Misconceptions Regarding Essential Oral Health Care Amongst Pregnant Women Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital in the State of Goa, India: A Descriptive Study.

Background of the Study: Myths regarding oral health are extensively prevalent and have considerable impact on pregnant women's dental behaviour and practices. Thus, this study sought to understand misconceptions (pregnancy and early childhood oral care) and their determinants amongst pregnant women. Methods: A questionnaire designed to assess the participants' demographics, parity, oral health behaviour and misconceptions was administered to 305 pregnant women attending antenatal care. Oral health (DMFT, bleeding on probing and periodontal pocket) was examined. Independent t test, analysis of variance and linear regression were used for statistical computations. Results: Early childhood myths (5.54 ± 1.87) were more prevalent amongst the study population than pregnancy-related myths (3.28 ± 1.89). Bivariate analysis exhibited that myths were significantly more prevalent in mothers who were ≤ 30 years of age (8.79 ± 2.565), primi parous (8.90 ± 2.141), illiterate (9.07 ± 2.764) and who had never visited a dentist (8.46 ± 2.016). Both pregnancy and early childhood myth scores were positively correlated to DMFT (p = 0.00; p = 0.031). Educational status and age were significant negative predictors of myths with p values of 0.00 and 0.34, respectively. Parity emerged as the only significant positive predictor (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The high prevalence of myths in the present study advocates that standardized, culturally appropriate and simple educational messages need to be developed and delivered to break these misconceptions. Minimum one visit to a dental surgeon during second trimester should be advocated and encouraged for all pregnant women.

Surveillance on Adverse Events Following COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccination in Goa, India: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: COVISHIELD, ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Corona Virus Vaccine was granted emergency use authorization (EUA) as the first vaccine in India in January 2021. Knowing what to anticipate after vaccination will reduce vaccine hesitancy in the public. This study aimed to identify and measure the adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Goa Medical College, starting on February 21 till May 23, 2021. A total of 418 people were enrolled. We collected the data using the Microsoft Form and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and R-program. RESULTS: Of the 418 vaccine recipients, the incidence rate of AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) was 54.31%. Fever, fatigue, and headache were the most commonly reported systemic AEFIs. Among these, 54.7% of AEFI were mild, 42.38% were of the moderate category, and only 2.96% were of grade 3 severity. None of the AEFIs were severe enough for hospitalization. Most of them developed symptoms within 24 hours of the first dose. Complete recovery from AEFIs took a median time of 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Most of our study findings were consistent with the phase 1, 2/3 trials findings of Oxford-AstraZeneca's ChAdOx1 vaccine. The AEFI symptoms were considered immune reactions to the vaccine. The AEFIs were more common among younger individuals and females. The chance of missing a serious adverse event like a thromboembolic phenomenon cannot be ruled out. We observed low AEFI rates with COVISHIELD in the Indian population compared to Oxford- AstraZeneca's ChAdOx1 vaccine in the UK-based population, which can be explained by preexisting immunity against adenovirus in the Indian population. However, based on the study findings, we may interpret that the COVISHIELD, Serum Institute of India, carries a good safety profile overall.

A study of road traffic injury victims at a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India.

Background: While road traffic accidents are declining in many developed countries, fatalities are still on the rise in many developing countries including India. More than half of the road traffic injury (RTI) victims are in the age group of 20-55 years, which constitutes the key wage-earning and child-raising age group. Objective: To study the socio-demographic profile of RTI victims and to study the pattern of injury among them. Methods and Material: The RTI victims brought to the casualty of Goa Medical College and Hospital were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire following transfer to in-patient wards after initial stabilisation in the casualty. Data are expressed as proportions and presented using graphs and charts. Results: A majority of the RTI victims, i.e., 134 (30.45%) were in the age group of 30-40 years. The findings reveal that 33 (13.04%) RTI victims did not have a valid driving licence, while the use of alcohol within 6 h before accident was seen in 38 (12.75%) RTI victims; 234 (65.36%) victims were not using a seat belt or helmet and 350 (79.55%) victims had grievous injuries. Conclusions: A high number of drivers were driving without a valid driving licence while a good number of RTI victims consumed alcohol putting themselves as well as other commuters at risk. There is a need for increasing awareness among the road users and community regarding road safety. Government authorities should ensure consistent and strict implementation of traffic rules as well as accelerate the implementation of road-safety preventive measures.

Prevalence of Dog Bite among Field Workers at a Primary Health Care Level in Goa.

This study was undertaken in 121 field workers in a primary health care set up in Goa to estimate the lifetime and annual incidence dog bite, and to assess their knowledge and practices regarding post-exposure prophylaxis. The annual and lifetime incidence of dog bite was 3.3% and 22.3%, respectively. Based on the comparable figures from studies in general population, Dog-bite seems to be an occupational hazard among these workers. Only 28.9% completed the full course of anti-rabies vaccine with its cost as the major reason for discontinuation. More than 90% consulted traditional healers and wound toilet was done by 70%. The overall knowledge and practices seemed better than those reported in other studies, but continued orientation of the field workers and access to free vaccination at the workplace is of paramount importance.

Concurrence of erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease among patients undergoing coronary angiography at a tertiary Medical College Hospital in Goa.

The paper is based on the data from 92 males less than 45 years of age who underwent coronary angiography at Goa Medical College during the period July 2018 to February 2019. The objectives include to estimate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its risk factors, and to evaluate the pattern of coronary artery disease (CAD) among these patients. The ED prevalence was 46.2%. Diabetes, hypertension and alcohol intake showed significant association with ED; and these patients were almost three more likely to have a coronary blockade compared to those not reporting ED. This concurrence between ED and CAD makes a strong ground for routine inquiry in sexual history of young males with one or more cardiovascular risk factors.