Effectivity of Palliative Care Bundle on Advanced Gallbladder Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to develop, test, and compare palliative care bundles to improve functional recovery, resilience, and quality of life among advanced gallbladder cancer patient with their routine palliative care. Material and Methods: This study was to test a palliative care bundle, a single-center, and two-arm randomised controlled trial done on a total of 116 participants (58 in each arm) from July 2019 to December 2021 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh. Results: By the end of 4th month, the recruitment rate was 96.7%, retention rate acceptance rate was 95%, and adherence rate was 85%. The palliative care bundle showed that a significant difference in trial outcome index score (P = 0.014*) indicates the effectiveness of the palliative care bundle related to improvement in physical mobility, resilience, and quality of life of patients and reduced caregiver burden. Reported barriers faced by participants were physical exhaustion (65%), psychological factors (25%), social factors (15%) and unfamiliar surroundings (5%). Caregivers reported barriers that their job (40%), physical fatigue related to the care of their patient (40%), their education (10%), and lack of support for their other family members (10%) were some reasons forcing them not to practice palliative care bundle. Conclusion: The palliative care bundle did not interfere with the palliative treatment plan of any patients and significantly improved physical mobility, resilience, quality of life of patients, and reduced caregiver burden. Hence, a palliative care bundle can be considered in the palliative care of advanced cancer patients during their palliative treatment to provide holistic care.

Development and Validation of Palliative Care Bundle for Advanced Gallbladder Cancer "PALLICR".

Kusum K. RohillaBackground The aim of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive palliative care bundle "PALLICR" for advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients. Materials and Methods The present study was an exploratory study with instrument validation design which was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India. A total of 25 advance cancer patients were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Results The newly developed PALLICR bundle consists of six items under three subfactors, that is, functional recovery, resilience, and quality of life. The final version of bundle with six items of PALLICR bundle was validated and showed a good fit to provide palliative care to advanced GBC patients. Standardized scales, that is, palliative care outcome scale, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life scale for patients and caregiver strain index for caregivers were used for evaluation of PALLICR bundle effectiveness. Conclusion PALLICR bundle is valid and reliable methods to provide palliative care to advanced GBC patients.

Institutional awareness campaign: COVID-19 vaccination drive among nursing students.

Objectives: Possessing accurate knowledge and utilization of reliable information sources may play a vital role in adoption of positive health behaviours, including acceptance of vaccine. The present study was conducted with an objective to assess the awareness and attitude of undergraduate nursing students regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mid May 2021 using Google Forms through Google platform on-line. A total of 354 nursing students participated in the survey. A validated and pre-tested structured knowledge and Attitude, questionnaire was used to collect data from undergraduate nursing students regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Chi-square test, followed by binary logistic, was applied to determine factors associated with knowledge scores. Results: The mean knowledge score was 11.31 (SD ± 2.31, range: 2-15), with a correct response rate of 75.4%. However, the mean attitude score was 40.56 (SD ± 5.10, range: 28-55) with an unfavourable response towards COVID-19 vaccination (54.8%). The knowledge level was found to be significantly associated with student's professional qualifications and Vaccination status (P < 0.05). In binary logistic regression analyses, the knowledge score found to be significantly associated with participant's professional qualification i.e., B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing 2 nd Year (AOR: 2.45, CI: 1.43-4.19, P < 0.001) and B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing 3rd Year (AOR: 2.69, CI: 1.50-4.83, P < 0.001) and students who has received COVID-19 vaccination (AOR:3.08 CI: 1.81-5.25, P < 0.000). Conclusion: The current study findings represent adequate knowledge among undergraduate nursing students which is a very good sign. However, efforts must be taken to develop positive attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccination.

Effect of Psychosocial Interventions on Cancer's Caregiver Quality of Life: Meta-analysis.

Background: People living with cancer benefit greatly from informal caregivers. No previous meta-analysis was done to check the effect of psychological intervention on cancer caregiver's quality of life. Objectives: The goal of this meta-analysis was to check the effect of psychosocial interventions on Cancer's Caregiver quality of life and check the impact of various psychological intervention programs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2006 to April 2021 using PubMed, PubMed Central, Clinical Key, CINAHL Database, EBSCO, Google Scholar and Cochrane database. Results: The effect of psychological intervention programs on caregiver's quality of life was evaluated using a mean difference between experimental and control groups. A random-effects model was used to measure the mean difference (MD) for calculating the cancer caregiver's quality of life. The final report comprised eight trials with a total of 1142 participants. The caregiver intervention programme was found to improve cancer caregivers' quality of life, but not statistically significantly (mean difference=0.10; p<0.00001). Conclusion: According to this meta-analysis, The psychological intervention program positively affected cancer caregiver's quality of life. Further randomised controlled trials are required to prove that psychological interventional programs are successful strategies for improving cancer caregiver's quality of life.

Barriers faced by health-care workers in use of personal protective equipment during COVID pandemic at tertiary care hospital Uttarakhand, India: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: To reduce the likelihood of transmission of infection to health-care workers (HCWs), personal protective equipment is used. However, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) increases the risk of heat stress and loss of dexterity, leads to poor compliance to PPE. To address the issues of poor compliance to PPE, it was necessary to gain a deeper understanding about the factors that influence compliance. Thus this qualitative study was planned to explore barriers faced by HCWs while using PPE during a pandemic situation in a tertiary care hospital, Uttarakhand, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A exploratory qualitative study was undertaken among health care workers involved in the care of COVID patients. FGDs were done and an unstructured interview guide with open-ended questions was used which helped to explore the factors which can be potential barriers to the HCWs while working wearing PPE. RESULTS: Organizational and individual factors acting as barriers such as unavailability of essential personal protective equipment, a disharmonious work environment, lack of comfort, inadequate size, and quality of PPE were identified as the major barriers in the present study. CONCLUSION: Future efforts to optimize PPE use should focus on to adequate supplies both in quality and quantity can help in avoidance of such barriers. Resources should be prioritized with the needs of the HCWs in the times of pandemic. Regular training and feedbacks are necessary for the satisfaction of HCWs and improving PPE compliance.

Depression in hospitalized older adults with chronic illness from a hilly Indian state.

PURPOSE: The study estimated the prevalence and determinants of depression among older adults with chronic illness. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was done among 337 hospitalized older adults with chronic illness during February 2019-2020 at a selected tertiary care hospital, Rishikesh, India using total enumerative sampling by Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: Among hospitalized older adults, depressive symptoms (80%) were highly prevalent and closely linked to an extended hospital stay [odds ratio = 2.106; 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.30-3.411)], life events [odds ratio = 3.41; 95% CI: (1.48-7.88)], and multiple chronicity [odds ratio = 2.44; 95% CI: (1.49-3.98)]. IMPLICATIONS: This study demands liaison psychiatric nurses deployed at Indian tertiary care hospitals who can efficiently conduct screening and management of depression among older adults with chronic illness.

Effect of yoga on pulse rate and blood pressure among women.

OBJECTIVES: Change in the past few decades in human life style, nowadays international health organizations, i.e., World Health Organization are also focusing on prevention along with treatment aspect of chronic illness. Researches focus that women of age group 30-45 years are at increased risk for hypertension and heart disease due to increased weight. Yoga is an effective method to control our physiological variables like blood pressure (BP), pulse, etc. The main aim of this study was to identify the effects of yoga on physiological variables. METHODS: The study was an experimental study with two group, pretest and posttest control group, design, which was conducted on 40 female participants. Pranayama and meditation for a period of 6 weeks was done by these women. RESULTS: Yoga therapy significantly reduced the BP (0.000*) and pulse rate (0.000*) of women, which was also statistically proved. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga therapy can be an effective method to control BP and pulse rate of patients with chronic diseases.

Practices followed by type-II diabetes mellitus patients for prevention of foot ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Type-II diabetes mellitus is a serious lifestyle-related health problem globally and its prevalence is rapidly increasing day by day. The main purpose of this study was to assess practices followed by Type-II diabetes mellitus patients regarding the prevention of foot ulcers. METHOD: This study was a cross-sectional study using a case series type of research design. Purposively, a total of 100 type-II diabetes mellitus patients were registered with AIIMS Rishikesh for their treatment. Data collection tools were a semi-structured questionnaire that included 20 items. By conducting an interview schedule, data was collected from each participant. RESULTS: Majority of participants belong to age group of 51-60 years and were males. Practice score showed majority of Type-II DM patients were following moderate-level practices, followed by only few (15%) were following good practice for preventing foot ulcers. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals must empathize on educating type-II diabetes patients regarding preventive measures for foot ulcers. Educate patients regarding the importance of self-foot care practice and promoting them for proper follow-up as well to decrease incidence of diabetic foot ulcers.

Quality of Life of People with Cancer in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Systematic Review.

Background: The recent pandemic of COVID-19 caused havoc on the health system globally and raised a lot of questions and issues. Treatment for cancer is an emergency that cannot be taken back, particularly in an era of global pandemics. Cancer treatment mainly includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and palliative care, and because of the pandemic, all of these treatments are affected. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a potential effect on the quality of life and mental health of patients as well as health workers. Objective: This systematic review was intended to discuss the quality of life of people with cancer in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic in India in the light of the best available facts. Methods: An extensive literature search was done on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Clinical Key and Google Scholar databases till 3rd Feb 2021. Out of 1455 research articles, 06 research articles were included in this systematic review. Results: The results showed that cancer treatment delivery was as per standard safety protocol and the best treatment decisions were made by scheduling and setting priority. Till data, no direct research was conducted on the Indian continent to assess the quality of life of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era. The effect on the quality of life of cancer patients is very large and needs to be explored more by further research. Issues to be discussed with health care administrators and policy makers further. The tele-oncology method of cancer care delivery to patients is another rational option which is applicable as well. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated up-to-date evidence regarding the quality of life of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era in India. No research has been done to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. Still, the area is unrevealed, but evidence from other global studies indicates an altered quality of life for cancer patients. To maintain quality of life, cancer physicians should make evidence-based decisions and incorporate multidisciplinary management into decision making.

Undiagnosed elevated blood pressure and its life style related risk factors among adults: Cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Globally, high blood pressure (BP) is a main health problem among adult population. High BP is considered as a major risk factor which may lead to many cardiovascular diseases. Globally, it is also the leading cause of death. According to the American Heart Association, a BP of 120/80 mm of Hg is a normal range but when the systolic blood pressure ≥130 and diastolic blood pressure ≥80, it is always labeled as hypertension. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the researchers wanted to identify the prevalence of undiagnosed elevated blood pressure in the adult population of Uttarakhand, India and also try to explore its lifestyle-related risk factors. METHODS: This study was an exploratory survey with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 440 participants by using the cluster sampling technique. RESULTS: The male:female ratio among participants was 1:4 and most of the participants were aged 25-30 years. The study found that the prevalence of high blood pressure was 26%, in which marginal elevated BP prevalence was 16%, hypertension stage I was 7%, and hypertension Stage II was 3% which is significantly higher in number at a young age. Lifestyle-related risk factors showed a significant association of hypertensive status with gender, consumption of balanced diet, and personal habits. This increases the chances of elevated blood pressure in young adults. CONCLUSION: All health professionals must be sensitized for elevated blood pressure problems among the young adult populations. Elevated blood pressure should be considered as a warning alarm at an early age when prescribing any medication and during any invasive procedure. Awareness should be created among public regarding elevated blood pressure issues at a younger age and motivate people to adopt a healthy and stress-free lifestyle.

HealthCare-Related Quality of Life and Lived Existential Experiences among Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer: A Mixed-Method Study.

BACKGROUND: As cancer is a noncommunicable disease and it is a major global burden in terms of finances. It is also affecting quality of life of a person completely. AIM: The aim of the present study was to identify the effect of cancer on quality of life of an individual as a whole. METHODS: The present study was triangulation study, and we examined 30 young adult cancer patients of age group 20-44 years who were admitted in different oncological units of our hospital in 2018. We included all their case datasheets for identifying clinical variables. Data collection tools used were the European organization for research and treatment for cancer quality of life questionnaire (version 3-Hindi). Qualitative data were collected using open-ended questionnaire regarding young adult cancer patient's experiences, feelings, and difficulties faced during cancer diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Results concluded that young adult cancer patient's global health status score were average. Their physical function as well as social function score depicted that both were affected significantly, whereas cognitive functions were not affected anymore. Most commonly symptoms faced by young adult's cancer patients were pain, insomnia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss. Financial burden was major burden faced by patient as well as caregiver during the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. From qualitative data of the study, it was concluded that when patient were first told about cancer diagnosis first, they feel sad. Their primary relatives were first informed about their diagnosis. Most of patient's cancer were diagnosed in first stage. Cancer had affected patient's personal as well as social life completely. Nobody helps them during the diagnosis and treatment of their disease. Majority of cancer treatment options were chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery and majority of them were getting chemotherapy from AIIMS, Rishikesh. The most common difficulty the patient's faced during the diagnosis of cancer was financial. Patient's opinion for cancer and its treatment were that everybody who had any symptoms of cancer they should immediately come to hospital for treatment. When we asked them about effect of cancer as a whole their responses were disturbed family role, disturbed attachment with family and friends, disturbed social role, financial burden as well as disturbed education, respectively. CONCLUSION: From this study, we concluded that quality of life of young adult cancer patients were affected badly in terms of physical, social, symptomatically, and financially. It may also help to plan ahead by patients as well as health professionals to improve the patient's quality of life.