Self-Medication Among Medical Students During the COVID19 Pandemic

Introduction: During the different wave of pandemic, due to various reasons self-medication practices among the public increased. Medical students are prone to such practices due to relevant background knowledge, and access to drugs. This study assessed the self-medication practice among the medial students during the different waves of pandemic of south Gujarat. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted during May to June 2022 through self-administered form among medical students of south Gujarat, India. Study questionnaire included general de-mography; most frequently practice of self-medication. drug and the reason behind it. Result: Out of total 512 respondents, 381 (74.4%) did self-medication during the pandemic. 358 individuals (94.0%) did self-medication at least one drug since the start of pandemic. The most commonly utilizing medi-cines as prophylactic was Ayurvedic preparation, Multivitamins, Zinc and Vitamin C. For treatment of symp-toms during the pandemic paracetamol (650 mg) was frequently used specially for body ache and fever. The main source of information of self-medication was internet. Conclusion: This study depicted common self-medication practices among medical students during the pan-demic. It is a significant health issue especially during the pandemic times, with high consumption reported as a prevention or treating symptoms of COVID-19.

Imaging & neuropsychological changes in brain with spiritual practice: A pilot study

Background & objectives: Some studies have systematically assessed the effects of spiritual practice (SP) on the brain using combined neuropsychological testing and functional imaging. The objective of the present study was to compare imaging and neuropsychological changes in healthy individuals after SP and those with only physical exercise. Methods: Healthy adult male volunteers, aged 25-45 yr were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (SP group) underwent the SP and group 2 (controls) did brisk walk for 30 min daily. Detailed neuropsychological evaluation, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and brain 99mTc ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were carried out for both groups before and three months after intervention. Results: Post-intervention, resting state fMRI showed increased connections of left precuneus (in the posterior cingulate cortex area of default mode network) in group 1 and increased left frontal connections in group 2. The neuropsychological tests showed significant improvement in 'Speed of Processing' (Digit Symbol Test) in group 1 and in Focused Attention (Trail Making A) in group 2. The SPECT data in group 1 showed significant improvement in perfusion of the frontal areas, with relatively lesser improvement in parietal areas. Group 2 showed significant improvement in perfusion predominantly in parietal areas, as compared to frontal areas. In addition, significantly improved mood was reported by group 1 and not by group 2. Interpretation & conclusions: This pilot study shows important functional imaging and neuropsychological changes in the brain with SP.