Chettinad Health City Medical Journal (E-2278-2044 & P-2277-8845)

Weight Loss Drugs: Striking the Balance Between Benefits and Risks

Raja D — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 07:52:15 +0000

How to cite this article:
Raja D. Weight Loss Drugs: Striking the Balance Between Benefits and Risks. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):1-3.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202421

A Pre-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme in Terms of Knowledge Regarding Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) Prevention Among Nursing Officers Working in the Selected Hospital of Delhi NCR

Ritu Verma, Jahanara Rahman, Saba Hashmi — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 08:01:11 +0000

Introduction: As per the data of the World Health Organization, 30% of patients in the ICU develop hospital-acquired infections, among which the majority are blood infections due to the existence of catheters in the venous cavity. Infections can be reduced by educating staff on the aseptic care of patients with central venous catheters (CVCs).
Materials and Methods: A pre-experimental research study with one group pre-test post-test design was used for this study. The Yashoda Hospital and Research Centre in Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, served as the study’s location. The approach of purposeful sampling was employed to choose 30 nursing officers from the hospital who were working in the Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Neonatal ICU and Paediatric ICU. A structured teaching programme was conducted on CLABSI (Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection) infection. Nursing Officers’ learning outcomes were assessed by using the structured knowledge questionnaire regarding CLABSI prevention.
Results: Following the delivery of a structured teaching programme, a post-test was conducted which revealed that the majority of Nursing Officers (23, 76.66%) had moderately adequate knowledge, 7 (23.33%) had adequate knowledge, and none of the group had inadequate knowledge.
Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrate the effectiveness of structured teaching programmes by demonstrating that most nursing officers had moderately adequate knowledge regarding CLABSI prevention after receiving the programme, which was administered to them.

How to cite this article:
Verma R, Rahman J, Hashmi S. A Pre-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme in Terms of Knowledge Regarding Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) Prevention Among Nursing Officers Working in the Selected Hospital of Delhi NCR. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):4-10.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202422

An Evaluation of Community Health Workers’ Knowledge Regarding Non-Communicable Diseases in Selected Primary Health Centres of Suryapet District, Telangana

Jyothi Kurapati, Chandanadur Thippaiah Anitha — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 08:22:02 +0000

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in India. In 2010, the Government of India (GOI) initiated the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) with the aim of assessing and addressing the anticipated burden of NCDs. As part of the programme, the GOI planned for community health workers (CHWs) to deliver health services to the last mile. However, the existing research shows that CHWs do not know enough about chronic diseases. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the knowledge and skills of CHWs in Suryapet District regarding NCDs.
Aim: The study’s objective was to find out how much Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) in Telangana knew about NCDs and how good CHWs in Telangana were at screening for NCDs.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 CHWs in Suryapet, Telangana, from June 2019 to August 2019. The CHWs were selected using a convenience sampling technique from designated Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the Suryapet district.
Results: The CHWs older than 40 years, with post-secondary education or higher, and with prior training in NCDs had the highest levels of knowledge about these conditions.
Conclusions: The majority of respondents had a limited understanding of NCDs. Knowledge was also found to increase with age, education, and experience. However, training is needed to ensure that frontline workers can correctly identify various symptoms and risk factors of NCDs.

How to cite this article:
Kurapati J, Anitha C T. An Evaluation of Community Health Workers’ Knowledge regarding Non-Communicable Diseases in Selected Primary Health Centres of Suryapet District, Telangana. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):11-20.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202423

Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Factors Affecting Return To Work Post Stroke

Jeba Chitra, Deeksha — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 09:36:33 +0000

Introduction: Stroke accounts for 42% of cases with mild disability and 43% of cases with moderate disability, hence being one of the primary causes of disability. A successful Return To Work (RTW) post-stroke has been demonstrated to improve the patient’s quality of life and a general sense of well-being. The percentage of stroke survivors returning to work varies globally “from 14% to 73%”. Due to limited access to health care, education, career opportunities, and social participation, people with disabilities are more likely to become financially and socially dependent. A tool that assesses various factors affecting RTW post-stroke will give insight into limiting dependency and comprehensive vocational rehabilitation in the future. Hence, developing a tool to assess factors affecting RTW post-stroke is essential.
Method: The Return To Work Factors Assessing Questionnaire in Stroke (RTWFAQS) was developed using a multi-step method divided into two phases. Phase I was involved in developing a questionnaire, which included conceptualisation and item generation through the deductive method. Phase II was one round of expert validation of items in the questionnaire and identifying the Content Validity Index (I-CVI).
Results: The I-CVI of the domain was found to be 0.92, which indicates strong content validity.
Conclusion: The RTWFAQS domains may be suitable for the assessment of factors affecting RTW post-stroke based on the results of round one expert validation.

How to cite this article:
Chitra J, Deeksha. Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Factors Affecting Return To Work Post Stroke. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):21-25.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202424

Hazards, Practices and Health Outcomes of Stone Quarry Workers of Mahendragarh, Haryana: A Socio-Demographic Analysis

Anindita Roy Saha, Ajeet, Namita Mathur — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 09:50:40 +0000

Introduction: Unhealthy work conditions and the absence of legislative protection in the stone quarrying activity carried out in the urban and semi-urban areas of developing countries have a high incidence of respiratory and pulmonary diseases.
Method: The current research was conducted among 229 male workers in the middle age group with around ten years of experience in stone quarrying at 5 units of Nangal Chaudhary tehsil of the Mahendragarh district of the Haryana state in northern India.
Result: A binary logit regression model has shown the expected vulnerability and negative health outcomes of such workers, explained majorly by the type and duration of exposure to dust, lack of protective devices, and inadequate health facilities.
Conclusion: The results provide major insights into the broader discourses on pollution and health with a micro-focus on the stone quarry sector. This indicates the need for immediate and serious policy attention to a sector generally overlooked.

How to cite this article:
Saha A R, Ajeet, Mathur N. Hazards, Practices and Health Outcomes of Stone Quarry Workers of Mahendragarh, Haryana: A Socio-Demographic Analysis. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):26-34.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202425

Internet Overuse and Psychological Well-Being Among Young Adult Women

Parvathi S, Mythili T — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:04:42 +0000

Introduction: Young adulthood is a period of development and healthy women are the cornerstone of a healthy society. Technology fulfils many human needs, but its overuse is a risk. Being addicted to technology has its effects on the psychological and physical well-being of an individual. For a brighter and healthier future, it is essential to ensure the well-being of young adult women. The study was conducted to find out the relationship between internet addiction and psychological well-being among young adult women between the ages of 20 and 24 years.
Method: The research design used was an ex post facto design. The study was conducted in an engineering college and an arts and science college in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Sixty postgraduate female students from professional and non-professional disciplines (30 in each group), using the internet (at least for the past six months) were included in the study. Young’s internet addiction scale and Riff’s psychological well-being scale were used to measure internet addiction and psychological well-being respectively. Statistical analysis was done using independent t test, correlation coefficient and regression analysis.
Results: In this study, it was found that professional young adult women significantly differed in psychological well-being as compared to non-professional young adult women with a p value of 0.001. A negative correlation was found between internet addiction and psychological well-being. It was observed that demographic variables such as birth status, family type, working status of the mother and purpose of internet usage did not significantly predict internet addiction.
Conclusion: Psychological well-being is significantly higher in non-professional students than professional in the young adult women population. Internet usage does not affect the psychological well-being of this age group.

How to cite this article:
Parvathi S, Mythili T. Internet Overuse and Psychological Well-Being Among Young Adult Women. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):35-40.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202426

Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) for Injury Prevention Strategies Among Football Players in Meghalaya

Pooja Chaudhuri, Bashankupar Umyiap, Tapi Utung — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:27:27 +0000

Background: Football is a popular sport played worldwide. Being a high-risk sport, it predisposes players to injuries.
Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse knowledge, attitude and practice for injury prevention amongst footballers in Meghalaya along with the analysis of the awareness of the usage of protective gear, diet, training programme and role of physiotherapy in football.
Methods: One hundred and seventy-one respondents participated in the KAP study. An online questionnaire was circulated among football players participating in the Shillong Premier League 2022–23 from May 2022 to June 2022. Questions were linked with demographic data, injury history, knowledge, attitudes and injury prevention practices.
Results: The normality of demographic data was calculated using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The mean age of participants was 20 years. The results showed that footballers have good knowledge regarding injury prevention.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the majority of football players have good knowledge regarding sports injury prevention in terms of protective gear, diet, training programme and the role of physiotherapy in football.

How to cite this article:
Chaudhuri P, Umyiap B, Utung T. Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) for Injury Prevention Strategies Among Football Players in Meghalaya. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):41-45.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202427

Prevalence of Diabetes and Patterns of Health Seeking Behaviour Among Known Diabetics in a Rural Area of Lucknow District

Trideep Jyoti Deori, Jyoti Das — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:45:51 +0000

Introduction: Diabetes has emerged as a global public health crisis, with a rapidly increasing prevalence, especially in low- and middle-income countries. India is often referred to as the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’, with a substantial portion of its population suffering from diabetes or at risk of developing it. Health-seeking behaviour plays a crucial role in managing this disease and minimizing complications, making it a pertinent subject of study. This research aims to understand the current health-seeking behaviours and the influencing factors among individuals with diabetes in a rural area of Lucknow, India.
Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted between September 2017 and August 2018, targeted adults aged 40 years and older using multistage random sampling. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and fasting blood glucose measurements using the Accu-Chek active blood glucose meter kit. Ethical approval was obtained before the study commenced.
Results: The study found that 15.6% of the study population had diabetes, with a similar prevalence among males and females. Among these, over half were already diagnosed with diabetes, but only about one-fifth of those on medication had their blood sugar under control. The majority of known diabetic patients preferred private healthcare facilities, often citing shorter waiting times. Socioeconomic and demographic factors significantly influenced health-seeking behaviour, with the lower socio-economic classes, government employees, and housewives being less likely to have their blood sugar checked regularly.
Conclusion: This study highlights the need for improved diabetes-related services and care-seeking behaviours to effectively manage diabetes, especially in economically disadvantaged and marginalised populations. Understanding the reasons for seeking healthcare, especially the gendered dimensions, is vital for tailoring diabetes management strategies. Policymakers and healthcare professionals must work toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases like diabetes by one-third by 2030.

How to cite this article:
Deori T J, Das J. Prevalence of Diabetes and Patterns of Health Seeking Behaviour Among Known Diabetics in a Rural Area of Lucknow District. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):46-53.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202428

Risk Factors Influencing Anaemic Prevalence Among Adolescent Girls in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala

Jikcey Isaac — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:54:47 +0000

Introduction: Anaemia in adolescent girls is a significant public health issue in Kerala, influenced by poor dietary habits, insufficient iron intake, menstrual health issues, socioeconomic disparities, and limited healthcare access. Cultural practices and gender norms further exacerbate anaemia. Addressing this requires comprehensive public health interventions, nutritional education, and policy changes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Konni village, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, with 200 adolescent girls aged 15–18 years from five schools (one government, one private-aided, and three private). Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire from January to February 2023, covering socio-economic details, parents’ education and occupation, and dietary habits (age, BMI, type of school and family, mother’s education, monthly income, father’s occupation, and fruit and leafy vegetable consumption). Statistical analysis included percentage calculation, chi-square tests (p = 0.05), odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using SPSS 19.
Results: Dietary diversity was poor, with only 2% of participants consuming fruits and leafy vegetables daily, and most consuming them monthly or occasionally. PCA identified nine key risk factors for anaemia, including socio-economic variables like mother’s educational level and family type. Lower maternal education correlated with higher anaemia rates, likely due to insufficient knowledge about nutrition and healthcare.
Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of anaemia, with notable associations with age, father’s occupation, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Despite Kerala’s relative development, anaemia remains a major public health concern. PCA revealed critical risk factors, emphasising the complex interplay of socio-economic factors, personal hygiene, and dietary habits in anaemia prevalence.

How to cite this article:
Isaac J. Risk Factors Influencing Anaemic Prevalence Among Adolescent Girls in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):54-62.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202429

Screening of Justicia simplex for Skin Lesions: An In Vitro Study

Pradeep Kumar, Jaya Chithra — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 11:12:03 +0000

Introduction: Skin diseases demand excessive and continuous use of antibiotics and skin ointments that are expensive for the general public. Treatment in the later stages makes it more complicated and incurable. This would also result in the emergence of resistant strains of microbes, among other side effects. The present study evaluates the wound healing, antibacterial, and antifungal efficacies of the hexane extract of leaves of the medicinal herb Justicia simplex and detects the potent compounds.
Materials and Methods: The wound healing efficacy of the extract was evaluated by in vitro scratch assay. Antimicrobial activities were studied by the agar well diffusion method. The potent compounds present in the extracts were identified by FTIR analysis. Drug-likeness of the compounds was predicted by employing the SWISSADME web tool and pharmacological activities by the PASS online software.
Results: The study proved the effectiveness of J. simplex against pathogenic bacteria and fungi, and its wound healing properties. The bioactive compounds identified were ethyl 6,9,12-hexadecatrienoate, 17-octadecynoic acid, and n-hexadecanoic acid. All the compounds were very likely to exhibit anti-eczematic activity and obey the Lipinski rule of drug-likeness.
Conclusions: The study reveals the synergistic action of various compounds present in J. simplex which prompted the use of the plant as a curative agent in folk medicine. The plant can be used as a source for novel drug discovery but requires further investigation.

How to cite this article:
Kumar R P, Chithra S K J. Screening of Justicia simplex for Skin Lesions: An In Vitro Study. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):63-68.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202430

Sleep Quality Among Scuba Diving Instructors, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Vivin Vincent, Kalyani Ramakrishnan, Shivashankar Singh, Jeevithan Shanmugam — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 11:21:05 +0000

Background: Water-based sports improve sleep quality and literature shows that it is superior to land-based physical activity in improving sleep. These occupational risks associated with scuba diving might affect sleep quality also. Hence, the current study aimed to determine sleep quality among scuba instructors in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Method: A cross-sectional research was done using a participant-administered questionnaire on 423 scuba diving instructors, in Andaman and Nicobar Islands between 2022 and 2023. Data on sociodemography, health profile, diving-related data, hazards faced in diving and on health, sleep quality and safety-related knowledge and practices in scuba diving was collected and analysed using SPSS ver 25. Approval from the institutional ethics committee was secured. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants.
Results: The mean age of the participants was years. The majority (189, 44.7%) reported the problem of not being able to sleep within 30 minutes in bed about once or twice a week. Two hundred and seventy (63.8%) did not need any medications to go to sleep.
Conclusion: Sleep quality was low among scuba diving instructors with the lowest score being the sleep duration component.

How to cite this article:
Vincent V, Ramakrishnan K, Singh S, Shanmugam J. Sleep Quality Among Scuba Diving Instructors, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):69-73.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202431

Utilisation of the Unani System of Medicine Among Two Selected Localities of Bengaluru: A Comparative Study

Ashaq Hussain Munshi, Arish M K Sherwani — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 11:32:23 +0000

Introduction: The Unani system of medicine, a component of AYUSH, has a history of being practised even before formal healthcare took shape in the form of modern medicine. Though people relied for acute illness, surgeries and other emergencies on modern medicine, it still did not lose its importance in the healthcare delivery system due to its preventive, promotive and curative outlook. The purpose of this study is to assess the utilisation of the Unani system of medicine among the dwellers of two selected localities of Bengaluru and its association with demographic variables and comparisons between two selected localities.
Method: A systematic randomised cross-sectional study was conducted with the inclusion of 427 (207 from locality A and 220 from locality B) participants from two selected localities of Bengaluru using a questionnaire/ schedule. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.
Results: The overall aggregate results of both localities in terms of utilisation indices were found as High utilisation index (HUI): 3, 0.7%, Medium utilisation index (MUI): 34, 7.96% and Low utilisation index (LUI): 390, 91.33%.Each individually studied population showed the results as HUI: 2 (1%), MUI: 11 (5.3%), and LUI: 194 (93.7%) for population A and the values being 1 (0.5%), 23 (10.5%) and 96 (89.0%) as HUI, MUI and LUI, respectively for population B.
Conclusion: The utilisation of the Unani system of medicine as revealed by this study was found to be low in both studied localities in terms of indices, and thus the data from the study can be helpful for making interventions and interpretations at various levels to make the visions and objectives of National AYUSH Mission successful in popularising and practising Unani system of medicine and other AYUSH systems.

How to cite this article:
Munshi A H, Sherwani A M K. Utilisation of the Unani System of Medicine Among Two Selected Localities of Bengaluru: A Comparative Study. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):74-80.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202432

Design Expert Software Empowering Ocular Drug Delivery: Learning From Past Successes With Ocular Inserts

Maddileti Repollu, Haranath Chinthaginjala — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 11:50:35 +0000

The primary objective of this review is to explore the techniques adopted that can slow down the excretion of drugs from the ocular surface and prolong the contact time of the medication with the target tissues. Ocular inserts have emerged as a promising approach in this regard and can be broadly categorised into three types: soluble, insoluble, and biodegradable ocular inserts. In the field of ophthalmic formulations, conventional dosage forms are widely used, accounting for approximately 90% of the products available in the market. However, one of the main challenges faced with conventional formulations is the rapid loss of medication from the cornea, leading to reduced bioavailability and efficacy of ocular medications. To overcome this challenge and improve the delivery of ocular medications, significant efforts have been focused on the development of novel drug delivery systems specifically designed for ophthalmic administration. Recent studies in this area have explored the combination of different drug delivery technologies to achieve enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Overall, the development of ocular inserts represents a significant advancement in the treatment of various eye diseases. These inserts offer the potential to improve drug bioavailability, prolong therapeutic effects, and enhance patient compliance by reducing the frequency of administration. The work summarises that further research and development efforts are needed in this field to refine these technologies and optimise their effectiveness in ocular drug delivery.

How to cite this article:
Repollu M, Chinthaginjala H. Design Expert Software Empowering Ocular Drug Delivery: Learning From Past Successes With Ocular Inserts. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):81-91.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202433

Role of Vitamin D in Health of Post-Menopausal Women

Simran Singh, Ila Joshi — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 12:31:49 +0000

Menopause is an important stage of a woman’s lifetime. The alterations in hormones during menopause transition bring many unfavourable changes in the health of women. A decline in oestrogen levels promotes vitamin D insufficiency which is a serious problem among post-menopausal women. Human beings, especially post-menopausal women, essentially need vitamin D to address the skeletal as well as extra-skeletal demands.
The current review examines the connection between a lack of vitamin D and the occurrence of skeletal disorders, pelvic floor disorders, metabolic syndrome, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and fall in certain cognitive functions among post-menopausal women. These problems, in addition to various other menopausal symptoms, significantly affect the overall quality of life of women undergoing menopause and dramatically increase the massive load on the healthcare system and cost of living. Limited choice of vitamin D-rich foods, changing hormones and poor sun exposure due to hot climate, lifestyle and cultural factors make women more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Hence, there is a need to create awareness about this multi-tasking vitamin and formulate food fortification guidelines and public health policies in accordance with revised recommended dietary intakes.

How to cite this article:
Singh S, Joshi I. Role of Vitamin D in Health of Post-Menopausal Women. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):92-98.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202434

Comparison of Oral Health Status Between Individuals with Systemic Diseases and Healthy Individuals Among Automobile Industrial Workers at Ambattur Estate, Tiruvallur

R Abdul Farith, D Anandha Jothi, A Arshiya, R Ganesh, B Selvamani, M Sasikala — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 12:13:06 +0000

Dentist and dental screening may be the most recent development helpful in detecting persons at risk of cardiovascular disease. Oral diseases, particularly periodontal diseases, are associated with different systemic conditions. There is a bi-directional relationship between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease. In people with periodontal disease and vascular heart issues, treating gum disease may decrease the chance of developing cardiovascular disease and improve their overall health. This article presents a cross-sectional study conducted among automobile industrial workers in Ambattur Estate, Tiruvallur. There were 50 plants, among which workers from 25 plants reported on the day of the study. The study participants underwent clinical oral examination after being questioned about demographic data and systemic disease. Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), Decayed, Missing, Filled Surfaces (DMFS) index and WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults, 2013 were used to assess the oral hygiene status. Throughout every clinical examination, a mouth mirror, and explorer were used. It was seen that out of 193 participants, 76 (39%) were male, and 117 (61%) were female. The study showed that the maximum number of participants had fair OHI status, with female participants having better OHI status than male participants. In general, those who were in good health had better OHI and DMFS status than those who had systemic disorders.

How to cite this article:
Farith R A, Jothi D A, Arshiya A, Ganesh R, Selvamani B, Sasikala M. Comparison of Oral Health Status Between Individuals with Systemic Diseases and Healthy Individuals Among Automobile Industrial Workers at Ambattur Estate, Tiruvallur. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(2):99-102.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202435