Adverse reactions to intravenous iodinated contrast media: a prospective study

Background: Adverse reactions to intravenous iodinated contrast media may be classified as general and organ-specific, such as contrast-induced nephrotoxicity. General adverse reactions may be sub classified into acute and delayed types. Acute general adverse reactions can range from transient minor reactions to life-threatening severe reactions. This study was done to determine clinical adverse effects of the iodinated contrast media.Methods: Data of 899 consecutive patients at C.U. Shah Medical College and Hospital, Surendranagar, who received sodium meglumine diatrizoate intravenous iodinated contrast media during the period of May 2011 to April 2012, were collected for any adverse drug reactions.Results: Out of 899, 189 patients developed adverse contrast reactions. The incidences of mild, moderate and severe adverse reactions were 19.47%, 1.33% and 0.28%, respectively. There were no differences in the incidence of adverse reactions according to gender (males 21.1%; females 20.7%; p= >0.05) or age (p= >0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly higher in patients with a history of previous reactions (50%) than in those with no history (21.25%; p= <0.05).Conclusions: The skin was the most commonly affected site of reactions. In reactions, mild forms were more common compared to moderate and severe

Does the social status of the elderly impact morbidities among them? – A cross sectional Study in a district of Gujarat

Background: The aging population is both medical &amp; sociological problem for the country and they suffer with high rates of morbidity and mortality. So Social factors lay a significant impact on the health practices and this study will help us to understand and evaluate their health problems of elderly. Aims and Objective: 1. To assess the social status of elderly population. 2. To associate the findings with morbidities of elderly Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in urban and rural area of Surendranagar district among 611 elderly, using a predesigned and pre tested questionnaire by directly questioning the subjects with oral and written consent. For selection of the area, in both areas, the sampling units were enumerated and samples were collected by using simple random sampling, data was entered and analyzed using MS excel 2007. Result: Nearly 60 % of the subjects were currently unemployed and the predominant family system was 3 generation family. Majority of the families in the urban areas were from social class 4, whereas in the rural areas were from social class 5. Having poor social score had a statistically significant association with presence of morbidity in elderly both areas. Conclusions: Majority of elderly in both urban and rural areas had a poor social status. Role of the family and social structure on the health of the elderly can be clearly established. However, support structure must be developed in our social system in a way that the destitute and dependent elderly are taken care of by either government system or social organizations like NGOs and old age home

Evaluation of immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months in Surendranagar city

Background: Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity & mortality in children. One of the most cost effective & easy methods for child survival is immunization. In May 1974, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially launched a global immunization programme known as Expanded Programme of immunization (EPI) to protect all the children of the world against 6 Vaccine Preventable Diseases by the year 2000. It was later redesignated as Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) since 1985. The objectives of this study were to assess the dropout rate and primary immunization coverage of children aged 12-23 months in Surendranagar city and to know the various reasons for partially or not immunizing the child.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study. Thirty clusters were selected out of a total of 282 blocks of Surendranagar using the cluster sampling method. Cluster sampling method was used for sample selection and the proforma designed by UNICEF was used as a study tool. Sample size was 210 children (7 Children from each cluster) of aged 12-23 months. The obtained data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests like Z test and X2 test. Results: Out Of the 210 surveyed children, 121(57.62%) were males and 89(42.38%) were females. Immunization card was available for 69.52% of children and fully immunized were 70.47%. Coverage was highest for BCG (95.71%) followed by OPV3 (82.85%), DPT3 (79.52%) and lowest for measles (75.23%). As far as the dropout rate is concerned, it was 21.39%, 10.21%, and 9.37% for BCG to measles, DPT1 to DPT3, and OPV1 to OPV3, respectively. Amongst the various reasons main reasons for dropout or unimmunization of children were ignorance in about 64% and lack of information regarding time, place and schedule (21%).Conclusions: Improvement should focus on reducing the dropout rate from DPT2/OPV2 to DPT3/OPV3 and improving coverage of measles and also Vitamin A

Continuing medical education about postexposure prophylaxis of rabies in tribal area medical college hospital of Gujarat, India: One step towards rabies elimination

Background: Continuing Medical Education (CME) is an essential feature of the clinical practice and helps to improve the health care provider's ability to provide quality patient care. The World Health Organization has given a global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 known as “Zero by thirty.” Methodology: A CME session was organized for staff nurses working in a tertiary medical care hospital of Valsad district about anti rabies vaccination. Ninety-one participants were administered the questionnaire about antirabies vaccine (ARV) and related practical aspects before and after the CME session. Results: Mean pre- and post-CME Score of the participants was 5.38 and 8.68 out of 10, respectively which was statistically significant. The majority of the participants could score from 5 to 6 (33, 36.2%) before CME which rose to 9 to 10 after CME (58, 63.7%). A total of 52 participants (57%) showed improvement in total score by more than 5 points after attending CME, whereas 13 (14%) showed no improvement. The maximum improvement (52.1%) was found in the fact that currently available vaccine vials are the same for intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) regimes, followed by the need for immunoglobulins in category III animal bites (44.3%). Conclusion: CME showed significant improvement in knowledge regarding rabies and antirabies vaccination. The knowledge regarding the similar schedule for both adults and children needs improvement. Subsequent CME programs should focus on these aspects for the effective management of animal bite patients

Mother and child protection card as a resource tool for health care providers on VHND sessions: Providers' views in rural area of Valsad district in south Gujarat, India

Background: The Mother and Child Protection card (MCP card) is used for tracking of each child right from conception till 3 years of age by community health workers. It is a rich source of information for HCPs about mother and child health. A well-versed health care provider (HCP) can deliver the services efficiently to the beneficiaries. Objectives: To assess knowledge of HCPs about information provided in the MCP card. Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the rural area of Valsad. Nineteen HCPS were interviewed on VHND sessions for their knowledge about health information provided in MCP card. Results: Mean age of HCPs was 38.11 years with mean 9.3 years of work experience. Of these 94.7% were providing the MCP card while registering the beneficiary. Around 78.9% knew growth chart, 68.4% knew vaccination information and nearly half were aware about the various government schemes. About 36.84% could mention five cleans of safe delivery at home. Conclusion: HCPs were aware about vaccination, antenatal care, growth chart but their knowledge about five cleans of home delivery and postnatal care needs to be improved

KAP STUDY ON MENSTRUATION AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG COLLEGE GIRLS - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: In many developing countries, a culture of silence surrounds the topic of menstruation and related issues; as results many young girls having lack of appropriate and sufficient information regarding menstrual hygiene. This may result in incorrect and unhealthy behavior during their menstrual periods.&#x0D; Objectives: To assess knowledge, belief, ideas, sources of knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among girls of GMERS Medical College, Valsad.&#x0D; Methods: It is a cross sectional study conducted in GMERS Medical College, Valsad. The sample size was 203 girls (1styr-61 girls, IIndyr – 82 girls, IIIrdyr – 60 girls) all girls those were present on the day of study were included in study sample. Data was collected by pre-designed Questionnaire. The obtained data was analyzed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science), Chi- Square test was used to associate various findings.&#x0D; Results: During our study, we found that 84% girls had knowledge about menstruation before they experienced first and Mother was found to be the main source of information. Most of girls religious activities were restricted during periods in both Hindus (73%) and Muslims (90%) religion.86.7% girls use sanitary napkins where as 13.3% girls use clothes and reuse them.&#x0D; Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene is a vital aspect of health education for girls. Significantly more number of girls in the urban area was using commercially available sanitary pads as compare to the rural girls. For improvement of menstrual hygiene, sanitary napkins should be made universally available and at affordable cost.&#x0D; Key words: Menstrual hygiene, Sanitary napkin, Reproductive health, College girls, Myths.</jats:p

Use of Mamta Card by Pregnant and Lactating Mothers attending Village Health and Nutrition Days in Rural Area of Valsad, Gujarat

Introduction: The MCP card is a tool for pregnant women, young mothers and family members to learn understand and achieve good health practices. It contains information about antenatal care, danger signs, preparation for delivery, newborn care, immuniza- tion and growth chart. Objective: The study conducted to assess the use of MCP card by beneficiaries attending VHND sessions in rural Valsad. Methodology: It was a cross sectional study. Total 43 pregnant and lactating mothers were interviewed to know the use of MCP card by them. Their knowledge was checked by asking open  ended questions about information provided in MCP card. Results: 65.1% mothers had read the MCP card. 86.5% of the mothers could tell at least one use of Mamta card of which major- ity (86.49%) used it as immunization record of the child while 67.57% used it for information. 88% mothers brought the card at every visit to the health center. Mothers were quite aware about emergency signs, but knowledge about vaccination, growth moni- toring, hygiene and various government schemes was poor. Conclusion: Effective use of MCP card is still lacking by benefici- aries. Advocacy by health care providers may improve the knowl- edge of beneficiaries about various health information provided already in MCP card