21 research outputs found
An evaluation of the effect of infertility on marital, sexual satisfaction indices and health-related quality of life in women
No full textBackground : The effect of infertility on marital and sexual functioning, health-related quality of life (QoL) and the acceptability of the treatment modalities is a poorly researched area in India. Aims and Objectives : To measure and compare the impact of infertility on marital adjustment, sexual functioning, QoL and the acceptability of various treatment modalities in infertility. Design and Setting : Hospital-based cross-sectional controlled study. Materials and Methods : Data regarding infertility, socio-demographic characteristics and treatment acceptability was obtained via a semi-structured questionnaire. validated, standardized scales were used to measure marital adjustment (abbreviated dyadic adjustment scale), sexual functioning (abbreviated sexual functioning questionnaire) in cases and controls, and quality of life (FertiQol) in cases. Data from 106 women attending tertiary infertility centers who met the definition of primary infertility and 212 controls attending the medical outpatient department in the same centers was obtained. Results : Body mass index and socioeconomic status were significant (P < 0.006 and < 0.0001 respectively) for infertility. Fertility-enhancing regimens and adoption had the highest acceptability with a wide dispersion of range for adoption and least acceptance for sperm, egg, embryo donation and surrogate motherhood. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant effect size of infertility on marital adjustment (Nagelkerke R 2 0.725, Cohen′s D 0.86) and sexual functioning (Nagelkerke R 2 0.73, Cohen′s D 0.815). QoL showed a decrease in mean scores on the FertiQol scale similar to normative data. Conclusions : Effective counseling, reassurance and measures to reduce the impact of the condition on marital and sexual life, overall QoL are needed to impart a holistic treatment in infertility
Predictors of no-scalpel vasectomy acceptance in Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh
No full textIntroduction: Karimnagar District has consistently achieved highest rates of no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) in the past decade when compared to state and national rates. This study was conducted to elucidate the underlying causes for higher acceptance of NSV in the district.
Materials and Methods: A community-based, case control study was conducted. Sampling techniques used were purposive and simple random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the socio-demographic, family characteristics, contraceptive history and predictors of contraceptive choice in 116 NSV acceptors and 120 other contraceptive users (OCUs). Postoperative complications and experiences were ascertained in NSV acceptors.
Results: Age (χ2 =11.79, P value = 0.008), literacy (χ2 =17.95, P value = 0.03), duration of marriage (χ2 =14.23, P value = 0.008) and number of children (χ2 =10.45, P value = 0.01) were significant for acceptance of NSV. Among the predictors, method suggested by peer/ health worker (OR = 1.5, P value = 0.01), method does not require regular intervention (OR = 1.3, P value = 0.004) and permanence of the method (OR = 1.2, P value = 0.031) were significant. Acceptors were most satisfied with the shorter duration required to return to work and the most common complication was persistent postoperative pain among 12 (10.34%) of the acceptors.
Conclusion: Advocating and implementing family planning is of high significance in view of the population growth in India and drawing from the demographic profile, predictors, pool of trainers and experiences in Karimnagar District, a similar achievement of higher rates of this simple procedure with few complications can be replicated
An assessment of knowledge and self care practices among diabetics in an Urban area
No full textBackground: One in three people in India suffer from diabetes and this number is rising due to an epidemiological transition. An understanding of the impact of knowledge and self care practices is crucial to assuage the outcome of the condition.
Objectives: To evaluate socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and knowledge among diabetic patients and To assess the self care practices pertaining to diabetes among them
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, hospital based study was conducted among patients attending the outpatient department in a tertiary teaching hospital through systemic random sampling. Informed consent was obtained and responses were obtained through a face to face interview regarding socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, knowledge regarding diabetes and self care practices. Statistical measures obtained included means, standard deviation, percentages and proportions.
Results: A total of 150 patients consented and participated in the current study. 80 (53.3%) were male and 70 (46.7%) were female. Most of the respondents were aged between 40 – 50 years, with 72 (48%) of the respondents belonging to that particular age group. The mean duration of time since diagnosis of diabetes was 8.05 ± 5.84 years. Knowledge regarding diabetes was lacking with less than a third of the sample being able to identify the type of diabetes and the type they were suffering from. Self care practices were relatively more satisfactory than domains of knowledge.
Conclusions: A lack of knowledge accompanied by satisfactory self care practices may indicate a lack of sustainability and warrants further study and evaluation. Adequate knowledge and an informed patient is the key to managing this accelerating prevalence of diabetes
An epidemiological study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers in Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh
No full textDiabetes screening and the distribution of blood glucose levels in rural areas of North India
No full textBackground and Objectives: Genetics and environment have both been implicated in the exponential rise in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus that affects 65.1 million people, and leads to a mortality of 1 million people every year in India. This study was devised to obtain the trends of the distribution of blood glucose, and sociodemographic characteristics in rural areas of a North Indian state. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at eight centers in five districts. A camp-based approach was followed in the diabetes screening conducted in rural areas. Blood glucose measurements were obtained after informed consent by trained staff using a reflectance photometer instrument. Descriptive statistics, distribution curves, log transformations, and tests for bimodality were obtained. Results: 45,318 participants consisting of 44.4% males and 55.6% females were screened. Ages ranged from 18 to 98 years with the mean age of 39.9 ± 14.44 years. 86.5% were normal (random blood sugar [RBS] 200 mg/dl). The median blood glucose level steadily rose with increasing age. The prediabetic to diabetic ratio was 4:1. The distribution curve of RBS was right skewed. A log transformation was applied, and bimodality was tested using the Hartigan′s dip test. The dip statistic (D) was 0.0162 with a simulated P < 0.001. Conclusion: Mass screening for diabetes provides benefits from a clinical standpoint by helping to estimate the prevalence (diabetes) and the hidden burden of the disease (prediabetes). Screening programs can strengthen healthcare system initiatives and reduce the growing burden of diabetes in India
Self reported prevalence and practices impacting the outcome of non communicable diseases among corporate professional employees in India
No full textBackground: Non communicable diseases account for 63% of the deaths worldwide and 53% of the deaths in India. Occupation in itself is a risk factor for these diseases in addition to being a modifier of the lifestyle, diet practices and physical activity practices.
Objectives: To evaluate socio-demographic factors, self reported prevalence of non communicable disease among corporate professional employees and to assess lifestyle practices and occupational risk factors risk factors modifying the risk of non communicable diseases
Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among corporate professional employees across 20 states in India. Responses were obtained after informed consent through a self administered web based questionnaire with answers entered in a backend database. A semi structured questionnaire was administered with the following parts 1) Socio-demographic information 2) Self reported prevalence of non communicable diseases 3) Lifestyle and diet practices 4) Work related factors.
Results: A total of 1582 employees consented and participated in the study. The workforce consisted of 1378 (87.1%) males and 204 (12.9%) females. The mean age was 32.88 ± 7.78 years. The commonest non communicable disease was diabetes with 350 (22.2%) reporting it followed by hypertension with 334 (21.1%) reporting it. Practices relating to exercise were moderately satisfactory, snacking was quite prevalent. Among the workers, 23.1% felt pressured, 19.8% faced difficulties in staying calm and 19% felt overburdened due to work.
Conclusions: The study evidenced that corporate employees are exposed to behavioral, life style and dietary risk factors for non communicable diseases at a young age group and that emergent measures are required for rational and cost effective prevention of non communicable diseases to reduce the burden of disease and work days lost among this productive population
Evaluation of knowledge among Interns in a medical college regarding palliative care in people living with HIV/AIDS and the impact of a structured intervention
No full textEvaluation Of Knowledge and Self Care Practices in Diabetic Patients and Their Role in Disease Management
No full textBackground: Poor awareness and practices among diabetic patients are some of the important variables influencing the progression of diabetes and its complications, which are largely preventable through education and involvement of the patient.
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetics attending diabetes clinic in tertiary care hospital. Knowledge and self care practices were evaluated using a semi structured questionnaire. Statistical methods used included frequencies, proportions and chi square test.
Results: A total of 117 diabetic patients consented and participated in the study of whom 63 (53.85%) were male and 54 (46. 15%) female. Majority of the respondents (45.30%) between the age of 41-50 years,75 (64.10 %) belonged to lower class, and 60 (51.28 %) had a duration of disease between 1 to 5 years. 71 (61.68%) were aware of importance of exercise for the control of disease while 88 (75.21%) said that modification in diet is essential for the control of the disease. 75 (64%) of the respondents had achieved glycemic control. Among self care practices, following a controlled diet (p = 0.04), regular exercise (p = 0.04) and compliance with drugs (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the achieving glycemic control.
Conclusion: As evidenced by the study, patients who were regularly involved in self care practices have achieved better glycemic control
Impairment of Quality of Life in Symptomatic Reproductive Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection
No full textBackground:
Reproductive tract infections (RTI) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are often subclinical and remain undetected. The current study aimed to estimate the burden of RTI/STI, associated symptoms, risk factors and the impact of the condition on quality of life (QOL).
Methods:
A community based, cross sectional study was conducted. Married women aged 18 to 49 years were selected through systematic random sampling in a rural area. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, risk factors and knowledge regarding RTI/STI. A standardized instrument from the World Health Organization (WHO-BREF) was used to measure QOL. The chi square (χ2) and unpaired t tests were used for statistic evaluation of results.
Results:
In a sample of 464 women, 60 (13%) women were symptomatic and the commonest symptom was abnormal vaginal discharge (n = 54). 24 of the women had sought treatment. Age (p = 0.0006) and socio-economic status (p = 0.0004) were significant for an outcome of RTI/STI. Significant risk factors included lack of use of barrier contraceptives (p < 0.001), past history of infection (p < 0.001), use of reusable cloth during menstruation (p < 0.001) and presence of spousal symptoms (p < 0.001). QOL scores were impacted on all domains with significant differences. The largest mean difference was in the social relations and sexual activity domain.
Conclusion:
In the current study, the obtained data was a 13% prevalence of RTI/ STI symptoms with a significant lack of awareness regarding occurrence and prevention among women and significant impairment on all QOL domains
International Online Collaboration to Enhance Outcomes in Community-Based Rehabilitation Through Music: The Online Music Leadership Program
No full textIn this 1.5 year action research pilot study, an interprofessional team of co-researchers studied the use of online intercultural collaboration to integrate music therapy-informed activities into community-based rehabilitation (CBR) with rural families in central India. Over four cycles of action and evaluation, Australian music therapy (MT) co-researchers and Indian CBR co-researchers studied the perceived impact of MT-informed activities in CBR for CBR facilitators and participating families, and the online communication strategies and MT information that were useful. The research team identified that the integration of MT-informed activities into CBR led to a perceived increase in family motivation and engagement in CBR, enhanced connection between CBR facilitators and families, and greater enjoyment and fun for all involved. Researchers also identified some foundational MT techniques that were useful and articulated some practical considerations for online intercultural collaboration. Importantly, the research team clarified the scope of information sharing that was useful in the context of online intercultural collaboration, and the need to prioritise local expertise and resources. Learning from this study may inform other online intercultural collaborations in both music therapy and international/community development.Correction Note:The URL hyperlink for Willis et al. (2014) is not functional in the article and has been corrected to:Willis, M., Watson, J., & Talmage, A. (2014). Navigating cross-cultural pathways on Rarotonga: An exploratory collaboration bringing together a music therapist a speech-language therapist, the Cook Islands Ministry of Education and a day centre for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. New Zealand Journal of Music Therapy, 12, 58–86. https://search.informit.org/doi/reader/10.3316/informit.08388976702014
