Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences
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From Guidelines to Game Changers: Unravelling India’s COVID-19 Saga of Challenges and Corrections
Get PDFAims: This article aims to analyze India’s multifaceted response to the COVID-19 pandemic, tracing the evolution from initial guidelines to transformative solutions. It examines key phases, including lockdown measures, resource scaling, testing and reporting challenges, the second wave’s impact, death rate statistics, vaccination efforts, and the role of the CoWIN platform, highlighting systemic issues, corrective measures, and innovative interventions. Methods: The study employs a narrative review approach, synthesizing information from the article to outline India’s pandemic response. It critically examines phases of the crisis, including lockdown implementation, testing capacity expansion, second-wave challenges, and vaccination strategies. Special attention is given to less-discussed aspects, such as accusations surrounding testing and reporting, oxygen shortages, misinformation, and the CoWIN platform’s logistical and data-driven contributions. The analysis integrates statistical insights and systemic evaluations to provide a comprehensive overview. Results: India’s response began with stringent lockdowns to curb viral spread, followed by efforts to scale testing and healthcare resources. Accusations of inconsistent testing and reporting prompted transparency measures. The second wave revealed critical oxygen shortages, exposing healthcare system vulnerabilities and triggering rapid reforms. High death rates underscored the pandemic’s severity, while misinformation hindered vaccination efforts. The CoWIN platform emerged as a game-changer, streamlining vaccine distribution, addressing logistical challenges, and enabling data-driven crisis management, marking a pivotal shift in the response strategy. Conclusion: India’s COVID-19 journey reflects a dynamic response to an unprecedented crisis, characterized by initial containment efforts, systemic challenges, and innovative solutions. While lockdowns and resource scaling laid the groundwork, the second wave exposed critical gaps. The CoWIN platform’s introduction was transformative, enhancing vaccination efficiency and data utilization. Addressing misinformation and systemic issues remains crucial for future preparedness. This analysis underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in managing public health crises
Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Pattern on Balance and Gait in Post-Stroke Patients
Get PDFObjective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns on gait and balance in post-stroke patients. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 24 post-stroke patients who were equally allocated to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received PNF patterns for pelvic and scapular mobility utilizing elastic resistance bands in conjunction with conventional physiotherapy. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy. The intervention was administered for 60 min per session, 5 days per week, for a duration of 4 weeks. Gait and balance were assessed using the observational gait analysis, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Results: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in gait and balance compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, enhancements in stroke-specific quality of life were observed in the intervention group. Conclusion: PNF patterns utilizing elastic resistance bands demonstrate significant improvements in gait, balance, and quality of life among post-stroke patients. This intervention, characterized by its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation, exhibits beneficial outcomes in stroke rehabilitation
Clinical Significance of Trimarma: Sira, Hridaya and Vasti Marma
Get PDFMarma is a vital point in the human body where there is Sannipaat of Mamsa, sira, snayu, asthi, and sandhi according to acharya Shushrut. This point when exposed to trauma generates effects, like pain and even extreme effect such as death. Acharya Shushruta explained 107 marma points in the human body. Acharya Charak also speak out the same number but he dealt with its clinical significance in “Trimarmeeya Chikitsa Adhyaya” and “Trimarmeeya siddhi Adhyaya” and he elongated only 3 of them which are Trimarma – Shira, Hridaya, vasti. These marmas are seats of Prana and sadyapranahara in nature and represent 3 different regions of the body, which are the neurological, cardiovascular, and excretory systems. The present paper is an effort made to understand and explain the clinical importance of these Trimarma in chikitsa
Histopathological Variation in Testicular Biopsy Done for Primary Infertility Showing Azoospermia
Get PDFMale infertility contributes to 20% of all infertility cases. It is estimated that 1% of the total male population and 10% of men seeking infertility treatment are affected by testicular failure. In patients with azoospermia, testicular biopsy is important to study the histopathological patterns of the testes. Testicular biopsy specimen from patients with azoospermia from Sudha Medical College and Private diagnostic center from July 2022 to July 2025 were included in the present study. All were unilateral right testicular biopsies. The number of 26 cases of testicular biopsy of the right side was done to find out the etiology of infertility. All biopsies were collected in Boin’s fluid and studied for histopathological patterns and categorization by Johnson grading. The most common pattern was mixed pattern, which was followed by Sertoli cell-only syndrome. The study was done to know the variations in the histological patterns and subsequently to decide on treatment
A Review of Psychological Factors Affecting Team Performance and Team Dynamics
Get PDFPsychological factors have a significant impact on team dynamics and performance outcomes in competitive sport. This article addressed the intricate interaction of communication, leadership styles, and group cohesion with team effectiveness and success as a whole by focusing on each component separately initially. Communication is essential to gain trust, cooperate, and share feedback, strategies, tactics, etc., in a sports team, but communication could be thwarted by barriers of language and emotional misunderstanding which reduced performance in the group. Leadership style varied given the leader’s approach. This creates different dynamics in the group related to the intention of the leader. Transformational leadership helped foster trust and motivation compared to autocratic approach which diminished teamwork and performance. Coaches shape the dynamics of sport groups by fostering a support environment, allowing for people to feel successful at implementing the necessary communication while controlling emotions. Group cohesion relates to task and social cohesion as an evolvement toward the success of the team. Cohesive teams have better teamwork, trust, and motivation; therefore, better performance results. Improved group cohesion can occur through team-building, communication systems, and committed to collaboration. We have discussed the considerations of tailored psychological-based approaches exclusive to creating approaches to consider these factors to best support athlete development/personal performance and team performance. Further research would be helpful to better clarify the psychological factors that influence group dynamics in spor
Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Physiotherapy among General Population: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey
Get PDFPhysiotherapy is an established health-care profession that assists individuals in maintaining, improving, and restoring body functions to live a disability-free life. Lack of education and awareness among the general population may affect the use of physiotherapy care. At large, awareness and beliefs affect the autonomy, growth, and utilization of physiotherapy services. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey of the general population was conducted to investigate knowledge and beliefs. The survey yielded a total of 138 responses. The survey consisted of three sections: introduction, essential information, and questions related to knowledge and beliefs about physiotherapy (PT) practice. The majority of the respondents were aware of physiotherapy (87%). A low level of awareness was found about consulting a physiotherapist as the first contact practitioner; 69% (n = 95) of respondents said they needed a referral for physiotherapy services. Most study participants, 87% (n = 120), lacked awareness of various specialties in physiotherapy. Some prevailing beliefs were identified within the population, with 88% (n = 122) holding the notion that “physiotherapy is always painful.” In addition, most respondents expressed that physiotherapy services are crucial for patients in the intensive care unit. Although the study participants were aware of the term physiotherapy, many other domains related to physiotherapy need to be highlighted, and the public needs to be informed about the scope of physiotherapy practice and its role in the health-care system
Lipid Profile and Some Parameters of Lipid Peroxidation in Pregnancy Trimesters
Get PDFPregnancy is known to create profound metabolic, hormonal, and physiological changes in the body. Lipid profile and some parameters associated with lipid peroxidation play crucial roles in the sustenance of pregnancy and delivery. The biochemical changes resulting from pregnancy could be physiological or pathological depending on the parameter’s concentration and other ancillary considerations. This study was therefore intended to evaluate lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation parameters in the three trimesters of pregnancy. The study population comprised one hundred women equally divided into pregnant and non-pregnant groups. One half made up of 50 pregnant women was monitored from the first to third trimester of pregnancy while the other half of 50 non-pregnant women were controls. Blood samples were collected into plain tubes after an overnight fast by venepuncture and thereafter standard biochemical procedures for lipid profile and lipid peroxidation parameters were done. The result revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and catalase concentrations, whereas high-density lipoprotein, very LDL, and malondialdehyde exhibited a significant increase (P < 0.05) when compared to the controls and within trimesters multiple comparisons using one-way analysis of variance (post hoc-least significant difference). Conclusively, the alterations in serum lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation parameters are pointers to the predisposition of pregnancy to lipid dysfunction and oxidative stress phenomenon. Hence monitoring of these parameters during pregnancy is apt
Holistic Approaches: Ayurveda and Conventional Medicine in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care: A Case Series
Get PDFDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant complication of diabetes, often leading to non-healing wounds that are prone to infection and may result in amputation or death. Given the complex pathogenesis, an integrative approach combining Ayurveda and conventional medicine can be more effective. This report presents three cases of DFUs on the sole. Following adequate wound debridement, the ulcers were managed using the principles of Vrana Chikitsa from Ayurveda, along with infection control and offloading according to conventional treatment principles. Regular wound care and assessments were done. The wounds gradually became healthy, with a reduction in slough and smooth healing observed in all cases. Complete wound contraction was achieved in <1 and a 1/2 months, with no recurrence observed during a 1-year follow-up. This holistic approach can facilitate faster healing in chronic, non-healing DFUs
Exploring the Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Oppositional Defiant Disorder among Junior Secondary School Students in Ilorin
Get PDFOppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a recognized behavioral disorder that often emerges during childhood and adolescence. This study investigates the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of ODD among junior secondary school (JSS) students in Ilorin, Nigeria. It examines the sociodemographic characteristics of the student population, including age, gender, family peculiarities, and school type, to gain insights into the prevalence of ODD within this context. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study in Ilorin, Nigeria, included 1078 junior secondary students. Sampling was done through multi-stage probability random sampling, and ethical approvals were obtained. Students aged 9–18 years were included, excluding those with prior behavioral or neuropsychiatric disorders, neurological sequelae of a previous disease, sensory deficits, or chronic medical conditions affecting school attendance. Parental consent, assent, the study pro forma, and parent and teacher rating scales of the Vanderbilt ADHD rating scale for ODD and conduct disorder were part of the recruitment process. After analyzing 1078 screening questionnaires, 211 students met ODD criteria, leading to diagnostic interviews, which identified 41 ODD cases. Results: The study uncovers a notable 3.8% prevalence rate of ODD among JSS students, with a male pre-dominance (5.5%) compared to females (2.1%). Age, social class, family dynamics, and school environment are explored as potential correlates, with gender emerging as a significant predictor of ODD. The analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of ODD prevalence and its sociodemographic influences. Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of tailored interventions, emphasizing gender-specific considerations in addressing ODD among JSS students in Ilorin. It calls for nuanced strategies that account for the diverse socio-demographic landscape of this student population, aiming to enhance prevention and management strategies for this disorder
PM POSHAN Fostering Nutrition and Education of School Children: A Perspective of Parents
Get PDFPM POSHAN erstwhile Mid-Day Meal Program, is one of the world’s largest nutritional programs running across India, supports nutritional and educational baggage of children from poor households. It helped to ensure their education, health, and nutrition as well. Though the scheme was not universally operational when introduced, it has now been operationalized in all government schools across the country. Aiming to increase school enrollment and attendance of poor children, the nutritional support and other facilities provided under the scheme have motivated the target children to a greater extent. Besides the benefits of the scheme, parents’ perception is an important factor in deciding childrens’ enrolment in the school and their daily attendance as well. Concerning this, the present study explored the perceptions of the parents of the children benefiting from PM POSHAN. Using the interview schedule, the data was collected from a total of 100 sample respondents, which were randomly selected from four blocks of Jammu district, which were Gandhi Nagar, Satwari, Miran Sahib, and R.S. Pura in accordance with the pre-defined sample criteria. From the parents’ perspective, the government must ensure sufficient manpower for the proper functioning of the scheme, as it has significantly improved the health of the children. Moreover, they perceive the quality of the food as moderate and suggested improving its variety also. It was concluded that the concerned authorities must ensure the active participation of the beneficiaries’ parents and also to apply a holistic approach for the scheme to be functionalized to a much better extent