Prevalence and predictors of self-reported risk behaviors among male injecting drug users.

BACKGROUND: Unsafe injecting drug use is a documented risk factor for the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Harm reduction strategy aims at reducing this deleterious consequence. OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence and predictors of injecting as well as sexual risk behavior among male injecting drug users (IDUs). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 male IDUs from January 2017 to March 2018. Risk behavioral data were collected after obtaining informed consent of the study participants. This included information on sharing, reusing needles/injections, and sexual behavior. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model was run using the Epi Info software version 7.2 for Windows. RESULTS: In the past one month, 25.3% had shared needles/syringes by either borrowing or lending or both. Inconsistent condom use during sexual intercourse with a regular, casual, and paid sex partner was practiced by 64.7% (77/119), 65.8% (48/73), and 45.0% (18/40), respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that unsafe injecting drug behavior was higher among daily users: (OR = 3.0 [1.3-6.6]) and comparatively lower among those who preferred to avail needles/syringes from Needle Syringe Exchange Program (OR = 0.4 [0.2-0.9]); as compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that IDUs in the study area are engaging in risk behaviors. Behavior change communication and harm reduction strategy should be strengthened.

Role of Arthroscopic Surgery in Degenerative Knees with Mechanical Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate functional outcome in patients undergoing/underwent arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knees with mechanical symptoms or acute exacerbation of symptoms, not amenable to conservative measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a longitudinal type of study (prospective and retrospective). For the prospective cohort, followup was done at an interval of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year to record visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and short form-8 (SF-8) scores. For the retrospective cohort, hospital records were studied to record the preoperative VAS score. Preoperative IKDC and SF-8 scores were recorded at final followup based on recall method (patient's memory). Furthermore, postoperative VAS, IKDC, and SF-8 scores at final followup were recorded. RESULTS: There were a total of 46 knees (28 retrospective and 18 prospective) in 44 patients. The mean age was 52.34 ± 11.73 years. There were 28 female knees and 18 male knees. The mean followup of patients in the retrospective cohort was 55 months (range: 13-126 months), whereas all patients in prospective cohort completed the minimum followup of 1 year. The improvements in VAS, IKDC, and SF-8 were statistically significant. Forty-one cases were successful and five cases were failure. All successful patients (41 cases) said "yes" and all failure cases (05) said "no" to the question-"If given a choice, would you still like to get the same surgery done for the same problem??". There was one complication deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSION: We recommend arthroscopic surgery in patients with degenerative knees, with mechanical symptoms and acute exacerbation of symptoms, not amenable to conservative measures.

Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and its Predictors among Tuberculosis Patients Currently on Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes are the world's leading public health issues. They are the cause of morbidity, mortality, and pose a burden on the healthcare system. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim and objective of this study were to study the prevalence of diabetes and its predictors among TB patients currently on treatment. The secondary objective was to examine the self-reported blood glucose monitoring and antidiabetic drug adherence practice among diabetic TB patients. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 275 TB cases enrolled from selected designated microscopy centers. Self-reported information on diabetes, tobacco usage, and family history of TB was collected by trained investigators. In addition, for diabetic tubercular patients, the study investigators inquired about the type of treatment taken (allopathic/traditional), frequency of getting blood sugar tested, and daily drug adherence. For comparison between the "diabetes TB comorbidity" and "TB only group," Chi-square test of significance was used, and odds ratios were reported. Data were analyzed using Epi Info software (CDC Atlanta). RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes among TB patients was found to be 13.1% (known diabetics -9.1% and new diabetics -4.0%). There were 25.5% of current/former smokers (70/275) and 13.1% of current/former smokeless tobacco users (36/275). In logistic regression analysis, age 50 years and above emerged as a significant predictor for diabetes TB comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio = 9.8 [4.3-22.3]). CONCLUSION: Diabetes is prevalent comorbidity in TB patients. Age more than 50 years significantly increases the odds of this twin morbidity.