Hospital In Chennai Research Articles

A study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice on occupational blood and body fluid spill management awareness among nursing students in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Background: Nurses form a major taskforce of healthcare providers in hospitals and are hence at a great risk of such exposure. Occupational exposure in the context of this study is the exposure of skin to blood and body fluids. Transmission of these infections puts healthcare providers at major risk. Proper decontamination and taking measures to prevent occupational exposure to blood, mercury and body fluids is a primary method of prevention of disease in a healthcare setup. Aims and Objectives: To estimate, the level of knowledge, attitude& practice of nursing students regarding the management of blood and body fluid spill. Methodology: A Cross sectional –KAP among Second and third years from Nursing school, Chennai. Result: Among 98 nursing students, second year nursing 40%, 61%, 40 % shows knowledge, attitude and practice respectively. Third year students shows better than second year which was 57%, 71%, 71 % shows knowledge, attitude and practice respectively. The studied participants had a median (IQR) percentage KAP score of 8(7-9) and 11 (10-13) for second and third year students respectively. Comparison KAP score of the excellent and fair among second and third year students showed the significant p-value (<0.001*) by the Mann- Whitney U test. Conclusion: Majority of third year nursing students showed better KAP than second year students hence we recommend more mock training classes to improve the knowledge and practice.

Health-related Quality of Life and Domain-specific Associated Factors among Patients with Type2 Diabetes Mellitus in South India.

OBJECTIVEType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that has a major impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The economic burden of the disease, along with its complications, negatively impact the individual, family, and society of Indian diabetic patients. This study explored the perception of the diabetic HRQOL of South Indian type2diabetic patients.METHODSThis study was a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India. Using the simple random sampling technique, we collected data from 352 T2DM patients aged ≥ 30 years of age who were diagnosed for a minimum of one year. Data collection occurred from June to August 2017. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS, Version 22.RESULTSOverall, 90% of patients with T2DM perceived poor HRQOL. The total and the domain- specific mean scores of HRQOL were high indicating poor HRQOL in energy mobility, diabetes control, anxiety and worry, social burden, and sexual functioning domains. Being female, increasing age, lower education levels, lower family income, and uncontrolled fasting blood glucose levels predicted poor HRQOL of patients with T2DM.CONCLUSIONST2DM impacted the HRQOL in all measured domains of participants. A patient-centred approach to diabetes management can be incorporated to improve or enhance the health-related quality of patients’ lives. Improved HRQOL also may lead to fewer hospitalizations, and hence, reduce healthcare costs.

Novel biomarkers of inflammation for endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease patients

Introduction and Aim: One of the main complications of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) resulting in morbidity and mortality is cardiac complications. High-sensitive C -reactive protein (hs- CRP), a novel biomarker of systemic inflammation is elevated in all the stages of kidney impairment. This leads to endothelial dysfunction resulting in cardiovascular complications. The aim is to evaluate the levels of novel inflammatory biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction which could predict cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 CKD patients at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Study participants were from both sexes, aged between 20 and 65 years. Fasting blood samples were drawn for analysis of lipid profile, hs- CRP, calcium and phosphorus. Results: The participants were grouped into three based on the hs-CRP Levels, as Low (<0.80 mg/L), Medium (0.81–1.76 mg/L) and High (>1.76 mg/L). Serum creatinine was significantly increased (P=0.007) across the groups. hs-CRP showed positive correlation with creatinine, while it showed negative correlation with HDLc. Conclusion: Highly sensitive CRP is a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Elevated hsCRP levels in CKD patients indicate that they are prone for cardiovascular complications. Early detection of systemic low-grade inflammation may prevent future cardiovascular complications.

Immunological Response to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine among Health Care Workers at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine (Covishield) has shown good efficacy data but the presence of non responders to the vaccine and the duration of protection conferred by the vaccine has not been clearly documented. To study the immunological response to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine among Health Care workers (HCWs) at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Materials and Methods: A Prospective study was conducted to analyze the duration of protection conferred by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine by testing the serum samples for Anti SARS IgG Antibody to spike protein by EUROIMMUNE ELISA Kit protocol by testing the pre vaccine sample, samples 2 weeks and 4 weeks following 1st dose,3 months and 6 months post 2 doses of vaccination and to study the association of waning immune response with comorbidities. A total of 265 Health Care Workers (HCWs) involving Nurses (35%), Doctors (32%), Technical staffs (17%) and House keeping staffs (16%) were included in the study. Majority were in age group of 41-50 Years (33%). Associated comorbidity was noticed in 19 % of HCWs. All 100% had sero conversion 4 weeks following Covishield but only 88 % had sero conversion 2 weeks following the 1st dose of Covishield. 100% of the HCWs had detectable levels of Anti SARS IgG antibody to spike protein 3 months following 2nd dose of Covishield but 6 months post 2nd dose only 90.5 % detectable levels of Anti SARS IgG antibody to spike protein. Among the 9.5% with waning immune response 68% had associated comorbidity like obesity (47%), Diabetes Mellitus (41%), Hyperlipidemia (6%) and Chronic lung disease (6%). It is important to maintain the protective antibody titers by vaccinating all the individuals with booster dose of the vaccine and considering population with comorbidities a high risk group for early priority.

Antibiotic Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Tertiary Hospital in Chennai, India

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an adaptable bacteria causing an extensive spectrum of infections and intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. As antimicrobial resistance has increased due to many resistance mechanisms. This study was done to evaluate the antibiogram of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a tertiary care centre. Thirty seven isolates were recovered from various specimens for a period of 6 months from June to December 2020 and the disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing as per CLSI guidelines. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be high (45.9%) in pus/wound than other samples. Antibiotic resistance rate of the isolates were 29.7% to ceftazidime, 16.2% to Piperacillin-tazobactam, 27 % to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, 16.2% to tobramycin and imipenem, 24.3% to meropenem, 27% to ciprofloxacin, 13.5% to aztreonam, 21.6% to amikacin, 24.3% to cefepime and levofloxacin, 21.6 to tigecycline. All strains were sensitive to colistin. 27% of the organism were found to be multidrug resistance. Hence periodic susceptibility testing can curb the resurgence of these bacterial pathogens.

VACCUM IS THE PREFERRED INSTRUMENT AMONG OBSTERICIANS IN RECENT TIMES

Obstetricians must be able to perform operative vaginal birth (OVB). It is the most common obstetric emergency intervention, and it necessitates a high level of expertise. To nd out which tool obstetricians prefer when doing surgical vaginal births, as well as the prevalence and hazards of vacuum or forceps assisted vaginal deliveries (AVD). The ACS Medical and Hospital in Chennai conducted this cross-sectional investigation. The survey comprised 500 obstetricians in all. All obstetricians in Chennai were issued an online survey. The best approach for a given situation, tool preference [vacuum or forceps], and perspectives on the difculties associated with both vacuum and forceps use during vaginal delivery were all investigated. We calculated averages and percentages for the overall group and different subgroups based on the responses. The statistical analysis comprised a risk assessment of the result with exposure as an appropriate p-value. The questionnaire had a response rate of 92 percent (460/500). According to the data, obstetricians preferred vacuum because it was easier to use. The two groups had identical baseline characteristics. The most prevalent complication was a failed vacuum owing to cup slippage (65%), followed by caput succedaneum (22%), both of which were statistically signicant. The most important nding was that maternal injuries in the vacuum group were only 3%, which was signicantly lower than maternal injuries in the forceps group (70%) with a p-value of 0.001. The majority of obstetricians seemed to prefer using a vacuum during delivery. The use of a vacuum extractor instead of forceps for assisted delivery appeared to lower maternal morbidity, whereas neonatal injuries were more prevalent in vacuum-delivered babies. The equipment chosen should be tailored to the patient's needs as well as the obstetrician's knowledge and skill.

Seroprevalence Pattern of Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV-1 & 2) among STI Vulnerable Women Population

Background: Genital infections caused by Herpes Simplex viruses are viewed as the indicators of sexual network in the society. Most of the infections caused by these viruses are asymptomatic and underdiagnosed.
 Aim: To investigate the seroprevalences of HSV-1 and HSV-2 among the STI vulnerable women and correlate them with clinical infections and other co-viral STIs.
 Study design: A cross sectional retrospective study was conducted on female contacts of HIV / STI positive male partners, who were consulting the STD clinics of NGOs and OP section of STD department of Government hospital in Chennai, India between October 2006 and September 2008.
 Methodology: The study included 138 STI vulnerable women along with age matched control group from whom socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. Serological screening was performed using ELISA for detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to HSV types 1 and 2 and co-positivities to HIV, HBV, HCV and CMV. Statistical analysis of results was carried out using Chi-square test.
 Results: Overall seroprevalences of 79.71% and 74.32% were recorded respectively for HSV-1 and HSV-2 among the study group. Proportionate increase in symptomatic cases were observed with individuals showing seropositivities to anti-HSV-1/2 IgM, IgM+IgG (combined) and IgG antibodies, which correlated respectively with primary, reactivated and episodic infections. Observation of symptomatic cases among HSV-1 (48.0% vs. 4.05%) and HSV-2 (68.29% vs. 25.0%) IgG positive study and control groups corroborated the sexual transmission of these viruses. Significant percentages of co-positivities to other viral STIs were recorded with higher preponderance among HSV-2 seropositive individuals than those of HSV-1.
 Conclusion: Comprehensive serological screening and its correlation with the clinical data would be very helpful in demonstrating the impact of HSV infections. Wide screening of STI vulnerable women is necessary to estimate the actual burden of STIs and to adopt preventive intervention.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR ANTENATALAND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG WOMEN IN RURALAREA OF CHENNAI

Background and Objective: Maternal depression is an important public health problem. Preterm labour, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction have all been linked to antenatal depression, which is generally underdiagnosed. Postpartum depression has been linked to motherinfant bonding issues, child maltreatment, child neglect, maternal drug misuse, and self-harm in studies. Depression among pregnant and postpartum teenagers is prevalent in many parts of the world. The incidence of depression and its related risk factors among pregnant and postpartum adolescents in Sriperumbudhur, Chennai, is reported in this research. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional research using a sample of 160 teenage girls using maternity health care in a medium-sized rural peripheral district hospital in Chennai was undertaken between June and November 2021. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to examine pregnant and postnatal adolescents who took part in the study as the treatment of depression. Mean of parameters were assessed and correlation value were calculated by Fisher's exact test. The statistically signicant Pvalue was less than 0.05. Results: The sociodemographic factors have been demonstrated to have a major role in explaining the variation in prenatal and postpartum depression prevalence rates. According to the data, less than a third of pregnant women suffer from depression as a result of life events such as economic problems, which they must overcome in order to sustain their family. These were shown to be signicant risk factors (P>0.05). In the meanwhile, it was 9.4% (15/160) among postpartum participants. Physical violence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.32, 95% CI 1.66-29.44, p = 0:005), verbal abuse (aOR) 4.3, 95% CI 1.03-15.79, p = 0:03), and intimate partner violence (aOR) 9.58, 95% CI 1.58-48.82, p = 0:008) were all linked to postnatal depression. Conclusion: In the research sample, prenatal depression was more common than postpartum depression. As a result of the ndings, maternal healthcare providers are being advised to examine the mental health of pregnant and postpartum teenagers seeking treatment at health institutions.

A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND IMPORTANCE OF HAND WASHING AND ITS TECHNIQUE AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A SEMI URBAN PLACE IN SOUTH INDIA

Background: Developing countries have an increased burden of communicable diseases which are influenced by poor personal hygiene practices. Hand washing, especially with soap and water as an effective intervention to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Despite the proven effectiveness, the practice of effective hand washing is found to be poor in developing countries. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and practice of hand washing among school students Methods Design and Setting: An institution-based cross sectional study was carried out among 440 students in a school in South India. A validated semi-structured questionnaire containing 36 questions was used to collect the required data after getting a consent. Place of study: Schools around Saveetha medical college hospital, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Chennai. Results: The study was conducted among 440 students among which 255 were boys and 186 were girls. Majority of children in the population have general know the importance of hand washing in day to day life as 88.18% (n= 388). The awareness about the substance that they use for washing their hands, the time at which they washed their hands, the reason for hand washing, the awareness about infections prevented by hand washing, the awareness about hand washing technique and the steps involved, the availability of soap or sanitizer in the school were all studied and children showed good knowledge and practice about hand washing. Conclusions: To conclude, the knowledge regarding hand washing is good, but the practice of hand washing and hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet is poor.

Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Clevira as an Add on Drug in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Positive PatientsA Randomised Control Trial

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a devastating pandemic. Despite the worldwide efforts to find a therapeutic strategy and prophylaxis, we have not attained a complete success. Hence, there exists an urgent need for development of alternative solutions from Ayurveda system of medicine for COVID-19. Aim: To evaluate clevira, a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation, for its efficacy and safety in treatment of mild to moderate COVID19 patients as an add on drug. Materials and Methods: This randomised control trial was carried out from May 2020 to July 2020, in 100 patients (50 in test group and 50 in control group) confirmed with COVID19 infection (mild to moderate cases) by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) at a tertiary care Government Medical College and Hospital in Chennai, India. The test group received tablet clevira orally twice daily after food, in the morning and night for 14 days, as an add on, in addition to standard care of treatment as received by the control group. The primary outcome was assessment of clinical recovery, proportion of patients with swabs negative for COVID19 in RT-PCR and reduction of Viral cycle threshold ratio. The results of the both group were analysed and compared using Chi-square test and student’s t-test. Results: Significant improvement (p-value=0.0338) was seen in patients on day 5, who got treated with clevira as add on drug. An 86% (43) of patients turned out to be COVID-19 RTPCR test negative on day 5 while in the control group 66% (33) of patients turned out to be negative. There was a statistically significant difference (p-value=0.0196) between the test and control groups on comparing the mean difference in CT value results between day 1 and day 5. Clevira when given in addition to the standard of care, showed a significant improvement in signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Clevira, with its polyherbal ingredients show a significant antiviral action against coronavirus when given in addition to the standard of care medications suggested by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), over a period of 14 days in treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.

Clinical Profile and Risk Assessment of Infections Among Diabetics in a Community Health Hospital in Chennai: A Hospital Based Descriptive and Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Incidence of diabetes mellitus continues to rise, common focus areas for diabetes control are blood glucose levels, diet, and exercise. Controlling these factors are essential for a better quality of life in diabetes patients. Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria and pyuria, cystitis, and, more important, serious upper urinary tract infection. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based descriptive and cross-sectional study which included 250 Study subjects who were admitted in CSI Kalyani General hospital during the period from July 2017 to July 2018 and who has Diabetic as a comorbidity were interviewed using structured protocol based proforma. Patient underwent routine clinical, pathological and biochemical investigations. Results: In this study, 250 in-patients were included and analyzed. The prevalence of Infection in Diabetes mellitus was 65.6%. There is no significant association between Age, Education, Occupation, HbA1C, Duration and type of treatment and biochemical values. The commonest organism in Urine sample among the study group was E.coli followed by Klebsiella. UTI is more common in females, Respiratory infection is more common in males and it is statistically significant (p<0.009) and it is statistically significant (p<0.007). Conclusion: From this study, we have concluded that patient with diabetes mellitus is at increased risk for common infections due to poor glycemic control and Obesity. Poor glycemic control suppresses the immunity and more prone for infection. Therefore, the challenges will be to attain good glycemic control, change in lifestyle to maintain normal BMI. This will prevent the morbimortality, reduce the long-term complication and maintenance to prolong the life without any sequele. More prospective case control studies on the management of infections in DM patients are needed. Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, infections, clinical profile, hba1c, glycemic control

Demographic Profiling of Patients with Leukoplakia Visiting a Dental Hospital in Chennai, India - An Institutional Study

Introduction: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of conditions that predispose to the development of oral cancers. A few of the commonly recurring OPMDs include leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, Smokers’ palate, and oral lichen planus. Leukoplakia is more common in specific populations, attributed to their habits and environmental circumstances. Hence, early diagnosis with biopsies on suspecting these lesions during regular oral health check-up ensures timely referral and addressal of the disorder. The present study aims to demographically profile patients with Leukoplakia visiting a private dental hospital in Chennai.
 Aim: To demographically profile patients diagnosed with Leukoplakia, visiting a dental hospital in Chennai, a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
 Materials and Methods: From the patients visiting the private dental hospital, those clinically diagnosed with Leukoplakia were considered in the inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria involved those with poor maintenance of records and lack of follow-up of uncooperative patients. The sample size was n=100. The gender, age and locality of residence were considered and tabulated, followed by their statistical analysis using SPSS software version 22.0. 
 Results: From the results of the current study, it was observed that there was a greater male predilection to the occurrence of Leukoplakia (99%) compared to females (1%). A greater number of cases were seen in the age group of 41-50 years (34%), while the least number of cases were seen in patients of 21-30 years (7%). Among the cases reported, most patients were from Thiruvallur (40%), Chennai district (30%) followed by Kancheepuram district (17%) in Tamilnadu .
 Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that Leukoplakia is more prevalent among the middle aged male population and was found to be predominantly occurring in the regions of Thiruvallur and Chennai districts in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Prevalence of Xerostomia among Patients Visiting Private Dental Hospital in Chennai: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Xerostomia is a dry mouth condition caused by insufficient or absent saliva flow. Xerostomia is not a disorder, but it may be a symptom of a variety of diseases, a side effect of head and neck radiation, or a side effect of a number of drug medications. It may be linked to reduced salivary gland activity or not.
 Aim: To assess the prevalence of xerostomia among patients visiting private dental hospitals in chennai.
 Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study done in a university setting. Case sheets of patients who were diagnosed with xerostomia n=24 were obtained from DIAS for analysis between June 2019 - February 2021. The data was then collected using SPSS tools for statistical analysis. A comparison was made between xerostomia with age, gender and predisposing factor.
 Results: There was a high prevalence of xerostomia in females (83.3%) when compared to males (16.7%) among the patients visiting private dental hospitals. Xerostomia was more prevalent in the age group of 55-65 years (41.6%). Most common reason for xerostomia was found to be drug medications (60.87%) followed by other factors like diabetic mellitus, radiation therapy etc. On comparison of age with the predisposing factor of xerostomia it was found that the age group of 55-65 year were mostly affected with drug medications as the most common reason to induce xerostomia which was found to be a statistically insignificant ( P value =0.151) Similarly on comparison of gender with predisposing factor of xerostomia, it was found that females were found to be most affected with drug medications as the main predisposing factor which was found to be a statistically significant with p =0.037.
 Conclusion: Despite the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that oral dryness will continue to be a significant health problem as life expectancy rises. As a result, it's critical to comprehend the pathophysiology of xerostomia, as it may be a contributing factor in any systemic disorder.

Prevalence of Denture Stomatitis among Patients Visiting Private Dental Hospital in Chennai - An Institutional Study

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of denture stomatitis among patients visiting private dental colleges in Chennai.
 Introduction: Denture stomatitis is the inflammation of the denture bearing mucosa mostly affecting elderly population. The classical signs of denture stomatitis are burning sensation, bad taste, discomfort and sometimes they are asymptomatic. It occurs mostly under the maxillary denture due to less salivary gland, high retention, poor cleansing activity of the tongue.
 Materials and Method: This is a descriptive study which was performed under a university setting in which the data of patients who were diagnosed with denture stomatitis in the department of oral medicine at a private dental college in Chennai, India from June 2019- February 2021. The data was collected by reviewing patient records and the analysis of data of n =5,35,951 was done. The parameters such as age of the patient, gender of the patient, site of lesion and clinic type were noted in the study. The collected data was compiled, reviewed, tabulated in spss software (version 22.0) for statistical analysis.
 Results: The prevalence of denture stomatitis is about 30.58% and more common among the age group of 70-79 years and had a more female prediction. The most common site of denture stomatitis was the maxillary denture (80%) and most of the patients had undergone treatment in Undergraduate clinics (86.78%).
 Conclusion: Thus the knowledge of prevalence of denture stomatitis and correlation with various parameters is essential in dental practices for improving clinical performance.

Incidence of Angular Cheilitis among Patients Visiting Private Dental Hospital in Chennai: An Institutional Study

Introduction: Angular cheilitis is defined as the localised inflammation of the lip commissure. The angles of the mouth are more prone to inflammation as they serve as the points of interface between the squamous epithelium and oral mucosa. It is a multifactorial disease and occurs due to varied etiology. It can be due to microbial infections, poor dentures, or can be due to smoking and pan chewing habits, Nutritional deficiency or Generalised Immunosuppression. Most of the lesions respond well to the topical antifungal medications and steroids.
 Aim: The current study aims to assess the Incidence of Angular cheilitis among patients visiting the Out patient department of a private dental hospital setting
 Materials and Methodology: The study was performed in the Out patient department of saveetha dental college, under a university setting. The study was a retrospective study and the data required were procured by reviewing patient records dating between June 2019 and March 2021 and the sample size was n =125. The data thus collected were sorted and tabulated in the excel sheet. The sorted data were then entered in the IBM SPSS software and descriptive analysis was performed. The results were interpreted in the form of pictorial graphs.
 Results: n = 125 patient records who had been diagnosed with Angular cheilitis had been retrieved. Our results show that the majority of them i.e 52% of the people were Females and 48% of them were Males.Our results also show that the people of age group 41 to 50 were the most affected with 31.20% and people with 20 to 30 years of age group were the least affected with 12.80%.
 Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that Angular cheilitis has got a predominant Female predilection and more commonly affects people of 41 to 50 years of age.
 There is also a positive correlation between the Gender of the population and smoking and pan chewing habits; and Gender of the population and Iron deficiency anemia induced Angular cheilitis.

Awareness about Early Menarche and Its Associated Problems among Female Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Background: In many developing countries, the age of menarche is declining due to various factors. Early pubertal development or early menarche among girls could be associated with higher risks of poor health, so it is important to bring awareness and gain knowledge about early menarche and it's associated problems.
 Aim: To assess the awareness and knowledge about early menarche and its associated problems among female medical students.
 Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study was done among the 1st year, 2nd year and 3rd year girls studying in a medical college in Chennai.
 Methods: This study was conducted among 232 participants. A convenient sampling method was used. A pretested semi-stricter questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and awareness about early menarche and its associated problems.
 Statistical Analysis Used: Data was entered in an excel spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS software version 16, statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test.
 Results: Out of 232 participants 33.7% had good knowledge about early menarche and its associated problems. There was a significant association between the year of study and the level of knowledge of the participants. 42.35% were aware that “early menarche can lead to breast cancer and ischemic heart disease”.
 Conclusion: Thus, this study helps us to bring more awareness about early menarche and its associated problems and to prevent it by gaining knowledge about the factors resulting in early menarche.

A Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence of Postpartum Depression among Recently Delivered Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Chennai, India

Background: Postpartum depression is a common type of depression most people are not much aware and the most important causes being poverty, unwanted child/gender, marital disharmony and lack of family support.
 Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression among recently delivered women in a tertiary care hospital in an urban setup.
 Methodology: It was a cross sectional type of study in urban population in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Data on postpartum depression was collected using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS).
 Results: A total 165 postpartum women participated in the study. The prevalence of postpartum depression was found to be 19.23% (an EPDS score of 10 and above) and it was noted in our study that none of these women sort to any medical help.
 Conclusion: The study shows prevalence of postpartum depression is quite high and none of those women seeked appropriate medical help. All health care professionals have to be trained to raise awareness, detect and treat postpartum depression among women promptly.

A Cross Sectional Study on Awareness of Risk Factors of Maternal Obesity among Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: There has been a rise in prevalence of obesity all around the world. Obesity during pregnancy has various adverse outcomes on both the child and mother. Maternal affects include pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational Diabetes, pre-eclampsia and foetal outcomes includes macrosomia, pre term birth and obstructed labour.
 Aim: Of this study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of complications of obesity during pregnancy among women.
 Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive questionnaire study conducted among 384 women attending the out-patient’s department of obstetrics and gynaecology during a time period of January 2021 to June 2021.
 Results: Average level of awareness was found among the participants. 53.3% women were aware and 46.6% participants were not aware of the adverse effects of maternal obesity.
 Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that half of the participants were unaware, hence perinatal counselling and awareness camps needs to be conducted to raise the awareness and knowledge levels among general population for a healthier society.

Evaluation of Intermental Foramina Distance among South Indian Population

Background: The intermental foramina distance varies between ethnicities, according to an OPG (orthopantomogram), which is a form of dental x-ray. The mandibular foramen has a bony canal developed in the mandible at two independent anatomies and its rim is 'v' shaped, that was its common form where the groove separating the anterior and posterior parts is horizontally orientated rim which is an oval shaped rim. The placement of the mandibular foramen varies by ethnicity; the intermental foramina distance is always measured from the mandibles' mid-line.
 Materials and Methods: The OPGs are collected from the private dental college and hospital in chennai. The location of mental foramen is identified and the intermental foramina distance is calculated by adobe photoshop. The collected data is analysed using SPSS software.
 Results: The average intermental foramen distance in the south Indian population was 4.93 cm. Males have a 5.14 cm inter mental foramen, whereas females have a 4.76 cm inter mental foramen. With a p value of 0.001, there is a significant difference in the intermental foramina distance between the genders in the south Indian population.
 Conclusion: Within the restrictions of the study, it may be stated that there is a significant difference in the intermental foramina distance between men and women in the south Indian population, with a p value of 0.001. The dentist's understanding of the intermental foramina difference is critical when performing implants, orthodontic surgery, and periodontal surgery. It aids the dentist in planning the drilling of the lower jaw bone.

Beliefs and Factors Affecting the Usage and Compliance of Inhalers in Treatment of Asthma in Children

Background: Despite the availability of several treatment modalities-various formulations of inhaled corticosteroids and delivery devices, the prevalence of asthma is increasing in the developing countries, especially among the paediatric age group. Though Inhaled corticosteroids are effective in the management of asthma, parents prefer oral medications and nebulisers as the treatment modality for their children. Thus, there is a general reluctance amongst the parents towards the use of inhalers. This article focuses on the beliefs and factors affecting the usage and compliance of inhalers in the treatment of asthma.
 Objectives: To assess Beliefs and factors affecting the usage and compliance of inhalers in treatment of asthma in children.
 Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Tamilnadu from March 2021 to June 2021.A cross -sectional study was conducted among 112 asthma patients of paediatric age group in a tertiary care medical college and hospital in Chennai through a questionnaire containing the demographic details, details regarding the treatment modalities, the inhalers and their usage. The results obtained were tabulated and analyzed.
 Result: The study included 112 asthmatic patients,68 boys and 44 girls of whom 87.17% of the children had recurrent episodes of cough and cold. 45.53% of the patients used oral medications along with nebulisation,26.8% used inhalers and 27.67% used inhalers along with oral medications. 78.57% of the parents were aware about the use of inhalers in the treatment of asthma and 59.82% of the parents showed reluctance to use inhalers for their children.
 Conclusion: In spite of inhaled corticosteroids being effective in the management of asthma, oral medications and nebulisers are the mainstay treatment in majority of the cases. Social stigma, fear of addiction and lack of knowledge are the major reasons for the reluctance of parents towards the use of inhalers.