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Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant public health problem in third-world countries, including India. The risk of infection among close family members of patients infected with chronic HBV infection is four to six times higher than in the general population. However, literature is scarce regarding the Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward HBV infection among the first-degree relatives of patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B. Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hepatitis B virus infection among first-degree relatives of hepatitis B patients. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted amongst the 354 first-degree relatives of HBsAg-positive patients. A validated questionnaire consisted of twenty questions of knowledge, seven questions of attitude, and ten practice questions were employed to gather information. Results: The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) were significantly better amongst participants aged 55-65 years and those who were educated. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0.58, p value<0.05) and knowledge and practice (r=0.64, p value<0.05). Conclusions: There is insufficient knowledge regarding hepatitis B, its common symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive tools among close relatives of patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B.
RESUMEN
Background & objectives: Regular practice of slow breathing has been shown to improve cardiovascular and respiratory functions and to decrease the effects of stress. This pilot study was planned to evaluate the short term effects of pranayama on cardiovascular functions, pulmonary functions and galvanic skin resistance (GSR) which mirrors sympathetic tone, and to evaluate the changes that appear within a short span of one week following slow breathing techniques. Methods: Eleven normal healthy volunteers were randomized into Pranayama group (n=6) and a non-Pranayama control group (n=5); the pranayama volunteers were trained in pranayama, the technique being Anuloma-Viloma pranayama with Kumbhak. All the 11 volunteers were made to sit in similar environment for two sessions of 20 min each for seven days, while the pranayama volunteers performed slow breathing under supervision, the control group relaxed without conscious control on breathing. Pulse, GSR, blood pressure (BP) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) were measured before and after the 7-day programme in all the volunteers. Results: While no significant changes were observed in BP and PFT, an overall reduction in pulse rate was observed in all the eleven volunteers; this reduction might have resulted from the relaxation and the environment. Statistically significant changes were observed in the Pranayama group volunteers in the GSR values during standing phases indicating that regular practice of Pranayama causes a reduction in the sympathetic tone within a period as short as 7 days. Interpretation & conclusions: Beneficial effects of pranayama started appearing within a week of regular practice, and the first change appeared to be a reduction in sympathetic tone.