ABSTRACT
Background: As per Livestock Census 2019, Banaskantha district shares 9.4% of livestock of Gujarat. About 80–83% of farmers practicing dairy farming in Banaskantha district have low to medium level of knowledge about zoonotic diseases. The practice of handling livestock and its determinants among different populations of Banaskantha district is yet to be studied. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess level of awareness and hygienic practice of handling livestock and its determinants among the livestock handlers of Banaskantha district. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 livestock handlers of nine villages of Banaskantha district. The questionnaire included demographics, knowledge about zoonotic diseases, and practices for handling livestock. One score was given for correct knowledge and practice and “zero” score was given for incorrect knowledge and practice. There were maximum 20 scores for knowledge and practice each. Results: Livestock handlers were well aware of rabies but knowledge of other zoonotic disease was very less. Average knowledge and practice score was 12.76 and 12.39 out of 20, respectively. About 1/3rd of livestock handlers (33.1%) were following hygienic practice very well. Practice score was higher in male livestock handlers and those who received training and livestock handlers with more number of animals. Conclusion: Practice of use of gloves, not using milk during treatment of cattle, testing of animal before purchase, and safe disposal of infected material were very less prevalent. Training should be focused on conveying the importance of correct practicing especially to female livestock handlers with few numbers of animals.
ABSTRACT
Background: There are numerous studies indicating that COVID-19 pandemic has brought a great deal of pressure for medical fraternities, as medical teachers and students were busy saving lives. The mental health of these frontiers and medical education both suffered. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine the assessed pooled prevalence of depression among medical students of India by undertaking meta-analysis of published original research studies during pandemic. Materials and Methods: Researcher followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Authors used terminologies such as depression, mental health, medical students, and India to search PubMed and Google Scholar databases for original articles published between January 2020 and March 2022 based on mental health of Indian medical students. Researcher had chosen only the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 items based study to prevent false heterogenicity. Results: Out of 1471 screening, a total of six original research articles were included after screening for eligibility criteria involving 3248 medical students from different medical colleges of India. The median number of students was 541.33 (range, 181–2021). Meta-analysis of pooled prevalence assessment of depression among medical students in India by random effects model was 38% (confidence interval: 27–49%). Conclusion: Within study limitations, the high prevalence of depression was noted among medical students of India.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Acute leukemia is the most common malignancy in children of which acute lymphoblastic leukemia accounts for majority of the cases. The objective of this study was to see the clinical profile, hematological parameters and assessment of response to chemotherapeutic agents in acute leukemia. This was an observational prospective study involving 58 children conducted over a period of two years from September 2005 to August 2007 at the department of paediatrics, B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad. Materials and Methods: Leukemia was suspected in children presenting with history of prolonged fever, pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abnormal bleeding or history of repeated blood transfusion. A complete history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were done to diagnose leukemia. After confirmation of diagnosis, patients were treated, followed up to first remission after receiving chemotherapy. Follow up bone marrow examination was done after induction phase to confirm remission. Complete blood count and CSF cytology were done periodically during intrathecal chemotherapy. Results: Out of total 58 patients, 49 (84.5%) were ALL and 9 (15.5%) were AML. Pallor (87.9%), fever (82.7%) and fatigue (86.2%) were most common presenting symptoms. Pallor (86.2%), splenomegaly (89.6%) and hepatomegaly (84.5%) were the most common clinical signs. Forty two patients (74.2%) presented with moderate anemia. Remission was achieved in 51 cases (87.9%) after intrathecal chemotherapy. Conclusion: ALL is more common than AML in children. With detailed history and clinical examination, timely diagnosis and initiation of appropriate chemotherapy commonly leads to remission in childhood acute leukemias.