Evaluation of efficacy and safety of iron polymaltose complex and folic acid (Mumfer) vs iron formulation (ferrous fumarate) in female patients with anaemia.

Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia with conventional oral preparations is handicapped by unpredictable haematological response in addition to potential for irritating gastrointestinal adverse events. Iron polymaltose complex (IPC), a novel oral iron formulation with better absorbability, predictable haematinic response and less side effects was compared with oral ferrous fumarate in 100 female patients with documented iron deficiency anaemia. Clinical parameters (pallor, weakness) as well as biochemical parameters (Hb, serum iron, total iron binding capacity) show favourable changes with IPC; the physician and patient assessment also favour IPC over ferrous fumarate.

Approach to aerosol therapy in management of asthma at primary care level.

Present day management of bronchial asthma focuses on use of inhaled drugs. To find out the acceptability of aerosol therapy at primary care level, a questionnaire survey was conducted on practical acceptance of aerosol therapy in management of asthma. Seven clinically relevant questions were asked regarding management modalities followed in bronchial asthma. Amongst the group of general practitioners (n = 60) studied, it was found that in treatment of chronic stable asthma inhaled steroids are used by only 50% and inhaled bronchodilators by 86.7%, whereas 93.3% use oral bronchodilators and 60% use oral steroids to treat the same. During exacerbation injectable bronchodilators are preferred to inhaled drugs. Poor compliance to aerosol therapy was reported by 33.3%. Reasons for non-compliance are discussed, important ones are cost and technique. Spacer was reported to be useful by 20% and lung functions are carried out occasionally by only 5% of practitioners.

Impact of school-based HIV and AIDS education for adolescents in Bombay, India.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in India is expanding rapidly. The present study is a pre-test-post-test evaluation of a school-based HIV/AIDS educational program. The pre-test was administered to 2,919 students regarding modes of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. An education program was instituted for one half school day at ten secondary schools. Principals of two schools refused to participate. One month later, the post-test was administered to 2,400 students. Before the educational intervention only 50% of the students knew that HIV/AIDS is transmitted sexually, only 34% knew that there are no medicines that cure HIV/AIDS and 24% thought that HIV is transmitted by mosquito bites. After the intervention, 95% of the students knew that HIV/AIDS is transmitted sexually, 92% knew that there is no HIV/AIDS cure and 76% knew that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted by mosquitos. There was a substantial increase in correct knowledge about HIV/AIDS among students after our single educational program. This suggests that school-based educational programs for adolescents in India can succeed in providing basic information regarding HIV/AIDS.