Knowledge, practice, and infection status of prisoners toward dermatomycosis: a study in Nepal.

Background: Dermatophytosis, commonly known as tinea, poses a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in environments with poor hygiene and overcrowding, such as prisons. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, there is a lack of research on the knowledge and hygiene practices regarding dermatophytosis among prisoners, particularly in Nepal. Objective: The study aimed to assess prisoners' knowledge, hygiene practice and infection status regarding dermatophytosis in Central Prison, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 184 respondents was designed to collect data using a validated pre-tested questionnaire from September 2023 to January 2024. The collected data was then analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Knowledge and hygiene practices were measured on an eight and 11-point scale and rated as poor (≤4) and sound (>4), bad (≤6), and good (>6), respectively. Summary data were presented by descriptive, while Chi-square and logistic regression were used for inferential statistics at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed moderate knowledge among prisoners regarding dermatophytosis, with significant gaps in understanding its spread and prevention. While most prisoners recognized the importance of treatment, there were misconceptions about the inevitability of contracting dermatophytosis and the role of personal hygiene. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge levels, adherence to recommended hygiene practices was suboptimal, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study underscores the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, changing attitudes, and promoting hygienic practices to mitigate the burden of dermatophytosis among prisoners.

Serial estimations of serum albumin levels as a prognostic marker in critically ill patients admitted in ICU in tertiary center: An observational study.

Critical illness is a severe condition that poses a significant threat to multiple organ systems and can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. Serum albumin concentration can serve as an independent predictor of mortality risk in critically ill patients. This study aimed to determine the role of serial monitoring of serum albumin (SA) levels as a prognostic marker of mortality and morbidity. This observational prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital over a period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, among critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Data collection was performed using a prestructured proforma. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23, employing appropriate tests. The P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. The study included 78 patients with 59 (75.6%) were survivors, and 19 (24.4%) were non-survivors. Mean SA levels did not significantly differ between non-survivors (3.30 ±â€…0.40 g/dL) and survivors (3.42 ±â€…0.35 g/dL) on admission (day 1) (P = .234). However, on day 3, non-survivors had significantly lower levels (3.02 ±â€…0.46 g/dL) compared to survivors (3.31 ±â€…0.29 g/dL) (P = .001). This trend continued on day 5, with non-survivors having significantly lower levels (2.92 ±â€…0.30 g/dL) compared to survivors (3.31 ±â€…0.33 g/dL) (P = .003). The decline in SA levels from day 1 to day 3 and from day 1 to day 5 was statistically significant in non-survivors (P = .001). In survivors, a significant decline was observed from day 1 to day 3 (P = .019), while the decline from day 1 to day 5 was not statistically significant (P = .074). Serial estimation of SA levels in critically ill patients can serve as a valuable prognostic marker, aiding in the identification of individuals at a higher risk of mortality and morbidity.