Hospital In Delhi Research Articles

Olanzapine was an effective additional antiemetic for children and young people undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy

Review of Perkin MR, Bahnson HT, Logan K, et al . Association of early introduction of solids with infant sleep. A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr...

Effective Communication and Conflict Management Workshop for Nursing Interns: Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Delhi, India

Introduction: Communication is an important skill required in health care settings to deal with many problems including conflict management. Nurse serves patients in challenging environment with limited infrastructure, overcrowded wards and OPD, which poses the challenge of conflict and its management. Method: Two workshops on the topic of communication and conflict management for nursing interns were conducted, these included various methods of teaching such as lecture and role-plays and interactive activities based on real-life situations. Data were collected on a pretested feedback forms and responses were obtained on 5-point Likert scale and also by open-ended questions. Result: Majority of the nurse interns strongly agreed/ agreed that the topics were appropriate, increased their knowledge and they would recommend the workshop to their peers in future. They had learnt how to overcome barriers (93.61%), professional communication (87.23%), and good communication skills (72.34%). Other take home messages, were, be a good listener, simple and precise message and empathy. They had also learnt various styles to solve conflict (95.48%). Conclusion: Student nurses were keen to learn about the effective communication and conflict management and were willing to implement learning at workplace.

Three vs Four Dose Schedule of Double Strength Recombinant Hepatitis-B Vaccine in HIV-infected Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To compare seroprotection rates and the anti-HBs titers following primary immunization with double strength (20 µg) recombinant hepatitis B virus (rHBV) vaccine administered intramuscularly (IM) in a 3-dose (0, 1 and 6 months) vs 4-dose (0, 1, 2 and 6 months) schedule in HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). An accelerated 3-dose schedule (0, 1, 2 months) within the 4-dose group was also compared. Randomized controlled trial. Pediatric ART clinic of a tertiary hospital in Delhi from November, 2017 to April, 2019. Fifty (25 per group) HIV-infected children aged 18 months - 12 years receiving ART for at least 6 months who had not received any prior dose of HBV vaccine, and were anti-HBs negative. Group 1 received 20 µg of rHBV vaccine IM (in deltoid muscle) at 0, 1, and 6 months, and group 2 received 20 µg the same vaccine at 0, 1, 2 and 6 months. Anti-HBs titers and proportion of responders in 3-dose vs 4-dose group at seventh and twelfth month and at third month after an accelerated 3-dose schedule. Median (IQR) anti-HBs titers at the seventh month were significantly higher in group 2 [225.7 (151-300) IU/L] compared to group 1 [138.2 (35.2-250) IU/L], but were comparable at the 12th month. Seroprotection rates were comparable between group 2 and group 1 at 7th month (96% vs 80%; P=0.19) and 12th month (96% vs 88%; P=0.61). The proportion of good responders were also comparable between the groups at 7th month and 12th month (both P=0.29). Accelerated 3-dose schedule achieved comparable anti-HBs titers [179.9 (130.6-250) IU/L] and seroprotection rate (92%) one month after completion of schedule to the standard 3-dose + schedule. A 3-dose double strength recombinant HBV vaccine schedule offers comparable seroprotection to 4-dose schedule for HIV-infected children receiving ART.

COVID-19, Cancer, and Congregation: An Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in New Delhi

AbstractObjective Indian data on cancer patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and its outcome are limited. Infectivity and outcome among cancer patients staying in large congregations are not known. We conducted this study to address this lacuna in literature.Methods This was a retrospective–prospective, observational study of hospitalized cancer patients with proven COVID-19 infection, conducted at tertiary care hospital in New Delhi after ethical approval. We analyzed clinical, laboratorial parameters, and outcomes in these patients.Results All 32 admitted male patients became COVID-19 positive and 10 (31%) patients were symptomatic. Median age was 37.5 years (range: 16–64). Sixteen health-care workers (HCWs) were working in the cancer ward (paramedical staff: 4, nurses: 6, residents: 4, and consultants: 2). Among HCWs, two nursing staff and three paramedical staff contracted asymptomatic COVID-19. Eighteen (56%) and 14 (44%) patients were on curative and palliative treatment, respectively. Leukopenia (total leukocyte count <4,000/μL) was seen in 37.5% of cases. Grades 4, 3, 2, and 1 neutropenia were present in 12.5% of patents. Two (6.25%) patients had features of critical COVID-19. Eight (25%) patients received treatment with hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin. Five patients died. Three patients had features of progressive disease with poor performance status. One critical COVID patient survived and one succumbed to COVID-19. Patients shared a common dining room, sanitation area.Conclusion Seventy percent of cancer patients were asymptomatic. Cancer patients living in congregation areas are susceptible to COVID-19 with 3% mortality rate. Recent chemotherapy and associated cytopenias may not increase the risk in cancer patients with COVID-19 treated with curative intent. Palliative intended patients are at increased risk of death. N-95, personal protective equipment, and adherence to infection control measures should be encouraged.

Impact of COVID-19 on mental health of healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 designated clinical areas in India

Background: In the wake of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, there are reports of its impact on psychological wellbeing of the health care workers.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2020 in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India among conveniently sampled 93 participants i.e. doctors and nurses directly engaged in clinical activities in COVID-19 designated areas. A self-administered questionnaire through Google forms elicited symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress measured using the 9-item patient health questionnaire, 7-item generalized anxiety disorder scale, 7-item insomnia severity index, and 22-item impact of event scale-revised respectively.Results: Majority (53.8%) of the participants were male and their mean age was 30.2 years. Most (72%) were nurses, the rest being doctors. A substantial proportion of the participants had depression (47.4% of the sample), anxiety (29.0%), insomnia (32.3%) and distress (22.6%). Symptoms were disproportionately higher in female and single participants, nurses; those with history of chronic illness, staying in institute provided temporary accommodation, working on regular basis and perceiving lack of adequate personal protective equipment. Taking prophylactic hydroxychloroquine was associated with lower symptom rates.Conclusions: This survey revealed a considerable prevalence of mental health outcomes in HCWs demonstrating an association with age, gender; marital, professional and employment status, history of chronic illness, access to PPE, stay at institute provided temporary accommodation and prophylactic hydroxychloroquine use.

A Cross-sectional Study on Chronic Fungal Rhinosinusitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Delhi, India

Chronic Rhinosinusitis is a common disorder, and its prevalence vary from 1-20% globally. The incidence of fungal sinusitis has increased to such extent in recent years that fungal infection is a common diagnosis in patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis. The objectives of this current research were objectives of estimating the prevalence of Fungal aetiology in chronic sinusitis patients and their drug sensitivity pattern with common antifungal drugs. A total of 61 Cases present with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), visited in a tertiary care hospital based in Central Delhi, were included in our study. Excision of sinus tissue, including polyps and masses, were collected in the operation theatre during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) procedure in a sterile manner. All the tissues brought in sterile normal saline were processed for bacteriological and mycological examination. Tissues, obtained in 10% formalin were processed for histopathological and cytological analysis. A total of 14 (22.9%) cases of Chronic Rhinosinusitis were affected by fungal etiologies. By E test, the MIC range for isolates of Rhizopus arrhizus after 24 hr of incubation was 1-2 μg/mL, and the mean was 1.5 μg/Ml. Similarly, the MIC range for isolates of Aspergillus flavus after 48 hr of incubation was 0.5-16 μg/mL, and the mean was 4.09μg/mL. By the M38-A broth dilution method, the MIC range for the isolates of Rhizopus arrhizus after 24 hr of incubation was 0.5-2 μg/mL, and the mean was 1.25 μg/ml. Similarly, the MIC range for isolates of Aspergillus flavus after 48 hr of incubation was 0.5-4 μg/mL, and the mean was 1.95 μg/mL.

A study to assess the effectiveness of the structured teaching programme on the knowledge of health care personnel regarding bio medical waste management in various department of selected government hospital in Delhi

Background: Bio medical waste (BMW) collection and proper disposal has become a significant concern for both the medical and general community. Effective management of biomedical waste is not only a legal necessity but also a social responsibility.Material and Method: The evaluative research approach was considered to be most appropriate to measure the effectiveness of the structured teaching programme on the knowledge regarding Bio Medical Waste Management Setting of the study was selected Government Hospital in Delhi. In the present study, the sample comprised of 30 health care personnel in various department which include 10 participants from each department i.e. doctors, nursing officer, nursing aids. Random sampling technique was adopted to select the samples.Result: The mean post-test knowledge score of health care professional is higher than the pre-test score. Hence the teaching programme was found to be effective in improving the knowledge of health care personnel on Bio Medical Waste Management.Conclusion: On the basis of the findings of study the following conclusion were drawn that Health care personnel was having less knowledge regarding bio medical waste management. The PowerPoint Presentation was found to be effective in increasing the knowledge of the health care personnel regarding bio medical waste management.

Mumps Antibody Titer in MMR-Vaccinated and Vaccine Naïve Children at a Public Hospital in Delhi

To compare the mumps antibody titers in Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)-vaccinated and vaccine naive children. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary-care public hospital in Delhi from November, 2016 to April, 2018 among 78 healthy children (aged 16 month-12 years) attending the pediatric outpatient department. Serum IgG and IgM rubella antibodies were measured by ELISA for confirmation of MMR vaccination status. Qualitative determination of IgG mumps was done followed by quantitative determination in samples positive for IgG mumps antibodies. IgG mumps was present in 69.2% of study population, with seroprotective titers in 32% taking endpoint titer as 1:4. Among MMR vaccinated children, 41.1% were sero-protected and in MMR vaccine naïve children 9.1% were seroprotected for mumps. Single dose of MMR vaccine does not provide effective (>90%) sero-conversion required for successful herd immunity to prevent mumps outbreak.

Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of COVID-19 Outbreak Among Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Delhi

COVID-19 has been shown to spread rapidly among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) and there is an urgent need to find and implement various mitigation strategies for these individuals. In this study, we summarize the epidemiological characteristics of the COVID-19 outbreak among HCWs in a tertiary care hospital and compare various parameters and preventive measures taken by infected and uninfected subjects. A retrospective questionnaire and record-based analysis was carried out to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical parameters of the participants. Preventive strategies such as masking, hand hygiene and use of prophylactic agents were compared for infected and uninfected subjects. Appropriate statistical tests were applied wherever required. The average age of participants in the COVID-19 positive group was 35.9 years and 52.1% of the positive HCWs were symptomatic. Three of these subjects needed hospitalization and one required admission to an intensive care unit. The study found a protective role of full course of prophylactic hydroxychloroquine in treated subjects versus untreated controls (p = 0.021) and benefit of N95 masks over others (p<0.001). Our results did not show any added protection with the use of other strategies (prophylactic vitamin C, D, zinc, betadine gargles, or other home remedies). We observed outbreak control with increased awareness, near universal testing, PPE provision, sanitation drive and promoting social distancing among HCWs. This study highlights the role of hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis, use of N95 mask and effect of early interventions in outbreak mitigation.

Mycological Profile and Prevalence of Superficial Mycoses Agents: A Study from North India

Background: Superficial fungal infections are one of the commonest human infections. Causative agents of such infections may vary from yeasts like Candida species, Trichosporon species to dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte moulds. Fungal culture therefore, holds importance in identification and characterization of a fungal isolate, so that proper diagnosis can be made and correct treatment is instituted. Our objective was to study the etiology of the superficial fungal infections in patients presenting to the dermatology department in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Materials and Methods: A total of 340 skin and hair samples from patients clinically suspected to have superficial fungal infection of skin and hair were microscopically examined and cultured over a period of 2 years. The percentage and frequency distribution of etiological fungal agents was studied. Also the performance of the culture and microscopy as methods of detecting fungal agents was statistically compared using Kappa and proportions of positive and negative agreement as well as McNemar’s Chi-squared value. Corresponding p-values were also calculated for both kappa and Chi-squared values. The analysis has been done using Epitools. Results: Of these, 57.6% were positive for fungal elements by microscopic examination and the overall positivity of fungal infection was 70%. Out of 238 culture positive samples, 72.7% grew dermatophytes and 27.3% grew non-dermatophytes (including 16.8% yeasts and 10.9% non-dermatophyte moulds. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the commonest (60.7%) dermatophyte isolated, followed by T. rubrum (17.3%), T. violaceum (7.5%), T. tonsurans (7.5%), T. verucosum (2.9%), Microsporum gypseum (1.2%) and M. canis (0.6%). Among the isolated non-dermatophytes, Candida species was the commonest (50.8%) majority of which were C. albicans, other non-dermatophytes included moulds like Fusarium spp. (6.1%), Aspergillus fumigatus (4.6%), A. flavus (3.1%), Alternaria spp. (3.1%), Acremonium spp. (3.1%), A. niger (3.1%) etc. and yeasts like Trichosporon spp. (10.8%). Conclusion: Dermatophytosis still remains the most common type of fungal infection involving skin and its appendages but non-dermatophytes are also slowly emerging as the causative agents for these infections.

The Changing Pattern of the Quantum of Biomedical Waste Generated from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi.

Background As a consequence of growth and advancement in health care, production of health care waste has seen an exponential upward trend. Waste from individual health care facilities can vary based on the nature and scope of health care services they provide. Objectives To analyze the amount of biomedical waste generated by a tertiary care hospital. Methods Biomedical waste generated by the hospital from 2005 to 2019 was quantified and analyzed to calculate the total amount of incinerable waste, recyclable plastic waste, and sharp and glass waste. The amount of waste generated per bed per day and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) were also calculated. Results The total amount of biomedical waste generated in 2005 was 65,658 kg, which has substantially increased to 374,712 kg in 2019, with a CAGR of 12.5%. The hospital was producing average biomedical waste of 0.179 kg/bed/day in 2005, which has increased four times in 2019 to reach 0.709 kg/bed/day. The overall estimated plastic waste was 31% of the total biomedical waste in 2005 and 53% in 2019. Conclusion The generation of biomedical waste is likely to see significant upward trends unless diligent deliberations are held between different stakeholders in regard to the reintroduction of reusable materials and waste reduction strategies.

Clinical characteristic and epidemiological features of SARS CoV-2 disease patients from a COVID-19 designated hospital in New Delhi.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) infection is rapidly evolving as a serious global pandemic. The present study describes the clinical characteristics of SARS CoV-2 infection patients. The samples were subjected to reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction or Rapid Antigen test for diagnosis of SARS CoV-2. A cohort of 3745 patients with confirmed diagnosis of SARS CoV-2 infection in a tertiary care center in New Delhi, India were included in this study. Data were collected from offline and online medical records over a period of 6 months. Amongst 3745 SARS CoV-2 infected patients, 2245 (60%) were symptomatic and 1500 (40%) were asymptomatic. Most common presenting symptom was cough (49.3%) followed febrile episodes (47.1%), breathlessness (42.7%), and sore throat (35.1%). Cough along with breathlessness (24.1) was the most common combination of symptoms followed by fever with cough (22.7). The most common comorbidity found among symptomatic group was diabetes (42.5%) followed by hypertension (21.4%) and chronic kidney disease (18%). Comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases of lungs, heart, and kidneys were found to be common in symptomatic group and this was found to be statistically significant (p < .05). COVID-19 is an evolving disease and data from our study help in understanding the clinic-epidemiological profile of patients.

Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women visiting a government hospital in Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: According to the WHO, about 830 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications globally and can be attributed to the three delays that influence the outcome of any pregnancy. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is one of the most conceptual and logical means of addressing these delays. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study BPCR among pregnant women visiting ANC clinic at a tertiary care government hospital in Delhi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 200 pregnant women, irrespective of gestational age visiting the hospital. Information was gathered using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire by an interview about BPCR. Descriptive analysis was done and tests of significance were applied to determine association. RESULTS: Awareness about dangers signs during pregnancy and childbirth and symptoms indicating onset of labor were all found to be poor, none of subjects were aware of all the signs. About 76% believed they should identify an institution for delivery ahead of time, while 68.5% had identified one and 64 (32%) had arranged a mode of transport. One hundred sixteen women (58%) believed that they should save money for the incurring costs of pregnancy, while 105 (52.5%) were saving money for the same. Sixty-three women (31.5%) agreed that it is necessary to identify a blood donor; however, only 7.5% had identified one. The BPCR index for the current study was 37.12. CONCLUSION: Efforts should be targeted to increase the awareness about various components of BPCR along with increased involvement of community health workers and health-care providers.

Sexually transmitted infections in the elderly: A 6-year retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi.

Background:Worldwide, a steady rise in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the elderly has been reported and is attributed to aging, unsafe sexual practices, and delayed health-care seeking behavior, leading to a delayed diagnosis and persistence of infection in the community. The aim of this study was to assess the demographic profile, risk factors, and clinical pattern of geriatric STIs.Aims:The aim of the study was to assess the demographic profile, risk factors, and clinical pattern of STIs among patients aged ≥60 years presenting to the STI clinic in the dermatology outpatient department at a large tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, over a period of 6 years.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective observational study. Data collection was done for all patients of 60 years and above age group who visited the STI clinic in the dermatology outpatient department, over a period of past 6 years, with symptoms/signs suggestive of an STI, irrespective of whether the final evaluation demonstrated an STI.Results:A total number of 123 patients above 60 years of age presented to the STI clinic between 2013 and 2018. The cases presenting annually demonstrated a rising trend and increased from 17 cases in 2013 to 33 in 2018. The most common complaints were ulcers over the genitalia and genital discharge noted in 28.4% of cases each. The most common syndromic diagnosis was vaginal discharge in 25% of cases. Other STDs diagnosed were candidial balanoposthitis in 19.5%, herpes genitalis and genital warts in 16.2% each, and genital scabies in 6.5% cases.Limitations:The limitations included a small sample size, retrospective analysis, and categorization of the STDs as syndromes, following standard guidelines developed by the National Aids Control Organization (NACO) and the WHO.Conclusion:It is necessary to destigmatize STDs among the elderly, encourage inclusion in screening programs, and offer prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Transgenders are the most vulnerable amongst individuals engaging in receptive anal intercourse: A cross-sectional study from North India.

Background:In India, sexuality not confirming to hetero-conjugal and peno-vaginal norm is abhorred and discriminated against. Individuals engaging in Receptive Anal Intercourse (RAI) are marginalized. Reappraisal of their sexual health conditions is likely to promote inclusive health care.Methods:Eighty-five consenting adults with RAI history were recruited from a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Clinico-demographic data was noted and anal cytology samples were reported by Bethesda 2014 terminology.Results:There were 29 transgenders (TGs), 51 males (31 bisexual) and five females. Fifty-four subjects were Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected (22 TGs, 31 males (17 bisexual) and one female) and 52 were receiving anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Thirty-one subjects had anal warts (6 TGs, 20 males, five females). Anal cytology revealed squamous intra-epithelial lesions (SIL) in 20 (5 TGs, 13 males, two females). TGs had significantly risker sexual practices than homosexual males, bisexual males and females, with consistently earlier age of first RAI exposure and frequent childhood (≤16 years) RAI experience compared to homosexual males, bisexual males and females, even after stratification by HIV status, warts and SIL.Conclusions:TGs had the highest sexual health risk profile including higher frequency of HIV infection compared to other subjects with RAI history. Bisexuality was common; their risk profile was variably lower than homosexual males. Mindfulness of above is likely to help overcome barriers to health care access and promote compassionate approach at all levels including primary care physicians.

Effect of four weeks of integrated yoga intervention on perceived stress and sleep quality among female nursing professionals working at a tertiary care hospital

Background:Studies have reported that significant nursing professionals experience tremendous stress which often affects their sleep quality leading to poor well-being. Yoga being a mind body intervention reported to improve sleep quality and reduce stress.Aim:The present pilot study was designed to assess the effect of yoga on perceived stress and sleep quality of the female nursing professionals working at tertiary care hospital.Materials and Methods:Thirty-three apparently healthy nursing staffs in the age range of 30–60 years (mean age 40.60 ± 10.26) were recruited as participants of the study, from a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Participants were administered perceived stress scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) before and after the yoga intervention. Participants received 4 week of yoga intervention for 45 min/day for 5 days a week.Results:There was a significant reduction on the postscores of PSS (t = 5.86, P < 0.0001, paired t-test) and PSQI (z = −4.38, P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test) in comparison to prescores. After the yoga intervention, perceived stress reduced by 27.01% and the sleep quality improved by 38.68%.Conclusion:The finding of the study suggests effectiveness of yoga in reduction of the perceived stress and improvement of the quality of sleep of the nursing professional. However, the present findings need to be confirmed with further studies with larger sample size and robust research design.

Seasonal Variation and Time Trend Analysis of Dog Bite Cases Attending the Anti Rabies Clinic in Delhi using ARIMA Model Forecasting

Introduction: Rabies is a fatal viral disease which is transmitted to humans through animal bites, most commonly via dogs. Fortunately, this disease is preventable through timely pre and postexposure vaccination. Aim: To study the seasonal predisposition and trend analysis of dog bite cases attending the anti rabies clinic. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the anti rabies clinic of a government hospital in Delhi. Enumeration and inclusion of all dog bite cases were made. An Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was used to analyse the available data of dog bites, from 2011 to 2018. In this study, the least Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) value was 12.2 and the corresponding model is ARIMA (1, 0, 0) with the goodness of fit 2 (R2=44%). The model verification was done by noise residual check. The model was applied for time series analysis and forecasting of rabies cases in subsequent years. Results: Total number of dog bite cases were 1,46,344 in last eight years (2011-2018). The maximum number of cases being 27961 in the year 2014 followed by 22385 in the year 2013. A seasonal predisposition of dog bite cases was seen for the month of February to April. The trend analysis forecasting for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 predicted 11317, 11676, 10157, 8639 and 7120 cases, respectively. Conclusion: Although the dog bite cases will be on a decline in the future, adequate measures need to be strengthened further to sensitise the community about rabies prevention and timely reporting to anti rabies clinic for prophylaxis.

Text messaging improves diabetes-related knowledge of patients in India: A quasi-experimental study.

. Diabetes-related health education promotes patient efficacy for diabetes self-management. However, sub-optimal knowledge of diabetes in people with diabetes is recognized as a challenge in overcrowded public health facilities in India. We aimed to determine the effect of health education through mobile phone text messages (short messaging service [SMS]) on diabetes-related knowledge of patients with diabetes. . From February 2016 to February 2017, we recruited adult patients with diabetes for this quasi-experimental study done in the outpatient setting of a major tertiary care government hospital in Delhi, India. Participants in the intervention group received a text message on diabetes self-care practices every alternate day for 90 days. We evaluated the patients' knowledge of diabetes using the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy in Diabetes (SKILL-D) questionnaire and a self-designed diabetes knowledge questionnaire. . We enrolled 190 men and 160 women, of whom 52 (13.7%) were lost to follow-up. At baseline, mean diabetes knowledge scores were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. After the intervention period of 3 months, the diabetes knowledge scores for SKILL-D and the patient diabetes knowledge questionnaire showed a statistically significant increase in the intervention group (mean difference 0.7 and 0.5, respectively; p<0.001, but there was no increase in the control group). . The use of mobile phone technology for diabetes-related health education through mobile text-message (SMS) technology is an effective method for health promotion.

Perceived stigma among the patients of coronavirus disease-19 admitted at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Northern India: A cross-sectional study

Background:Coronavirus disease-related stigma started early in the pandemic with multiple media reports highlighting the discriminatory practices toward the health-care workers, patients, and survivors.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in a designated COVID -19 hospital in Delhi from 22 October 20 to 21 November 20. All patients admitted to the hospital for more than 72 h were eligible for participation in the study. Anyone without a mobile phone and not able to read was excluded from the study. The data were collected using a pretested, prevalidated questionnaire.Results:One hundred and twenty-two (92.4%) patients answered the questionnaire. All patients were male. A total of 54 (44.26%: 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.3–53.5) COVID-19 patients blamed themselves for getting the infection, compared to 68 (55.74% 95% CI: 46.5–64.7) patients who believed that acquiring the disease was not their fault. There was a statistically significant association between feeling ashamed and blaming themselves for COVID-19 (P = 0.046). A total of 19 (15.6%) have reported that they have been told that getting COVID-19 is your fault.Conclusion:The stigma related to COVID - 19 needs to be tackled with multipronged strategy. In India, it is not a routine to assess mental health; however, the current pandemic has brought forward the importance of stigma and other related issues during the pandemic.

Profile of Medico-legal Cases in Casualty of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi

To establish more sensitive methods for detection of DYS385 in routine forensic casework.The primers recommended by Genome Database (GDB) and Schneider were used to amplify DYS385 respectively. Then, a semi-nested PCR of DYS385 was designed by using the two different primers as outer and inner primer. A series of experiments were carried out to achieve good result by adjusting the ratio of outer/inner primer and optimizing the PCR condition.It showed that an overall 112 bp shorter DYS385 fragments and better electrophoretic separation were obtained by using primer2B. By using the semi-nested PCR approach, the shorter specific DYS385 fragments could be amplified and detectable DNA amounted to 50 pg.This method is 20 fold more sensitive than the ordinary method.