Spectrum of thyroid disorders in tertiary care hospital at Patancheru, Sangareddy, Telangana, India - A clinical study

Malnutrition, particularly iodine deficiency, is one of the major contributing factors to thyroid disorders in India. Poverty in India is contributing to the increase of thyroid disorders through malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of access to medical facilities. Another factor is the lack of awareness about the symptoms and risk factors of thyroid disorders. Intake recommendations for iodine are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. WHO recommends universal iodinization of salt. High levels of iodine intake sometimes are associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or autoimmune thyroiditis. We conducted a retrospective study at our hospital from December 2017 to January 2023. A total number of 57 cases were studied. Out of 57 patients, 46 patients presented with hypothyroidism and 11 with hyperthyroidism. Various clinical presentations, pathologies and socioeconomic problems are discussed.

Identification of Planned Stroke Awareness Behavior: A Structural Equation Modeling

@#Introduction: Stroke is one of the most common neurological diseases, often causing death or gross physical impairment or disability. The associated risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and smoking should serve as warnings. However, most people are still not aware of these risks. The main aim of this study is to identify stroke awareness behavior using the construct variable from the Theory of Planned Behavior as the predictor (attitude factor, subjective norm factor, perceived behavioral factor, and intention to perform behavior). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 people who have a high risk of stroke at the Poncokusumo Health Center, Malang, Indonesia. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The authors used all the construct variables in the Theory of Planned Behavior. The stroke awareness behavior was measured using a questionnaire developed from the National Stroke Awareness Guide, while the attitude factor, subjective norm factor, perceived behavioral factor, and intention were measured using the instruments developed from standard instruments from the Theory of Planned Behavior. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM-PLS) was used to analyse the data. Result: This study found that 68.4% of respondent with high or low intention of preventing a stroke can be predicted by attitude factors, subjective norm factors, and perceived behavioral factors. While 96.1% of good or bad stroke awareness behavior can be predicted by the model used in this study, the rest (3.9%) is explained by other variables outside this research model. Conclusion: The hypothesis testing results showed that all construct variables in the Theory of Planned Behavior can be strong predictors of stroke awareness behavior. All variables in the Theory of Planned Behavior can be powerful predictors of stroke awareness behavior.

Saúde pública e comunicação: impasses do SUS à luz da formação democrática da opinião pública / Public health and communication: impasses facing Brazil's National Health System in democratic public opinion formation

Resumo O presente artigo problematiza o vínculo político entre a construção do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e a comunicação. Compreendendo a comunicação como um campo dos direitos da cidadania pouco desenvolvido no Brasil, trabalhamos com a hipótese de que a presença de um oligopólio midiático no sistema de telecomunicações e jornalismo constrange a formação democrática de um juízo público sobre o SUS afetando a relação de forças que disputam os rumos do sistema. Partindo da análise de pesquisas de opinião e de estudos sobre a cobertura do SUS pela mídia nacional, argumentamos que a comunicação consiste em um determinante político central à construção de uma base social de apoio ao SUS e superação dos impasses identificados pela literatura. Concluímos que a relação entre comunicação, política e democracia traz para o SUS o desafio de disputar no cotidiano dos cidadãos e cidadãs brasileiros a formação de uma consciência pública sanitária, conforme colocado por Giovanni Berlinguer ao nascente movimento da Reforma Sanitária brasileira nos anos 1970.

Abstract This article discusses the political relations between construction of Brazil's national health system (SUS) and communication. Understanding communication as an underdeveloped field of citizens' rights in Brazil, it proceeds on the hypothesis that the democratic formation of public opinion regarding the SUS is hindered by a media oligopoly in the telecommunication and journalism system. This affects relations between the forces in dispute over construction of the SUS. Drawing on analysis of opinion polls and studies of Brazilian media coverage of the SUS, it argues that communication is a key political determinant in building a social base in support of the SUS and overcoming the impasses identified by the literature. It concludes that the relationship among communication, politics and democracy challenges the SUS to dispute the formation of a public health awareness in the daily lives of Brazilian citizens, as expressed by Giovanni Berlinguer to Brazil's nascent health sector reform movement in the 1970s.

Prevalence of dental caries, oral health awareness and treatment-seeking behavior of elderly population in rural Maharashtra

Background and Objective: There have been numerous studies of oral health status of school children and young population; however, similar studies in elderly population in India are lacking. With advances in medical science and consequent increase in life expectancy, elderly population is on the rise and is a subject of growing concern for public health policy. Hence, an attempt was made to study factors influencing decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, oral health awareness, and dental treatment-seeking behavior of elderly population. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted between September 2014 and December 2014 in villages in rural Maharashtra. Sociodemographic and health-related information were collected from 352 participants 60 years of age and above in 10 villages. Results: Prevalence of dental caries was 76.4% in a study population with median DMFT score of 12 with interquartile range of 7–22. The majority of the participants cleaned their teeth with fingers using charcoal and mishri. Only 17.2% participants used toothbrush. About 39% participants had experienced dental pain, of which majority did not visit dentist. The median DMFT index who used toothbrush and toothpaste was significantly less when compared with participants who did not use tooth brush and tooth paste. The majority of the participants had one or more missing teeth, but only 2.2% were using dentures. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for comprehensive oral health educational programs, and accessible and affordable oral health services to be provided to rural community.

Epidemiological study on body mass index distribution and health awareness among women at an urban tertiary care centre of north India

Background: Obesity has become a new worldwide health problem and is gradually moving towards an epidemic. overweight and obesity implies an abnormal excessive fat accumulation that poses health risk. According to National Family Health Survey-4, prevalence of obesity has doubled in country over the last decade. Asian Indians stand at higher risk for development of obesity related non-communicable diseases at lower body mass index levels.Methods: It was an observational interpretive study carried on 1000 randomly selected women over 3 months in a tertiary center of urban northern India. BMI was obtained by dividing weight in kilograms and height in meters squares. Patients were enquired about any menstrual complains, known comorbidities, awareness of obesity in terms of its cause and effects, about weight reduction and benefits of exercise and its practice and details noted in a preformed performa. No prior intervention or health education was given to avoid bias.Results: Out of 1000 women, mean BMI was found to be 31.85±8.85kg/m2. BMI classification (Asian standards) stated that 8.1% were overweight and 78% of patients were pre obese and obese (maximum in age of 21-40 years). Menstrual complaints were present among 39% of overweight and obese groups. Among comorbidities, hypothyroidism was found to be maximum being 9.5% in the obese group, followed by hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Only 26.3% of obese women were aware of the factors causing obesity. Knowledge of exercise benefits was grossly limited, with only one fourth of the pre obese and obese population being aware of it.Conclusions: Rising obesity in Indian women needs measures for prevention. Though there is knowledge of the cure among Indian females but there is limited ability to implement the same. Health education of women regarding obesity related comorbidities along with the benefits of weight loss with exercises should be promoted strongly.

Difference in health status of Korean farmers according to gender

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare differences in lifestyle diseases, musculoskeletal pain, psychosocial stress, and self-health awareness according to gender in Korean farmers. METHODS: The study population comprised 436 farmers residing in rural areas in Korea. A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and musculoskeletal pain. The psychosocial well-being index short form (PWI-SF) was used to survey psychosocial stress, and the 12-item short form health survey (SF-12) was used to survey self-health awareness. In addition, a clinical examination was performed for each participant, and lifestyle diseases were identified through a health checkup. RESULTS: Among lifestyle diseases, females showed a significantly higher proportion than males for metabolic syndrome (OR: 4.57 [95% CI, 1.67–12.51]). For musculoskeletal pain, females again showed significantly higher proportion than males for hand pain (OR: 16.79 [95% CI, 3.09–91.30]), and pain in at least one body part (OR: 2.34 [95% CI, 1.16–4.70]). For psychosocial stress, females showed a significantly higher proportion than males for high-risk stress (OR: 3.10 [95% CI, 1.17–8.24]). Among the items in self-health awareness, females showed significantly higher proportion than males for mental component score (MCS) (OR: 3.10 [95% CI, 1.52–6.31]) and total score (OR: 2.34 [95% CI, 1.11–4.90]). CONCLUSIONS: For all items that showed significant differences, females showed higher proportion than males, which indicates that female farmers tended to have poorer overall health than male farmers. Therefore, specialized programs will have to be developed to improve the health of female farmers.

A study on oral health knowledge and the need for oral health education among industrial workers / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between oral health behaviors of workers by examining the oral health awareness and the need for oral health education. METHODS: After the institutional review board approval, we surveyed industrial workers in Seoul, Gwangju, Changwon, and Goksung, in Korea, from July 19 to August 29, 2016. The final questionnaires (287 in total) were assessed using the SPSS 24.0 software for Windows (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, average, standard deviation, t-test, and the Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Through the response of “yes” for the question, “oral health education experience,” we can see the respondents have high level of interest (P<0.001). And through the response of “yes” for the question, “Periodic oral Examination” and “regular scaling” and “oral care product use” we can see the respondents have high level of interest (P<0.001) and high importance (P<0.001), there was a statistically significant difference. On analyzing the correlations between workers, there was positive correlation oral health ‘Interest’ and ‘Importance’ (r=0.598, P<0.001). Of the 287 participants, 80.1% indicated that they did not receive any previous oral health education, while 85.4% indicated a willingness to attend oral health education programs in the future. Of the 80.1% of participants with no prior oral health education, 60.0% indicated lack of oral health education because of few opportunities to participate in such programs. They most prefer “Oral Hygiene Management” 64.8% for education contents and choose “Direct-education by inviting Expert” as the best education method 75.6%. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop oral health education programs suitable for the industrial field characteristics for people in workplace, and to enhance and expand oral health education services in the workplace in order to maintain interest in oral health.

Effect of education model based on health awareness theory on gastrointestinal cancer chemotherapy and toxicity / 现代临床护理

Objective To investigate the effects of health education model on the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Methods Random digit table was used to divide 108 patients with gastrointestinal cancer divided into control group and observation group , 54 cases in each group: the former was treated with routine nursing care and the latter with education model based on health awareness theory. The two groups compared in terms of efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy. Results The effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The hematologic toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, skin toxicity, heart, lung and kidney toxicity in the observation group during chemotherapy were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The health education model on the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal cancer can improve the effect and reduce the occurrence.

Relationship of Parental Knowledge and Attitude with Oral Health Status of Children in Karachi East.

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship of parental knowledge and attitude towards their child’s oral habits and health status, and evaluate whether educational status of parents plays a significant role and the level of motivation of parents for child’s regular dental checkup. Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Dental OPD of Dow International Dental College and Fazaia Degree College, April 2014, Karachi East, Pakistan. Methodology: Parents of preschool and primary school going children. A self-designed closed ended type questionnaire was provided in both English and Urdu language. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16. The relationship between variables was done by frequency distribution and Chi-square test. Results: A total of 200 completed questionnaires were considered for final analysis. 61% of the parents had children of preschool age and 38.5% were primary school going. 56.5% of the subjects had education up to Graduation or higher level. Majority of the parents belonged to Middle class 63%. 82-96% of parents were aware of preventive role of tooth brushing and fluoride. 95.5% considered regular dental checkup important.74-95% of parents showed positive attitude towards factors important for maintenance of oral health. But 64.5% of parents still did not take their child for regular visit to dentist. Conclusions: The study shows that parents have relatively higher knowledge and positive attitude regardless of educational and socioeconomic status, however children still seemed to practice habits which affected their oral health therefore preventive dental programmes should not only focus on educating but developing personal skills in both the parents and young children and improve parents’ attitude on importance of early preventive dental visit.

The Effect of Students' Mental Health School-Community Cooperative Model on the School Mental Health Awareness

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the Students' Mental Health School-Community Cooperative Model on the school mental health awareness of the participants (school administrators, teachers, students). METHODS: Data were collected from 140 schools that participated in the project. The questionnaires were composed of items about the school mental health policy, climate and capacity. The data was analyzed through paired t-tests between pre and post, and a comparison was made between the 1st and 2nd phase regions. RESULTS: The total scores of the teacher and student groups increased significantly, whereas those of the school administrators did not. The awareness of the teachers showed more changes in the 1st phase regions, while those of the students changed more at the 2nd phase. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the expansion of the Students' Mental Health School-Community Cooperative Model was proposed.

The Relationship of Long-term Care Workers' Health Awareness on Life Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of human resource management of the long-term care workers, this study is to propose a political and practical intervention approach. The approach is based on the analysis of research on the influe nce of long-term care workers' health awareness on their life satisfaction. METHODS: The participants of this study include 600 long-term care workers working at Nursing homes and Nursing facilities located in Seoul. The data collected from the participants are analyzed with Multi Regression Analysis. RESULTS: The participants of this study include 600 long-term care workers working at Nursing homes and Nursing facilities located in Seoul. The data collected from the participants are analyzed with Multi Regression Analysis. Results: As a result of T-test and analysis of variance, statistically significant parameters to the subjective awareness of health are as follows: marriage, education, religion and work places. And as the minor parameters that influence the rate of life satisfaction the positive relationships between the emotional health (beta=0.178, p<0.01) and the intellectual health (beta=0.281, p<0.001) is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results of analysis indicate as follows: there is a positively significant relationship between social demographic characteristics, health awareness and life satisfaction; the higher participation in social activities, more women than men, and the higher income, the higher health awareness. The findings point out the importance of emotional and intellectual health and efforts to promote better health and demand for a societal change in health awareness. This study provides the baseline data for a practical intervention measure and political suggestion by examining how the individual characteristics and health awareness influence life satisfaction of long-term care workers, and by analyzing the effect of the interactions between them.

School-Based Short Term Mental Health Awareness and School Bullying Prevention Programs: Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preliminary effects of school-based short term mental health awareness and school bullying prevention programs. METHODS: From April to December 2013, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Promotion team of Seoul National Hospital conducted school-based short term social skill training (N=56, 4 sessions), mental health awareness (N=84, 4 sessions) and school bullying prevention programs (N=171, 1 session) in elementary and junior high schools located in Seoul. The changes in the subjects before and after the program were assessed. RESULTS: The a social skills training program improved the 'helping' behaviors in boys (t=-2.355, p<.05) and 'sharing' (t=-3.223, p<.01), 'cooperation' (t=-2.235, p<.05), and 'comforting' (t=-2.830, p<.01) behaviors in girls, assessed using the Prosocial Behavior Questionnaire. The mental health awareness program improved 'general health awareness' (t=2.620, p<.05), measured using the Korean General Health Questionnaire. The school bullying prevention program resulted in decreased 'self esteem' (t=3.769, p<.01), measured using the Self Esteem Scale and decreased 'anger' (t=4.198, p<.01), assessed using the Novaco Anger Scale. CONCLUSION: The results of our preliminary analysis suggest that school-based mental health awareness and school bullying prevention programs may be effective even when conducted for a short term. Future investigation is necessary in order to validate the long term effects of these programs.

Conhecimentos e práticas sobre prevenção do câncer de próstata: uma contribuição para a enfermagem / Knowledge and practices on prevention of prostate cancer: a contribution to nursing / Conocimientos y prácticas sobre la prevención del cáncer de próstata: una contribución para la enfermería

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar o conhecimento dos clientes em relação às estratégias para a prevenção do câncer de próstata, expressas pela Política Nacional de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Homem; e verificar, junto a eles, a realização dos exames preventivos. Trata-se de estudo exploratório, descritivo realizado com 61 pacientes no pós-atendimento multiprofissional, de unidade de saúde do município do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados, através de formulários, após as consultas, entre março a maio de 2013. A tabulação e organização dos dados foram definidas com o suporte do programa Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Os resultados demonstraram que há um número significativo (8/13,1%) de entrevistados que não tem conhecimento dos métodos preventivos preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde e se priva da realização de exames específicos (22/36%) para o diagnóstico do câncer de próstata. Conclui-se que os homens necessitam de maiores esclarecimentos relacionados às práticas preventivas dessa doença.

This study aimed at [1] identifying customers’ awareness of prevention strategies against prostate cancer, provided for in the National Policy for Full Attention to Men’s Health; and [2] assessing customers’ performance of preventive screenings. This is an exploratory, descriptive study conducted with 61 patients at multi wrap- health facility in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Data were collected through forms after visits, from March to May 2013. Tables and data organization were defined on the basis of the 2010 version of Microsoft Office Excel program. Results showed a significant number of respondents (8/13, 1 %) were not aware of prevention methods recommended by the Ministry of Health and refrains from performing specific diagnosis tests (22/ 36%) for prostate cancer. Conclusions show men need additional clarification on preventive practices against prostate cancer.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el conocimiento de los clientes en relación a las estrategias para la prevención del cáncer de próstata, expresadas por la Política Nacional de Atención Integral a la Salud de los Hombres, y comprobar, con ellos, la realización de exámenes preventivos. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio , descriptivo realizado con 61 pacientes después de atendidos en unidad de salud de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro-Brasil. Los datos fueron recogidos a través deformularios, después de consultas, entre 3 de marzo hasta mayo de 2013. La tabulación y organización de los datos se definieron con el apoyo del programa de Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Los resultados mostraron que un número significativo (8 /13, 1 % ) de los encuestados que no tienen conocimiento de los métodos de prevención recomendados por el Ministerio de Salud y se abstiene de realizar pruebas específicas (22/ 36%) para el diagnóstico de cáncer próstata. Se concluye que los hombres necesitan de una mayor aclaración relacionada con las prácticas preventivas de esa enfermedad.

Application of the child-to-child strategy to change health awareness and behavior among school children and community dwellers in Sri Lanka / 国際保健医療

<B>Introduction</B><br>Recently, the increasing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases has become the most crucial global health issue, even in low- and middle-income countries. However, current health systems are often unable to address the large burden of such diseases because of their poor capacity. In Sri Lanka, a country facing such issues, we implemented a school initiative project, the effect of which expanded beyond the school to the student's family as well as the local community. The project was aimed at prevention of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases among adults through school children's activities.<br><B>Activities</B><br>Major interventions such as workshops and regular publication of newsletters including the results of the workshops were implemented at four selected primary and secondary schools in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The newsletters the children brought home facilitated their communication with the parents regarding health issues. All the schools conducted health camps, which children planned and managed themselves, and incentive funds were offered to support the children's activities.<br><B>Results</B><br>Through discussion and learning at the workshops, children's self-confidence and self-reliance might be enhanced, particularly in regard to developing their health literacy. The health camps and incentive funds helped promote children's autonomy and capability. The attendance rate of the students at the four schools has increased since the inception of the project, while a questionnaire survey showed that the proportion of parents who smoked has decreased.<br><B>Conclusion</B><br>The trial suggested that school children have the potential not only to improve their own health but also to help their parents and the broader community adopt a healthier lifestyle. Application of the child-to-child strategy may be useful to deal with chronic and lifestyle-related diseases of adulthood as it expands to the child-to-parents and the child-to-community approach.

Moncorvo Filho e algumas histórias do instituto de proteção e assistência à infância / Moncorvo Filho and some stories about the institute for the preservation and assistence of children

O Movimento Higienista teve grande impacto nas políticas públicas brasileiras do final do século XIX e início do século XX, dando destaque à proteção e cuidados com a infância. Tal preocupação, influenciada diretamente por aportes teóricos oriundos da Europa, teve em Carlos Arthur Moncorvo Filho um de seus principais representantes no país. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar algumas histórias do Instituto de Proteção e Assistência à Infância (IPAI) e dos anexos criados junto a ele, idealizados pelo próprio Moncorvo Filho. Ao longo das análises, pôde-se perceber o quanto discursos e práticas de proteção à infância carregavam em si estratégias de normatização de condutas e moralização social. Retomar algumas histórias ligadas à preservação da infância no Brasil é de grande importância para a Psicologia e demais Ciências Humanas e Sociais. Tal estratégia tende a possibilitar aos especialistas de hoje refletir sobre a prática profissional e avaliar que modelos estão sendo produzidos ou reproduzidos nestas práticas

The Hygienist’s Movement had a big impact on Brazilian public policy at the end of XIX century and beginning of XX century, shedding light on child’s protection and care. That question was directly influenced by European theories. Carlos Arthur Moncorvo Filho was a major representative in the country. This paper aims at analyzing some stories that happened at the Institute for the Preservation and Assistence of Children and its extensions. The medical doctor Moncorvo Filho founded these clinics. Through analyses, it is possible to notice that discourse and practices toward children’s protection carry strategy and standardize behavior and social moral. Retelling some stories linked to childhood preservation in Brazil is vital to psychology and others human and social sciences. Such a strategy enables specialists at present to reflect upon professional practices and to evaluate models that have been produced or copied in these practices

Call centre employees and tobacco dependence: Making a difference.

Context : India is known as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) capital of the world. Safeguarding health of millions of youngsters employed in this new growing economy is an occupational health challenge. Aims : This study was initiated in June 2007 in India with the objectives to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and study the factors responsible for initiating and continuing its use. The main aim, however, was to assess the effect of different tobacco cessation intervention strategies, thus identifying effective methods to assist these employees to quit tobacco. Materials and Methods : This is a 4-arm cluster randomized trial of 18 months duration among 646 BPO employees, working in 4 different BPO units. The employees were invited to participate in interviews following which tobacco users of each BPO were offered specific tobacco cessation interventions to assist them to quit tobacco use. Results : The prevalence of tobacco dependence is 41%, mainly cigarette smoking. The tobacco quit rate is similar (nearly 20%) in the 3 intervention arms. Significantly higher reduction in tobacco consumption of 45% is seen in Arm 4 with the use of pharmacotherapy. BPO employees change jobs frequently, hence follow-up remains a major challenge. Conclusion : Inaccessibility of pharmacotherapy in the developing countries should not deter tobacco cessation efforts as good tobacco quit rates can be achieved with health education and behavioral therapy. Tobacco cessation should be an integral activity in all BPOs, so that the employees receive this service continuously and millions of our youths are protected from the hazards of tobacco.

Evaluation of oral health awareness in parents of preschool children.

Objectives: Little data are available on the initiative shown by the parents for dental health care of their preschool children in India. This study was conducted to evaluate the status of oral health awareness in parents of preschool children. Materials and Methods: A total of 230 preschool children were included in the study and their parents were analyzed for their child dental awareness by holding free dental checkups and interactive meetings with the help of their respective schools. Results and Conclusion: Results revealed that there is a low initiation of the parents when oral health care of small children is concerned; however, an active collective effort of the school and dental team can make awareness program effective.