Calicut District Research Articles

Planning, Analysis and Design of Thermal Comfort Auditorium in KMCT Technical Campus

The project deals with the planning, analysing and designing a proposed auditorium for KMCT Technical Campus. The proposed site is located in Kalanthode, Calicut district. The building is three-storey (G+2) and is designed as a framed structure. The concrete mix used for the RCC structure is M20, and the steel used is high-yield strength deformed bars of grade Fe415. The functional planning uses Kerala PANCHAYATH BUILDING RULE and INDIAN STANDARD CODES. The structure shall be designed to resist and bear all loads liable to act on it. The plan is drafted using AUTOCAD software, and an analysis is performed using STAAD.Pro software. The project is based on the limit state method. The goal of this project is to create a cutting-edge auditorium that can accommodate the various needs of contemporary audiences. The main goals are to design a flexible venue that can accommodate a range of activities, such as concerts, conferences, theatre shows, and community meetings, while maintaining the best possible acoustics, accessibility, and sustainability.

Causative Agents and their Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Catheter-related Urinary Tract Infection among Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder Patients

Abstract Background and Objectives: Complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often difficult to treat because of the existence of isolated antibiotic-resistant strains. Impaired bladder emptying is present in around 60% of spinal cord injuries or disorders patients. The objective of the study was to find the causative agents and their antimicrobial susceptibilities of catheter-related UTIs. Methods: The study was conducted among 160 subjects from Calicut District, Kerala, India using the purposive sampling method. From this, 89 were using intermittent and 71 were using indwelling catheterization. UTI was assessed by urine culture and sensitivity test from NABL accredited laboratory. Statistical Analysis Used: The association between demographic and clinical variables was performed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study consisted of 160 spinal cord injuries or disorders patients with a mean age at which injury occurred was 35.66 ± 12.78. For the detection of UTIs, culture and sensitivity of urine were done. Out of them, 115 (72%) had UTIs. Escherichia coli was the most common causative agent of UTI 55 (47.8%), followed by Klebsiella 33 (28.6%), Pseudomonas 9 (7.8%), and Proteus vulgaris 7 (6.3%). The study showed that the most resistant antimicrobial agents for E. coli were ampicillin 39 (71%), amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate 32 (58%), and cefuroxime oral. Less resistant antimicrobial agents to E. coli were doxycycline 12 (21%), cefepime 13 (24%), and gentamicin 16 (29%). The most resistant antimicrobial agents to Klebsiella were ampicillin 33 (100%) and nitrofurantoin 23 (70%). Conclusion: UTI is one of the most common complications among spinal cord injuries or disorders patients using a catheter for bladder emptying. Appropriate antibiotics should be prescribed to treat UTIs and to avoid antimicrobial resistance.

Relationship between COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Comorbidities of COVID-19 Patients Admitted at a Tertiary Medical College in Calicut District, Kerala

Abstract Background: Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a pivotal step in stopping the global pandemic. Knowledge regarding the relationship of vaccination status among comorbid COVID-19 patients would definitely provide more information. Objectives: The objective was to study the proportion of vaccination status among COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary medical college at Calicut district and to study the association of vaccination status with independent risk factors among COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary medical college at Calicut district, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary medical college. The sample size calculated was 202 and the sampling technique used was consecutive sampling. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Results: In this study, the proportion of vaccination status among admitted COVID-19 patients was 65.8%. Sociodemographic variables comprising age, gender, religion, education, occupation, and per capita income were tested for association with the dependent variable. To socioeconomic classification, the upper middle-class group was associated with high vaccination status compared to other groups and the results were statistically significant. The relationship between vaccination status and comorbidities was tested and it found those patients who had no prior exposure to COVID-19 on anticoagulant therapy compared to the prior exposure group to anticoagulant therapy were associated with high vaccination status and the results were statistically significant. Conclusion and Recommendation: The present study shows that only 65% had taken COVID-19 vaccines previously. There should be further studies to know the reasons for barriers to the COVID-19 vaccination program.

First report of the cuckoo wasp Chrysidea falsa (Hymenoptera) from India

Only two species of Chrysidea Bischoff, 1913 have been reported from India: C. furiosa (Cameron, 1897) from West Bengal and C. pumila (Klug, 1845) from Maharashtra. Here, we report the first record of a third species, C. falsa Rosa & Xu, 2015 from India, previously recorded only from China, Malaysia, and the Philippines, and thereby extending the known range of this species. We randomly collected chrysidids from Kasaragod and Calicut Districts in Kerala, which lies in the south-western part of India. Six specimens of C. falsa were collected using sweep nets. Five of them were from two sacred groves in Kasaragod District, Edayilakkad Kavu and Koyithatta Sree Dharma Shastha Kavu. One specimen was collected at Vadakara, Calicut District. The specimens from Kasaragod and Vadakara were found in small rock crevices and on the brick walls of an old abandoned house respectively.

AEDES ALBOPICTUS (SKUSE) SURVEILLANCE WITH BIOGENTS (R) MOSQUITITO TRAPS AND LARVAL INDICES- A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Effective surveillance and monitoring of Aedes albopictus is essential for the possible prediction and implementation of the preventive measures. We tested BG sentinel mosquitito traps with BG lure to collect adults as an alternative surveillance tool in relation to larval indices. Study was carried out in Calicut District, Kerala, India. Three villages in the district were selected by random sampling as study area. In each village, 50 houses were selected as study site for trap collection, larval survey and fever surveillance. Study was conducted for six months from July to December, 2017. Number of adults of Ae.albopictus collected in BG sentinel traps was only 84 in 22 collections spanning over six months (mean 3.82, 95% CI-2.57-5.06).Though the larval indices were high; no epidemic was reported from the study area. There was no correlation between adults collected and larval indices. Adult collection showed a positive correlation with most of meteorological parameters. Larval indices showed no correlation with climatic factors.BG mosquitito trap was found to be not successful for adult surveillance in the area. More studies are required using different traps to suggest adult traps as an alternative to currently used larval indices. Larval indices were high but no cases reported. Our study shows that a more reliable monitoring mechanism is required for Ae.albopictus to enable prevention, to introduce abatement and its evaluation.

Comparison of health related quality of life and health related outcomes among male patients with spinal cord injury with indwelling vs intermittent bladder catheterization - A pilot study

The majority of people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) have abnormalities in bladder function. It is important for an individual with SCI to understand the merits and demerits of different methods of bladder management. The purpose of the study is to compare the health related quality of life (QOL) and health related outcomes among male patients with SCI on indwelling and intermittent bladder catheterisation. A descriptive comparative study was conducted from June to December 2019 among patients with SCI residing in Calicut District, India. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Quality of life was assessed by Qualiveen -30. Urine culture and Numerical pain scale were used to assess Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and pain, respectively. The mean Qualiveen 30 score was higher among individuals with indwelling catheterisation 2.426 ± 0.52 than in individuals with intermittent catheterisation 1.746 ± 0.39, which is significant (p =0.0001) and patients with intermittent catheterisation showed better QOL. Mean pain after catheterisation was 5.07 ± 1.44 among persons with indwelling catheterisation while 4.70 ± 1.41 in intermittent catheterisation, which is not significant (p=0.13). The people with indwelling catheterisation are 5.5 times likely to develop UTI than people with intermittent catheterisation (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.15-26.41). The better QOL and less UTI are demonstrated in patients using intermittent catheterisation over indwelling catheterisation. There is no remarkable difference of pain during catheterisation in both groups. Intermittent catheterisation can be preferred over indwelling catheterisation among persons with SCI.

Comparison of health related quality of life and health related outcomes among male patients with spinal cord injury with indwelling vs intermittent bladder catheterization - A pilot study

The majority of people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) have abnormalities in bladder function. It is important for an individual with SCI to understand the merits and demerits of different methods of bladder management. The purpose of the study is to compare the health related quality of life (QOL) and health related outcomes among male patients with SCI on indwelling and intermittent bladder catheterisation. A descriptive comparative study was conducted from June to December 2019 among patients with SCI residing in Calicut District, India. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Quality of life was assessed by Qualiveen -30. Urine culture and Numerical pain scale were used to assess Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and pain, respectively. The mean Qualiveen 30 score was higher among individuals with indwelling catheterisation 2.426 ± 0.52 than in individuals with intermittent catheterisation 1.746 ± 0.39, which is significant (p =0.0001) and patients with intermittent catheterisation showed better QOL. Mean pain after catheterisation was 5.07 ± 1.44 among persons with indwelling catheterisation while 4.70 ± 1.41 in intermittent catheterisation, which is not significant (p=0.13). The people with indwelling catheterisation are 5.5 times likely to develop UTI than people with intermittent catheterisation (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.15-26.41). The better QOL and less UTI are demonstrated in patients using intermittent catheterisation over indwelling catheterisation. There is no remarkable difference of pain during catheterisation in both groups. Intermittent catheterisation can be preferred over indwelling catheterisation among persons with SCI.

Prevalence of missing mandibular molars in 15-17 year old students in Calicut District of Kerala State, India

Prevalence of missing mandibular molars in 15-17 year old students in Calicut District of Kerala State, India

Savings Pattern of Self Finance Colleges among Calicut District: A Study

The level of income in real terms is what matters for the trendy of living of the human beings and this in turn relies upon on the distribution of profits and the price of inflation in the economy. The income, investment and the increase of an economic system relies upon upon the fee of inflation and additionally the poverty ratio. All the salaried community people are in the position to save their money for their future requirements. The academic community people are in the moderate level of investments because of their stabled income. It is necessary to study about the type of saving allocation and investment pattern of the college faculties.

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding the First Aid Home Management of Selected Emergencies among Students of Selected Technical College Calicut District, Kerala

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding the First Aid Home Management of Selected Emergencies among Students of Selected Technical College Calicut District, Kerala

A STUDY ON STRESS MANAGEMENT AMONG SELF FINANCING COLLEGE FACULTIES OF CALICUT DISTRICT

Stress is a term generally used to define state of mind of tensions or tiredness usually associated with work overload or overly demanding work. Stress is ordinary phenomenon in an individual’s daily life.Stress refers to the anxiety from the conflict between our external environment and us, leading to emotional and physical pressure. The main aim of the study is to identify the stress level of faculty members working in self-financing colleges situated in Calicut District. The study is conducted on Faculties of Self finance colleges. Faculties from many self-financing colleges are taken consideration and the sample size is 200. Simple random sampling was adopted for this study. The findings stated that majority 55.5% of faculties having stress related symptoms and 21.5% of faculties doing Meditation and Exercise to reduce stress. The study concluded that the most important causes for stress among faculties are overloaded working hours, role in the performance of job, student discipline, innovations in the higher education field, career development, funding policies, problems arise from administration side, feeling of angry, whipping by finished tiredness and unfit to move in work are considered as the essential results of stress among the Arts and Science school instructors.

Nutritional Profile and Impact of Fig Leaves Powder Supplementation on Selected Type 2 Diabetic Subjects of Calicut District

Two hundred adult diabetic patients were selected and information pertaining to their personal, nutritional and medical history was collected in an attempt to find out their nutritional status. Biochemical parameters namely random blood sugar, post prandial blood glucose level and glycosylated haemoglobin level were estimated to find out the blood sugar level in the body. Forty mild diabetic women in the age group of 40-49 years who were under dietary management only were selected for the supplementation study. Twenty women (n1=20) were considered as the experimental group for whom 10 g of fig leaf powder was mixed in 100 ml of buttermilk and given for a period of one month. The remaining 20 (control group n = 20) were given nutrition education. The impact of the supplementation study was assessed by comparing the blood glucose level of experimental group and control group. It was observed that half of the patients were mild diabetic and the incidence of the disease was only a year ago. There was a significant decrease in the blood glucose level of the experimental group which proves the hypoglycaemic effect of fig leaves.

Perception of human rights temperature of community in persons with severe mental illnesses

Background: Despite the rights of persons with mental illnesses (PwMI) are protected by law in India, human rights of PwMI is being violated in many ways. There is dearth of literature on the human rights of PwMI in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to understand the perceived human rights temperature of community in PwMI. Data were collected from PwMI (diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, and symptomatically stable for 3 years) seeking outpatient psychiatric treatment from private psychiatric hospitals and clinics in Kozhikode (Calicut) district of Kerala state, India. Data were collected using “Taking the Human Rights Temperature of Your Community” which was modified and validated in Indian population and a sociodemographic schedule which was prepared by the researchers. Results: The majority were males (54.2%). Mean duration of illness as 10.42 ± 6.43 years. Mean score of the human rights temperature was 68.31 ± 5.95. Perceived major concerns in the areas of career opportunity (59.5%), discrimination in hiring for work (61.3%), help and care in development of PwMI (64.5%), equal opportunity to avail treatment and cost incurred in it (60.5%), involvement in decision making (46.7%), and responsiveness of the community when any rights violation happens (44.9%). Conclusion: Human rights of PwMI are a major concern. Functioning of the mental health authority and legal aid clinics has to be strengthened to address rights issues of PwMI.

Psychological Distress of Young Adults in Relation to Certain Demographic Variables

Early adulthood is a period of adjustment to new expectations and roles that make it a distinctive and a difficult period in the life span. The Objective of the study was to find out the extent of psychological distress among young adults and to know how it is related to the demographic variables. Participants for the present study consisted of 224 young adults (age=20-45 years) from various institutions as well as residence in the Malappuram and Calicut district of Kerala, India. Psychological Distress Scale and Personal information sheet was used to measure Psychological distress and demographics variables like age, sex, marital status, employment status and birth order. Results revealed that there exists significant sex difference in stress, depression, and overall psychological distress, marital status as well as birth order has no role in psychological distress and unemployed subjects experience more depression than employed participants.

Disability with Persistent Pain Following an Epidemic of Chikungunya in Rural South India.

We investigated the effects of chronic rheumatic and musculoskeletal symptoms on the functional status of people affected by the chikungunya (CKG) epidemic in the Calicut District, Kerala, South India in 2009. A cross-sectional house-to-house survey was conducted 18 months after the CKG epidemic to assess functional status of individuals with post-epidemic persistent pain. All respondents over age 15 years with persistent pain fitting the epidemiological case definition were included. Participants' functional status was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Factors affecting severity of HAQ-DI were analyzed by ordinal regression. Of 3869 subjects interviewed, 1195 (34.3%) had a positive history of CHIKV virus infection (epidemiological or confirmed); 36.28% (624/1720) of CKG-affected individuals had persistent pain 18 months post epidemic. Mean age of those affected was 48.22 ± 15.6 years; 23.2% had no disability, while 16.2% had moderate to severe disability on the HAQ-DI. Significant factors affecting severity of disability on HAQ-DI included previous rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (OR 2.27), joint and soft-tissue involvement (OR 3.74), only joint involvement (OR 2.14), female sex (OR 1.44), diet (OR 4.73), and history of joint swelling (OR 1.72). Persistence of pain noted in post-CKG disease resulted in significantly deteriorated functional status of those affected.

The Study on Programmes, Facilities and Achievements in USHA Schools of Athletics

The study on this paper focus on the various programmes, facilities and achievements that are available at USHA School of Athletics, Quilandy, Calicut District, Kerala, India. The personal interview technique was adopted for the collection of data. After obtaining permission to visit the school, through proper channel, the author visited the campus personally for the detailed study with a check list to collect data. The detail of the collected data pattern to the study was classified as General Information, Programmes, Facilities, Achievements and Special Information. Going through the analysis and interpretation of the data, it shows about the detailed information of the school and its vision, mission, various future plans and table wise detailed information about achievements and its diagrammatic representation on both state and national level. In short we can state USHA School of Athletics is best in their organization and administration looking forward its goal for achieving the Olympic medals.

Knowledge attitude and practice towards infection control measures amongst healthcare workers in a medical teaching hospital of Calicut District, Kerala, India

Healthcare workers must know the various measures for their own protection. They should improve organization of work, implement standard precautions and dispose biomedical waste properly to prevent occupational exposure. This study aimed at assessing the Knowledge and attitude towards Infection control measures amongst the healthcare workers in a medical teaching hospital of Calicut district, Kerala, India.

Food and Nutrient Intakes of Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Calicut District of Kerala

Colorectal cancer, a multi factorial disease characterised by neoplasia of colon, rectum or vermiform appendix, is the third most common malignancy in the world. The worldwide incidence of colorectal cancer has increased rapidly in the past few decades and dietary habits have been considered as a major causative factor. The major objective of the study was to assess the food and nutrient intake of patients with colorectal cancer in Calicut District. The survey using interview schedule assessed the food and nutrient intake of colorectal cancer patients belonging to Calicut District of Northern Kerala. The study involved a sample of hundred newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer, belonging to the age group 30-55 years. The samples were selected by employing purposive random sampling from patients in the area of study. All the results were then analysed. The results showed that diets of the patients had some nutritional inadequacies. The RDA for intake of sugar, cereals, meat, pulses, vegetables, roots & tubers, green leafy vegetable and milk were lesser than the normal requirements for an adult male and female subject. This may be due to the reduced food consumption of the subjects due to their illness and related complications. Keywords :Cancer, Colorectal cancer, 24 hour recall, Recommended Dietary Allowance, Food and nutrient intake

News Coverage on the Kaaliyaattam and the Necessity of FolkloreJournalism

Kollam Sri. Pishaarikavu is a Saakteya Kavu (the kavu where the goddess personifying the creative power of the universe is worshipped) situated in the Quilandy Taluk of the calicut district in kerala. The festival of this temple (Kavu) is known as Kaaliyattam. On analyzing the media reports of this festival, it can be deduced that these do not represent the regional culture of the region. The practice of the media in interpreting folklore according to their tastes and interests has been widely criticized. On analyzing the media representation of the Kaaliyattam festival, it will be evident that the approach of the media towards folklore should undergo a seminal change. The age demands of us an attitude to convey culture on the basis of the traditional cultural psyche of the folk. The idea of folklore originates on the basis of such concept. This paper puts forwarded the necessity of formulating a new branch in journalism, viz., Folklore Journalism, by analysis the media reports of the Kaaliyattam festival and the lacunae in them.

Prevalence and factors related to rheumatic musculoskeletal disorders in rural south India: WHO-ILAR-COPCORD-BJD India Calicut study

To assess the prevalence and factors related to rheumatic musculoskeletal disorders (RMSD) in a rural population of south India. The cross-sectional study included all individuals, 15years and above, in a rural unit of Calicut District in North Kerala. Data were collected using the validated World Health Organization - International League of Associations for Rheumatology - Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases - Bhigwan model questionnaire by trained volunteers. In Phase 1 details of demographic characteristics, major co-morbidities and perceived musculoskeletal aches and pains were elicited. Phases 2 and 3 further evaluated and diagnosed the subjects. Predictors for RMSD were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. There were 4999 individuals in the study. The prevalence of RMSD was 24.9% (95% CI 23.73; 26.12%). Females constituted 50.7% of the population; 5.1% of the respondents were illiterate; 80.9% belonged to low-income groups. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension affected 4.1% and 5.4% of the subjects respectively. The predictors for RMSD in the population were female sex, age, illiteracy, married status, low-income group, vegetarian diet, current alcohol consumption, current tobacco use, history of injury or accidents, diabetes and hypertension. Symptom-related ill-defined rheumatism (10.39%) followed by osteoarthritis (3.85%) were the most prevalent in the Phase 3 rheumatological evaluation. There is an urgent need to introduce lifestyle modifications in high-risk groups and start rehabilitation for those affected. Community rheumatology in primary health care settings in rural areas needs to be strengthened by introducing national programs addressing RMSD at the grassroots level.