Assessment of Mental Wellness Amongst the Faculty and Students of an Educational Institute in the State of Himachal Pradesh, India — Post Lockdown during COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the mental health of human beingsworld wide. There is a lack of information pertaining to the mental wellness of students and faculty in dental institutions in India. This study aimed to assess the overall mental well being of students and faculty of dental institution after return to normalcy post-lockdown period during COVID-19. Material & Methods: A self reporting online questionnaire was designed by the authors after speaking with various therapists and mental health coaches. This questionnaire was anonymously filled out by 492 participants which included under graduate students, post graduate students, academic staff, paramedical and clerical staff in a dental institution. Results: Majority of the subjects felt the need for counseling in their work place (53.4%). A greater number felt they were getting insufficient sleep (48.3%) and (31.5%) of the participants experienced depression and anxiety which further affected their emotional well being and their day to day activities. One-fifth (16.8%) of the participants perceived that mental health affected their relationships and 20.1% observed that physical health restricted their day to day activities. Mental wellness of females was significantly more affected than males. Additionally marital status also influenced the mental wellness of the subjects. Conclusion: Literary evidence suggests that mental wellness is not given enough importance in our country in general. This study only proved the ramifications of COVID-19 on mental wellness and suggested the provision of counselling which could’ve protected the participants from slipping into a negative frame of mind.

Role of Counselling and its Impact on the Dietary Habits, Glycemic Control and Diabetic Awareness of Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Background : Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a lifestyle disorders and it leads to complications that are life threatening which can be prevented by proper Counselling and Diet monitoring of patients. Objective : To evaluate effect of Counselling on the Glycemic control, Dietary habits and Diabetes awareness of type 2 DM patients. Method : A randomized clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital. 96 subjects were randomized and baseline data was gathered from all patients included in the study. Out of these 48 patients were given Counselling on various aspects of Diabetes including diet, complications, medication, lifestyle modifications, exercise etc. Lab investigations and Diet calculations were done on first and 4 months later to measure the effect of Counselling on patient抯 Diet and Glycemic control and Diabetes awareness. Results : Diabetic awareness was measured in terms of number of correct responses which increased from 325 to 542 in Intervention group and from 357 to 402 in Control group. The increase in intervention group (22.60%) was more than that of the Control group (4.59%). The amount of calories in the diet of intervention and control group was respectively 2322�1 and 2334�0. Post Intervention it was 2344�0 and 2056�7respectively. Before intervention the difference in the amount of Calories, FBS, PP2BS between the 2 groups was statistically insignificant. But after intervention the difference with reference to total calories (p=0.0003), FBS (p=0.01) and PP2BS (p=0.0001) became statistically significant. Conclusion : Counselling led to a significant improvement in the Diabetic awareness, Glycemic control and Dietary habits of patients in terms of caloric intake.

LATCH Score for Identification and Correction of Breastfeeding Problems- A Prospective Observational Study

Objective: To determine early breastfeeding problems using LATCH tool, and analyze the impact of breastfeeding supportive measures in improving LATCH score. Methods: This prospective study included all inborn term neonates born at our center between September, 2019 and March, 2020. Breastfeeding problems were identified by LATCH score at 6-12h after birth, and were addressed by the study team providing breastfeeding support, education and training to mothers. LATCH scores were reassessed at 24-48h. Results: Among 400 mother-infant dyads, 399 (99.7%) required support to position the neonate, 190 (47.5%) had poor latch and 52 (13%) had nipple problems during initial assessment. Breastfeeding supportive measures improved the LATCH score [median (IQR) 7 (5,8) vs 8 (8,8) at 6-12 and 24-48 hours, respectively; P <0.001], and reduced the number of mothers with LATCH score <8 [288 (72%) vs 63 (15.8%); P <0.001]. Conclusion: LATCH is a comprehensive yet simple tool to identify breastfeeding problems. Given the high incidence of breastfeeding problems during early postpartum period, systematic assessment of breastfeeding related problems using LATCH tool can help timely intervention and improvement in the breastfeeding technique.

Fortificación domiciliaria con polvos de micronutrientes. Lineamientos técnicos para el personal de salud

Introducción: La fortificación domiciliaria de los alimentos con polvos de micronutrientes se considera una intervención efectiva para reducir la anemia por deficiencia de hierro y otras carencias en la población infantil. Objetivo: Establecer los lineamientos técnicos para el personal de salud en el nivel primario de atención, en apoyo a la suplementación con polvos de micronutrientes a niños y niñas entre 6 y 23 meses de edad. Métodos: Se conformó el equipo técnico. Se revisaron las formulaciones utilizadas en la región y experiencia acumulada en intervenciones realizadas en provincias orientales, además, se elaboró el documento sustentado en evidencia científica con base en las recomendaciones nutricionales en esta población. Resultados: El suplemento permitió la prevención de las carencias nutricionales debido a que lograban cubrir la brecha de su requerimiento. Estuvieron disponibles los lineamientos técnicos dirigidos al personal de salud en los diferentes niveles de atención para asegurar el éxito de la consejería nutricional a la familia cubana, y el uso adecuado del suplemento. Conclusiones: Este trabajo brinda elementos y orientaciones técnicas para la capacitación del personal de salud con el fin de socializar, divulgar y brindar herramientas técnicas en el uso del suplemento como una medida costo efectiva para la prevención de las deficiencias de micronutrientes.

Introduction: Home fortification of food with micronutrient powders is considered an effective intervention to reduce iron deficiency anemia and other deficiencies in the child population. Objective: To provide technical guidelines for health personnel at the primary healthcare level to support the supplementation of children between 6 and 23 months of age with micronutrient powders. Methods: The technical team was established. The formulations used in the region and the experience gained in interventions conducted in eastern provinces were reviewed. Moreover, a document on scientific evidence was prepared based on the nutritional recommendations for this population. Results: The supplement allowed the prevention of nutritional deficiencies as it could cover the gaps in their requirement. Technical guidelines directed to health personnel at different healthcare levels were available to ensure the success of nutritional counselling to the Cuban family, and the adequate use of the supplement. Conclusions: This work provides elements and technical guidelines for the training of health personnel to socialize, disseminate and provide technical tools in the use of the supplement as a cost-effective measure for the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies.

Challenges faced by the HIV testing system in low- and middle-income countries

Introduction: Determining the HIV status of some individuals remains challenging due to multidimensional factors such as flaws in diagnostic systems, technological challenges, and viral diversity. This report pinpoints challenges faced by the HIV testing system in Cameroon. Case presentation: A 53-year-old male received a positive HIV result by a rapid testing algorithm in July 2016. Not convinced of his HIV status, he requested additional tests. In February 2017, he received a positive result using ImmunoComb® II HIV 1 & 2 BiSpot and Roche cobas electrochemiluminescence assays. A sample sent to France in April 2017 was positive on the Bio-Rad GenScreen™ HIV 1/2, but serotyping was indeterminate, and viral load was < 20 copies/mL. The Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and INNO-LIA HIV I/II Score were negative for samples collected in 2018. A sample collected in July 2019 and tested with VIDAS® HIV Duo Ultra enzyme-linked fluorescent assay and Geenius™ HIV 1/2 Confirmatory Assay was positive, but negative with Western blot; CD4 count was 1380 cells/mm3 and HIV proviral DNA tested in France was 'target-not-detected'. Some rapid tests were still positive in 2020 and 2021. Serotyping remained indeterminate, and viral load was 'target-not-detected'. There were no self-reported exposure to HIV risk factors, and his wife was HIV-seronegative.Management and outcome: Given that the patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of viral replication, no antiretroviral therapy was initiated. Conclusion: This case highlights the struggles faced by some individuals in confirming their HIV status and the need to update existing technologies and develop an algorithm for managing exceptional cases.

A Study of Effect of Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice on The Diabetic Patient with Counselling as Intervention – A Non-Randomized Community-Based Trial from Gujarat

Introduction: Lifestyle modification is key to management of diabetes. Behavioural change is key to adopt lifestyle modification. The current study was planned with objective to assess the impact of coun-selling on knowledge, attitude, and practices among patients with diabetes mellitus in rural and urban areas of Gujarat. Method: It was a non-randomized interventional study conducted in the state of Gujarat, India. Known cases of diabetes were enrolled for the study. Two equal size groups of study participants from urban and rural area were divided equally for intervention group (N=77; 28 urban +49 Rural) and control group (N=77; 28 urban +49 Rural). Regular counselling on role of diet in DM management, self-care, deaddiction, role of physical activity, and drug compliance was given by community physician for three months to 6 months. Pre and post intervention KAP score was collected and evaluated. Result: The knowledge, attitude and practice score were increased among counselling group in compar-ison to traditional treatment group in both urban and rural area. The score increased from 5.4 to 10.4 in knowledge; 3.07 to 5.07 in attitude and 5.07 to 8.92 in practice among urban participants. Similarly, the score increased from 4.14 to 7.16 in knowledge, 2.57 to 3.67 in attitude and 4.73 to 7.42 in practice among rural participants. Conclusion: With counselling the knowledge, practice and attitude of chronic patients are improving. The study recommended that counselling services should be available to all diabetes patients. It should be available to patients at their doorstep if possible as study depict

Tutoría y proyecto formativo del alumnado universitario: la importancia de comenzar bien / Projeto de tutoria e formação para universitários: a importância de começar bem / Tutoring and training project for university students: the importance of starting well

En el artículo se analiza la importancia de la tutoría universitaria en la definición del proyecto formativo-profesional del alumnado. Empleando cuestionarios y entrevistas se registran y analizan las opiniones que 410 estudiantes de 4 promociones hicieron de los Planes de Orientación y Acción Tutorial. Los resultados confirman que los/as tutores/as son un referente importante para el alumnado y la tutoría una estrategia relevante de acompañamiento desde el momento en que inicia sus estudios y a lo largo de su trayectoria formativa. Se concluye que es necesario reforzar la institucionalización de la tutoría, promoviendo modelos activos, integrales e inclusivos de aprendizaje. Estos datos son relevantes para la práctica educativa y para la puesta en práctica de programas de orientación al alumnado.

O artigo analisa a importância da tutoria universitária na definição do projeto formativo-profissional do aluno. Por meio de questionários e entrevistas, foram registradas e analisadas as opiniões de 410 alunos de 4 promoções realizadas nos Planos de Orientação e Ação Tutorial. Os resultados confirmam que os tutores são uma importante referência para os alunos e a tutoria uma estratégia de apoio relevante desde o início dos estudos e ao longo da sua carreira escolar. Conclui-se que é necessário reforçar a institucionalização da tutoria, promovendo modelos de aprendizagem ativos, integrais e inclusivos. Esses dados são relevantes para a prática educacional e para a implementação de programas de orientação estudantil.

The article analyzes the importance of university tutoring in the definition of the student's training-professional project. Using questionnaires and interviews, the opinions that 410 students from 4 promotions made of the Orientation Plans and Tutorial Action were recorded and analyzed. The results confirm that tutors are an important reference for students and tutoring is a relevant support strategy from the moment they start their studies and throughout their educational career. It is concluded that it is necessary to reinforce the institutionalization of tutoring, promoting active, comprehensive and inclusive learning models. These data are relevant for educational practice and for the implementation of student orientation programs.

Cortical Reorganization Following Psychoeducational Counselling and Residual Inhibition Therapy (RIT) in Individuals with Tinnitus

Abstract Introduction Psychoeducational counselling and residual inhibition therapy (RIT) are traditional approaches used in many clinics to manage tinnitus. However, neurophysiological studies to evaluate posttreatment perceptual and functional cortical changes in humans are scarce. Objectives The present study aims to explore whether cortical auditory-evoked potentials (CAEPs; N1 and P3) reflect the effect of modified RIT and psychoeducational counselling, and whether there is a correlation between the behavioral and electrophysiological measures. Methods Ten participants with continuous and bothersome tinnitus underwent a session of psychoeducational counselling and modified RIT. Perceptual measures and CAEPs were recorded pre- and posttreatment. Further, the posttreatment measures were compared with age and gender-matched historical control groups. Results Subjectively, 80% of the participants reported a reduction in the loudness of their tinnitus. Objectively, there wasasignificant reductioninthe posttreatment amplitude of N1 and P3, with no alterations in latency. There was no correlation between the perceived difference in tinnitus loudness and the difference in P3 amplitude (at Pz). Conclusion The perceptual and functional (as evidenced by sensory, N1, and cognitive, P3 reduction) changes after a single session of RIT and psychoeducational counselling are suggestive of plastic changes at the cortical level. The current study serves as preliminary evidence that event-related potentials (ERPs) can be used to quantify the physiological changes that occur after the intervention for tinnitus.

Management of Pre-Operative Anxiety Through Ayurveda Drug- Case Series

Anxiety can be defined as unpleasant subjective sense due to dread over something unlikely to happen, such as standing at the point of death. It is mostly accompanied by physical symptoms i.e. restlessness, fatigue, problems in concentration, and muscular tension. So, in nutshell, Perioperative anxiety is vague, uneasy feeling, the source of which is often nonspecific and unknown to the individual but known to cause abnormal hemodynamics as a consequence of sympathetic, parasympathetic and endocrine stimulation. Thus causes more difficultly in general management during operative and postoperative period. This case series is comprised of three case of pre-operative anxiety which was posted for planned ano-rectal surgeries. At the time of hospital admission, level of anxiety was quite normal in all the patients, but by lapsing time and operative period come nearer they were feeling moderate to high level of anxiety due to various individual triggering reasons. For its management, Bramhyadi tablet (500 mg) was given in 2 doses- A night before OT, at morning on day of OT along with counselling. Here, preoperative anxiety was assessed by The Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale, Hamilton anxiety rating, vital parameters and overall interview with patient in 5 phases: 1- At time of admission, 2- A night before OT, 3- At morning on day of OT, 4-1 hour after OT, 5-24 Hour after OT. Mental calmness, reduction in associated physical symptoms and stability in vital parameter were suggested positive influence of Bramhyadi tablet and counselling

Client Satisfaction with Services Provided at Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre in a Rural Hospital, Panvel, Maharashtra, India

Introduction : HIV is a global pandemic and has been a serious concern for public health among individuals and communities. Measuring client satisfaction can help the country to carry out an evaluation of the health service system as well as, clients can develop a long-lasting relationship with the service provider. Objectives: 1) To assess the client satisfaction by the services provided at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre at the Rural Hospital, Panvel. 2) To provide recommendations to improve the services provided at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre. Method: A descriptive, cross- sectional, facility-based study was conducted in an Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at a Rural Hospital, Panvel using simple random sampling technique. Exit interviews were conducted for three hundred clients after the required consent was obtained. Clients were stratified into pregnant and non- pregnant females. All clients above 18 years were included in the study however, clients not giving consent or severely ill were excluded. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and Epi Info Version 7.2. Results: Among 300 clients, 66% (198) of the clients belonged to the age group of 18-28 years and 54.3% (163) were literate. The study found that nearly74% (222) of the clients were referred and about 71.7% (215) clients were unsatisfied with the ICTC services. Conclusion: Majority of the clients were unsatisfied with the services provided at ICTC. Literate clients were more unsatisfied as compared to illiterate clients.It is further recommended that the counsellors at ICTCs should spend more time with the clients and tere should be a mandatory requirement of female counsellors.

Efectividad de la consejería breve en el ámbito hospitalario para la cesación del tabaquismo y la disminución del consumo riesgoso de alcohol: Protocolo de un experimento clínico aleatorizado / Effectiveness of Brief Counseling in a Hospital Setting for Smoking Cessation and Risky Alcohol Drinking Reduction: Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol

Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades crónicas son un problema de salud pública; el 80% de ellas se relacionan con factores de riesgo modificables, como una dieta poco saludable, la inactividad física, el tabaquismo y el consumo riesgoso de alcohol. La intervención en el tabaquismo y el consumo riesgoso de alcohol se ha demostrado efectiva en el cuidado primario, pero se desconoce si funciona de la misma manera en el contexto hospitalario. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la consejería breve para modificar el estadio de cambio en pacientes fumadores y bebedores en riesgo atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad. Métodos: Experimento clínico aleatorizado, que evalúa la efectividad de 4 modalidades de consejería breve para la cesación de tabaquismo y el consumo riesgoso de alcohol en comparación con el cuidado habitual, seleccionadas según el estadio de cambio del sujeto. El resultado primario es la proporción de pacientes en cada uno de los grupos (intervención y control) en los cuales se identifica el avance en el estadio de cambio; además se analizará la reducción de consumos. Protocolo registrado en ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03521622). Resultados: Los resultados se publicarán en revistas de literatura científica y su aplicación pretende generar protocolos de intervenciones conductuales en factores de riesgo modificables en hospitales de alta complejidad. El experimento fue presentado y aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana y el Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio (aprobación 01/2018).

Abstrac Introduction: Chronic diseases are a public health problem, and 80% of them are related to modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and risky alcohol consumption. Although the intervention in smoking and hazardous alcohol drinking has proven to be effective in Primary Care, it is unknown whether it works in the same way in the hospital setting. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of brief counselling in order to modify the stage of change in smokers and at-risk drinkers treated in a high complexity hospital. Methods: A Randomized controlled trial to be conducted, in which an evaluation is made of four brief counselling strategies for smoking cessation and risky alcohol consumption compared to usual care, selected according to the patient's stage of change. The primary result will be the proportion of patients in each of the groups (intervention and control) with identified progress in the stage of change. The reduction of consumption will be also be analyzed. Protocol registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03521622). Results: The results will be published in scientific journals, and its application aims to generate behavioral intervention protocols for modifiable risk factors in high complexity hospitals. The trial was presented and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia (Approval 01/2018).

Ayurvedic Management of Moderate Depressive Disorder- A Case Report

Depressive disorders are highly prevalent mental disorders characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness and poor concentration. About 300 million people are estimated to suffer from depression at a global level and in India the figures approximate to about 45.7 million. As per WHO, depression will be the leading cause of burden of disease by 2030 and the prevalence, incidence, and the morbidity risk of depression appears to be more in females than males. A 42-year-old lady presented with primary concerns of increased thoughts, decreased sleep, discomfort in stomach, abdominal distension, increased fatigue, decreased appetite and increased tension. Detailed interview with her husband and parents revealed that she had increased thoughts, slowness in performing activities, inability to do day to day works, reduced memory and concentration, increased anger towards her husband, mother and daughter, reluctance to have food and reduced social mingling. Based on the observations made in the level of affective and behavioural domains, diagnosis of depressive disorder - current episode moderate was eventually done as per the diagnostic criteria mentioned in International Classification of Disease 10. In Ayurveda, the condition was diagnosed as Kaphaja Unmada based on the typical symptoms. The treatment protocol including Snehapana, Vamana, Virechana and Vasthi was administered. The mental status of the patient was also addressed during the treatment period and Satvavajaya measures including individual and family counseling methods were administered. There was significant improvement in the Becks Depression Inventory score and Q – LES – Q – SF questionnaire after the intervention.

Congenital Hyperinsulinemia of Infancy: Role of Molecular Testing in Management and Genetic Counseling

Congenital hyperinsulinemia (CHI) is a genetically and clinically heterogenous disorder. In addition to the standard care of management of the proband, genetic counseling regarding the risk of recurrence in the future siblings is an important part in the management of the disorder. The counseling needs identifcation of accurate etiology and is challenging due to the complexity of the molecular mechanisms of CHI. This case highlights the importance of molecular testing which not only helped in planning the management of the proband with CHI but also helped in providing genetic counseling for which the family had consulted the medical genetics department.

Factors influencing HIV testing and counselling services among men who have sex with men in Western China: a cross-sectional study based on Andersen's Behavioral Model

BACKGROUND@#Men who have sex with men (MSM), as a marginal population, has been largely ignored by health service projects. We assessed the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services and its influencing factors based on Andersen's Behavioral Model, so as to provide a theoretical basis for future infectious disease prevention and control strategies and health services policy formulation for these population.@*METHOD@#This was a cross-sectional study. A sample survey was conducted in Western China, and an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among MSM. Based on Andersen's Behavioral Model, the questionnaire divided the influencing factors into predisposing factor, enabling factor and need factor. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the utilization of HIV testing and counselling.@*RESULTS@#There were 3184 valid questionnaires. In the survey of HIV health services, 82.85% MSM had HIV testing and 64.98% MSM had HIV counselling, respectively. Among the predisposing factor, age 25 years old and over was a facilitator of HIV testing and counselling, and ethnicity was a factor associated with HIV testing. Among the enabling factor, MSM living in urban were more likely to have access to testing and counselling services, and income was also linked to HIV testing. Among the need factor, a high level of HIV knowledge could promote testing and counselling, and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was a facilitator of testing.@*CONCLUSIONS@#HIV testing is widespread in Western China and higher than counselling service. MSM with high-risk characteristics should be identified as a priority in the future public health services.

Perspectives on HIV self-testing among key and affected populations in Kenya

Background: Kenya's Key and Affected Populations (KAP) ­ men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers, peoplewho inject drugs (PWID), and young women aged 18-24 ­ often experience stigma and discrimination in Kenyan health care settings due to their identity and/or behaviors, which can deter facility-based testing for HIV. Kenya has promoted self-testing as a means to reach these communities. Objectives: To identify KAP perspectives on self-testing and place our findings within Kenya's human rights and legal context. Methods: We conducted 4 focus group discussions (FGD) and 16 in-depth interviews (IDI). One FGD was conducted with each of the following communities: MSM, female sex workers, PWID, and young women aged 18-24. 1-4 IDI were conducted with each KAP community, and 1-3 IDI were conducted with health professionals working on HIV care in each study site. The semi-structured question guideline included one question soliciting opinions on self-testing. Results: KAP support self-testing in concept, however prevailing concerns among participants included access to pre- and posttest counseling services, as well as risk for harms (self-inflicted and otherwise) that might result from a positive result. Conclusion: Kenya should ensure that human rights are promoted and respected through implementing rights-based policies and practices for HIV self-testing, including pre- and post-test counseling.

Factors associated with risky sexual behaviour among clients undertaking HIV testing and counselling services at a secondary referral hospital Lagos, Nigeria

Background: This study determined the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and its associated factors among clients who accessed HIV counselling and testing services at a secondary referral hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of clients' records was conducted. The Client Intake Form of people who accessed HIV counselling and testing services at Mainland Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, were reviewed. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors of risky sexual behaviour. Results: A total of 4273 client's records were analyzed, 3884 (90.9%) reported having sex before HIV counselling and testing (HCT). The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among clients was 41.5%. More males and HIV positive clients had unprotected sex with a casual partner three months before HIV counselling and testing (p < 0.05). More singles than the married had unprotected sex with casual partners (p <0.001) and multiple sexual partners (p =0.002). The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour reduced with advancing age. Being single and having an HIV infection were associated with risky sexual behaviour in this study. Conclusion: Age, marital status and HIV status were associated factors of risky sexual behaviour

Perceptions of nurses on TB with HIV adherence counselling skills in a health sub-district, Cape Town: A qualitative study

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) co-infected with Tuberculosis (TB) account for one in three HIV-related deaths. Retention in care and adherence to medication remain key behaviours that PLHIV co-infected with TB must adopt to achieve better health outcomes. Nevertheless, TB with HIV adherence-counselling services provided by nurses designed to enhance these behaviours remain inadequate. Additionally, limited information is found in the literature on the perceptions of nurses regarding their TB with HIV adherence counselling skills pertaining to PLHIV co-infected with TB. Aim: To explore and describe the perceptions of nurses regarding their TB with HIV adherence counselling skills of PLHIV co-infected with TB. Setting: The study was conducted in a health sub-district of Cape Town. Method: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was followed. A total of 14 purposively sampled nurses were interviewed individually. Nurses caring for PLHIV co-infected with TB were included and nurses not offering care to PLHIV co-infected with TB were excluded. All interviews were audio recorded with the participants' permission followed by verbatim transcriptions. Thematic analysis was done using ATLASti.8 electronic software. Results: It was established that the varied roles of these nurses increased their workload. Nonetheless, despite the gap in their counselling skills, the majority still maintained work expertise, professionalism and empathy towards the patients. Additionally, there were perceived barriers impacting patients' attendance of their follow up appointments. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there is a need to equip nurses caring for PLHIV co-infected with TB with adherence counselling skills to improve practice.

Oculocutaneous albinism in southern Africa: Historical background, genetic, clinical and psychosocial issues

Albinism is an inherited condition associated with significant depigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. It occurs in every population with varying frequency, and narratives of people with albinism have been recorded since 200 BC. In southern Africa albinism is common, about 1 in 4000 people are affected, but it remains a poorly understood condition surrounded by myths and superstition. This article provides a historical background on oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) in southern Africa and presents relevant information from the literature regarding epidemiology, genetics and genetic counselling, health, psychosocial and cultural issues, and medical care. There are several recessively inherited types of OCA and a mutation, responsible for about 80%of South African variants, has been identified in OCA type 2. The physical characteristics associated with albinism, that is, sun-sensitive skin and low vision, can be managed. However, people with OCA in Africa also experience psychosocial issues, such as discrimination, because of the various superstitious beliefs and attitudes held in the community. Management should include medical care for health problems, appropriate adjustment of the schooling context and genetic counseling. In addition, widespread public awareness programs are required to increase the knowledge of the genetic causes of OCA and of the nature of genetic counselling, to address the negative attitudes in the community, to reduce the marginalization and stigmatization of people with albinism and to improve their quality of life.

Oculocutaneous albinism in southern Africa: Historical background, genetic, clinical and psychosocial issues

Albinism is an inherited condition associated with significant depigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. It occurs in every population with varying frequency, and narratives of people with albinism have been recorded since 200 BC. In southern Africa albinism is common, about 1 in 4000 people are affected, but it remains a poorly understood condition surrounded by myths and superstition. This article provides a historical background on oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) in southern Africa and presents relevant information from the literature regarding epidemiology, genetics and genetic counselling, health, psychosocial and cultural issues, and medical care. There are several recessively inherited types of OCA and a mutation, responsible for about 80%of South African variants, has been identified in OCA type 2. The physical characteristics associated with albinism, that is, sun-sensitive skin and low vision, can be managed. However, people with OCA in Africa also experience psychosocial issues, such as discrimination, because of the various superstitious beliefs and attitudes held in the community. Management should include medical care for health problems, appropriate adjustment of the schooling context and genetic counseling. In addition, widespread public awareness programmes are required to increase the knowledge of the genetic causes of OCA and of the nature of genetic counselling, to address the negative attitudes in the community, to reduce the marginalisation and stigmatization of people with albinism and to improve their quality of life

Mental health professionals as ‘silent frontline healthcare workers’: perspectives from three South Asian countries

Mental health professionals across the globe foresaw the mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. They have faced scarcity of trained professionals, rising morbidities, lack of protective gear, shortage of psychotropic drugs, and poor rapport building due to masking and social distancing. Amidst all, they have responded with approaches that focus on continuing mental health services to the patients already in care, education of the vulnerable people to help them cope with these stressors, and provide counselling services to patients and families affected by the pandemic.