RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Snake bite is an emergency in tropical and subtropical countries. It is a neglected disease and is most commonly seen in rural setups, where people are ignorant about the venomous snake bites. It results in increased mortality and morbidity because precious time is wasted, either in consulting traditional healers or waiting for the development of signs and symptoms of envenomation. Then only the patient is shifted to a health center. Here we studied the clinical profile, management, and outcome of snake bite patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was done by retrieving the records of patients with snake bites admitted to the Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Shimla, from 1st January 2017 through December 2019. The recorded data was entered in a precoded performa, and analysis was done with respect to various variables. RESULT: We evaluated the records of 190 patients. The incidence of the bite was higher among females, 62.1% (n = 118). The commonest age group involved was 21-50 years, 70.1% (n = 34). In 55.8% (n = 106), the site of the bite was the upper limb. The daytime bite was present in 54.7% (n = 106). The maximum incidence of snake bites was found during the rainy season, 81.5% (n = 155). 28.4% (n = 54) of patients presented within 6 hours of the bite. Coagulopathy [whole blood clotting test (WBCT) of >20 minutes] and neurotoxicity were seen in 77.9 and 7.9% of patients, respectively. Anti-snake venom (ASV) was given to 87.8% (n = 167) of patients. In 80% (n = 152) of the cases, hospital stay was up to 3 days. Mortality was seen in only two (1.05%) cases. CONCLUSION: There is a need to create awareness among the community, particularly in rural areas, about snake bite envenomation and early transportation of victims to the nearest health center. Training of health professionals is also needed to manage cases of snake bites efficiently and judiciously, thereby reducing morbidity and morbidity.
Assuntos
Mordeduras de Serpentes , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Antivenenos/uso terapêutico , Mordeduras de Serpentes/epidemiologia , Mordeduras de Serpentes/terapia , Mordeduras de Serpentes/diagnóstico , Venenos de Serpentes , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Atenção Terciária à SaúdeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The augmentation of precautionary behaviors through the application of health belief model (HBM) constructs could help in curbing the current pandemic. OBJECTIVES: The objectives are to assess adherence to CAB and to evaluate its predictors using the constructs of HBM among COVID-19 vaccinees in Himachal Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a telephone survey, with two-step stratified random sampling, was employed to acquire a sample of 441 respondents from Himachal Pradesh. Formal interviews were conducted using pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 32.16 years (standard deviation = 12.77; range = 18-78 years). Maximum adherence was seen for wearing masks at 83% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.3%-86.3%), followed by maintenance of respiratory hygiene at 72.3% (95% CI 68%-78.4%). Nearly 42.2% (95% CI 37.6%-47.8%) conformed to social distancing norms. We observed minimum adherence for handwashing practices of 12.9% (95% CI 10%-16.3.0%). On bivariate analyses, except for perceived severity, all HBM constructs were significantly associated with CAB. However, after adjusting for gender, age, education, area of residence, and reduced income in multivariate analysis, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and exposure to cues to action remained significant predictors of CAB. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the empirical evidence of the application of HBM constructs to enhance behavioral adherence to COVID-19 precautionary measures.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Modelo de Crenças de Saúde , Humanos , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/psicologia , Índia/epidemiologia , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Idoso , SARS-CoV-2 , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Desinfecção das MãosRESUMO
Background: . Tobacco consumption in any form is a major contributor to non-communicable diseases, and it is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Secondhand smoke is also harmful. To halt the smoking epidemic and protect people from second-hand smoke, the Government of India enacted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in 2003. Methods: . We ascertained compliance with the provisions of COTPA 2003 at 183 public places and 41 transport facilities of Shimla city from August 2017 to July 2018. Results: . Only 48% of public places had good compliance with the provisions of COTPA 2003. On average, a public place was found to be compliant with 7 of 10 key indicators of Section 4. Educational institutes and government offices had a higher rate of compliance compared to other places. Active smoking and signages signalling ban on smoking were observed in 17% and 95.6% of public places, respectively. Smoking aids (e.g. ashtrays) were observed at <10% of places. A designated smoking area was not seen at any public place. Conclusion: . Overall compliance of the Act was low with less than half the places having satisfactory compliance with Section 4. There is a need to raise awareness about the negative effects of smoking on health and environment and ensure strict adherence to the provisions of COTPA 2003.
Assuntos
Produtos do Tabaco , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco , Estudos Transversais , Escolaridade , Humanos , Fumar/epidemiologia , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/análiseRESUMO
Defensive medicine; although a recent concept, is slowly beginning to cement its place in the Indian health system. An interaction of multiple factors has paved way for this form of practice. Need for certainty of the diagnosis, lack of hierarchy in medical care, exponential growth of micro/super specializations and private/corporate health institutions, incentive-based practice, increasing incidences of violence against health personnel, rising trend of defamation suites against doctors, bad publicity by media, and interference by elected representatives have jeopardized the situation. This has led to decline in practice of clinical medicine, increased burden of investigations, especially in already compromised public facilities, and high out-of-pocket health expenditure. As much as ethical medical practice, standard patient management protocols, strict protection of interest of medical practitioners by law, responsible role of media and elected representatives are the need of the hour; we need to find ways to accept and incorporate defensive medicine into the modern medicine. Different stakeholders are required to come together and take substantial steps to understand the phenomenon and preserve the art and science of practicing medicine in its true form.
Assuntos
Medicina Defensiva , Médicos , HumanosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the compliance to Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 which ensures the protection of children from the adverse health effects of second hand smoke. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed the compliance of 32 educational institutions and 157 points of sale of Shimla city. RESULTS: About 88% of the educational institutions and mere 7.6% points of sale were found having good compliance to the key indicators. No point of sale was found within the premises of educational institutions; however, 26% were found selling tobacco products within 100 metres radius of an educational institution. 7.6% points of sale were found selling a tobacco product to children. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having the status of a smoke-free city, lapses were observed in compliance to the Act. Strict adherence to the provisions of the Act would ultimately lead to a smoke-free environment for our children.