An U pdate on B iomedical L iterature Search for B udding R esearch S cholars

Literature search can be defined as systematic review of all scientific resources, both published and unpublished. Literature search is continuous process. It provides new ideas of research. It helps us to frame new research questions and to identify the knowledge gap. There are no straightforward rules for literature search. Each researcher has its own m ethod of literature search. In this review article we shall discuss about various types and sources of literature, steps and techniques of literature search which will serve as a quick guide for budding research scholars.

An U pdate on D ata D istribution and T echniques of D ata T ransformation

The distribution in biostatistics can be defined as distribution of frequencies of values of a given variable in a sample. Distribution can be broadly classified into normal and skewed distribution. Normal distribution is a symmetrical bell shaped curve. ±1 standard deviation covers 65% of values around median value and ±2 S.D. covers 95% of values around median value. Mean, median & mode are equal for normal distribution curve. Parametric test like t test a nd ANOVA are based on the assumption that the data follows normal distribution. In skewed or asymmetrical distribution, there is clustering of cases in either right side or left side of the curve. In right sided skewness, the tail of curve is on the right side. In left skewed distribution, th e tail is on the left side. Non - parametric test can be used in case of skewed data. Parametric test are more robust as compare to non - parametric test. The alternative is to transform the numerical variable into another scale where the values do satisfy the assumptions needed for the desired parametric or “normal” statistical methods. These technique include logarithm transformation, generalized linear modelling, and bootstrapping.

A Cross Sectional Study of Drug Utilization Pattern in Indoor Patients of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospitals in Central India

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of drug utilization with special focus on the use of antimicrobials. METHODS: Single day hospital-wide point prevalence survey was conducted to assess drug utilization pattern.  Information regarding age, gender, occupation, income group, diagnosis, patient’s present/past medical history, treatment, any adverse drug reactions, and investigations were recorded in a proforma. Drug utilization pattern was evaluated using quality indicators of drug use recommended by WHO. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were included, 62% male and 38% female. Maximum number of patients was admitted for infectious diseases (34%). Pantoprazole was most commonly prescribed drug & ceftriaxone was most commonly prescribed antibiotic. The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 4.87.  Oral route was the most preferred route. Percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name was 42.44%. Percentage of drugs prescribed from essential medical list was 49.33%. Multivitamins & non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) were most commonly prescribed fixed dose combination in our study.  CONCLUSION: Majority of drugs were prescribed by oral route. Essential medical list and updated guidelines were available in the hospital. Poly-pharmacy, over use of proton-pump inhibitors & multivitamins was areas of concern. Prolonged and irrational use of antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis was noted in surgical indoor patients. There was underutilization of microbiological facilities.