scholarly journals Determinants of treatment adherence among the patients receiving treatment in the ART centre of a tertiary hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Author(s):  
Atanu Biswas ◽  
Asok Kumar Mandal

Background: WHO recommended adherence of 95% or more to antiretroviral therapy for better outcome in terms of general well-being and decreased chance of drug resistance. This study was conducted with the objective of describing the factors associated with adherence pattern to ongoing ART regimens in adults with HIV/AIDS in R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH), a tertiary hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.Methods: An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the adults receiving treatment at the ART centre of R. G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata. Patients above 15 years of age, who received at least one year of treatment before the day of the interview, comprise the study population. Sample size was 279. We tried to find out any association between adherence level and factors like socio-demographic profile, treatment profile, lifestyle pattern etc. applying bivariate analysis, Chi square test, multiple logistic regressions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (version 20).Results: Different factors like employment status, monthly income, language of communication, addiction, following advice on food and water intake, side effects from ART were found to be statistically associated with level of adherence among the subjects.Conclusions: Emphasis should be given on thorough counseling of the people with HIV/AIDS so as to motivate them to take medication as advised and to maintain adequate adherence level of therapy improving their general well-being.

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Smarajit Banik ◽  
Sandip Saha ◽  
Sudipan Mitra ◽  
Ujjwal Pattanayak ◽  
Rajib Sikder ◽  
...  

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality. With a rise in non communicable diseases in India, diabetes has become a modern epidemic showing a rising trend in West Bengal also. A large number of diabetes patients come to the diabetes clinic of our tertiary care hospital in North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Darjeeling, West Bengal. The large proportion of patients presenting with this condition prompted us to study the Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Prole of such patients. Methods: This was a descriptive hospital based cross sectional study involving a total of 344 diabetic patients enrolled in the diabetes clinic of a tertiary care teaching hospital from December 2019 to February 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and was analyzed in Microsoft excel sheet and using SPSS 20.0 software. Results: Among the 344 study participants, we found that 220 (63.95%) were males and 124 (36.05%) were females. Diabetes was more common among those aged 51-60 years 108 (31.40%). Family history was present among 188 (54.65%) of the diabetic patients. Almost 160 (46.51%) patients have diabetes 1.1 – 5 years. Hypertension was present among 216 (62.79%) patients. Almost 218 (63.37%) of the patients were overweight and 84 (24.42%) were obese. Conclusions: The diabetic patients presenting to this tertiary care hospital belong lower socioeconomic strata and having limited education in their age group. There is high proportion of obesity and hypertension among them.


Author(s):  
Vidya V. Patil ◽  
Rekha Udgiri

Background: Aging is a universal process. In India, the elderly account for 7.7% of the total population and the United Nations defines a country as “ageing” where the proportion of people over 60 years reaches 7.7%. Morbidity among elderly has an important influence on their physical functioning and psychological well-being. The objectives of the study were to assess the psychosocial problems associated with the elderly and to describe the chronic illness and utilization of welfare services among elderly.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the urban field practice area of Shri B M Patil Medical College, Vijayapur. House to house survey was conducted for a period of 3 months from September to November 2014.Results: Total of 372 elders were interviewed, 54.5% were males, 45.4% were females. Majority were Hindus 78.8%. 46% were illiterate. Majority 79% were financially dependent. 53% were working. Around 32% were feeling lonely Most common chronic illness is joint pain (66.66%), visual problem (50%), dental and chewing problem (48%).Conclusions: Financial dependence was high among the participants and majorities were suffering from one or the other chronic illness which needs attention and knowledge about geriatric welfare services should be given. 


Author(s):  
Suresh C. Gupta ◽  
Karan J. Jain ◽  
Anjana Tiwari ◽  
Indu Padmey ◽  
Nandkishor J. Bankar ◽  
...  

Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the deadliest diseases that modern medicine has ever had to tackle. Understanding the knowledge about HIV/AIDS in general populations will help in formulating strategy for prevention and treatment. With this background, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS among general population.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at C.C.M. Medical College and Hospital, Durg during December 2018 to January 2019. The data was collected from 450 patients attending the medicine outpatient department. Study subjects were selected using convenient sampling technique. Patients giving consent and willing to participate were included in the study. The data was collected in predesigned and pretested questionnaire.Results: 77.11% study participants were aware that unprotected sex can lead to transmission of HIV, 73.78% knew that shaking hands will not transmit the disease. 79.8% knew that use of condom can prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS. Overall males had better knowledge than females. 76.85% said they would behave friendly with people having HIV/AIDS and 69.78% were willing to take care of relatives with HIV.Conclusions: This study indicates that majority participants have good knowledge about difference between HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission and prevention though they were not completely aware of it. The proportion of those with lack of correct knowledge though comparatively less, needs to be taken as a challenge and addressed through well planned health educational activities at various platforms including teaching hospital premises.


Author(s):  
Shajeda Azizi ◽  
Khursheda Akhtar ◽  
Shahidullah Azizi ◽  
M. Kariul Islam ◽  
Sajidul Huq ◽  
...  

Background: Human Nipah virus (NiV) infection is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by the NiV resulting in severe illness in humans. The physicians can represent a lead role in disease prevention if they have the right knowledge regarding disease. This study aimed to state the assessment of knowledge regarding NiV infection among physicians in a selected tertiary hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 physicians in Rangpur Medical College and Hospital by pretested structured questionnaire, from January 2020 to December 2020, using a convenient sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews.Results: The majority of the respondents (69%) were within the 21 to 25 years of age group, mean age was 25±2.9 years where 54% of respondents were female. A questionnaire was comprised of 87 questions regarding knowledge on NiV infection. The findings revealed that 19% had good knowledge, 50% had fair and about 31% had poor level of knowledge regarding NiV infection. Among the respondents, 83% mentioned lack of awareness as a barrier regarding the prevention of NiV infection. Inferential statistics were done at a 95% confidence interval and 5% level of significance. Those who were aged between 21 to 25 years had significantly good knowledge than those who were more than 26 years of age (p=0.002).Conclusions: This study concludes that knowledge of the physicians on NiV infection was at a fair or average level. There is a dire need for the routine integration of the awareness and safety precaution practice among the physicians.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 49-55
Author(s):  
Shiv Kumar R ◽  
Puli SK ◽  
P. Kishan ◽  
Sanjay ND ◽  
Pusukuri Sphurthi ◽  
...  

Background: The development of an ideal doctor-patient relationship requires empathy. Empathetic conversation aids in the formation of an open and trusting equation between doctor and patient. Furthermore, this leads to accurate diagnoses and more compliance to the advised treatment. In this manner, empathy helps in overall recovery of the patient and improves global functioning and generalised well-being. This study aims to make note of the fluctuation in empathy levels during medical education. Studies done in various countries have found factors such as curriculum, clinical rotations timing and gender to progressively influences empathy levels in students throughout their medical training. The recent trend of violence against healthcare professionals in India calls for an urgent action into the gap between doctors and patients communication. Empathy towards patients and attendants will reduce such untoward events. In this current context, we should improve empathy levels among the training doctors. As a first step, we should assess various factors affecting empathy among health care professionals. Method: This cross sectional study was done among undergraduates of a rural medical college in Northern Telangana during the time period of October to December 2019. Their empathy levels were assessed using Jefferson’s Scale for Empathy- Student version (JSE-S). Result: Of the 470 students surveyed, 227 were males and 243 females. Female students were having higher empathy among first year and second years (p<0.001). Empathy levels seem to decline from first year to second year following which the mean empathy remains similar throughout the remaining years in students of both sexes. There is no significant relation between mean empathy scores and choice of future speciality (p>0.05). Conclusion: Female undergraduate students are found to be more empathetic than their male counterparts. A fall in empathy scores from the first to second year of MBBS is seen, which is when students enter their clinical rotations. Targeted intervention at this time may go a long way in the creation of a new generation of more empathetic physicians. Hence, there is a need for evaluation of teaching and learning techniques in medical education. Further, there is a call for more research into the determinants of decline in empathy amongst medical professionals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-297
Author(s):  
Shibaji Gupta ◽  
Seshadri Kole ◽  
Saikat Bhattacharya ◽  
Debjani Guchhait

Introduction: Corneal blindness, though treatable, contributes largely to the burden of blindness. With 1.2 million existing cases of corneal blindness in India, the demand for cornea collection is increasing. 69349 corneas were collected in 2018-19 but it is much less than what is needed. Faulty perceptions and unwillingness are two major hurdles against a scenario favourable towards eye donation. The objectives of the study was to assess the perception and willingness towards eye donation and the socio-demographic variables that affect such perception and willingness, in an urban community of West Bengal. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted among adult residents of the urban field practice area of Medical College Kolkata, data was collected from randomly selected eligible members, one each from all the available families by interviewing them using a validated pre tested schedule. Results: Eighty nine (52.3%) among 170 interviewed participants had Secondary level education or higher, 49.4% had outdoor engagement. 128 participants reported ocular morbidity in the family but only 126 had heard about eye donation. 98 (77.8%) of these 126, had favourable perception towards eye donation. Among these 98 participants, 40 were willing to pledge for eye donation. Higher education and outdoor engagement significantly predicted favourable perception, while willingness significantly increased with participants belonging to higher socio-economic class and with higher education. Conclusions: Compared to favourable perception, willingness of pledging eyes was lesser due to various false notions. Proper education through usage of means of mass communication and stress upon school education is needed to address these hurdles.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanzima Begum ◽  
Md Ismail Khan ◽  
Shamima Kawser ◽  
Md Ehsanul Huq ◽  
Nadira Majid ◽  
...  

Background: Drug can cure ailment when used rationally on the other hand they may become harmful or even may threaten a life when used irrationally. Absence of guidelines for antibiotic use, protocols for rational therapeutics and infection control committees, have led to overuse and misuse of antimicrobials even in different specialized units in hospitals. Objective: The study has been designed to get a picture of use of antibiotics in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh. Materials and method: Cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Medicine of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, for 3 months from 1st January 2009 to 31st March 2009. Admitted patients of Medicine unit-1 who got antibiotics were included in the study. Total number of patients was 1563. Results: Five hundred out of 1563 patients were prescribed antibiotics (38%). Out of 500 prescriptions, 68(14%) prescriptions were found irrational. Conclusion: Continuous surveillance should be carried out to reduce the irrational use of antibiotics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i2.20526 Delta Med Col J. Jul 2014; 2(2): 64-67


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253808
Author(s):  
Dhan Bahadur Shrestha ◽  
Nagendra Katuwal ◽  
Ayush Tamang ◽  
Agrima Paudel ◽  
Anu Gautam ◽  
...  

Background Medical students are more prone to burnout than the general population and students of other faculties due to the demanding nature of medical education with limited time and resources. Burnout has a negative impact on the academics and personal life of the students which can continue into their professional life and ultimately hamper patient care. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of burnout among medical students of a medical college and find its association with age, gender, and year of study. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of a medical college in Kathmandu, Nepal from 14 January to 7 March, 2021. Stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire using the English version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory adapted for students (OLBI-S) and analyzed in STATA version 15. Results The prevalence of burnout was found out to be 65.9% (n = 229). And of the remaining, 12.7% were exhausted, 11.4% were disengaged and 10.0% were neither exhausted nor disengaged. Burnout had no significant association with age in years, gender, and year of study. Conclusions This study shows an alarming prevalence of burnout in almost two-thirds of medical students. These results indicate the necessity of employing effective strategies by relevant authorities for the mental well-being of future physicians. Further multicenter prospective studies are required for a better understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of burnout.


2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Lydia ◽  
Yassir Yassir ◽  
Rudy Hidayat ◽  
Suhendro Suwarto

Background: Uric acid (UA) levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, there are still conflicting data on the mechanism of increased risks related to uric acid levels. Objectives: This study assessed the association between uric acid levels and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), as a marker of cardiovascular disease, in the subjects undergoing hemodialysis twice weekly. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. We included all the adults who underwent hemodialysis twice weekly for at least three months in our hospital. Subjects already on uric acid lowering therapy, pregnant or lactating women and those with a history of malignancy were excluded. Uric acid and SDMA levels were measured at the same time in pre-dialysis venous blood samples. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test or one-way ANOVA. Results: A total of 126 subjects were included. The median level of UA was 8.4 mg/dL (IQR: 2.6, min: 4.1, max: 13.6), and 72 subjects (57.14%) had UA levels of 8 mg/dL or higher. The median SDMA level was 535.5 (312.7) mmol/dL (min: 119.7, max: 1895.5). Subjects with UA levels > 8 mg/dL had significantly higher SDMA levels compared to subjects with UA levels < 8 mg/dL (550.1 (IQR: 357.25) vs 491.35 (IQR: 181.1), P: 0.0475). Conclusions: In twice-weekly hemodialysis patients, UA levels above 8 mg/dL were associated with increased SDMA levels.


Author(s):  
Tarun Kumar Sarkar ◽  
Pulak Kumar Jana ◽  
Jasmine M. ◽  
Timiresh Kumar Das ◽  
Mrinmoy Adhikary ◽  
...  

Background: Thalassemia is more prevalent in India. The main treatment of Thalassemia is blood transfusion. But the transfusion of blood has many side effects like iron overload, transfusion related infections etc. The objectives of the study were to assess the adequacy of blood transfusion for thalassemic patients and to determine the magnitude of transfusion transmitted infections among those patients.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal for 1 month with the sample size of 116. The blood samples from the patients were taken from the patients attending for blood transfusion in transfusion centre of Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital for two weeks dated from 24.04.2017 to 05.05.2017 to check for the hemoglobin, ferritin level and hepatitis B, C and HIV infection.Results: Among the 116 patients, even after transfusion, 94% of the study participants have their hemoglobin levels below 7 gm/dl. Only 2 individuals got their hemoglobin levels more than 9 gm/dl and only 1 patient got HIV infection post transfusion which accounts for 0.9% of study population.Conclusions: Frequent Hb estimation will help to maintain the adequacy of blood transfusion and proper screening of the blood before transfusion can help in reducing these transfusion transmitted infections.


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