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Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in India are facing physical and psychological pressure. The pandemic has significant psychological impacts. Hence, we wanted to assess the mental stress and social stress among HCWs during the second wave of COVID-19. Aim and Objectives: Assessment of the mental distress among HCWs of tertiary care level institution during second wave of COVID-19 with the following objectives: (1) To know the sociodemographic characteristics of the HCWs of tertiary care center and (2) to assess the psychological stress among healthcare workers of a tertiary health center. Material(s) and Method(s): It is a cross-sectional and observational study conducted in hospital setting, in a tertiary care setting. Data were collected from 196 HCWs of the institute. Institutional ethical clearance was taken before the study. Structured questionnaire included sociodemographic variables, work-related variables, and variables to assess social stress. We used hospital anxiety and depression scoring questionnaire to assess anxiety and depression. Data were collected through personal interviews and online through Google forms after taking informed consent. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests are used analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 21 for Statistical analysis. Result(s): A total of 196 HCWs, 121 doctors, 74 nursing staff, and one ward staff participated in the study. Nursing staff were at higher risk for anxiety and depression, that is, 29% and 25% than others. Females were slightly more anxious (29%) and depressed (17%) than males. HCWs who are Muslim by religion were at more mental distress. Media exposure of more than 3 h had increased risk of mental distress. HCWs with other frontline COVID warrior as a partner were both anxious (40%) and depressed (20%). Anxiety (35%) was more among those who's family members got COVID positive. About 25% of them faced social stigma, 55% of them faced issue of isolation with in the community, and 14% of them faced acts of violence which is unacceptable. Conclusion(s): Although its second wave HCWs are still having psychological distress which needs to be addressed. Social stress that they are facing is significant and is associated with higher anxiety and depression, which has to be taken seriously.Copyright © 2023, Mr Bhawani Singh. All rights reserved.
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Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that commonly involved the respiratory system. However, the virus can affect any organ in the body including the liver. Hepatic involvement in COVID-19 could be related to the direct cytopathic effect of the virus, an uncontrolled immune reaction, sepsis, or drug-induced liver injury. Background: The current study aims to evaluate the relevance of liver enzyme derangement in COVID-19. Methods: The sample size of 165 patients, tested positive for covid 19 and underwent liver enzyme testing. These patients were categorized into mild, severe, and critical diseases based on clinical evaluation, radiological findings, and biochemical parameters. Results: Of 165 patients selected 103 (62.4%) have mild disease, 40(24.2%) have severe and 12(7.2%) suffered from the critical disease. 48(29.1%) patients show deranged liver function. 83.3% of critical patients and 45% of severe patients show deranged liver function.9.09%of patients died due to severe COVID-19 infections showing moderately to severe liver function derangement. Conclusions: This study concludes that the severity of COVID-19 disease may increase due to chronic liver disease, particularly fatty liver. Atypical ALT and AST levels during hospitalization were indicative of liver injury and correlated with the severity of patients.
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Introduction: Rise of major Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) can be mitigated by inculcating good infection control practices which can only be possible by proper and timely educational training of healthcare workers. Aim: To reinforce infection prevention and control knowledge and practices of nursing staff through proper training program- To conduct the training in multiple sessions, to assess the immediate outcome of training program by conducting Pre and Post test (in written format only) Materials and Methods: This study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Davangere, Karnataka over a period of 2 years. Healthcare workers including 144 nurses and 12 doctors underwent training in four sessions where knowledge on how to identify, audit and conduct surveillance of major healthcare associated infections, management of needlestick injuries were imparted through interactive lectures and video demonstrations followed by hands on hand hygiene, proper use and disposal of personal protective equipments. Pre and Post test were given to know their basal knowledge and effect of our training intervention. Data was collected, analyzed and tabulated. Results: Out of four sessions covering a total of 144 nurses, 84 were trained before the onset of COVID-19 and remaining 60 were trained in the latter half of 2021, when the lockdown was relaxed in our region. The mean total Knowledge score in pre test and post test was 5.93 +or- 1.336 and 7.95 +or- 1.040. The mean difference was -2.021 and it was statistically significant by paired test. (p - 0.001). The mean total practice pretest and post test score was 3.57 +or- 1.48 and 4.56 +or- 1.114. Paired t test showed significant mean difference between the pretest and post test score. (p - 0.001). Conclusion: Our training intervention was effective in increasing their awareness on proper infection prevention and control practices. Repeated training and retraining of healthcare care workers have to be carried out to prevent and control healthcare associated infections.
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Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has grave implications worldwide. Workers in small scale industries like fisheries forms a vulnerable group without social security/recognised labour rights Objectives: To assess the physical, mental and socio- economic impact of COVID-19 among fishermen community from coastal area of Karnataka 2. To understand the challenges faced and coping mechanism adopted to mitigate the impact Methodology: This community based mixed methods study was conducted among 138 participants from a fishermen community in coastal Karnataka. Quantitative data included sociodemographics, COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, related expenses and DASS -21 questionnaire. Qualitative data was collected through 3 Focus Group Discussions and 7 Key informant Interviews till data saturation. Result(s): A total of 138 participants (quantitative 107 and qualitative 31) were included. Majority of the participants were males (70.1%), belonged to age category of 46-60 years (37.4%), nuclear family (71%) and were from low socioeconomic status (79.4%). COVID-19 appropriate behaviour was found to be poor among participants with only 36% using masks, 24.3% washing hands and 10.3% maintaining social distancing. Among 107, 51 (47.7%) participants had probable COVID-19 symptoms. However only 7 (10.9%) had tested for COVID-19 with test positivity rate of 57.1%. Two participants were admitted in hospital with mean hospital stay of 7 days. According to DASS-21, 20.6%, 15.9% and 9.3% screened positive for depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Nealy 90% lost jobs and more than 75% reported to have financial difficulties. Major challenges included loss of livelihood, inaccessibility to health care, repayment of loans, stigma related to Covid-19 and meeting educational expenses of children with one drop out from college. Strategies to cope up with financial difficulty included borrowings, pawning and selling assets at individual level. Activities of local self-help groups in the community and grass root level marketing strategies were highly successful in mitigating the impact as a community. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 has affected fishermen community to a large extent. This understanding will enable to implement need-based intervention strategies and help in disaster preparedness among this population.
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Introduction: COVID-19 infection caused by the SARS COV-2 virus is one of the largest pandemics and has affected every nation worldwide. The introduction of different vaccines against COVID-19 infection has bought new hope in the fight against COVID-19, which would decrease the ongoing crisis. These vaccines were approved for emergency purposes, which had fewer clinical trials involving elderly populations. Hence, this study intends to know the safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccine in the elderly population. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we have collected data regarding the onset of symptoms within 72 hrs following first dose of COVID-19 Vaccination among elderly people through a direct interview and by phone call, using a questionnaire. Results: Among 1373 elderly, 445 (32.41%) had no symptoms, while the remaining 928 (67.54%) had developed symptoms. The commonest symptoms were fever 738 (53.75%), pain at local site 536 (39.01%), and body ache 382 (27.82%). All these symptoms were relieved by taking Paracetamol 650 mg tablet provided by the vaccination center. The commonest co-morbidities observed were hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. There was no mortality. Conclusion: So far, very few studies have been conducted on the elderly population. Our study has an advantage where it has involved a large number of elderly populations. The majority of the elderly in our study received covishield vaccine. We conclude covishield and covaxin vaccines had minor side effects which were self-limiting and can be considered safe in the elderly population despite having multiple co-morbidities. This study endorses that vaccines are safe in the elderly population irrespective of co-morbidities and increasing age.
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Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is one among the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which might occur due to genetic, environmental, physiological and behavioural factors. MetS is increasing alarmingly in the population. Addressing the modifiable factors to reduce the risk is of prime importance. The current study is intended to observe the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome criteria with respect to its relation to lifestyle factors among subjects post pandemic situation and the MetS incidence to understand how the disease can be prevented and the means to improve the public health. Random sampling method was used to enrol 20-50 year old (male and female) urban adults of Bengaluru into the study. Type-I-diabetics, lactating and pregnant women, post-cardiac surgery/ pre-post-transplant/ covid-19 recovered patients were excluded. Height, weight, Waist-Circumference (WC) and hip-circumference were measured. BMI and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) were calculated. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS), Triglycerides (TG), HDL, Blood Pressure (BP) values were analysed and recorded. Diet recall was captured and calories consumed per day was estimated. The habits of exercise routine, smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol were observed. IDF (International Diabetes Federation, 2006) criteria was used to categorise MetS. The data was analysed using relevant statistical tools. A total of 1211 adults (females 486 and males 725) were assessed. High WC indicating central obesity was observed in 55%. High FBS was observed in 29%. Hyper-triglyceridemia was more in males (36%) than females (19%). Low HDL was observed in 65% females against 43% males. High BP was observed among 10% in males and 8% in females. Lack of exercise was observed among 81% of the adults. Due to pandemic situation 10.7% stopped doing exercise. Moderate activity in 5.6% and vigorous activity in 2.8% was recorded;68% of the subjects were consuming >2000 calories/day on an average;18.6% were alcoholic. MetS was observed in 10.6% and MetS-2 criteria in 33.4% and MetS-1criteria in 24.5% before pandemic situation and post pandemic there was an increase. MetS was observed in 12.2% and MetS-2criteria in 49.7% and MetS-1criteria in 27.9% post pandemic. The lack of exercise and high-calorie consumption had a significant correlation with altered lipid values and central obesity. High WC had significant relation to High BMI. WHR had very significant correlation with high FBS and TG. Women had significantly high WC compared to men. The alcohol habit had a significant correlation with hypertriglyceridemia in males. Increased calorie consumption had a moderate correlation with raised FBS and WHR. MetS was significantly observed in those who had lack of exercise, high calorie consumption and alcohol habit. Findings suggest that MetS is in rise in 31-50 year age group. Central obesity, dyslipidemia and high FBS were predominant in 31-40 year group. High BP was observed in 45-50 years age group. Identifying and educating the young adults to correct their life style is the need of the hour to reduce increase of MetS in community.
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Background: SARS-Cov-2 is a coronavirus that caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease outbreak in late 2019 in Wuhan China. By early 2020, the disease had rapidly spread across the world and was declared a global pandemic as a public health emergency of international concern. The mechanisms behind the behavior of SARS-cov-2 in the elderly include immunosenescence and related impaired antiviral immunity, mature immunity, and related hyper-inflammatory responses. We aim to summarize the clinical features and outcomes of elderly COVID-19 patients and compare the difference between young-old patients (60-74 years old) and elderly-old patients (75 years old). Aims and Objective: (1) The aim of the study was to compare the clinical and biochemical profile of young-old patients and elderly-old COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 389 patients, during the study period from March 2021 to September 2021. Case record form with follow-up chart was used to record the duration of disease, history of treatment, and complications. Patients underwent biochemical investigations. Results: The study includes 389 patients, 331 were not young-old and 58 were elderly-old. Mean age of young-old group 65.01..4.10 years and elderly-old group 80.74..5.35 years. Mortality in elderly-old group (29.3%) and young-old group (15.4%) with significant P=0.02. Comparing inflammatory markers such as total leucocyte count and neutrophil count are more in elderly-old than young-old COVID-19 patients, this difference is statistically significant P<0.005. Conclusion: Elderly patients usually have chronic comorbidities and are likely to have a severe or critically severe condition. They could show atypical symptoms. Elderly-old patients tend to have more complications than young-old patients during hospitalization. Careful nursing, observation, and systemic treatment are very important in elderly patients.
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One of Elon Musk's Twitter posts created much buzz in India and most certainly in the southern State of Karnataka in India. His EV company Tesla is planning on expanding to another East Asian Market after the Shanghai branch dealt with R&D and sold almost 50, 000 units. Moreover, India is one of the most likely targets which Tesla would be aiming for, not only because of the humongous workforce capability that the country could offer but also for the development of rules and regulations for the improvement and the enhancement of EV's inthe country. Since the development of the EV policy, 2017 in the state of Karnataka, which pioneered the same and proved itself to be worthy of the badge of "EV Hub" of India, with many tech start-ups pushing the boundaries in the field of EV. Some of the latest news articles in the papers discussed the probability of Tesla being interested i n forming another enterprise in the country, which is exciting news. This would not only mean the change in the economic spectrum of the country because of the remarkable improvement of the Tesla Stocks in the USA but also a significant chance for employment, leading to the push in the Indian economy, which is most required at this time of distress and dilemma because of the COVID-19 pandemic which struck.Copyright © 2020 European Journal of Molecular and Clinical Medicine. All rights reserved.
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The impact of COVID-19 and resultant lockdown were quite harsh on agriculture sector of India. Tapioca and plantain farmers suffered the most in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh during COVID-19 pandemic. In this context the present study was conducted to develop a scale to measure impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pre farmgate-post farmgate operations of tapioca growers in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Four dimensions were identified based on literature review & expert opinion for easy classification and measuring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. A total 200 statements under four dimensions of impact of COVID-19 pandemic was collected, out of these 80 consistent statements were selected through relevancy test. Out of 80 statements, these 43 statements were retained on the final scale through t-test item analysis. Reliability and validity of the scale indicates its consistency and precision of the results. This scale was found to be reliable and valid.
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Recently, COVID-19 has been investigated for questions pertaining to eosinophils. Eosinopenia, often known as a decrease in eosinophil levels, was identified as a characteristic feature associated with SARSCoV- 2 infection. However, in the past researchers have found conflicting evidence on the connection between eosinopenia and the severity of the disease. It is not quite obvious if these changes occurred as a consequence of the immunomodulation that the medication provided or of the disease process itself. In addition, additional study is required to shed light on the possible connection that exists between the eosinophil count and the development and severity of COVID-19. The current analysis was to report changes in the eosinophil count in symptomatic COVID- 19 patients and to link such changes with severity and prognosis. The purpose of the investigation was also to record variations in the eosinophil count.
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BACKGROUND: Since its reporting in December 2019, SARC-COV-2 (COVID -19) has infected more than 230 million people over the world by colonising the respiratory tract, however very little is known about its effect on liver and how the liver injury affects disease prognosis. This study was done to assess the hepatic profile in SARC-COV-2 infection along with inflammatory markers. METHODS: This is a single centred prospective observational study. 400 patients with real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed COVID 19 infection admitted in KIMS, Hubballi were taken for study. Patients with decompensated liver disease were excluded from the study. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations including liver function test (LFT), renal function test (RFT), complete blood count (CBC), chest X-ray, D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C reactive protein (CRP) was done for all the patients. RESULTS: Out of the 400 covid-19 positive patients admitted, 286 (71.5%) had abnormal liver enzymes. Significantly raised liver enzymes were seen in males. Raised liver enzymes and inflammatory markers were associated with poor outcome of the disease. Significant reduced albumin was associated with poor outcome of the disease. Significantly raised aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were associated with increased severity of the disease. (P = 0.009 and 0.029 respectively). Significant positive relation was found between liver profile and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 had deranged liver profile. Higher proportion of abnormal liver enzymes were seen in males. Degree of liver injury increases with increasing severity of the disease. Even though abnormal liver enzymes were positively associated with elevated inflammatory markers and severity of the disease, more studies are needed to study implications of liver injury in prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Background: Diabetes mellitus has been established as a contributory factor for comorbidity in subjects with COVID-19 owing to diabetics being at high infection susceptibility from different bacteria and viruses including those of the respiratory tract. CURB 65 scores are an easier system among the various scoring systems developed to assess CAP risk. Aim: To record and comparatively analyze the CURB-65 scores in non-diabetic and diabetic subjects hospitalized for COVID-19 infection in an Indian health care center. Methods: In 280 subjects admitted for COVID-19 infection, glycemic state and CURB-65 scores were evaluated. The subjects were grouped as having mild, moderate, or severe illnesses based on the CURB-65 scoring. Also, ICU admission, the requirement of a ventilator, hospitalization duration, and mortality rates were assessed. All subjects were followed till discharge or death, whichever was early. Results: Mild CURB-65 was seen for 65.21% (n=90) diabetic subjects and 97.18% (n=138) non-diabetic subjects. 30.43% (n=42) diabetic subjects and 2.81% (n=4) non-diabetic subjects had CURB-65 scores as moderate. ICU admission was needed in 24.63% (n=34) diabetic subjects and in 5.63% (n=8) non-diabetic subjects (p=0.002). Ventilatory support was needed in 18.84% (n=26) diabetic subjects in the study and in 4.22% (n=6) non-diabetic subjects. This difference was statistically significant with p=0.007.24.63% (n=34) diabetic subjects died and in non-diabetic (p < 0.0001). The mean duration of hospital stay was 9.23+or-5.2 days in diabetic subjects and 7.03+or-4.28 days in nondiabetic subjects (p=0.005). Conclusion: Increased and higher values of CURB-65 scores were seen for subjects having diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 infection compared to non-diabetic subjects with COVID- 19 infection. Also, the disease severity was more in subjects with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 compared to non-diabetics.
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The proceedings contain 31 papers. The topics discussed include: occupational health risk assessment (OHRA) tool for estimating occupational health risk;OH IH emerging risk preparedness - shutdown activities;annoyance among staff and noise in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India: a pilot study;epidemiological study on occupational health psychology in doctors, nurses and physiotherapists in Anand, Gujarat;psychological impact and educational challenges of Covid-19 pandemic among teachers in Goa;practices during Covid-19 pandemic - a case study of refinery in oil and gas exploration industry;respiratory and auditory impairment among sponge iron plant workers, Goa, India: a comparison study;suspected trauma at work place causing axillary vein thrombosis: a case report;health status of workers and their families in selected brick kilns in Anekal Taluk, Bangalore Urban District, Karnataka;and occupational health problems and perceived health hazards among dairy farmers residing in Mugalur gram panchayat, Karnataka: a mixed method study.
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Background: COVID-19, an acute viral respiratory illness, was first noted in 2019, soon turned into pandemic with considerable mortality. With the objective of studying effect of comorbidities on COVID-19 disease severity and to identify laboratory markers associated with severe COVID-19 disease, we did a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care centre. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: 1. To study effect of comorbidity on COVID-19 disease severity and 2. to identify laboratory markers associated with severe COVID-19 infection and mortality. Materials and Methods: This is an retrospective observational study conducted at SDMCMS&H, Dharwad from July 2020 to September 2020. A total of 402 cases who fall in the age group of 18 years and above were collected from medical record department. Statistical analysis used: The data were recorded in the Microsoft Excel sheet and analysis is done using Chi-square analysis and Cox linear regression method. Results: There were 402 patients whose data were collected. Out of 402 patients, 64 patients (15.92%) were in the age group of 18-39 years, 183 patients (45.52%) seen were in the age group of 40-60 years, 155 patients (38.56%) above 60 years, and consisting 291 male patients (72.39%) and 111 female patients (27.9%). Most common comorbidities seen were diabetes mellitus in 194 patients (48.26%) and hypertension in 182 patients (45.27%), followed by chronic kidney disease in 32 patients (7.96%) and ischemic heart disease in 24 patients (5.97%). Out 402 patients, 141 patients (35.07%) were on supplemental oxygen, which included 68 patients (48.23%) on low flow oxygen by face mask, seven patients (4.96%) were on non-rebreathing mask, 3 (2.13%) patients required NIV, and 63 patients (44.68%) required intubation and mechanical ventilation. It was found that uncontrolled diabetes rather than just presence of diabetes had significant impact on mortality with P=-0.0001 (95% CI OR 1.5-4.38). Patients with increased laboratory markers of inflammation such as Ferritin (95% CI OR 1.84-6.81) and LDH (95% CI OR 1.86-31.26) had strong association with mortality. The presence of thrombocytopenia showed significant association with mortality (95% CI OR 1.03-3.63). Conclusion: The presence of preceding uncontrolled hyperglycemia has significant effect on mortality. A state of hyperinflammation is directly associated with poor outcome.
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COVID 19 pandemic has gradually established itself as the worst pandemic in the last hundred years around the world after initial outbreak in China, including India. To prevent the spread of the infection the Government implemented lockdown measure initially from 24th March to 14th April, 2020 which was later extended to 3rd May, 2020. This lockdown imposed restrictions in human activities, vehicular movements and industrial functioning;resulting in reduced pollution level in the cities. This study was initiated with the objective to identify the change in the air quality of seven megacities in India and to determine any correlation between the active COVID cases with the air quality parameters. Air quality dataset of the most common parameters (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, NH3, CO and Ozone) along with air quality index for 70 stations of seven megacities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Chandigarh) were analysed. Comparison was made between AQI of pre lockdown and during lockdown periods. The results obtained indicate sufficient improvement in air quality during the period of the lockdown. For the next part of the study active COVID cases during the lockdown were compared to the air quality change of that period. A significant correlation between active COVID case and change in the air quality was observed for Delhi and Kolkata with 0.51 and 0.64 R2 values respectively. A positive correlation was also observed between air pollutant parameters and incidents of COVID cases in this study. Thus from the analysis it was identified that air quality index improved considerably as a result of the nationwide lockdown however, there was no significant impact of this improvement on the infection rate of the prevailing pandemic.
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Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (covid-19) is a novel disease caused by a newly identified virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (sars-cov-2). The novel disease which begun in Wuhan, China in Dec 2019 was declared pandemic by world health organization on 11 march 2020. The most common reported reasons for intensive care unit admission for patients with severe corona virus disease 2019 (covid-19) are either hypoxemic respiratory failure leading to mechanical ventilation or hypotension requiring vasopressor support. Data on AKI are either lacking in this perspective, we emphasize that AKI can be a severe complication of covid-19 and highlight the importance of assessing, defining, and reporting the course of AKI in patients admitted in intensive care unit. Methods: This is a single centre retrospective observational study. 542 patients with real time-PCR and rapid antigen test confirmed COVID 19 infection admitted in KIMS intensive care unit, Hubballi were taken for study. Patients with chronic kidney disease were excluded from the study. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations including renal function test, liver function test, complete blood count, chest x-ray, d-dimer, ferritin, LDH, CRP was done for all the patients. Duration: 1 year (2020 August -2021 July) Results: Out of 542 patients, 166 patients developed acute kidney injury accounting for 30.62%. 145 patients died (87.47) who had acute kidney injury. And 27 patients were discharged (12.6%) who recovered from acute kidney injury. Results: Among the patients who did not developed AKI(376) .300(79.81) died and 76(20.2) got discharged. The p value was 0.034 which was significant for increase in mortality among patients who developed AKI. The incidence of mortality among COVID patient admitted to KIMS ICU was 82.1%. Conclusion: The mortality was significantly higher in COVID patients developing AKI. So we can predict the outcome in COVID infected patients who develops acute kidney injury. AKI is one of manifestation in COVID patients due to tropism of corona virus to ace receptors present in kidney.
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Background: Mucormycosis is caused by the fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. Humans acquire the infection predominantly by inhalation of sporangiospores, occasionally by ingestion of contaminated food or traumatic inoculation. In the backdrop of COVID-19 expression, there has been notable increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI), namely Mucormycosis and aspergillosis. In the present study we aim to know the Clinico-epidemiological profile of Mucormycosis patients admitted in Vijayanagar institute of medical sciences (VIMS), Ballari, Karnataka. Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out at VIMS Hospital, Ballari, Karnataka after obtaining ethical clearance. The data was collected using structured questionnaires through interview and case records on risk factors, clinical profile and management of patients who were suspected of Mucormycosis. Frequencies and Proportion were used to describe the variables. Study period was from April 2021-June 2021. Result(s): Out of 52 patients, 45(86.5%) were male and 7(13.5%) were female. Age group between 41-50 years (40.4%) were most commonly affected followed by 31-40 years (28.8%) and 50% were positive for COVID 19, 26.9% were post COVID and 23.1% were NON COVID. Twenty two patients were on steroids, 21 (95.5%) of them due to COVID 19 and 1(4.5%) due to asthma. Comorbid conditions like diabetes mellitus 38(73.1%) and hypertension 12(23.1%) were most commonly present. 12(31.6%) out of 38 patients had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Mucormycosis was confirmed by KOH and histopathological results and were positive in 21(43.7%) and 27(77.1%) patients respectively. Management of Mucormycosis included both medical and surgical intervention. Conclusion(s): Mucormycosis is a life threatening fungal infection. The present study emphasizes the need for further understanding of the disease and to take aggressive measures for early diagnosis and management.Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.
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With COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the educational system, the professional medical teaching has been shifted to online mode soon after the Government's decision to impose nation-wide lock-down. A cross sectional study was carried out among medical undergraduate in VIMS to know their perception on e-learning. The questionnaire was administered through google forms and the results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Among 340 study subjects, the mean age was found to be 20.47 and the majority of responders were first year undergraduates. Most students depended on smartphones for attending classes. The maximum satisfaction index (55.47%) observed with more time spend on homework and the minimum (39.85%) with greater ability to concentrate in online class. On a Likert scale of perception assessment 32.9% of students disagreed with conducting online classes followed by 31.2% remained neutral. Overall experience recorded bad with 57.6%. Online learning has been the need of the hour but it should be backed up with traditional learning for effective results.Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.
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Background: We assessed the risk factors and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) who contracted infection while on background treatment with tofacitinib. Method(s): This is a non-interventional, cross-sectional, questionnaire based telephonic study which included consecutive AIRD patients on tofacitinib co-treatment. Data related to the AIRD subset, disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including glucocorticoids and comorbidities, was collected from 7 rheumatology centers across Karnataka during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The information about COVID-19 occurrence and COVID-19 vaccination was recorded. Result(s): During the study period (June-July 2021), 335 AIRD patients (80.6% female) on treatment with tofacitinib were included. The mean duration of tofacitinib use was 3.4 +/- 3.1 months. Thirty-six (10.75%) patients developed COVID-19. Diabetes mellitus P = 0.04 (OR 2.60 [1.13-5.99]) was identified as a risk factors for COVID-19 in our cohort. Almost half of our cohort was COVID-19 vaccinated with at least one dose, with resultant decline in incidence of COVID-19 (OR 0.15 [0.06-0.39]) among the vaccinated. Recovery among COVID-19 infection group was 91.2%. Conclusion(s): The AIRD patients on co-treatment with tofacitinib had a higher incidence of COVID-19 than the general population during the same time period. Diabetes mellitus was identified as an independent risk factor in our cohort. COVID-19 vaccinated patients contracted COVID-19 at a significantly lesser rate than the non-vaccinated patients.
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Introduction and Aim: In India, most of the households face financial hardships due to catastrophic health care expenses. In response to covid-19 pandemic, the government launched the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka program, which offered health insurance for the coverage of covid-19 treatment costs and prevent families from undergoing financial hardships and incurring healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the utilization of the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme among covid-19 positive and non-covid patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in the Karnataka district of Dakshina Kannada. Methodology: Data was collected from medical records of a tertiary care hospital in the Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka for this cross-sectional study. The data collected was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel program, and the results subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS software ver.20. Result(s): The study found that there was a significant association between utilization of ABArK among patients (Covid and non-Covid) admitted to the hospital. While the utilization of ABArK among covid patients was found to be 51.3%, the utilization among non-covid patients was only 14.1% (chi2= 1242.32, p value <0.001). Conclusion(s): To improve the utilization of this scheme, public awareness activities must be conducted. As a result, less out-of-pocket expenditure would be incurred and access to healthcare facilities made easier. Copyright © 2022, Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists. All rights reserved.