RESUMO
Background : Anticholinergic burden in Geriatric population is of great concern throughout the Globe, yet often neglected. There are previous studies to assess the Anticholinergic burden, carried out in specific population, though its prevalence in general population is difficult to interpret. Polypharmacy remains one of the major causes contributing to the increased burden in Anticholinergic score among Geriatrics. Multiple co-morbidities and the prevalence of Multiple Chronic Diseases are the responsible factors which imbibe Multiple Drug Therapy in Geriatric population. Anticholinergic burden in older adults has been associated with Cognitive impairment, Delirium, Dizziness and Confusion, Falls and increased hospitalizations. However, Anticholinergic-acting drugs are often advised in Geriatric population. In this study an attempt was made to understand the Anticholinergic burden score among Geriatric population. Methods : This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was done, in a period of six months among 62 Geriatric patients attending a therapeutics clinic of a private clinical pharmacology OPD for first time. Patients were noted for their comorbidities and anticholinergic burden was calculated, based on the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale. Results were statistically analyzed. Results : Clinically significant anticholinergic burden was observed in 22.58% population. The most frequently prescribed drug was found to be alprazolam followed by amitriptyline and theophylline. Among the comorbidities hypertension and diabetes was commonly seen in majority of the population. Conclusion : Co-professional care at clinical pharmacology OPD with assessment of anticholinergic burden of geriatric prescriptions and advices on rational de-prescribing with suggestions on safer alternatives would be beneficial for treating physicians to optimize therapy.
RESUMO
An Online survey was conducted by sending a ten-point questionnaire to about 200 Doctors in India, using the Survey Monkey App. A total of 146 responses were received, out of which 132 were complete. Majority of the Doctors had more than 20 years of experience in the Medical Profession and 80% of the respondents were males. Surprisingly, majority of the Doctors were happy with their income and though the prevalence of smoking and alcohol intakes was low, almost 60% had High Stress Levels. Professional Stress was almost twice that of Domestic Stress. The causes and solutions for these high levels of stress in the Indian Doctors needs to be explored further.
RESUMO
Introduction: Worldwide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection is a Public Health Problem. Adolescents and young people are inclined to experiment with sex and prone to have HIV infection. Interventional Education Program on HIV/AIDS may prevent spread of the infection. Materials and Methods : Knowledge and attitude of students (N=2373) of 10th to 12th grade from 38 schools of Kolkata about HIV/AIDS was assessed based on a questionnaire. Subsequently an interventional educational program was conducted for them. A follow-up study with the same questionnaire after 6-8 weeks of the interventional program was performed among the students (N=811) of 11th and 12th standard. Knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS was evaluated by defining a ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Attitude’ score from responses of the students to relevant questions. Data was analyzed using SPSS, version 17 software. Observations : Interventional Program improved student’s (a) responses to more questions, (b) knowledge level and (c) positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Significant improvement occurred in the association of knowledge score with respect to the male students after the Intervention Program but not much with respect to girls. Association of the attitude score with respect to gender and three streams (Arts, Science, Commerce) of study were significantly enhanced after the program. Discussion : Several studies around the world indicate that Interventional Educational Programs almost certainly improve knowledge and attitude of the school students about HIV/AIDS. Some differences in findings may be due to qualitative differences of the study participants. Our observations may not be extrapolated to other Indian Student Groups who may differ in awareness and cultural status