ABSTRACT
Laboratory testing has been extremely helpful in determining the severity and determining the course of treatment for COVID-19 patients. Our aim has been to look for variables of patient's clinical and laboratory profile for two weeks and to observe their significance. Observational, Cross-sectional study. Data from the clinic and laboratory were compiled on Google form after informed consent from the patient. Statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney U and unpaired t test. Population statistics included 202 patients (1st week) and 161 patients (2nd week), with the mean age of 61 ± 18 years. Most patients fell under the mild category (SPO2 >94%). High body mass index (n = 119) and hypertensive (n = 98) were the most common comorbidities observed. Diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are the other comorbidities studied in this study. Hypoalbuminemia (n = 194) is the most deranged laboratory parameter in mild category, followed by lymphopenia (n = 109). In severe category also, hypoalbuminemia (n = 13) was deranged more. Other laboratory parameters included are CRP, D-Dimer, neutrophil and lymphocyte count. This study showed that albumin is a good predictor for estimating the severity of COVID-19 patients especially in the first week of their admission.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the awareness among general public and health care providers about tetanus immunization in relation to injuries, and their knowledge about tetanus immunization schedules in children, pregnant females and adults. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study done at a perfect health mela and all the government allopathic health agencies in Delhi. RESULTS: The knowledge of tetanus immunization was poor among general public as well as health care providers. A substantial proportion of them indicated tetanus injection after every injury, which was unwarranted. The knowledge of tetanus immunization schedule for adults was poor among all categories of respondents, though it was comparatively better for pregnant females, but only 75% of doctors and 51.1% of nursing personnel correctly knew the immunization schedule against tetanus in children. CONCLUSION: There is a need to upgrade the level of knowledge among health care providers so as to ensure that schedules of tetanus are followed properly and unnecessary repeated immunizations are avoided and the same knowledge is passed on to the general public also.
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Immunization Schedule , Tetanus Toxoid/administration & dosage , Adult , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health Personnel , Humans , India , NursesABSTRACT
The present study of ocular infections was conducted amongst primary school children residing in an urban slum and rural area of Delhi. A total of four schools were selected, two from urban slum in Central Delhi Rouse Avenue and two from a peripheral village on the outskirts of Delhi. All the children studying in the above mentioned schools and residing in the same area were covered. All the study subjects were interviewed, clinically examined and given a proforma to be filled by their parents. Of the total 775 subjects only 91 (11.74%) had ocular infections. Conjunctivitis was the most prevalent infection followed by trachoma, stye, blepharitis and chalazion. The type and prevalence of infection was similar, in both sexes and both areas, rural and urban. There was a significant rising trend of ocular infection with increase in age. A significant association was found between ocular infections and religion but the association with per capita income was not significant.
Subject(s)
Eye Infections/epidemiology , Adolescent , Age Distribution , Blepharitis/epidemiology , Chalazion/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Conjunctivitis/epidemiology , Female , Hordeolum/epidemiology , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Poverty Areas , Prevalence , Rural Population , Schools , Trachoma/epidemiology , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
Although vaccine against tetanus has been in use for more than two decades, often people are not aware of tetanus immunization schedules and its significance in preventing tetanus. The current cross-sectional study was carried out to (1) assess knowledge about tetanus immunization (in relation to injury) among persons attending a health mela and (2) To assess their knowledge about tetanus immunization schedules in children, pregnant women and adults. Every tenth person above 15 years of age, who came to health post in the mela was interviewed. A total of 231 persons attending a health mela in Delhi in October 2003 were interviewed. About two third of them were males. Majority (55%) were graduates or above. Only half of them indicated that they would give tetanus immunization after an injury, two fifth indicated it after animal bite and only one fourth indicated it after burns. Knowledge was higher among females and with higher education. However, knowledge regarding correct immunization schedules, prevention of tetanus by DPT and when to give booster in case of injury after primary immunization was poor. There is need to create greater awareness among people about immunization against tetanus, duration of immunity and disease prevented by it. This is to ensure immunization when it is needed and avoid unnecessary repeated immunization.
