ABSTRACT
Background: Breastfeeding is regarded as a perfect, natural and protective food for newborns. Early initiation of breast feeding within first hour of birth along with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by continued breast feeding for up to two years is the most appropriate feeding strategy.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 89 children in the age group one year six months to five years in Malapuram district. Convenient sampling technique was used to interview mothers. Results were expressed as percentages and proportions. Chi square test was used to test the association between the variables.Results: A total of 89 children were studied out of which 51.7% (46) were females. All the mothers are educated and Most of them are homemakers. Normal vaginal delivery was the common mode of delivery in 55.1% and colostrum was given to 97.8% children. Breast feeding was initiated within half an hour for 47 (52.8%) children. Only 62.9% of the children were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Only 1 child was unimmunized and 96.6% of the children were fully immunized.Conclusions: The children who were exclusively breastfed had less infections compared to children who were non-exclusively breast fed. It is had less infections, not handless infections.
ABSTRACT
Background: Esophageal variceal bleeding is one among the common complication of cirrhosis which is fatal. Latest studies are focusing more on using non-invasive techniques to classify cirrhotic patients according to their risk of having varices. The platelet count-splenic diameter ratio is considered as one such parameter and is used in predicting esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. Objectives of the study was to assess the utility of platelet count-splenic diameter ratio as a useful non- invasive parameter in predicting the presence/ absence /size of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.Methods: Diagnostic evaluation study was done in a tertiary hospital of Kerala state India. 93 adults above the age of 18 yrs with diagnosis of cirrhosis was selected and detailed history, physical, systemic examination and imaging was done. The degree of correlation between platelet count-splenic size ratio and the presence/absence/size of esophageal varices was studied along with its utility as an independent non- invasive marker. Frequency was expressed in percentages.Results: Best cut-off for prediction of esophageal varices Grade 1 was platelet count/spleen diameter ratio of 954, which had Specificity of 85.7% and Positive predictive value of 94.1% Cut-off for prediction of Grade 2 esophageal varices was platelet count/spleen diameter ratio of 916 which had a Sensitivity of 78.9%, Specificity of 88.9%. Whereas cut-off for prediction of Grade 3 esophageal varices was a ratio of 899 which had a high Sensitivity of 88% and Negative predictive value of 93.6 % but Specificity was only 64.7% and Positive predictive value of 47.8% only.Conclusions: The platelet count splenic diameter ratio is accurate to be used as screening tool to predict the presence of Grade 2 Esophageal varices in Patients with Cirrhosis. More studies need to be done around the globe for more evidence.
ABSTRACT
Background: Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow, which is soft, spongy tissue found in the center of many bones where blood cells are produced. In myeloma, plasma cells, which are normal antibody-producing cells, transform into cancerous myeloma cells. The objectives of this study was the prevalence and complications of multiple myeloma.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital at Calicut. Semi structured questionnaire was used to study the prevalence and associated complications of multiple myeloma. History taking, physical examinations and investigations like hemoglobin estimation, peripheral smear, electrophoresis, renal function test, calcium estimation, X-ray of thoracic, lumbar spine, humerus, hip region was done. There was also an attempt to find co-morbidities hypertension, diabetes mellitus and neurological abnormalities. The variables was entered into excel and data were expressed in tables. Results: The prevalence of multiple myeloma in Calicut was found to be 77.90% of the bone marrow results were consistent with multiple myeloma. Urine Bence jone protein was positive for 22.9% of cases. Electrophoresis was done and M Band was seen positive for 78.6%. Serum blood urea value was more for 25.7% patients and 22.95% had elevated serum creatinine value. Spine compression was found among 41.4% and osteoporosis was seen in 21.4% patients. Hypertension was seen among 90% cases and Diabetes Mellitus in 4.7% of males.10 % of the patient has valvular heart disease.Conclusion: The study was able to find out the prevalence and project complications of multiple myeloma at Calicut. As there are cases in the district, present medicos who are the future doctors should be trained appropriately to diagnose and treat the disease.
ABSTRACT
Background: A recent epidemic of Nipah virus affected few districts of Malabar in Kerala, Southern India. Eighteen people died, remarking case fatality rate of 94.7%. Early diagnosis within second case by doctors and prompt control activities by the health ministry saved more lives. Objective was to study knowledge and attitude about Nipah among medical students of Malappuram District.Methods: The study was conducted among 200 MBBS students of tertiary medical college at Malappuram district, North Kerala. A pre structured questionnaire was used to study on knowledge and attitude related to Nipah among medical. Then the data was collected, analyzed and entered into Excel. The frequency of awareness among medical students was expressed in proportions.Results: Majority had good attitude and half of them had good knowledge about the disease. Most of students have been aware about the virus by social media (40.5%) as major source of information followed by news/newspaper (34%), (17.5 %) internet and (8%) by awareness programs.Conclusions: Topic about Nipah virus disease should be inculcated in medical textbooks elaborately. Special training programs for medical students should be on focus and health education sessions should be enhanced.
ABSTRACT
Background: Health care has emerged as an industry with potential source of stress in the workplace environment. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. The objectives of the study were to study proportion and associated factors of burnourt among health professionals in medical college.Methods: Data was collected using a questionnaire by using Copenhagen burnout inventory. From a sample frame from of 856, proportionate sampling was to get 187. Data was expressed in proportions and Chi square test was used as test of significance.Results: There are 187 subjects participating in the study which comprised of 52 (27.8%) males and 135 (72.2%) females. Most of the participants who are stressed, falls in the age group less than thirty five years age, i.e. 59.9%. Client related stress was seen in subjects who were staying alone without family. Those who worked more than six hours per day had more personal burn out 17% and the result were significant. 60.4% had job related stress due to night shifts. Those subjects whose income was less than forty thousand rupees had high job related burn out 51.3%. Work related burn out was increased in subjects who had no exercise 47% at all and the result was very highly significant.Conclusions: Professional development programmes should be incorporated to improve the fit between the organisation and the professionals.