear test should be done as screening test to detect cervical cancer in early stage while 22 (11%) respondents knew about HPV vaccine as preventive measure.Conclusions: In present study, though women have heard about cervical cancer, proper knowledge was very less. Also, awareness about HPV vaccine and Pap smear was less. There is need for proper information and facilities for pap smear and HPV vaccination.

Spinal anesthesia in laparoscopy for infertility

Background: Spinal anesthesia in laparoscopy for infertility is coming up as a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of spinal anesthesia in laparoscopy for infertility.Methods: In this retrospective observational study, a total of 100 patients had laparoscopic procedure done during the period January 2017 to December 2017 and were included in the study. Laparoscopic surgeries were performed under general anesthesia.Results: In our study of 60 patients, 30 (50%) patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and 30 (50%) patients underwent operative laparoscopy. Additional analgesia was required in 20 (33.33%) of patients. These patients either had longer operative time for more lengthy procedures or were more anxious. 55 (91.66%) patients were discharged from the hospital in less than 12 hours, 1 (1.66%) patient was discharged within 24 hours while 4 (6.66%) patients were discharged after 24 hours in whom lengthy procedures were performed. Post spinal headache was seen in 22 (36.33%) patients, nausea and vomiting in 20 (33.33%) patients, hypotension in 18 (30%) patients. Conversion to general anesthesia was needed in 3 (5%) patients due to longer operative time.Conclusions: Spinal anesthesia in laparoscopy for infertility is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation.