A cluster randomized controlled trial of an electronic decision-support system to enhance antenatal care services in pregnancy at primary healthcare level in Telangana, India: trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: India contributes 15% of the total global maternal mortality burden. An increasing proportion of these deaths are due to Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and anaemia. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a tablet-based electronic decision-support system (EDSS) to enhance routine antenatal care (ANC) and improve the screening and management of PIH, GDM, and anaemia in pregnancy in primary healthcare facilities of Telangana, India. The EDSS will work at two levels of primary health facilities and is customized for three cadres of healthcare providers - Auxiliary Nurse Midwifes (ANMs), staff nurses, and physicians (Medical Officers). METHODS: This will be a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 66 clusters with a total of 1320 women in both the intervention and control arms. Each cluster will include three health facilities-one Primary Health Centre (PHC) and two linked sub-centers (SC). In the facilities under the intervention arm, ANMs, staff nurses, and Medical Officers will use the EDSS while providing ANC for all pregnant women. Facilities in the control arm will continue to provide ANC services using the existing standard of care in Telangana. The primary outcome is ANC quality, measured as provision of a composite of four selected ANC components (measurement of blood pressure, blood glucose, hemoglobin levels, and conducting a urinary dipstick test) by the healthcare providers per visit, observed over two visits. Trained field research staff will collect outcome data via an observation checklist. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first trial in India to evaluate an EDSS, targeted to enhance the quality of ANC and improve the screening and management of PIH, GDM, and anaemia, for multiple levels of health facilities and several cadres of healthcare providers. If effective, insights from the trial on the feasibility and cost of implementing the EDSS can inform potential national scale-up. Lessons learned from this trial will also inform recommendations for designing and upscaling similar mHealth interventions in other low and middle-income countries. CLINICALTRIALS: gov, NCT03700034, registered 9 Oct 2018, https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT03700034 CTRI, CTRI/2019/01/016857, registered on 3 Mar 2019, http://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=28627&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2728627det%27.

Measuring the quality of antenatal care in a context of high utilisation: evidence from Telangana, India.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal care coverage has dramatically increased in many low-and middle-income settings, including in the state of Telangana, India. However, there is increasing evidence of shortfalls in the quality of care women receive during their pregnancies. This study aims to examine dimensions of antenatal care quality in Telangana, India using four primary and secondary data sources. METHODS: Data from two secondary statewide data sources (National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21; Health Management Information System (HMIS), 2019-20) and two primary data sources (a facility survey in 19 primary health centres and sub-centres in selected districts of Telangana; and observations of 36 antenatal care consultations at these facilities) were descriptively analysed. RESULTS: NFHS-5 data showed about 73% of women in Telangana received all six assessed antenatal care components during pregnancy. HMIS data showed high coverage of antenatal care visits but differences in levels of screening, with high coverage of haemoglobin tests for anaemia but low coverage of testing for gestational diabetes and syphilis. The facility survey found missing equipment for several key antenatal care services. Antenatal care observations found blood pressure measurement and physical examinations had high coverage and were generally performed correctly. There were substantial deficiencies in symptom checking and communication between the woman and provider. Women were asked if they had any questions in 22% of consultations. Only one woman was asked about her mental health. Counselling of women on at least one of the ten items relating to birth preparedness and on at least one of six danger signs occurred in 58% and 36% of consultations, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite high coverage of antenatal care services and some essential maternal and foetal assessments, substantial quality gaps remained, particularly in communication between healthcare providers and pregnant women and in availability of key services. Progress towards achieving high quality in both content and experience of antenatal care requires addressing service gaps and developing better measures to capture and improve women's experiences of care.

A mixed-methods study on the dietary practices of early postpartum women during the summer rainy season in Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

The current mixed-method study uses Food Frequency Questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls (n = 41) to assess the food/nutrient intake; and qualitative interviews to identify local perceptions of food among 41 early postpartum women in Belgaum, India. The results show that total energy, protein, and most micronutrient intake were significantly lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowance of India (p < .05 individually); ninety percent of mothers restricted the consumption of some specific fruits, vegetables, and other foods during postpartum due to their perceptions of foods, folk medicines, and health beliefs. Culturally sensitive programs relevant to postpartum diet practices for women should be implemented.

The impact of DocosaHexaenoic Acid supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on Neurodevelopment of the offspring in India (DHANI): trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests a strong association between nutrition during the first 1000 days (conception to 2 years of life) and cognitive development. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation has been suggested to be linked with cognitive development of their offspring. DHA is a structural component of human brain and retina, and can be derived from marine algae, fatty fish and marine oils. Since Indian diets are largely devoid of such products, plasma DHA levels are low. We are testing the effect of pre- and post-natal DHA maternal supplementation in India on infant motor and mental development, anthropometry and morbidity patterns. METHODS: DHANI is a double-blinded, parallel group, randomized, placebo controlled trial supplementing 957 pregnant women aged 18-35 years from ≤20 weeks gestation through 6 months postpartum with 400 mg/d algal-derived DHA or placebo. Data on the participant's socio-demographic profile, anthropometric measurements and dietary intake are being recorded at baseline. The mother-infant dyads are followed through age 12 months. The primary outcome variable is infant motor and mental development quotient at 12 months of age evaluated by Development Assessment Scale in Indian Infants (DASII). Secondary outcomes are gestational age, APGAR scores, and infant anthropometry. Biochemical indices (blood and breast-milk) from mother-child dyads are being collected to estimate changes in DHA levels in response to supplementation. All analyses will follow the intent-to-treat principle. Two-sample t test will be used to test unadjusted difference in mean DASII score between placebo and DHA group. Adjusted analyses will be performed using multiple linear regression. DISCUSSION: Implications for maternal and child health and nutrition in India: DHANI is the first large pre- and post-natal maternal dietary supplementation trial in India. If the trial finds substantial benefit, it can serve as a learning to scale up the DHA intervention in the country. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT01580345 , NCT03072277 ) and ctri.nic.in ( CTRI/2013/04/003540 , CTRI/2017/08/009296 ).

Oral health knowledge, awareness and associated practices of pre-school children's mothers in Greater Noida, India.

AIM: To assess the oral health knowledge, awareness and associated exercised practices of pre-school children's mothers in Greater Noida, India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sampling frame for this study was chosen via convenient sampling. It comprised 598 mothers of children aged between 2 and 5 years, attending the paediatrics division of a government and four private hospitals in Greater Noida. A pre-tested questionnaire was distributed to the participants which comprised questions on the participant's sociodemographic characteristics and 23 statements regarding their knowledge, attitude and practices towards their child's oral health. Data were analysed using SPSS 21.0. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study showed that merely 24.9% of the participating mothers had good knowledge and 29.1% and 12.5% exhibited poor attitude and practices, respectively, towards their child's oral health. Knowledge about the role of fluorides, causes and prevention of dental caries, gum disease, malocclusion, appropriate timing of commencing of toothbrushing and importance of frequent dental visit was found to be inadequate among the participants. The knowledge varied significantly with respect to age (P = 0.04), education (P = 0.00) and working status (P = 0.006) of the mothers. CONCLUSION: The study participants exhibited poor knowledge and attitude towards their child's oral heath which was leading to the adoption of poor oral health practices by these mothers. Thus, to improve the oral health of children, appropriate practices and measures should be promoted among their parents/guardians.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation in Lactating Women Increases Breast Milk and Erythrocyte Membrane Docosahexaenoic Acid Concentrations and Alters Infant n-6:n-3 Fatty Acid Ratio.

Background: Low concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or high n-6 (ω-6):n-3 ratio in pregnant women is associated with poor fetal growth velocity and suboptimal neurodevelopment. However, there is a lack of data on levels of important n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FAs) at different time points during pregnancy and lactation from India. Data on how much DHA is transferred during actual supplementation are also scarce. Objectives: We report the concentrations of n-6 and n-3 FAs in maternal and infant blood and in breast milk following maternal supplementation with DHA or placebo. Methods: A total of 957 pregnant women (≤20 wk) from Belagavi, Karnataka, were randomly assigned to receive either 400 mg/d of algal DHA or placebo through 6 mo postpartum. Blood samples were collected from the mother at recruitment/baseline, delivery, and 6 mo postpartum and from the infant at birth (cord) and 12 mo (venous). Breast milk samples were collected from a subsample at delivery, 1 mo and 6 mo postpartum. The FA profile was analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: The concentration of DHA appeared to be higher in erythrocyte and breast milk samples of the DHA-supplemented group at all subsequent time points. The n-6:n-3 ratio was lower among women in the DHA group at delivery [DHA: 4.08 (1.79); placebo: 5.84 (3.57); P < 0.001] and at 6 mo postpartum [DHA: 5.34 (2.64); placebo: 7.69 (2.9); P < 0.001]. Infants of DHA-supplemented mothers also had a lower n-6:n-3 ratio at delivery and 12 mo. The n-6:n-3 ratio of breast milk increased from delivery through 1 to 6 mo but remained lower in the DHA-supplemented group than in the placebo. Conclusions: Maternal DHA supplementation with 400 mg/d from early pregnancy through 6 mo postpartum significantly increased circulating DHA in breast milk and infant erythrocyte, whereas decreased erythrocyte and breast milk n-6:n-3 ratio. However, maternal supplementation did not get the ratio to the recommended levels.

Infant Young Child Feeding Practices in an Indian Maternal-Child Birth Cohort in Belagavi, Karnataka.

Poor infant young child feeding (IYCF) practices result in malnutrition, poor psychosocial development, poor school performance and less productivity in later life, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle. The current study aims to characterize the IYCF practices during the first year of life in a maternal-child birth cohort (DHANI) in Belagavi, Karnataka, India. We collected data from the dyad at birth, 6 and 12 months postpartum. We examined dietary diversity among these infants at 12 months using WHO criteria. A total of 902 live births were recorded, and 878 mother-child pairs completed the 12-month follow up. The overall prevalence of early (within 1 h of delivery) initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) was 77.9%, and that of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months was 52.4%. At 12 months, most (90%) infants were breastfed, while 39% also received formula. The large majority (94.4%) of infants met minimum meal frequency (MMF), but only 55% of infants were receiving a minimum acceptable diet (MAD). The mean dietary diversity (DD) score was 4.7 ± 1.1. Only 21.9% of infants consumed egg and/or flesh food. A large proportion (33.8%) of infants received no vegetables and/or fruits till 12 months of age. Consumption of sweet beverage was 4.8%, but consumption of ultra-processed foods high in trans-fats, sugars and salt was high (85.8%). High-quality, sustainable and scalable interventions to enhance knowledge and support positive behaviour change for adopting and implementing better IYCF practices may be urgently needed in low- and middle-income group settings to improve diet diversity and overall nutritional intake amongst young children.

Corneal collagen cross-linking with and without simultaneous intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation: One-year pilot study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes of keratoconic eyes treated with corneal collagen cross-linking combined with and without same day intrastromal corneal ring segment over the first 12 months. METHODS: This prospective randomized study analyzed 38 eyes of 30 consecutive keratoconus patients aged 26.21 ± 6.97 (range = 15-41) years. A total of 20 eyes were treated with collagen cross-linking alone, and 18 eyes underwent collagen cross-linking combined with simultaneous femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal corneal ring segment. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, and corneal topography (using a rotating Scheimpflug topographer) were assessed and compared between the two groups at baseline, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: On an average follow-up duration of 12.2 ± 0.50 (range = 11-13) months, both collagen cross-linking alone and collagen cross-linking with simultaneous intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation were effective. However, collagen cross-linking plus intrastromal corneal ring segment resulted in an additional improvement of uncorrected distance visual acuity of 0.16 (95% confidence interval = 0.01 to 0.32) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units (p = 0.035), cylindrical power by 1.16 D (95% confidence interval = 0.25 to 2.06, p = 0.014), and spherical equivalent by 1.40 D (95% confidence interval = -2.71 to -0.08, p = 0.038) at 1 year. During the study period, no serious intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted in either group. CONCLUSION: One-year follow-up results suggest that collagen cross-linking with simultaneously combined intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation could yield an additive visual and refractive outcome. The combined procedure is safe and merits consideration for the treatment of progressive keratoconus to achieve better visual rehabilitation.

Does offering only the spherical contact lens trial to the low astigmats mislead the practitioners?

AIM: To compare the visual acuity (VA), comfort, and patient preference in a soft toric contact lens (TCL) versus soft spherical contact lens (SCL) in low astigmatic subjects during the contact lens (CL) trial. METHODS: This subject-masked, block randomized, 2×2 crossover study recruited 40 neophyte subjects (80 eyes) aged 18 to 33y with astigmatism in the range of 0.75-1.25 D with or without spherical power from -6.00 D to +6.00 D. The participants were scheduled for two days CL trial and were fitted with the best-fit SCL and TCL. After 4h of wear, they were assessed objectively for high contrast VA and subjective vision, comfort, and preference. RESULTS: The responses of 36 subjects (response rate 90%) with a mean age of 23.02±2.97y (range 18 to 33y) were analyzed. One-line improvement of monocular VA in the logMAR chart was reported to TCL as compared to SCL (-0.044±0.06 vs 0.04±0.03 logMAR, P=0.01) but the binocular vision remained similar (-0.12±0.07 vs -0.14±0.04 logMAR, P=0.38). Subjects felt a noticeable difference in clarity when shifted to TCL as compared to the SCL. The satisfaction with vision (vision quality) was significantly better with TCL (P=0.03). The fatigue with TCL was graded less at 2.5±0.6, compared to SCL at 4.6±1.3 (P=0.04). Thirty-three participants (91.6%) preferred to use contact lens of which 26 participants (79%) preferred TCL. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that VA and comfort are better with TCL as compared to SCL which is only observed if the patient was offered both offering SCL with spherical equivalent power alone as the first option can mislead the practitioner; TCL trial should be the first choice of the lens in low-to-moderate astigmatism.

Mobile health intervention for promotion of eye health literacy.

PURPOSE: Improving eye health awareness in the underserved population is a universal eye health priority. The ubiquity of cell phones and internet usage provides new and innovative opportunities for health promotion. This study evaluated the effect of mobile health intervention (text message link) to promote eye health literacy (EHL) of priority ocular morbidities. METHODS: This study was an intervention evaluation and employed a two-armed pre-test post-test approach. Baseline assessment on EHL was performed on 424 university students. Participants were categorised into intervention and control groups, using the 1:1 allocation ratio. The intervention and control group received a text message alone and text message with a link, respectively. EHL was assessed via a self-administered questionnaire. The primary outcome measures were changes in EHL scores between baseline and one month post-intervention. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. RESULTS: With low attrition and a response rate of 95.6%, 409 responses were eligible for analysis. The mean age of the participants (49.4% males and 50.6% of females) was 19.9±1.68 years. Baseline EHL scores were low, and there was no correlation with a demographic profile (all p<0.05, CI 95%). The demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups (for all, P <0.05, CI 95%) at baseline. The EHL scores improved in both groups between the pre-and post-test assessment; however, improvements were statistically significant only in the control group. The one-month post-intervention EHL scores were also higher in the intervention group compared to the control (p≤0.001, CI 95% for all). The total cost incurred for the intervention used was 11.5 USD. CONCLUSION: Text message link demonstrated effectiveness for improving the EHL scores; the low baseline EHL scores substantially improved with intervention. The text message link intervention is a cost-effective method and could be considered in advocating for eye health in developing countries, particularly during global emergencies.

Standardization and validation of assay of selected omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from phospholipid fraction of red cell membrane using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector.

BACKGROUND: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important structural component of human brain and retina. Evidence exists linking nutritional status of pregnant mothers and cognitive functions of their born infants. The DHANI (Maternal DHA Supplementation and Offspring Neurodevelopment in India) trial was implemented to evaluate the effect of maternal supplementation with DHA during pregnancy and for 6 months following delivery on motor and mental development of infants at 1 and 12 months. We describe here the standardization and validation of an assay for measurement of selected omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from the phospholipid fraction of red blood cells to assess their status in mothers at baseline, delivery and 6 months post-delivery and for infants in cord blood and at 1 and 12 months of age. The validated method has been used for the analysis of samples for DHANI. METHODS: Lipids were extracted from a pool of red blood cells, separated using thin layer chromatography. The phospholipid fraction was esterified, and fatty acids were separated by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. RESULT: The method accuracy for DHA was between 97 - 98% and between 91 - 95% for arachidonic acid (AA) at three different concentrations. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation for the fatty acids ranged from 1.19 to 5.7% and 0.78 to 13.0% respectively. Intraclass correlation (ICC), as a measure of reproducibility, ranged between 0.689 and 0.996. A good linearity was observed for all the fatty acids between concentrations of 0.2-4 µg/ml. CONCLUSION: The standardized and validated method is suitable for implementation in large epidemiological studies for evaluation of fatty acids and in nutritional trials for assessment of fatty acid content of various lipid classes.

Prenatal Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Supplementation and Newborn Anthropometry in India: Findings from DHANI.

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid status during pregnancy may influence newborn anthropometry and duration of gestation. Evidence from high-quality trials from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial among 957 pregnant women (singleton gestation, 14-20 weeks' gestation at enrollment) in India to test the effectiveness of 400 mg/day algal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to placebo provided from enrollment through delivery. Among 3379 women who were screened, 1171 were found eligible; 957 were enrolled and were randomized. The intervention was two microencapsulated algal DHA (200 × 2 = 400 mg/day) or two microencapsulated soy and corn oil placebo tablets to be consumed daily from enrollment (≤20 weeks) through delivery. The primary outcome was newborn anthropometry (birth weight, length, head circumference). Secondary outcomes were gestational age and 1 and 5 min Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) score. The groups (DHA; n = 478 and placebo; n = 479) were well balanced at baseline. There were 902 live births. Compliance with the intervention was similar across groups (DHA: 88.5%; placebo: 87.1%). There were no significant differences between DHA and placebo groups for birth weight (2750.6 ± 421.5 vs. 2768.2 ± 436.6 g, p = 0.54), length (47.3 ± 2.0 vs. 47.5 ± 2.0 cm, p = 0.13), or head circumference (33.7 ± 1.4 vs. 33.8 ± 1.4 cm, p = 0.15). The mean gestational age at delivery was similar between groups (DHA: 38.8 ± 1.7 placebo: 38.8 ± 1.7 wk, p = 0.54) as were APGAR scores at 1 and 5 min. Supplementing mothers through pregnancy with 400 mg/day DHA did not impact the offspring's birthweight, length, or head circumference.

Effect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Supplementation on Offspring Neurodevelopment at 12 Months in India: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intake of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6n-3) is very low among Indian pregnant women. Maternal supplementation during pregnancy and lactation may benefit offspring neurodevelopment. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test the effectiveness of supplementing pregnant Indian women (singleton gestation) from ≤20 weeks through 6 months postpartum with 400 mg/d algal DHA compared to placebo on neurodevelopment of their offspring at 12 months. Of 3379 women screened, 1131 were found eligible; 957 were randomized. The primary outcome was infant neurodevelopment at 12 months, assessed using the Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). Both groups were well balanced on sociodemographic variables at baseline. More than 72% of women took >90% of their assigned treatment. Twenty-five serious adverse events (SAEs), none related to the intervention, (DHA group = 16; placebo = 9) were noted. Of 902 live births, 878 were followed up to 12 months; the DASII was administered to 863 infants. At 12 months, the mean development quotient (DQ) scores in the DHA and placebo groups were not statistically significant (96.6 ± 12.2 vs. 97.1 ± 13.0, p = 0.60). Supplementing mothers through pregnancy and lactation with 400 mg/d DHA did not impact offspring neurodevelopment at 12 months of age in this setting.

Antepartum Risk Assessment for Pregnant Women Visiting a Tertiary Care University Teaching Hospital in Southern India.

AIM: The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of high-risk pregnancy (HRP) cases among pregnant women visiting the Prabhakar Kore Hospital (PKH) at Belagavi, Karnataka for antenatal care (ANC) and determination of the level of risk in the identified cases. MATERIALS & METHODS: Data were collected as a part of a screening procedure of a nutrition supplement clinical trial on pregnant women [Study title: Maternal DHA Supplementation and offspring Neurodevelopment in India (DHANI)]. ANC case records including detailed notes on medical and obstetric history, physical examination, laboratory investigations of pregnant women with ≤ 20 weeks of gestational age were screened for known risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 11,686 new cases were registered for ANC between June 2016 through August 2017. Of these, 3379 (<20 weeks gestation) were screened out of 428 pregnant women, 12.6% pregnant women were found to be at risk, 40.2% (n=172) fell in the high-risk category. Most commonly reported risk factors were thyroid disorders (27.3%, hypothyroidism 17.3%; hyperthyroidism 10%), gestational diabetes (16.1%), bad obstetric history (12.6%) and anaemia (10.7%). CONCLUSION: Early identification of these at-risk mothers through a simple, practical, reliable and customized risk scoring schedule can ensure interventions either to control the risk causing factor or delivery of timely and appropriate care as and when needed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the disproportionate burden that high risk pregnancies pose on higher mortality rates and compromised quality of life for the cases which survive, early identification of these high risk cases (12.6% identified in this study) can have a significant impact on maternal and child health. The population negatively affected by at-risk pregnancies is only expected to increase in the near future in light of the rising trend of its known risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or being HIV-positive.

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Young Adults with Strabismus in India.

INTRODUCTION: Strabismus has negative psycho-social and functional effects in adults. The impact can be minimised with surgery. However, in a low-income setting, it is important to evaluate the level of impact and prioritise the target population for intervention. The Adult Strabismus (AS-20) questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in strabismic adults. AIM: To assess the HRQoL in young adults with manifest strabismus through psychosocial and functional scores according to gender and direction of deviation using the AS-20 questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional cohort study, 132 young adults who manifest horizontal strabismus were recruited and the AS-20 questionnaire was administered. Patient's demographic profile and type of strabismus were noted and compared with the overall mean scores of psycho-social and functional subscales. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21 and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The participants comprised of 70 (53.03%) males and 62 (46.97%) females with a mean age of 24.5±3.57 years (range 18 to 38 years). The overall mean AS-20 score of young adults with strabismus was 61.62±12.61. The overall mean score for male and female were 65.54±13.53 and 57.68±13.46, respectively. Similarly, the mean scores for esotropes was 57.03±11.66 and 66.19±15.30 for exotropes. The overall mean scores were statistically significantly reduced (decreased QoL) in females as compared to males (CI 95%; p=0.002) and in esotropes as compared to exotropes (CI 95%; p=0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the psychosocial and functional score for all types of strabismus and genders (for all, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Quality of Life (QoL) is affected through psychosocial and functional factors in adults with strabismus. Females and adults with esotropia faced greater difficulties in the QoL. We recommend clinicians to consider the impact on QoL while managing adult with strabismus.

Oral Radiology Safety Standards Adopted by the General Dentists Practicing in National Capital Region (NCR).

INTRODUCTION: With advancement in diagnostic techniques, the utilization of radiologic examination has risen to many folds in the last two decades. Ionizing radiations from the radiographic examination carry the potential for harm by inducing carcino-genesis in addition to the diagnostic information extracted. Radiation doses utilized in the course of dental treatment might be low for individual examinations but patients are exposed to repeated examinations very often and many people are exposed during the course of dental care. Therefore, principles of radiation protection and safety are necessary for the dentists to follow to ensure minimum and inevitable exposure. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and behaviour of general dentists practicing in the National Capital Region (NCR) regarding radiation safety during oral radiographic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study. A total of 500 general dentists were contacted to participate in the study. The target population entailed of general dentists practicing in the National Capital Region. Data was computed and tabulated in Microsoft excel sheet and statistical analysis was performed with the help of SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: The total response rate recovered was 70.6% and the respondents comprised of 59% and 41% males & females respectively. Only 64.8% of the general dentists contemplated thyroid to be the most important organ for radiation protection. Only 28.8% of the general dentists followed the position & distance rule appropriately. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the knowledge and behaviour of the general dentists and the practices adopted by them regarding radiation safety is not satisfactory. To ensure the following of basic and necessary guidelines for radiation safety and protection, strict rules with penalties should be implemented by the state councils and new and interesting methods of education for this spectrum of the field should be introduced.