ABSTRACT
Background: Disturbances in sleep could affect normal growth as well as behavior of children. It could also impair their cognitive development. Sleep problems have been increasing over the past few years. However, there is a gap regarding information about sleep practices and sleep problems among Indian children. Aim: A sleep questionnaire was designed and validated to assess the frequency of sleep practices and sleep problems in 500 children. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 5 local schools in South Kanara district by administering the questionnaire to the parents/caretakers under the guidance of a trained investigator. We also sought to examine the association of demographics, medical/behavior/academic performance, sleep patterns, and home environment to sleep problems in these children. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were recorded as mean and standard deviation for quantitative data and in frequency and percentage for qualitative data. Results: We found a high prevalence of bedroom sharing (92.4%) and bed-sharing (91.2%). 46.4% of the children exhibited at least one sleep problem, the most prevalent being bed-wetting (17%). Sleep problems were considerably greater in older children and in children with behavioral problems. Practices such as watching TV and using computer after 8 pm/at bedtime were significantly associated with all sleep problems. Conclusion: Our study revealed definite and significant presence of sleep problems in the children of South Kanara. Strong associations were observed between certain sleep practices and problems.
ABSTRACT
Food allergy (FA) is a growing health problem in India and worldwide with notable prevalence in infants when compared with children and adults. Multiple genetic and nutritional factors play an important role in etiology of FA leading to morbidity and mortality. As general practitioners (GPs) and homeopaths are the first persons to be approached by patients with possible FA, the need for evaluating their Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) towards the same are essential to be studied.A total of 214 participants- 107 GPs with or without specialization in Internal Medicine and 107 homeopaths participated in the study. A validated questionnaire was adopted to assess their KAP. The questionnaire had 31 parameters (demographic details-5, knowledge-21 and attitude and practices-5) regarding symptoms, severity, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of FA. The score was recorded and results with p-value ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.A significant difference in the perception of FA was observed between GPs (42.1%) and homeopaths (10.3%) regarding the safety of administering influenza vaccines in children with egg allergy (p=0.003). 80.4% of GPs and 23.3% homeopaths believed that epinephrine is the 1st line choice for treatment of anaphylaxis (p=0.035). 64.5% GPs and 28.1% homeopaths opined that timely administration of epinephrine prevents fatal anaphylaxis which was statistically significant. (p=0.046). However no statistically significant difference (p=0.112) was found between GPs (65.4%) and homeopaths (58.9%) in their opinion regarding the reliability of positive skin prick test or radioallergosorbent test (RAST) as sufficient FA diagnostic tool. The total scores obtained regarding the knowledge in FA and anaphylaxis by GPs and homeopaths was 66.4% and 46.8% respectively which was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.172).Overall knowledge of FA in GPs and homeopaths was comparable with strengths and weakness in each domain. GPs had more precise knowledge than homeopaths, regarding the treatment schedule, in case of anaphylaxis, which in turn reflects the differences in attitude and approach in treating FA among the two groups. Periodic educational programs focused at improving the knowledge regarding food allergy and treatment options is a prerequisite among GPs and homeopaths help them to understand better as well as treat the adverse effects of FA
ABSTRACT
Background & Objective: To know the student’s opinion about the current tutorial classes held in department of pharmacology of HIMS Methodology: The study was conducted on 250, second professional students of HIMS attending pharmacology department. A validated questionnaire of 15 questions was prepared. Each question had 3-5 options and lastly about their suggestions and comments. Students were briefed about the study before giving them the feedback form. They were given sufficient time to fill the form and were asked not to reveal their identity for unbiased opinion. Results: 97% of students agreed that tutorial helps them in understanding the topic better. Majority of students (68%) will attend tutorial classes even if attendance is not compulsory. When asked about the environment during the tutorial, 72% of the respondents said that it is strict but interactive. Majority of students were in favour that tutorial’s topic should run parallel with lecture topic and should be taken by postgraduate students only. When asked about the structure of tutorial, majority of students (52%) felt that discussing whole topic will help them most. Many students suggested that tutorials should be well planned, organized and cover difficult topics in pharmacology i.e General, ANS and CNS. Conclusion: Teaching is a novel teaching technique which enhances interest among students. With some modifications and suggestions we can enhance the effectiveness of our current tutorials.
ABSTRACT
La enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) es una condición crónica caracterizada por el reflujo del contenido gástrico hacia el esófago, ocasionando síntomas molestos y complicaciones. Recientemente, se ha propuesto un cuestionario diagnóstico de reflujo gastroesofágico (GERDQ) con una sensibilidad del 82% y especificidad 84%, respectivamente. Determinar la utilidad del GERDQ en diagnóstico de enfermedad de reflujo gastroesofágico en un centro de salud privado de cuarto nivel. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, basado en la aplicación del cuestionario GERDQ a una población de 335 trabajadores personal de salud y administrativo de un centro de salud privado de cuarto nivel, de febrero a abril 2012. El registro de datos y tratamiento estadístico se hizo a través SPSS 7.5.2S para Windows. 335 individuos respondieron el cuestionario, edades comprendidas entre 18 y 60 años, se excluyeron 35, el 67% fue de género femenino, en 55 individuos (18,66%) la probalidad de ERGE fue de 0%, en 156 (52,00%) fue de 50%, en 65 (21,66%) fue de 79%, y 24 individuos (8,00%), fue 89% de probabilidad de ERGE. El GERDQ es una herramienta útil y sencilla para determinar la probabilidad diagnóstica de ERGE
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when reflux content from the stomach is the cause of bothersome symptoms and/or complications. It can be diagnosed based on symptoms through a GERD questionnaire (GERDQ), with a reported sensibility of 82% and specificity of 84%. To determine the prevalence of GERD in a private medical center in Caracas from February to April, 2012. Descriptive, cross sectional study, based on the application of a validated questionnaire. Population was represented by the health care and administrative personnel of health care center in Caracas. 335 subjects completed the questionnaire. Ages ranged from 18 to 60 years, 35 subjects were excluded. 67% were female. In 56 (18,66%) subjects, GERD probability was 0%, in 156 (52,00%), probability was 50%, in 65 (21,66%) probability was 79% and in 24 (8,00%) subjects, probability was 89%. The GERDQ is a useful and simple tool to determine the diagnostic probability of ERGE