Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards obesity among the general public in community settings of Tirupati: a cross-sectional study

Background: Obesity and overweight are strongly linked to developing diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and endocrine disorders. Knowledge, attitude, and practicesof the public are crucial in limiting the burden of obesity in the Indian community. The current study aims to assess the KAP of obesity among the general public of India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the rural and urban areas of Tirupati city. Adults aged 18 years or above who are willing to participate, were included. A total of 300 subjects were enrolled and data was collected by using a pre-validated questionnaire. Variables like weight, height and KAP scores were obtained. Chi-square tests were used to associate demographics with good KAP towards obesity.Results: The findings show that more than half of the participants have good knowledge, and a positive attitude, but the practices are not optimal in dealing with obesity and management. Participants’ ages more than 40 years, presence of comorbidity, risk factors, and social habits are significantly associated with obesity and overweight. Obese are having goodknowledge but normal-weight people are significantly associated with a positive attitude. Participants of normal weight, no risk factor, and no habits were significantly associated with rational practices.Conclusions: The study concludes that the participants had good knowledge and attitude toward obesity but the participants failed to practice controlling and preventing obesity. However, more efforts are required in creating awareness and educating the general population regarding physical activity, diet, and lifestyle in preventing obesity and its associated complications.

Comparison of improvement in quality of life score with objective parameters of pulmonary function in Indian asthmatic children receiving inhaled corticosteroid therapy.

This prospective, hospital based, descriptive study was designed to compare improvement in quality of life (QOL) score with objective measures of pulmonary function in children with persistent bronchial asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy. QOL score (measured by an indigenous tool), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and asthma symptom score were measured in 20 newly diagnosed children with persistent asthma- before, during and eight weeks after ICS therapy. There was a significant improvement in all parameters compared at each follow up visit and at termination of the study (p less than 0.05). The magnitude of improvement in QOL was similar to improvement in objective measures of pulmonary function; although these changes were not similar to changes in asthma symptom score. Improvement in QOL score is likely to be a sensitive measurement of functional improvement in asthmatic children on treatment; however subjective sensation of improvement lags behind objective measures.

Paradoxical embolism through patent foramen ovale causing cerebellar infarction in a young boy.

A previously healthy young boy who suffered an acute stroke involving superior cerebellar artery circulation is presented here. Echocardiography revealed a patent foramen ovale through which paradoxical embolism had probably occurred. Low dose aspirin was started and surgical closure was planned to prevent further recurrences.