RESUMO
Background: The skill of reflective writing and emotional drivers of behavior is enhanced by boosting the awareness of one's feelings and emotions. Individuals having characteristic activity of reflection have more emotional quotient (EQ). EQ has more significance than intelligence quotient in personal and professional life. This study is conducted to analyze the impact of reflective writing skills on components of EQ among first-year MBBS students and to find out the impact of reflective writing between components of EQ and different levels of reflective writing skills among first-year MBBS students. Methods: An observational-analytical study was carried out for EQ self-assessment and reflections of first-year MBBS students. A paired t-test was used to check the difference between different segments of EQ. Analysis of reflections was done by modifying the REFLECT rubric method. Results: There was a significant difference in the motivation component between pre and post-test (p-value = 0.013), whereas no significant difference was observed in other components, viz. self-awareness, empathy, self-control, self-confidence, and social competency. The average total scores among EQ domains compared were more at the level of reflection than habitual and introspection levels. Conclusion: Along with intelligence quotient, EQ is critical for students' overall development. The average total scores of EQ were higher among the students who had a higher level of reflection. Developing reflective writing skills had an impact on the motivation component of the EQ of the students within a short duration.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Risk factors for the development of severe COVID-19 disease and death have been widely reported across several studies. Knowledge about the determinants of severe disease and mortality in the Indian context can guide early clinical management. METHODS: We conducted a hospital-based case control study across nine sites in India to identify the determinants of severe and critical COVID-19 disease. FINDINGS: We identified age above 60 years, duration before admission >5 days, chronic kidney disease, leucocytosis, prothrombin time > 14 sec, serum ferritin >250 ng/mL, d-dimer >0.5 ng/mL, pro-calcitonin >0.15 µg/L, fibrin degradation products >5 µg/mL, C-reactive protein >5 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase >150 U/L, interleukin-6 >25 pg/mL, NLR ≥3, and deranged liver function, renal function and serum electrolytes as significant factors associated with severe COVID-19 disease. INTERPRETATION: We have identified a set of parameters that can help in characterising severe COVID-19 cases in India. These parameters are part of routinely available investigations within Indian hospital settings, both public and private. Study findings have the potential to inform clinical management protocols and identify patients at high risk of severe outcomes at an early stage.
