ABSTRACT
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disorder marked by a single-point mutation in the beta-globin gene. Hydroxyurea is a globally accepted disease-modifying agent that sounds to be effective in managing clinically and probably preventing complications of SCD. The current study aims to document the morbidity pattern and impact of Hydroxyurea therapy in the Outpatient Department of Sickle Cell Institute, Raipur. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected sixty-five patients (adults and children above six years). After obtaining informed consent, relevant data were collected in a predesigned pretested questionnaire. The appropriate statistical exercise was applied for the interpretation of results and inferences. Results: Acute febrile illness 54 (83%) and 53 (81.5%) reported pain crisis observed to have the most common morbidity among the study subjects, followed by 55.4% (36), 33 (50.8%) jaundice and difficulty breathing, respectively. Joint pain was the most commonly observed complaint, particularly at the knee joint (76.9%). Other complaints such as hand-foot syndrome (24.6%), epistaxis (27.7%), and acute chest syndrome (21.5%). Vaso-occlusive crisis (72.4%), difficulty in walking (60.0%) and eyesight (35.4%), leg ulcers (9.2%), and dactylitis (3.1%) were also documented as clinical manifestations among study participants. Less than half (44.46%) had an awareness about SCD. Hydroxyurea therapy was highly significant in improving the patient's clinical picture (P < 0.01), especially following the frequency of hospitalization and the requirement for blood transfusion. Conclusion: Pain crisis is the most common morbidity among study participants with a low level of knowledge about SCD with febrile illness. Hydroxyurea therapy was found to be quite effective as a disease-modifying therapy, especially for reducing the frequency of blood transfusion and lowering hospitalization rates among SCD patients.
ABSTRACT
Background: By increasing immunity, the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccine is expected to reduce the rate of infection and severity of infection, as well as the rate of hospitalisation. Healthcare providers (HCPs) can provide a good example when it comes to their health habits. HCPs are believed to have the best vaccine acceptance rates because they are open-minded and informed. By concentrating on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among HCPs in India, the current study gives a clear picture of vaccine acceptability. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study approach was used. Participants in the study gave their informed permission. Snowball sampling was employed to spread the survey around social media platforms (mostly WhatsApp groups and email IDs). The survey was open from April 1 through April 30, 2021, and a total of 316 responses were received. SPSS software, version 25, was used for statistical analysis (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The participants' average age was 32.8 ± 9.7, with 57% of them being male. 16.5% of the 316 individuals had a history of chronic illness. 40.5% had ever experienced COVID-19 symptoms, and 24.1% had been diagnosed with COVID-19 while on duty. Only 16.5% strongly agreed that they could get COVID-19 in the near future, and 48.1% disputed that obtaining COVID-19 infection would make them very unwell. Only 40.5% of participants were concerned about the possible side effects of the vaccine, while 63.2% were not concerned about the possible side effects of the vaccine. Only 39.2% were concerned about the affordability (high price) of vaccines. The majority (95%) of participants agreed to be vaccinated when sufficient information was provided, and only 31.7% agreed to be vaccinated if they were vaccinated free of charge. Conclusion: Due to the high level of current willingness among healthcare professionals to accept COVID-19 vaccines, these data may not be available to the general public. Understanding the complex and interrelated factors that influence vaccination decisions and the determinants of vaccine hesitancy in a particular population is essential to inform interventions to improve immunization coverage.
ABSTRACT
Background: The prevention of new infections in high-risk groups is a major thrust in National AIDS Control Program. There is enough evidence that many epidemiological and behavioral determinants which make High Risk Group vulnerable to HIV transmission. The most effective means of controlling the spread of HIV is through the implementation of Targeted Interventions (TIs) efforts by which services are catered to them. Furthermore, stigma and marginalization are often linked to this population, which may lead to difficulties while accessing social and health services (SHS) due to behavioral, cultural and language barriers or lack of knowledge of the system. So, finding the sociodemographic & behavioral profile can give a breakthrough in improving the quality of life of HIV high risk groups. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted during September to December 2019 in two districts (i.e., Raipur & Durg) among HRGs of Chhattisgarh. Training cum sensitization of survey team e.g., peer educators, outreach workers, counselors, project managers prior to the survey was done for data collection. Results: A Total of 3963 HRGs were registered with TI NGOs, 3418 (86.2%) were screened. The mean age of study participants was 27.69 ± 6.1. Compliance of participation was 86.2%. HRGs were observed to have malnutrition (BMI <18.5 &> 25.0). 7 cases of Pulmonary TB were found among IDUs. Prevalence of diabetes and Hypertension was 1.2% and 1.1% respectively. Substance abuse (i.e., for Alcohol and Tobacco) was significantly higher among IDUs and FSWs. Conclusion: This study reinforces the fact that for accessing High Risk Groups and retrieval of relevant information can best be obtained by their care givers i.e., TI NGOs personnel. Also understanding the sociodemographic and behavioral profiles are central to designing targeted HIV prevention interventions for them.
