ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Due to lack of appropriate statistical knowledge, published research articles contain various errors related to the design, analysis and interpretation of results in the area of biomedical research. If research contains statistical error, however, costly, it may be of no use and the purpose of the investigation gets defeated. Many biomedical research articles published in different peer reviewed journals may retain several statistical errors and flaws in them. This study aimed to examine the trend and status of application of statistics in biomedical research articles. Study design, sample size estimation and statistical measures are crucial components of a study. These points were evaluated in published original research articles to understand the use or misuse of statistical tools. Methods: Three hundred original research articles from the latest issues of selected 37 journals were reviewed. These journals were from the five internationally recognized publication groups (CLINICAL KEY, BMJ Group, WILEY, CAMBRIDGE and OXFORD) accessible through the online library of SGPGI, Lucknow, India. Results: Among articles assessed under present investigation, 85.3 per cent (n=256) were observational, and 14.7 per cent (n=44) were interventional studies. In 93 per cent (n=279) of research articles, sample size estimation was not reproducible. The simple random sampling was encountered rarely in biomedical studies even though none of the articles was adjusted by design effect and, only five articles had used randomized test. The testing of assumption of normality was mentioned in only four studies before applying parametric tests. Interpretation & conclusions: In order to present biomedical research results with reliable and precise estimates based on data, the role of engaging statistical experts need to be appreciated. Journals must have standard rules for reporting study design, sample size and data analysis tools. Careful attention is needed while applying any statistical procedure as, it will not only help readers to trust in the published articles, but also rely on the inferences the published articles draw.
ABSTRACT
Background: The patient partnership is desirable for the optimal management of comorbidities. This became significant more so during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis wherein health infrastructure was overburdened. Objectives?The aim of this study was to estimate the clinicoepidemiological profile, health literacy regarding predisposing risk factors, and disease management in patients with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAMCR). Materials and Methods?A structured questionnaire-based study on randomly chosen 100 microbiologically proven patients of CAMCR, consisting of 38 multiple choice questions, was designed with each answer having a patient and assessor response to it. Results?A male predilection was seen (68%) with rhino-orbital (73%) being the commonest anatomic site. Forty-nine percent of the study participants had pre-existing diabetes of which 62% did not carry out regular blood sugar monitoring and in 18%, blood sugars were controlled prior to COVID-19. Thirty-five percent of patients with mild COVID-19 illness were treated with unwarranted steroids and 56% of patients had fluctuating blood sugar levels, during COVID-19 illness. Seventy-nine percent of patients were not vaccinated against COVID-19, 16% only partially vaccinated. Seventy-one percent of patients were not aware of red flag signs and of mucormycosis with 8% presenting early, on noticing nasal symptoms. Conclusion?This study observed diabetes as the most common comorbidity in patients with CAMCR. A lacuna in the health literacy of diabetics presenting with CAMCR was found. Additionally, knowledge regarding glycemic control during COVID-19 illness with or without the use of steroids and awareness of the “red flag” signs of CAMCR were mostly lacking. Interventions to improve awareness amongst patients with diabetes should help in optimal glycemic control, and avoid potential complications like severe COVID-19 illness, and mucormycosis
ABSTRACT
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a diagnostic challenge for all physicians due to the temporariness of symptoms and the absence of any definitive diagnostic test. There is a very high risk of TIA being followed by an ischemic stroke, hence require urgent investigation and preventive strategies. At the same time, it is also important to distinguish TIA from other close differentials, to avoid wrong diagnoses leading to harmful, misdirected medical management. In this report, we will discuss the case of a middle-aged male patient with stable pre-operative vitals who was posted for total parotidectomy and suddenly developed jerky movement of the upper limb and transient aphasia on the operation theater table along with raised blood pressure. This is a very rare presentation of TIA that needs to be differentiated from other close differentials as this form is mostly associated with severe carotid occlusive disease and, hence, carries a high risk of stroke.
ABSTRACT
Background: Access to menstrual hygiene resources is a basic human and healthcare right. A substantial number of women in rural areas and urban slums do not use sanitary napkins due to its prohibitive cost and difficult access, leading to consequences like infections and the subsequent morbidity, school absenteeism and decreased social participation. The study explored the reasons for non-usage of sanitary napkins in an urban slum of Delhi. It was further studied if there would be a high acceptance if low-cost product was made available at health-centre.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done to assess the magnitude and reasons for not using sanitary napkins and acceptability of low-priced sanitary napkins provided through RHTC.Results: Most women (47%) do not use sanitary napkins because its price was perceived as high as against the benefit that can be accrued. Difficult in access to product purchase was the second important reason for non-usage. A low-priced sanitary napkin provided through RHTC was an acceptable solution to them.Conclusions: Increasing the accessibility of affordable sanitary napkins through health centers can increase in usage of sanitary napkins.