28 research outputs found
An epidemiological study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers in Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh
An epidemiological study of urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life among women aged 35 years and above in a rural area
Background : There have been few community-based epidemiological studies on urinary incontinence (UI) evaluating the risk factors and impact on quality of life (QOL) in India.
Objectives : This study was designed (1) to estimate age-specific prevalence and risk factors of UI among women aged 35 years and above in a rural area and (2) to analyze the impact of UI on the QOL of incontinent women.
Design and Setting : A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted.
Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic factors, severity and type of incontinence, and obstetrical and other risk factors along with impact on QOL was administered in two clusters (villages) in Karimnagar district through multistage cluster sampling.
Results : In a sample of 552 women, 53 (10%) reported episodes of UI. The prevalence of UI showed significant association with increasing age (P < 0.01). Fifty-seven percent of the women had symptoms of stress incontinence, 23% of urge, and 20% mixed symptoms. Obstetrical factors associated with UI included high parity (P < 0.003), young age at first childbirth (P < 0.01), forceps delivery (P < 0.001), and prolonged labor (P < 0.001). Chronic constipation, chronic cough, and history of urinary tract infection were predictors of UI in regression analysis (Nagelkerke R 2 = 0.7). Women with stress incontinence had the severest perceived impact on QOL on a five-point scale questionnaire, mean 24.87 (95% CI 21.26-28.47).
Conclusion : One in 10 women reported episodes of UI with impaired QOL. The outcome is predicted both by obstetric and other risk factors
Social Class Differentiation and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Diabetic Patients
Social class is a significant modifier of quality of life in diabetic patients which we sought to measure in this study. A hospital based, cross sectional descriptive was conducted in diabetic patients using a semi structured questionnaire. A total of 103 diabetic patients consented and participated in the study. The sample consisted of 58 males and 45 females and most respondents had a duration of onset of diabetes between 1-5 years (47%). 68 (66%) of the respondents belonged to lower class, 27 (26%) to the middle class and 8 (8%) to the upper class. 92 (89.32%) of the respondents were using oral hypoglycemic agents and 11 (10.68%) used injectable insulin. Socioeconomic status was significant for the number of missed doses (P < 0.04). The mean scores for upper, middle and lower class on the items of financial burden were 3.99 ± 0.906, 3.37 ± 1.079, 3.00 ± 0.756, for general health were 3.49 ± 0.837, 2.96 ± 0.706, 2.63 ± 0.744 and for psychological distress were 3.56 ± 0.835, 2.70 ± 0.609 and 2.75 ± 0.707 respectively. Social class has a significant impact on quality of life and therapy compliance and measures to address this must be undertaken while providing comprehensive healthcare in diabetes for an optimal outcome
Expression of periodontal inflammation into left ventricular hypertrophy in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study
Background: Chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory disease, is closely related to certain systemic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. These conditions, occurring as comorbidities, synergically affect periodontal tissues. Aim: This study aims to examine whether chronic gingivitis and chronic generalized severe periodontitis in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with increased left ventricular mass (LVM). Materials and Methods: A total of 45 patients affected with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited and divided into three groups with 15 patients each according to their periodontal status: Group I consisting of healthy individuals, Group II consisting of chronic gingivitis, and Group III consisting of chronic generalized severe periodontitis. They were assessed clinically, biochemically, and echocardiographically. LVM was calculated according to Devereux formula and was indexed to height. Results: The differences in the means for LVM and LVM index (LVMI) were statistically significant in three groups with a P = 0.006 and 0.014, respectively. After adjusting for the confounders, the mean values of LVM in Group I, II, and III were 149.35 ± 35.51 g, 147.95 ± 31.59 g, and 156.36 ± 36.57 g, respectively and for LVMI, the mean values were 43.61 ± 12.16 g/m 2.7 (Group I), 47.12 ± 10.84 g/m 2.7 (Group II), and 46.34 ± 12.55 g/m 2.7 (Group III). Conclusions: A positive association between chronic generalized severe periodontitis and increased LVM in Type 2 DM patients was observed, suggesting the role of periodontal disease in the left ventricular hypertrophy
Impairment of nutritional, educational status and quality of life among children infected with and belonging to families affected by human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Evaluation Of Knowledge and Self Care Practices in Diabetic Patients and Their Role in Disease Management
Background: 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
Knowledge on prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV among women of reproductive age group
Introduction: Mother to child transmission
(MTCT) of HIV continues to be a significant public
health concern. MTCT has a deleterious effect on
child survival, hence its knowledge is of utmost
importance for prevention of transmission of HIV
from mother to child.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional
descriptive study was conducted during October
–December 2013 among women attending
antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic. A semistr u c t u r e d q u e sti o n n a ir e c o n sist e d o f
sociodemographic characteristics, clinical
characteristics and knowledge about MTCT was
administered to 80 women.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 24.89
± 3.62 years and 30% were illiterate. The majority
(62.5%) of them were belonged to an upper lower
class. Atotal 47.5% of the respondents were aware of
their HIV status since 1-5 years. The majority
(82.5%) perceived that HIV can be transmitted from
mother to child. Many of the respondents felt that
MTCT of HIV may occur during breastfeeding 49
(74.24%), pregnancy 48 (72.72%) and labour 42
(63.63%). The majority 62 (93.93%) of the
respondents were aware that MTCT of HIV can be
prevented. Avoidance of breastfeeding was the most
frequently mentioned strategy by 40 (64.51%)
respondents, followed by maternal ARV prophylaxis
by 35 (56.45%) and caesarean section by 25
(40.32%) of the respondents.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a relatively
good level of knowledge on MTCT of HIV, but some
knowledge gaps on certain specific aspects still
remained which needs to be addressed for effective
prevention of mother to child transmission of HI
An evaluation of the effect of infertility on marital, sexual satisfaction indices and health-related quality of life in women
Background : 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
Introduction: 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
Utility of numerical and visual analog scales for evaluating the post-operative pain in rural patients
Background: Visual analog scales (VAS) and numeric analog scales (NAS) are used to assess post-operative pain, but few studies indicate their usefulness in rural illiterate population in India. Aims: This study was designed to 1) Compare the impact of literacy on the ability to indicate pain rating on VAS and NAS in post-operative rural patients. 2) Assess the level of agreement between the pain scales. Setting and Design: Cross sectional, hospital based study. Methods: Informed consent was obtained from patients prior to undergoing surgical procedures in a teaching hospital. Post surgery, patients who were conscious and coherent, were asked to rate pain on both VAS and NAS. The pain ratings were obtained within 24 hours of surgery and within 5 minutes of each other. Statistical Methods: Percentages, chi square test, regression analysis. Results: A total of 105 patients participated in the study. 43 (41%) of the sample was illiterate. 82 (78.1%) were able to rate pain on VAS while 81 (77.1%) were able to rate pain on NAS. There was no significant association between pain ratings and type of surgery, duration of surgery and nature of anaesthesia. In multivariate analysis, age, sex and literacy had no significant association with the ability to rate pain on VAS (P value 0.652, 0.967, 0.328 respectively). Similarly, no significant association was obtained between age, sex and literacy and ability to rate pain on NAS (P value 0.713, 0.405, 0.875 respectively). Correlation coefficient between the scales was 0.693. Conclusion: VAS and NAS can be used interchangeably in Indian rural population as post-operative pain assessment tools irrespective of literacy status
