Female Ward Research Articles

Indoor environmental conditions and likelihood of reported violence and aggression in a purpose-built residential dementia hospital

This study, conducted on purpose-built NHS dementia wards, investigates correlations between patient aggression and indoor temperature and humidity. Temperature and humidity, measured at 3-min intervals, on male and female wards, over 12–15 months, were compared against staff-recorded incidents (n = 299; females n = 100; males n = 199). Linear regression was used to assess potential correlations. Binomial analysis measured relative risk of incidents outside comfortable thermal (22–24 °C) and humidity (30%–60%) ranges. Temperatures ranged from 17 to 27oC and humidity ranged from 16 to 70%. On the male ward, both extremes of temperature were correlated with increased incident likelihood (R2 = 0.473) and relative risk of incidents was 1.89 (p = 0.0015) at temperatures <22oC and 1.73 (p < 0.001) at temperatures >24oC. On the female ward, increasing temperature was correlated with increased incident likelihood (R2 = 0.568) and relative risk of incidents was 1.99 (p < 0.001) at temperatures >24oC. Strong associations between relative humidity levels and incidents were not identified. Extreme temperatures were associated with significantly increased risk of incidents of agitation, suggesting relevance of environmental conditions in the formulation of agitation in dementia.

Incidence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Fomites in Critical Units of General Hospital Katsina

Study’s Excerpt Investigation of the role of fomites in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens, specifically Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, within various units of General Hospital Katsina was carried out. The results reveal high contamination of fomites in the male ward, with significant bacterial colony counts, and the differing susceptibility profiles of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa to commonly used antibiotics. There is need for improved infection control and antibiotic stewardship in the region. Full Abstract Nosocomial infections, predominantly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, continue to be a major public health challenge, especially in developing countries, due to their associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial pathogens from fomites in the Accident and Emergency (A&amp;E) unit, male ward, and female ward of General Hospital Katsina and to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. A total of 90 swab samples were collected from frequently touched items such as beddings, door handles, floor surfaces, scissors, and forceps across the three locations. Standard microbiological techniques were utilized for the isolation and identification of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, followed by antibacterial susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method. Bacterial growth was observed in 58 (64.4%) samples, with S. aureus accounting for 32 (55.2%) and P. aeruginosa for 26 (44.8%) of the isolates. The male ward exhibited the highest contamination levels, with a mean colony count of 725.25 CFU/plate, significantly higher than the female ward (487.67 CFU/plate) and the A&amp;E unit (48 CFU/plate), as confirmed by a one-way ANOVA (p &lt; 0.05). Chi-square analysis revealed no statistically significant association between bacterial species and hospital location (p = 0.823). The susceptibility testing showed that S. aureus isolates were generally susceptible to Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Pefloxacin but resistant to Amoxicillin. Conversely, P. aeruginosa displayed high resistance to Gentamycin and Septrin. Conclusively, these findings revealed the critical role of fomites in the transmission of pathogens and highlighted the need for enhanced infection control measures and targeted antibiotic stewardship programs to mitigate the risks associated with these infections.

Mental Health Assessment in Hospitalised Patients In The Department Of General Surgery

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. The goal of the study was to describe the mental health status in hospitalized patients in general surgery department. An educational observational study was carried out among 50 samples in the Department of General surgery, ESI PGIMSR, and Rajajinagar The data was collected by using global mental health assessment tool questionnaire (GMHAT). All information’s were processed and analyzed by using Microsoft excel. From the department of general surgery, the number of patients included from the male ward was 30; the majority of patients were from the age group of 46-55 (33.33%), with a mean age of 47.63 ± 12.18 years. In the female ward, the number of patients included was 20; the majority of patients were from the age group of 46-55 (30%), with a mean age of 51.75 ± 13.36 years. Based on the gender, the majority of patients were male, with 30 (60%) and the minority of them were females, 20 (40%). Compared to all the mental health diseases majority of the people said that thought disorders and psychotic symptoms as none and majority of the people said that do not have any severity. In this study, mental health almost all of the patients had responded as mild to moderate and for the severity they have responded very low. Out of 50 patients using Mann-Whitney U test, the p-value was found to be less than significant level. So, there is a significant difference in between gender and anxiety levels. And also, there was a significant difference in between the gender and panic attack levels using same statistical analysis.

Appraisal of Nursing Care Received and it’s Satisfaction: A Case Study of Admitted Patients in Afe Babalola Multisystem Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

Background Patients are the best recruiter of patients if given prompt treatment and comprehensive care. Patient satisfaction with nursing care has been strongly advocated to be an important indicator of the quality of nursing care delivery which raises concerns in many areas, including information communication, privacy, physical and psychological care, availability and accessibility of nurses, and emotional care. The aim of this study centred on identifying the domain of nursing care received by in-patients of Afe Babalola Multisystem Hospital (AMSH) and determining the level of patient satisfaction towards nursing care in AMSH.  Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional, descriptive design was employed. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 102 patients admitted to surgical wards (male and female), Medical wards (male and female), renal wards, accident and emergencies and maternity wards. The Qualipak nursing quality questionnaire (QUALPAC) was used to collect the required data. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 27. Pearson chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was used.  Results Patients received overall moderate nursing care (64.7%) in the framework of physical, communication and psychosocial care. Overall satisfaction with nursing care received was found to be 76.5%. Among the domains of nursing satisfaction, satisfaction towards communication care (89.2%) and physical care (80.4%) showed a high level and satisfaction towards psychosocial care (58.8%) care was lower compared to other dimensions. Respondents’ between the ages of 18-25 years (P&lt; 0.05, Odd ratio- 14.569, CI: 679.461– 0.312), male patients (P&lt; 0.05, Odd ratio- 8.850, CI: 7.477– 0.097), single patients (P&lt; 0.05, Odd ratio- 5.130, CI: 7.569- 0.035), primary education (P&lt; 0.05, Odd ratio- 40.123, CI: 2021.829– 0.076), patients admitted to male renal ward (P&lt; 0.05, Odd ratio- 2.328, CI: 196.160– 0.028) and patients who chose expert doctors as a reason (P&lt; 0.05, Odd ratio- 4.900, CI: 25.509– 0.009) were associated with patient satisfaction. Nursing care received was high among admitted patients in male medical wards, female medical ward and male renal ward.  Conclusion Patientsin this study received moderate nursing care in the three domains of nursing care. A high nursing satisfaction was received. To increase satisfaction with nursing care, greater emphasis should be given to the psychosocial care of patients.

Antihypertensive use insights and experiences among hypertensive patients at Korle-Bu teaching hospital.

Across the globe, a vast number of people, amounting to 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years, suffer from hypertension. Two-thirds of them reside in low- and middle-income countries, and a significant 46% of these adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition. Hence the study aims to determine the Antihypertensive use insights and experiences among hypertensive patients at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. A qualitative exploratory design was employed to recruit thirty 30 hypertensive patients from both male and female medical wards as well as the hypertensive clinic at the OPD of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The patients were selected using a purposive sampling technique, following which they were involved in face-face in-depth interviews which were audiotaped. Recorded data was then transcribed and analyzed with content analysis. The analysis of the data resulted in three (3) main themes and 10 sub-themes. The study uncovered a general lack of knowledge about antihypertensive medications. This limited understanding resulted in a negative attitude among most patients toward the use of prescribed antihypertensive drugs. When it came to their experiences with antihypertensive medications, patients shared a wide range of experiences. It was concluded that there is a need to improve the knowledge and attitude of patients as these play pivotal roles in determining adherence levels. Thus, interventions such as the organization of educational programs and awareness creation is recommended to improve adherence level and in turn, decrease the prevalence of hypertensive complications associated with poor management.

THE UNSEEN: BURDEN IN CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA IN A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of caregiver burden in patients with schizophrenia using the burden assessment schedule (BAS). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and their respective caregivers from the patients admitted in the male and female wards of the psychiatric department to evaluate caregiver burden. The BAS is used to determine the burden on caregivers of schizophrenic patients. Results: This study revealed that 51% of the caregivers had experienced moderate levels of burden. Older caregivers experienced a significantly higher burden (p=0.03), whereas residence and educational status had no significant effect on the burden. The burden was highest among parents, followed by spouses, and the burden is positively correlated with gender and older caregivers. Conclusion: It is evident that an unaddressed burden exists among the caregivers of patients who have mental illness. It is crucial to develop strategies to lessen the load of caregiving and implement them effectively. Counseling and psychological support, though they do not directly mitigate the suffering of patients, may help improve the quality of care given by them to individuals with schizophrenia, thus overall improving the mental well-being of the whole family.

Physiotherapists’ Use of Outcome Measure Tools in the Assessment of Neuro-Musculoskeletal Injuries for Short-Term Functional Rehabilitation Domains to Minimize Impairments and Disability following Commercial Motorcycle Road-Related Accident, Eldoret, Kenya

Bed immobilization remains a core intervention to stabilize neuro-musculoskeletal injuries following commercial motorcycle-related road traffic accidents. Despite timely operative and conservative management, most patients remain handicapped, requiring short- and long-term physical therapy. That calls for physiotherapists to assess and make use of outcome measure tools to determine the level of impairments and disability and make informed decisions when developing management goals. The objective of the study was to determine short-term functional rehabilitation domains, the use of outcome measure tools, and physiotherapy interventions used to minimize impairments and disability following a commercial motorcycle road-related accident in Eldoret, Kenya. Biopsychosocial theory guided the study. A prospective cohort study was adopted. Purposive sampling was used for the selection of 79 participants for 6 months between March 2021 and July 2021 in level 5 hospitals in Eldoret, Kenya. The target population included post-operative patients in both male and female orthopedics wards, physiotherapists, and social workers in the orthopedic department of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. The study population was 150 patients. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used. The data collected was entered and analyzed with SPSS 20. The findings of this study revealed that forty-four percent (44%) of total participants were bedridden for fracture immobilization and spinal cord injuries for more than 3 days before and after orthopedic and neurological surgery. The majority (100%) of the participants had been referred for physiotherapy rehabilitation. All 100 participants were assessed with different outcome measure tools for neuro-musculoskeletal injuries to determine the level of physical function. Forty-three percent (43%) had lost functional abilities of the upper extremity (19 males, 15 females). Fifty-one-point nine percent (51.9%) had lost physical function due to lower extremity fractures (39% (26 males, 15 females) and 24% (15 males, 4 females) with spinal cord injuries. Four participants (5%) reported lost days to school, and 94.9% reported lost days to income-generating activities (27 females, 48 males). The majority (100%) of the participants pre- and post-operatively were assessed with standardized outcome measure tools that remain significant for prompt best evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Pain (100%) and impaired physical functions (100%) were the main rehabilitation domains that posed the biggest challenge to patients’ post-trauma. Multicomponent physiotherapy interventions ranging from stretching, strengthening, breathing exercises, bed positioning, mobility and transfers, balance and coordination, and gait training tailored to patients’ physical function levels, prevention of muscle atrophy and strength, and joint stiffness were core. This study recommended short-term physiotherapy rehabilitation on early bed mobilization and ambulation for patients, which remains core for the restoration of physical functional levels and a return formula to socioeconomic status.

Assessing Improvement in Prescription Writing Quality in Adult Male and Female Wards of Psychiatry Department, Lahore, Pakistan: Three Cycles of Clinical Audit

Assessing Improvement in Prescription Writing Quality in Adult Male and Female Wards of Psychiatry Department, Lahore, Pakistan: Three Cycles of Clinical Audit

Audit on PRN Prescriptions in Adult Inpatient Female Ward

Audit on PRN Prescriptions in Adult Inpatient Female Ward

Antibiotic resistance and plasmid profile of bacteria associated with nosocomial infections: A case study of Ekiti -State Teaching Hospital

Many serious health problems resulting in an enormous burden of morbidity and high health care costs are traceable to infections caused by the nosocomial pathogens; major victims are relatives of patients, the care givers who are doing their legal duties and at times the patients whose conditions could be complicated. The causative organisms of these infections and their sensitivity to antibiotics need to be ascertained. This study investigated the antibiotic sensitivity and plasmid profile of bacteria associated with nosocomial infections. A total of 45 samples were collected from children, male and female surgical wards in Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti by using swab sticks and settling plates method. Isolation of bacteria, antibiotic sensitivity and plasmid profiling of the isolates were carried out using standard microbiological methods. The results showed that a total of 56 bacterial isolates were obtained from the 3 different wards, this includes Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus fermenti, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Micrococcus luteus. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest frequency of occurrence with 30(53.6%), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis 10(17.7%), Escherichia coli 7(12.5%), Lactobacillus fermentii and Micrococcus luteus 3(5.4%) and Bacillus subtilis 2(3.6%) respectively, while Bacillus cereus 1(1.8%) had the least frequency of occurrence. The gram positive isolates were more resistant to the antibiotics compare to the gram negative isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most resistant of all the isolates followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, the five representative resistant isolates harbored plasmid of different sizes. The findings of this study suggests that patients, care givers and visitors to the hospital should maintain good personal hygiene and proper sanitary measures to avoid nosocomial infections, therefore, surveillance of nosocomial pathogens is important to reduce hospital stay, cost, morbidity and mortality rate.

An audit of ECG and blood test monitoring on new admissions to female adult psychiatry ward in a psychiatry hospital, North Yorkshire

Background: Numerous health reports have highlighted the poor physical health of individuals with mental health problems. To improve this situation, it is paramount that mental inpatients have their baseline ECG and blood tests done immediately, following admission to the psychiatric hospital, to inform their ongoing management.Aims: This audit aimed to identify the percentage of newly admitted patients to Esk Ward (Adult psychiatry female ward) at Cross LaneHospital, Scarborough with ECG and routine blood tests completed and the time frame within which the interventions were undertaken. It also sought to establish if the results of the interventions were documented in the patients’ electronic care records and that any reasons for refusal were elicited.Method: The clinical records of 20 consecutive patients admitted to the Unit between 08/07/2023 and 09/10/2023 were reviewed. An audit tool was designed and the patients’ clinical records were scrutinised concurrently during the admission to the Ward, to determine whether the interventions were completed and the timescales within which they were undertaken. It was also monitored if the ECG and blood results were interpreted appropriately and if any necessary follow-up actions were taken.Results: The audit showed that 90% of patients admitted to Esk Ward within the period under review underwent routine blood tests within 24 h of hospital admission. However, only 60% of patients underwent ECG within similar timescales although all patients subsequently underwent this intervention during the period of hospital admission. Reasons for initial refusal of the interventions were documented in the patients’ records and the results of the investigations were reviewed in a clinically appropriate fashion.Conclusion: Results of these investigations should be regularly reviewed and appropriate follow-up care relating to these findings falls predominantly on Consultant Psychiatrists and Junior Doctors on the inpatient team.

Evaluation of Medication Errors and Prevention Strategies in a Selected Tertiary Care Hospital

A medication error is defined as a deviation from the physician’s medication order as written on the patient’s chart. Evaluation of medication errors and the implementation of prevention strategies are necessary to ensure patient safety and improve healthcare outcomes. Prospective and observational study was conducted on 218 patients, 50 (22.9%) reported medication error with 56% females and 44% males. Most of the patients included in the study were in the age group between 18 to 65 years (72%). The most common co-morbidity in patients was hypertension (27.94%). In the study, the most common category of harm is Category D (35.29%), followed by Category A (19.6%), Category F (17.64%), Category E (9.8%), Category B (7.84%), Category C (5.88%), and the least common category of harm was Category I (3.92%) based on NCC MERP guidelines. The most specific reported error was wrong dose either strength or frequency (25.84%). Prescription error 34(68%) was the most common type of error reported based on CHCF guidelines. Comparing the wards in which errors were made, (42%) occurred in the female ward. Categorizing the severity of the effect of error found, 38% patient needs monitoring, 20% patient were not harmed, 18% patients required more hospitalization time, 10% patient required treatment, 10% of the patients were not affected, and 4% of the patient died. After implementing the prevention strategies, prescription errors were prevented but other errors (Dose omission, Multi-dose) were reduced from 20% to 10%.

Effects of Magnesium Sulphate, Dexmedetomidine and Lignocaine on Perioperative Haemodynamic and Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgeries: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgeries currently represent the mainstay of surgical modalities. Pneumoperitoneum imposes significant intraoperative haemodynamic alterations, which are more pronounced in elderly patients and those with co-morbid conditions. Inadequate pain relief in the perioperative period may result in various physiological and psychological traumas. Aim: To investigate the effects of magnesium sulphate, dexmedetomidine, and lignocaine on the haemodynamic responses and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded, randomised clinical study was conducted in the general surgery operation theatre, Post-anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU), and the male and female surgery ward of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from March 1, 2021, to March 1, 2022. The study involved 105 subjects assigned to Group-L, who received an injection of lignocaine as a loading dose of 1.5 mg/kg intravenously over 2-4 minutes before induction, followed by a continuous infusion of 2 mg/kg/hour throughout the surgery. Group-M received a loading dose of MgSO4 at 30 mg/ kg over 15 minutes before induction, followed by 15 mg/kg/hour throughout the surgery, and Group-D received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine at 1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes before induction, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg/min throughout the surgery. Data on Heart Rate (HR), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and the total dose of rescue analgesic administered in the postoperative 24 hours were recorded and analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test, as well as the Chi-square test where applicable. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The groups were comparable in terms of demographic variables and baseline haemodynamic status. The average age in Group-D was 39.13±9.48 years, in Group-M was 37.30±8.14 years, and in Group-L was 36.5±7.2 years (p=0.26). Group-D had 60% males, Group-M had 57% males, and Group-L had 60% males. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of Group-D was 25.9±2.03 (kg/m2 ), Group-L (Lignocaine) was 24.7±2.7, and Group-M (Magnesium Sulphate) was 23.8±3.2. Dexmedetomidine was found to be superior in maintaining haemodynamic stability throughout the perioperative period (Preinduction HR: Group-D=79.43, Group-L=79.06, Group-M=82.09; Postinduction HR: Group-D=86.49, Group-M=65.91, GroupL=72.69). There was a significant decrease in postintubation MAP, most pronounced in the Magnesium Sulphate and Dexmedetomidine groups. Post-pneumoperitoneum, the surge in MAP was most effectively prevented by Dexmedetomidine. The lowest amount of rescue analgesic (injection Diclofenac in mg) was used in the Dexmedetomidine group (55.86±5.05), followed by the Lignocaine group (126.43±17.69). Patients in the Magnesium group required the highest amount of rescue analgesic (156.43±7.91). The number of patients receiving rescue analgesia was significantly higher in the Lignocaine and Magnesium Sulphate groups (Group-D: 6.5±3.14565, Group-L: 14.75±7.36, Group-M: 18.25±8.057). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine was more effective in maintaining haemodynamic stability throughout the perioperative period and exhibited superior postoperative analgesic properties. Magnesium Sulphate and lignocaine were more effective in preventing postintubation surges.

Occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus among Inpatients of a Tertiary Hospital in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Patients stay longer on admission as a result of being infected by certain pathogens like S.aureus. One hundred isolates were obtained from clinical specimens of patients who had stayed for not less than 72 hours in male and female wards of Specialist hospital, Jalingo. The specimens used were sputum, nasalswab, throat swab and wound swab. Standard procedures were used in the isolation and identification of the bacteria as well as in determining the antimicrobial resistance profile. However, resistance to cefoxitin was used to identify the MRSA Neverthless, 21% of the isolates were S. aureus while 61.9% of the S.aureus were MRSA. Though, the prevalence of S.aureus was highest (23.1%) in the nasal swab of inpatients aged 46-55(p=0.054), wound swab (17.4%) of inpatients aged 26-35(p=0.254), throat swab (6.5%) of inpatients aged 36-45 years (p=0.935) and sputum (3.0%) of inpatients aged 36-45 and 76-85(p=0.009), all the S.aureus isolated from the nares were MRSA. All the S.aureus were multi drug resistant-they were respectively 76.2%,90.5%,81.0%,85.7%,47.6% and 52.3% resistant to gentamycin (10μg), ciprofloxacin (20μg), streptomycin (10μg), erythromycin(10μg), cefuroxime (30μg) and levofloxacin (20μg).However,100% resistance was observed in Ampiclox(30μg), Amoxacillin(30μg). Zinnocef (20μg), Cefriaxone (20μg) and cefoxime (10μg).It is therefore recommended that further study be carried out to find out whether there is a relationship between the prevalence of MRSA and the site of isolation(specimen). Also, there is need to find out if there are conditions in the nares that promote the acquisition of mec A gene by S.aureus.

Красавицы и чудовища: сюжеты опер А. Э. М. Гретри в русском балете

In Russia the music of André Ernest Modeste Grétry acquired its fame during the times of Empress Catherine the Great and Emperor Paul. His theatrical works were performed with great success by the artists of the French Court Troupe, the Free Russian Theater, the serfs’ theater of the Sheremetev’s, and the female wards of the Smolny Institute. Rare editions and manuscript copies of Grétry’s copies are preserved in numerous Russian libraries. Most of them contain the ballets (among them, Les marriages samnites [The Samnite Marriages], Le comte d’Albert [Count d’Albert], Panurge dans l’île des lanternes [Panurge on the Island of Lanterns], and Raoul Barbe-bleue [Raoul Bluebeard]). The opera Céphale et Procris ou l’amour conjugal [Cephale and Procris or Conjugal Love] is provided with the subtitle of ballet héroique (heroic ballet), while Zemire et Azor” is dubbed сomédie-ballet, which makes it possible to ascribe these compositions to the genre of opera-ballet. In addition, the storylines of Grétry’s operas served as a basis for the creation of two ballets produced in the imperial theaters in the court of Emperor Alexander I. It is Raoul Barbe-bleue ou le danger de curiosité [Raoul Bluebeard, or the Danger of Curiosity] (1807) staged to the music of Catterino Cavos with the choreography of Ivan Valberkh and Henzi et Tao, ou La belle et la bête [Henzi and Tao or Beauty and the Beast] (1819) produced by Charles Didelot to the music of Fernando Antonolini. The article provides information about the history of the creation and performance of ballets, demonstrates the similarities and the differences between the storylines of original operas and their new versions. The connection between the productions of the ballets in Grétry’s opera Henzi et Tao, ou La belle et la bête and the ballets Kenzi and Tao and Henzi and Tao produced by Didelot on the stages of Europe and Russia at times. For the first time Didelot’s libretto for the “grand Chinese ballet” set to the music of Cesare Bossi (premiered on May 14, 1801 at the “Haymarket” Royal Theater in London) has been translated from English into Russian by the author of the article. The problem of the ballet “doppelgangers” and the revisions of well-known theatrical works is examined in the article.

Mortality Trends In Pre COVID And Pandemic Era In A Tertiary Care Setting

Objective: The coronavirus pandemic has emphasized stay-at-home and social distancing policies. Since the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a declining trend of hospital mortality indicating that the pandemic might keep patients from seeking emergency care in a hospital setting. This study was carried out to determine the mortality trends pre-COVID and pandemic periods in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Study design: Retrospective observational study Place and Duration: 1st January 2019 to December 2021 at Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC) Hospital Islamabad It was a retrospective review done on death data of pre-COVID (January-December 2019) and pandemic(January 2020-December 2021) period. Data on death was retrieved from medical male and female wards, medical ICU and isolation ward. The mortality rate was measured for both pre-COVID and pandemic periods along with co-morbid for the pandemic period. Descriptive statistics were measured with the SPSS software version. 23. Association with age, gender and mortality was observed using a chi-square test taking p value ≤ 0.05 as significant. Result: In this study of the 366 deaths, the average age of patients in the pre-COVID and pandemic era was57.40±17.910 and 64.31±16.065 respectively. The males and females were 50.9% and 49.1% in the pre-COVID period while 61.5% and 38.5% in the pandemic period. The frequency of deaths was 46.7% in the pre COVID and 53.3% in the pandemic period with a p-value &lt;0.05. Patients with co-morbid died more in the pandemic era. Conclusion: It was observed that hospital mortality trends were in decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in our setting which may be associated with lockdown, decreased access to the hospitals or fear of going to hospital.

Bacteriological Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Some Selected Units at the University of Cape Coast Hospital in Ghana

A hospital is an environment solely for diagnosing and treating patients. Contemporary research, however, reveals the possibility of users contracting diseases due to many factors, such as poor air quality. This research, therefore, delves into the critical indoor air quality assessment domain, focusing on selected units within the University of Cape Coast Hospital, Ghana. The study’s primary objective was to conduct a comprehensive microbial assessment of indoor air quality in eight different units (emergency room, operating theater, out-patient department, consulting rooms, laboratory, male ward, female ward, and ear, nose, and throat unit) of the hospital, shedding light on potential airborne bacteria present. Indoor and outdoor air were sampled using Koch’s sedimentation method. Colony forming units per cubic meter of air (cfu/m3) were determined with the Omeliansky formula. The bacteriological load within the units revealed that the out-patient department had the highest bacterial concentration (139.2±60.32×102 cfu/m3), immediately followed by Outdoor (135.1±43.63×102 cfu/m3), whereas ear, nose, and throat unit recorded the least concentration (0.4±0.57×102 cfu/m3). The remaining units range between 135.1±43.63×102 cfu/m3 and 0.4±0.57×102 cfu/m3. The morphological characteristics of the seven observed bacterial isolates (GSB 1-7) showed the presence of two cocci and five rods. Isolates 1 and 4 had a rhizoid form, isolates 2,3, and 5 had a circular form, while isolates 6 and 7 had filamentous forms. All isolates showed positive gram tests, and endospores were detected in isolates 1, 4, and 6. Bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus mycoides, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus circulans, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus sp. These outcomes indicate bacterial contaminations in the indoor environment, likely to pose a significant risk to patients, workers, and visitor’s safety. Therefore, rigorous monitoring and mitigation strategies are essential to ensure a safer environment in healthcare settings.

Isolation and Identification of Air Microflora in Clifford University Medical Center, Ihie Campus, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria

The settling plate method was used to examine the air microflora in 6 units at the Clifford University Medical Centre, Ihie campus, Owerrinta, Abia state, Nigeria. The male ward, male restroom, female ward, female restroom, theater room, and environment were among the 6 units. At each of the sample locations, the culture plates containing potato dextrose agar and nutrient agar media were exposed to the atmosphere for about 15 minutes. A total count of 11 CFU and 295 CFU fungal and bacterial isolates respectively were identified from the medical center but 5 fungal isolates and 29 bacterial isolates were obtained as pure cultures. These fungi were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton sp, Penicillium sp, and white mold. The bacterial genera were Staphylococcus sp, Streptococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, and Bacillus sp. Staphylococcus sp and Aspergillus sp. were the two most prevalent microorganisms in this investigation. It can be said that the Clifford University Medical Centre employed for this study featured numerous types of Gram-positive bacteria, a high prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, and a high prevalence of pathogenic fungi in both the indoor and outdoor air. The majority of the fungal isolates are molds, whereas certain bacterial species are commensals that live on human skin, the fungal isolates are of environmental origin. The bacterial and fungal isolates contained a few non-pathogenic species. The study was carried out to determine if air microfloral affects the infection rate in the University Medical Centre.

PREVALANCE OF JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS SYNDROME IN A TERITARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NORTH EASTERN STATE - TRIPURA

Introduction: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus, which has a wide distribution in many countries of Asia, Western Pacific and in northern Australia. Twenty-four countries from South-East Asia, Western Pacific regions are endemic for this disease and more than three billion people are at risks of infection. This study is conducted to observe the clinicodemographic profile and prevalence of Japanese Encephalitis in patients presenting with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome Methods: An observational longitudinal study was carried over a period of 8 months from January 2023 to august 2023 among 80 indoor patients admitted in department of medicine of a tertiary care hospital in North-Eastern state in Tripura. Results: Total of 80 patients were admitted in male and female wards of Department of Medicine who were diagnosed to have Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. Among 80 patients 58(72.5%) were male and 22(27.5%) were female. Out of 80 patients 60(75%) serum samples were taken and 20(25%) CSF samples were taken of which 9(11.25%) patients were tested positive for serum and 5(6.25%) tested for CSF respectively. Mean age group of patients with positive results was 50.80±10.35. Most common presentation was fever(100%) followed by focal neurological deficit(57%), headache and vomitings (30%), coma(8%), convulsions(15%) and meningeal signs(30%). Out of 14 patients who were positive for JE 12(86%) patients were from rural areas and 2(14%) people were from urban areas. Out of 14 patients 10(71%) were male and 4 patients(29%) were female respectively. Conclusion: In this study we found that a considerable number of patients are suffering from Japanese Encephalitis which enhances and enlightens our knowledge to think about the disease and its complications to prevent the increasing mortality rates among the patients and create awareness among them as most of them are from rural areas.

Prevalence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Orthopedic Patients in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex during 2018-2019: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common postoperative complaints of the patients that affects the surgical outcome, quality of life, length of hospital stay, and costs. The prevalence of nausea and vomiting is estimated at 52% and 25% within the first 24 hours after surgery. Many risk factors have been identified for PONV, including female gender, being a non-smoker, young age, general anesthesia, use of volatile anesthetics and Nitrous Oxide, and duration of anesthesia. Following receiving reports indicating an unusually high prevalence of PONV in the male orthopedic ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex despite applying regional techniques, the present study was conducted to investigate its prevalence and possible reasons.&#x0D; Methods: After obtaining informed consent, 300 patients admitted to male and female orthopedic wards of Imam Khomeini Hospital complex that had undergone surgery within the past 48 hours were interviewed in person and their medical records were reviewed.&#x0D; Results: Of 300 patients, 61 (20.3%) had nausea and 39 (13%) had vomiting. Three patients (1%) experienced recurrence of PONV after treatment. The risk factors associated with PONV were female gender, history of motion sickness, general anesthesia with sodium thiopental, atracurium, IV lidocaine, isoflurane, neostigmine, and postoperative administration of ciprofloxacin.&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of PONV was lower than other studies, which was in contrast to reports received from the ward, indicating a reduction in PONV following the use of regional techniques.