International Healthcare Research Journal (IHRJ)
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Malaria in Pregnancy in Nigeria: A Literature Review
Get PDFMalaria is caused by the parasite plasmodium which can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Of the five types of plasmodium (P. Falciparium, P.Ovale, P. Malaria, P. Vivax and P. Knowlesi), the plasmodium falciparium is the deadliest and affects the lives of almost 40 per cent of the world’s population with pregnant women and children under-five years of age being the most affected. This mini-review involved the collation of findings from recent studies in regards to the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women and infants. A systematic analysis of recent literature on the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy from many authors was carried out and the facts synthesized to make an easy read. From the analysis of literature, Ten Thousand women and 200,000 babies were reported to be dying annually from complications of malaria in pregnancy which recorded a prevalence of 85 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa. More so, Fifty per cent of pregnant women were discovered to be carrying plasmodium falciparium in their placenta without even experiencing malaria signs/ symptoms, and this development was reported to have been responsible for Twenty per cent of stillbirths and 11 per cent of all maternal deaths. Malaria infection is considered a major threat to the lives and well-being of pregnant women and infants. Therefore, stakeholders should ensure that every clinical diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy is confirmed with a laboratory plasmodium falciparium-based diagnosis before the administration of antimalarial drugs. Furthermore there should be a stepping –up on the distribution of insecticide treated nets alongside enlightenment of pregnant women on ways of preventing mosquito bite. Instituting the aforementioned approaches is key to improving the health- seeking behaviour of pregnant women in particular and the wider population in general thus enabling them to stay malaria free throughout the period of pregnancy and infancy
Editorial Thanks: IHRJ Completes Three Years of Successful Publication
Get PDFThe editorial board thanks all it authors and readers for their support in the journey of IHRJ as it completes three years of glorious publishin
Seasonal Distribution of Diarrhea among Children aged 1-5 Years in Slums of Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Door to Door Survey
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: Diarrhea, a water borne disease is very prevalent in children under 5 years of age and lead to serious consequences among them if not treated on time. AIM: To assess the Seasonal Distribution of diarrhea among children aged 1-5 years in slums of southern IndiaMATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was a planned door to door survey via a standard, pre-validated and pre-tested questionnaire among the slums the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Data was collected from the mothers/caretakers of children aged 1-5 years regarding Diarrheal episodes in the past one year. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0 and by applying the independent samples t-test as well as the multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 2684 children were reported having diarrhea, out of which there were slightly more females (52.1%) as compared to males (47.9%). 55.1% of children were treated at home, while 34.2% needed consultation and 10.7% required hospitalization. Most cases were reported in the monsoon season (39.3%), followed by summer (30.6%), winter(22.5%) and autumn (7.6%). The independent samples t-test (p=0.03) as well as the multivariate logistic regression (p=0.01) showed significant results while comparing the occurrence of diarrhea in monsoon seasons in comparison to other seasons.CONCLUSION: Further studies are advised among slum dwellers so that proper and tailor made programs can be directed in reducing the effect of diarrhea in children residing in slums in southern India
Lockdown and Insomnia among Undergraduate Healthcare Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a risk factor for various physical and mental disorders as well can affect the academic performance of a student(s). AIM: To assess the prevalence of insomnia among university going students (medical, dental and nursing streams) in the South Asian continent during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemicMATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study was conducted amongst 743 medical, dental and nursing undergraduate students residing in South Asia using convenience sampling. Data was collected using a pre-tested and pre-validated questionnaire [the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS)] using google forms and had a total of 8 questions (score range 0-3) . Final scores (the individual AIS score) were obtained by adding the scores for each question (range 0 -24). The higher the score was, the worse was the sleep quality; students with score of ≥ 6 were considered insomniac. Data Analysis was done using SPSS version 21.012 by using the independent samples t-test, and multiple logistic regression.RESULTS: A total of 921 entries were recorded, out of which 743 were complete and hence, were included in the study (response rate: 80.7%). Insomnia was reported in 421 (56.7%) students, out of which, the highest was seen among dental (62.7%), followed by medical (59.8%) and nursing (45.3%) undergraduates. The highest range of AIS was observed among females (6-22) and dental students (6-21). Gender differences revealed a significant association among females in both range obtained (t-test) (p=0.03) as well as the multiple linear regression analyzing insomnia in relation to gender (p=0.03).CONCLUSION: There is a need to regularly assess insomnia among students and to take preventive measures incase of high prevalence is found among them, especially while pursuing academics online and from their homes due to the pandemic
Restoring a Fractured Endodontically Treated Incisor Using Fiber Post: A Case Report
Get PDFCoronal fractures of the anterior teeth arising after endodontic treatment are sequelae of dental trauma. Endodontically treated teeth presents a higher risk of biomechanical failure than vital teeth. Posts are needed for restoring teeth with insufficient coronal tooth structure to retain a core for definitive restoration. Fiber posts are more easily and safely removed "by hollowing them out from the inside”. This present case report depicts a 23 year old male patient with fracture of tooth number 21 which had undergone an RCT 8-10 months ago and was restored using fiber post
COVID-19: Today's Ambiguity, Tomorrow's Uncertainty and After Tomorrow's Questions
Get PDFGuest Comment by Prof. Dr Hamid Yahya Hussain on the COVID-19 Pandemi
Foreign Body Management in The Maxillary Central Incisor of a Teenage Girl: A Case Report
Get PDFFinding a foreign body lodged in the tooth structure of a tooth is quite uncommon occurrence and requires skill to remove the same. Its extraction requires a detailed case history followed by clinical, and radiographic examination to ascertain the size, position, and nature of the embedded objects so that the difficulty involved in its retrieval can be assessed. At times due to fear, a child hesitates from informing the parent regarding the lodgement and may only do so when one experiences pain. There is a great possibility that the foreign objects may act as a potential source of infection and lead to undesirable consequences. This case report will discuss the lodgement, retrieval and management of foreign object (tip of lead pencil) in the maxillary left central incisor of female teenager aged 16 years
Antiepileptics and Sound Perception Disorders
Get PDFEpilepsy, a neurological health issue has been reported in all age groups and all countries. Anti-epileptic drugs have been reported to have many adverse events affecting different body parts and organs but their hazardous affect on a primary sensory organ is less known. In this mini review, we discuss thee impact of anti-epileptic medications on sound perception which adversely disrupts the quality of life
Understanding Epilepsy Among Parents Through an Educative Blog-A Novel Method
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by the risk of recurrent seizures. Individuals are still socially discriminated due to misunderstandings by widespread negative attitudes and defensive behavior. AIM: To assess the knowledge among parents regarding epilepsy and to eradicate the myths associated with using a blog.MATERIALS AND METHOD: A blog was created with elaborate information regarding Epilepsy.50 parents of children with history of Epilepsy were included for the study. The parents of the children were given the link to the blog and were asked to go through it and express their views and responses. Later the parents were educated and doubts/queries were clarified.RESULTS: About 40 parents were willing to go through the blog. The other 10 though reluctant went through the blog after making them realize the need to have knowledge about epilepsy. Among 50 parents, around 30 parents refused to believe that it was a form of epilepsy/fits and discontinued the medication without Physician’s consent. Around 45 parents believed that giving metal objects helped in treating seizures. Also 40 parents believed strongly that Febrile seizures was not a form of seizures and did not require treatment. 20 parents had discontinued the medication on their own after a few months.CONCLUSION: In our study we found lack of knowledge regarding Epilepsy and the different variants of epilepsy. Also, parents strongly believed in the myths and hence did not consult a doctor. Most parents assumed Epilepsy to be a neurologic disorder and that it required psychiatric help. This study made an attempt to educate people regarding epilepsy in detail by the means of an educative blog
Drug Related Hypertension: A Review on an Unappreciated Cause of Blood Pressure Increase
Get PDFBlood pressure elevation is known to be a determining risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Although blood pressure increase has many causative factors, numerous drugs have also been reported to increase blood pressure. Drugs are often overlooked as a reason of hypertension. A few medications that usually help to reduce blood pressure may increase blood pressure paradoxically or may lead to blood pressure elevation on discontinuation due to a rebound effect. Detailed evaluation of patient’s medical therapy may help to identify the culprit drug. Discontinuation of the causative agent is recommended once the drug induced hypertension has been identified. The present review summarizes the therapeutic agents that can induce hypertension and would allow the clinician to recognize this entity and to take the appropriate therapeutic measures