Prevalence and predictors of vaccine hesitancy among mothers of under-five children: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that vaccine hesitancy is one of the top 10 threats to global public health. Evidence shows that vaccine hesitancy studies in India are limited and targeted toward individual vaccines. The study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the relationship between demographics and SAGE factors toward vaccine hesitancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in a non-governmental organization (NGO) hospital with 330 beds, located in Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India. Mothers of under-five children who attended outpatient departments of pediatrics or obstetrics and gynecology were included. A total of 574 mothers were enrolled and vaccine hesitancy was determined by reviewing the mother-child protection card for the presence of delay or refusal of the recommended vaccine. A face-to-face interview was conducted to obtain demographics and WHO-SAGE variables from the participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to associate independent variables (demographics and SAGE variables) with the dependent variable (vaccine hesitancy). RESULTS: Out of 574 respondents, 161 mother's children were noted as vaccine-hesitant (refusal = 7; delay = 154); and the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 28.05%. The delay was observed in all recommended vaccines, but the refusal or reluctance was seen in only four vaccines (hepatitis B birth dose = 1; IPV 1 and 2 = 2; Measles 1 and 2 = 3; and Rota 1, 2, and 3 = 1). The respondents' demographics like no or lower parent education (OR = 3.17; 95%CI = 1.50-6.72) and fewer antenatal visits (OR = 2.30; 95%CI = 1.45-3.36) showed higher odds, whereas the upper socioeconomic status showed lower odds (OR = 0.09; 95%CI = 0.02-0.36) toward vaccine hesitancy. The WHO-SAGE dimensions like awareness (OR = 0.14; 95%CI = 0.03-0.53), poor access (OR = 7.76; 95%CI = 3.65-16.51), and low acceptability of the individual (OR = 07.15; 95%CI = 1.87-27.29), community (OR = 6.21; 95%CI = 1.58-24.33) were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was high. Vaccine safety and children's health are primary concerns for parents' refusal/reluctance. To achieve 100% immunization coverage, policymakers need to reduce vaccine hesitancy by developing strategies based on demographic and WHO-SAGE working group predictors.

Designing of dexamethasone sodium phosphate ocular films for madras eye: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

The main intention of the current investigation was to fabricate ocular films of Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) impregnated in rate controlling membrane and to characterize in vitro and in vivo (iv-iv). DSP release was regulated by HPMC K4M and ethyl cellulose (EC) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a permeability enhancer. DSP suitability with polymers was observed by DSC and FT Infrared spectroscopic readings. The fabricated DSP ocular films were examined for physicochemical tests, in vitro discharge and in vivo infusion in rabbits. The improved formulation (F-8) was proved its stability under stressed storage conditions. The fabricated ocular films process acceptable physical characters with DSP release in a controlled manner. The optimized DSP films were intact even in stressed storage situations. It was concluded that the fabricated films effectively hold the DSP at the programmed site for the desired period of time and exhibit expected pharmacodynamics actions.

Mitigative effect of Momordica cymbalaria fruit extract against sodium fluoride induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar male albino rats.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the mitigative effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Momordica cymbalaria fruits against sodium fluoride (NaF) induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS: In this study, Wistar male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups of six rats each. Group I and II served as normal and toxic controls. Group III as plant control received extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg b. wt, p.o and Groups IV and V as treatment groups received extract at a dose 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt, p.o for 30 days. All groups except Groups I and III received 100 ppm of NaF through drinking water. After completion of the study, blood collected for the estimation of liver blood serum biomarkers such as aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), direct and total bilirubin, total protein and albumin. The liver tissue homogenate was for estimation of lipid peroxidation, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels. RESULTS: The results showed that NaF intoxication caused elevation of liver blood serum levels and lipid peroxidation; decreased levels of serum total protein, albumin and liver reduced glutathione, and catalase observed. The treatment groups showed decreased elevated serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, and ALP), liver lipid peroxidation and increased serum total protein and albumin, liver reduced glutathione and catalase levels in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological studies also further strongly supported for mitigative effects of the plant. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings of the study indicated that M. cymbalaria fruits were a potential drug candidate in the treatment of NaF induced hepatotoxicity.