International Healthcare Research Journal (IHRJ)
International Healthcare Research Journal (IHRJ)Not a member yet
523 research outputs found
Sort by
Understanding Prescribing Cascades: Evaluating Risks and its Management
Full text linkPrescribing cascade occurs when an adverse drug event is misinterpreted as a new medical condition resulting in a new medication being prescribed to treat the adverse drug event. A simple example is prescription of a proton pump inhibitor(PPIs) to counteract the acid reflux caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). An interconnection between polypharmacy and prescribing cascade is established where both have a direct influence on each other. Prescribing cascade can affect people of any age but has shown to frequently affect the elderly patients. Assessment tools include both simpler ways like effective communication, clinical process mapping, NO TEARS checklist and complex algorithms like the Screening Tool for Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP), Beers criteria, Medication Appropriateness Index. Identifying and disrupting the prescribing cascade is an important, feasible, and undervalued opportunity to improve patient drug safety
A Study to Assess the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension among the Truck Drivers of district Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, India
Full text linkINTRODUCTION: Hypertension is one most common non-communicable cardiovascular disease. It is the major risk factor for heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic renal failure and cerebral vascular diseases. Hypertension has been found paramountly amongst long distance truck drivers. This could be due to the hectic nature of their job. AIM: The study was conducted to study the prevalence of hypertension among truck drivers of Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh and to study the associated risk of hypertension amongst them. MATERIALS AND METHOD: District Shivpuri of Madhya Pradesh has around 20 Truck operation unions all registered under which more than 1000 truck drivers are registered. Total 770 drivers were selected by using systematic random sampling. The present study was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. Information regarding demographic profile and risk factors of hypertension were collected on pre-tested proforma. RESULTS: Out of total 770 truck drivers, prevalence of hypertension was found 45.6% including 15% self-reported and 30.6% detected in the study. Only about 7% of truckers who were pre-diagnosed had undergone treatment for a certain period of time. Highest prevalence of hypertension was reported in 40 to 49 years age group followed by 30 to 39 years. Hypertension was prevalent amongst the truck drivers who had been working for more than 10 years. Significant association found on assessing risk factors like lack of physical exercise, lack of proper sleep, high BMI, history of addiction. CONCLUSION: Hypertension was reported more in the age group and people who were in this profession for over 10 years. Age was found significantly associated with hypertension. Improper sleep, schedule, hectic routines, lack of proper nutrition, centric obesity, high BMI and addiction to tobacco and alcohol found significant risk factors for hypertension
Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Different Mouthwashes in Gingivitis Patients: A Clinical Study
Full text linkINTRODUCTION: Adequate plaque control becomes essential for reducing the progression of periodontal disease. Plaque management consists several mechanical procedures and chemical agents that retard the formation of plaque. AIM: To compare clinical outcomes of chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and Hiora herbal mouthwash in gingivitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted among 30 patients. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group I used Chlorhexidine mouthwash and Group II received Hiora mouthwash. Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing depth (PD) and Clinical Attachment Loss (LA) were recorded just before initiation of oral prophylaxis. After completion of oral prophylaxis, patients were advised to use mouthwash and were recalled after two weeks for further recording of clinical parameters. The collected data was thus statistically analysed to arrive at the results using SPSS version 24.0 and applying the student's t-test. RESULTS: Both the groups reported significant improvement in clinical parameters. When two mouthwashes were compared, a statistically significant difference in the mean value of PI (0.02) and GI (0.01), CAL and PD between the two experimental groups whereas no significant differences were observed before and after therapeutic interventions. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that herbal mouthwash are comparably effective in comparison to other conventional mouthwash in controlling dental biofil
Metaverse and Public Health: Mini Review
Full text linkThe concept of the Metaverse, an immersive virtual reality and internet iteration, has garnered significant attention as a way to transcend physical limitations and create a dream-like world. This article explores the role of the Metaverse in healthcare, focusing on its applications in training, collaboration, communication, telemedicine, wellness promotion, and public health campaigns. The ability to create immersive virtual environments enables researchers to study disease outbreaks, develop prevention strategies, and educate healthcare professionals globally. Virtual health clinics and telemedicine platforms in the Metaverse can provide essential healthcare access to underserved areas, while virtual wellness programs promote health and well-being on a global scale. Furthermore, the Metaverse offers a unique platform for interactive public health campaigns, leveraging its immersive nature to engage users and advocate for positive behavior change. However, challenges such as data privacy, security, mental health implications, and the cost of technology adoption must be addressed. Despite these challenges, the Metaverse holds tremendous potential in transforming public health practices. Public health professionals and policymakers must stay informed about these developments and ensure the maximization of benefits while mitigating risks. As technology evolves, innovative applications of the Metaverse are expected to continue shaping the future of healthcare and public health
Knowledge, Attitude and Risks Associated in Treatment among Dental Practitioners of Ghaziabad Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic
Full text linkINTRODUCTION: COVID 19 was first reported in Wuhan China, in December 2019 and it soon spread to the entire globe involving millions of people. It was declared as a global pandemic on 11th March 2020 by WHO. The symptoms ranged from mild to deadly and often included fever, cough, breathing difficulty, loss of taste, loss of smell. Severe cases resulted in pneumonia, dyspnea, shock, multi-organ failure and death. Transmission is chiefly through droplets thus pose a significant risk among dental professionals. AIM: to assess the knowledge about Covid-19 among dental practitioners in Ghaziabad and the preventive measures used for the treatment of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: An online survey was carried out among the dental practitioners of Ghaziabad from November 2020 to January 2021. A snowball sample of 250 dentists was selected and a predesigned questionnaire was mailed to them. Response was recorded via a second email sent by them. RESULTS: The study showed that majority of dentists 95% had good knowledge about Covid and the primary source of information was World Health Organization through television, radio and social media. About 85% were fearful of the being infected by suspected patients, and transmitting the disease to their homes and 61% were afraid of the impact it will have on dentists livelihood. It was witnessed that dentists having more than 10 years experience had a positive attitude towards the virus. Infection control protocols seemed insufficient and needed improvement and assistance. CONCLUSION: the study concluded that though the knowledge was good, the practice scores were poor. Our findings have important implications in need for a special training program for dentists to deal which such pandemics
Complete Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5 (August 2022)
No full textComplete Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5 (August 2022
Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Health Care Personnel in Bareilly International University, Bareilly, India
Full text linkINTRODUCTION: Biomedical Waste is defined as any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological products. Healthcare workers are one of the main contributors to the healthcare waste management process. AIM: The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and attitude regarding biomedical waste management policy and practices among health care workers at Bareilly International University, Bareilly, India. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire with closed-ended questions which was distributed to 150 medical, 154 dental and 100 Class IV employees at Bareilly International University, India. The responses in the questionnaire were used to assess their knowledge of biomedical waste disposal. The responses were evaluated, and each participant's percentage of correct and incorrect responses for each question was calculated. RESULTS: The results indicated that all healthcare professionals had a low degree of knowledge and awareness regarding the risks associated with biomedical waste formation, legal requirements, and management. Only 11 (7.14%) dental interns had excellent knowledge about biomedical waste generation and legislation while 5 (3.33%) medical interns had extremely poor knowledge about it. Only 4 (4%) Class IV employees had an excellent awareness of biomedical waste management practices. Only 34 (22.08%) dental interns had an excellent level of knowledge of needle-stick injuries among health care personnel. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that health care professionals have a low degree of knowledge and awareness regarding the risks of biomedical waste generation, laws, and management at Bareilly International University, India hence there is a requirement for regular monitoring and training at all levels of healthcare
Oil Pulling: A Review
Full text linkOil pulling is extensively used traditional Indian folk remedy to prevent decay, bleeding gums, oral malodor, dryness of throat, cracked lips and for strengthening teeth, gums, and jaws. In this procedure, the practitioners rinse their mouth with approximately one tablespoon of an ordinary cooking oil for 3-20 min, then spits it. This practice is usually performed on a daily basis. This technique is believed to cure more than thirty systemic diseases when practiced regularly and as directed. As a result of side effects to modern medicines and oral hygiene products, people are increasingly attracted towards such traditional practices. The present article attempts to review and discuss this ancient practice and its effects on one’s oral and general health
The Toxicity of Corticosteroids
Full text linkMinimization of steroid therapy has always been one of the main objectives of immunosuppressive protocols after kidney transplantation, due to numerous side effects. The use of a further reduced daily dose of steroids is considered by many to be a fair compromise between toxicity and efficacy. Unfortunately, the great inter-individual variability of the pharmacokinetics of steroids does not prevent the appearance of major side effects in a variable percentage of patients, even with the low dose used. A drug interaction between steroids and drugs used after transplantation can also contribute to increasing daily exposure to the drug. Steroid discontinuation is still the only procedure capable of achieving the desired goal. This procedure is associated with a greater risk of acute rejection, without however reducing the survival of the transplant. It should be offered to patients at low immunological risk. Early discontinuation, during the first week of transplantation, is also the modality suggested by some guidelines, although a later suspension also offers excellent results. Induction therapy is always recommended in the case of early discontinuation