Malwa Region Research Articles

Evaluation of Advanced Diagnostic Methods for Typhoid Fever in the Malwa Region, Punjab

Aim: The aim of study was to assess the effectiveness of conventional and advanced diagnostic techniques to overcome on false positive result of typhoid cases due to cross reactivity of different antibody present in human body. Method: Sampling was conducted in selected hospitals at both primary and secondary levels in the Malwa region. Blood and stool samples were collected from patients suspected for typhoid fever, and tests were performed at Bector Diagnostics Lab. The laboratory parameter like IgG and IgM Typhi Dot done form the blood and direct Stool culture at selective media recommended by CLSI guideline. A total of 450 patients were included in the study, out of which 150 patients taken as healthy controls and 300 were the patients showing symptoms of typhoid and had a fever for four days. Result: The results for “sensitivity and specificity” of all 3 diagnostic tests were as follows: 47.61% and 40.14% for Widal testing in hospitals, 100% and 96.90% for TyphiDot, and 79.16% and 99% for Stool culture. The Widal test showed interoperator variability and was insensitive. Overall, the IgM antibody-detection device TyphiDot showed the most encouraging and dependable results. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the importance of TyphiDot in the apparent treatment of typhoid fever. Its diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment or preventative measures. More diagnoses are required to ensure accuracy in typhoid fever cases.

Trends of coinfections among healthy blood donors: COVID-19 pandemic repercussion

ABSTRACT Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity throughout the world in the last two decades. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has escalated the disease burden further by increasing the number of intravenous (IV) drug abusers and unemployment. Aim: The present study was done to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on seroprevalence as well as trends during pre, post and pandemic years of coinfection and mono-infections in the Malwa region of Punjab. Setting and Design: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the department of immunohematology and blood transfusion at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The data on transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) was collected for a period of four years from 2019 to 2022, that is, pre, post and during the pandemic period. All the blood samples were screened for viral markers, HIV I and II, HCV, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Malarial antigen and syphilis infection testing was done using a rapid diagnostic card test. The total number of sero-reactive cases and their distribution were noted. Results: A total of 58,953 donors were screened and included during the study period. Each blood donor was identified by a donor registration number. The overall TTI seroprevalence in blood donors was 2.83% (n = 1670). The seroprevalence of TTIs in blood donors showed an increasing trend for HIV, HCV, and HBsAg in 2019–2021, whereas there was a decrease in reactivity status in the 2022 (back to pre-pandemic year). There was a significant increase in the coinfection rate from 0.1% to 0.25%. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic impact on the coinfection rate of TTI was significant. To curb these TTIs and coinfections, education and public awareness are the key factors. India is a developing country, so transfusion medicine specialists need to work day and night to practice safe blood services.

Amitraz poisoning: a rare case of suicidal poisoning from Malwa region of Punjab and role of early gastric lavage in preventing complications

Amitraz, a widely-used pesticide for both crops and animals globally, effectively controls pests such as ticks and mites in livestock, as well as red spider mites in fruit crops. Its formulation includes triazapenta 1,4 diene from the formamidine family. Despite its widespread use, only a few cases of poisoning have been reported worldwide, mostly stemming from accidental exposure. We present a case involving a 28-year-old woman from the Malwa region of Punjab, who intentionally ingested 30 ml of amitraz solution (12.5% w/v) following a marital dispute, resulting in a suicide attempt. The patient fully recovered within 72 hours and was discharged with resolved symptoms on the third day. Amitraz poisoning typically occurs due to accidental ingestion. In our case, the patient experienced central nervous system depression accompanied by bradycardia (Figure 1), necessitating treatment with atropine. These effects persisted for 72 hours. The clinical manifestations observed in our patient align with the mechanism of action on alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors, with dizziness and bradycardia being prominent features. Respiratory involvement is also possible, while liver and renal effects are rare. Early gastric lavage is recommended for managing amitraz poisoning.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests on Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] in Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

The study investigated the prevalence of major insect pests and their natural enemies in Blackgram crops, focusing on leaf hoppers, whiteflies, Bihar hairy caterpillars, spotted pod borers, stem flies, coccinellids and spiders. Throughout the crop period, the population dynamics of these pests were monitored, revealing varying levels of infestation. The high population of 5.60 leafhoppers per plant and 3.50 larvae per plant of Bihar hairy caterpillar were recorded during 35th week of the crop cycle. The high population of 6.90 whiteflies per plant, 2.60 spotted pod borer larvae per plant and 60 per cent of pod fly infestation were observed during 36th, 37th and 38th week of the crop cycle, respectively. The highest populations of coccinellids 2.40 beetles per plant in 35th week and 2.00 spiders per plant in 36th week recorded duringthe crop cycle. The maximum temperature and relative humidity showed significant positive correlation and minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative non-significant correlation with the population of leaf hopper, Bihar hairy caterpillar, whitefly, stem fly, spotted pod borer and coccinellids. Relative humidity showed positive significant correlation and maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative non-significant correlation with population of spider.

Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Pea in Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh

The seasonal variation or dynamics of insect pests are major constraints in the production of field pea. This study revealed that the seasonal incidence of pests in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, during 2021-22 in the rabi season is related to ecological factors such as temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. Three major pests of field pea were recorded, viz., gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner), leaf miner (Phytomyza horticola Goureau) and pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris). The H. armigera infestation occurred during the vegetative to pod-forming or reproductive stage from 50th SMW of 2021 to 12th SMW of 2022 (Standard Meteorological Week), which shows a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (-0.637*) and was significantly influenced by A. pisum and P. horticola during the seedling to maturity stage.

Meteorological and hydrogeochemical control on the co-occurrence of geogenic contaminants in the alluvial aquifers of northwest India

Innumerable studies have emphasized elevated fluoride (Fˉ) and uranium (U) levels in shallow aquifers in the semi-arid region of Punjab, India, endangering the groundwater-dependent population's health. This study examines the factors and mechanisms contributing to Fˉ and U co-occurrence in the region's aquifers to enhance the understanding of the contaminants' behaviour. Fˉ and U concentrations were higher in shallow aquifers (<60 m) compared to deeper (>60 m), and both the contaminants surpassed their respective permissible limits under excess EC, TDS, Clˉ, NO3ˉ, SO42ˉ, Na+, and K+ levels. Elevated EC and TDS and their strong correlation with U and Fˉ suggest high salinity facilitated mobilization and co-contamination by increasing ionic strength and competitive behaviour through ion exchange mechanisms. Additionally, scanty precipitation, enhanced evapotranspiration, and aridity were significantly correlated to Fˉ and U, highlighting that these meteorological variables positively influence this co-contamination, particularly in the Malwa region. The mixed chemical composition of the groundwater emanated from rock-water interaction and evaporation, which further increased Fˉ and U and facilitated their co-occurrence. U existed predominantly as UO2(CO3)22ˉ and UO2(CO3)34ˉ (95%), which corroborated with a strong positive correlation with HCO3ˉ, whereas fluoride existed mainly as free Fˉ (90%). The findings of this work will help the scientific community to address similar issues in other arid and semi-arid regions globally and investigate the potential synergistic effect and health risks associated with the co-occurrence of Fˉ and U in the groundwater.

Spatial and Temporal Trend Analysis of Precipitation and Temperature Data in Malwa Region of Kshipra River Basin, India

Spatial and Temporal Trend Analysis of Precipitation and Temperature Data in Malwa Region of Kshipra River Basin, India

Geochemical Signature and Risk Assessment of Potential Toxic Elements in Intensively Cultivated Soils of South-West Punjab, India

Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Malwa region belt of Punjab, India, can be a serious concern as a result of intensive agricultural practices and overuse of agrochemicals. The main objectives of the present study were to evaluate the spatial distribution, geochemical signature, and contamination level/health risk of PTEs in 76 soil samples (0–10 cm) collected from the three districts viz. Muktar, Faridkot, and Moga of Punjab, India. The result shows that PTEs concentrations vary widely in the region, with Fe and Mn distribution patterns being mostly coherent with each other. When compared to the Indian natural soil background values, the average concentration of Pb and Zn were higher than the limit, only Pb exceeded the average values of the world background and upper continental crust (UCC). Spatial autocorrelation plotted with a local indicator of spatial association (LISA) in GeoDa software version 1.18 was used to identify hotspots. A positive spatial autocorrelation (&gt;0.2) was indicated with Moran’s I values for Pb, V, Mn, Cu, and Cr, being highest for Pb. A principal component analysis (PCA) identified the major geo-chemical patterns of Fe-Al-V-Cr and TOC-Mn-Zn-HCO3−, which were positively loaded on PC1. This indicates that Fe/Al-oxyhydroxides and organic matter play a dominant role in controlling metal mobility in soils. This can be further substantiated with the Spearman’s rank correlation values. The contamination factor (CF) indicates that only Pb and Zn (15.7% and 3.9% samples, respectively) were under high risk. This could be due to the excessive application of chemical fertilizers. The large range of degree of contamination (Cdeg) values suggests that there are variations in the degree of soil pollution due to PTEs. A little over 3.9% of samples had significant contamination, compared to 72.3% of samples with low contamination and 23.6% of samples with moderate contamination. Human non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk levels were investigated. The hazard index (HI) values for adult ranged from 0.00 to 0.2, and values for children ranged from 0.009 to 1.2. These findings suggest that both children and adults are not at potential risk, except in a few locations. Overall, the results of this study provide the current baseline status of toxic elements in agricultural soil. This would be helpful for developing strategies for sustainable management of the soil resources in the region, as well as for future monitoring programs of the soil quality in the Malwa region as a whole, to track any changes in the contamination levels over time.

Variation of trace metal minerals among different soil orders under different land use systems falling in Malwa region of Punjab in North-western India

BackgroundTrace metal deficiency has become a major constraint on the productivity and sustainability of soils. Agriculture becomes more complex, advanced and intensive farming systems develop, however, the deficiency of trace metal are more frequent and extensive in different systems. MethodsThis study investigated the variation of trace metal minerals in soil profiles of diverse land use systems (LUSs), i.e. agriculture, horticulture and forestry, falling under three dominant soil orders (Entisol, Inceptisol and Aridisol) in Malwa region of Punjab. Through comprehensive analyses, we explore the intricate relationships between soil characteristics, land use practices, and the distribution of key trace metals—namely zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). ResultsThe mean values of DTPA-extractable trace metal from soil profiles of different land uses varied from 1.75 to 2.09, 1.64–2.32, 1.18–1.69 mg kg−1 for Zn; 0.59–1.02, 0.59–0.99, 0.64–0.92 mg kg−1 for Cu; 12.12–16.49, 9.84–16.05, 7.94–11.56 mg kg−1 for Fe; 7.82–9.99, 4.66–9.39, 6.51–7.46 mg kg−1for Mn in soil orders Entisol, Inceptisol and Aridisol, respectively. The concentration of trace metals in different soil orders follows the pattern of ntisol>Inceptisol>Aridisol. In contrast, there is a considerable amount of variation and no discernible pattern in the distribution of trace metals under various LUSs in each soil order. Several LUSs were examined, and agriculture land use system (ALUS) had the greatest Fe and Mn content, while the horticulture land use system (HLUS) had the highest Zn and Cu content. The Irrespective of soil orders and LUSs, the concentration of trace metals decreased as soil depth increased. Diverse LUSs and management practices have a substantial impact on the physico-chemical characteristics of soils, which in turn influence the availability of trace metals. According to the Pearson correlation studies, trace metals were positively associated with soil OC and negatively associated with soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and there was also a positive correlation between DTPA-Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in the investigated soils. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that soil CaCO3 and organic carbon (OC) content were the most variable soil parameters influencing crop trace metal availability in different soil orders and land use systems. ConclusionThe findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between soil properties and land use, providing valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management in the region.

Inventorizations of Angiosperm Flora of Malwa Region of Punjab, India with Particular References to Weed Diversity of Kharif Crops

Inventorizations of Angiosperm Flora of Malwa Region of Punjab, India with Particular References to Weed Diversity of Kharif Crops

Molecular identification and characterization of “Candidatus Liberibacter spp.” from major citrus growing region of Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, India

One of the most damaging diseases impacting yearly yield and productivity is huanglongbing, often known as greening of citrus fruits and plants. Huanglongbing is caused by the Candidatus Liberibacter species, of which three primary species are known worldwide: Candidatus Liberibacter africanus (CLaf), Candidatus Liberibacter americanus (CLam), and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). In the current study, Candidatus Liberibacter infection and the occurrence of huanglongbing disease were examined in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, which is home to the Nagpur Mandarin cultivar. A total of 100 samples were gathered for the current study from 14 villages in the chosen area, primarily Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam, Ujjain, Dewas, Indore, Shajapur, Rajgarh, Dhar, and Jhabua. Here, out of 100 samples, 22 were determined to be positive, while the remaining 100 were negative despite having modest physiological and morphological characteristics that resembled symptoms of HLB. Sequencing results from 08 samples in the current investigation indicate that Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (05), Candidatus Liberibacter americanus (02), and Candidatus Liberibacter africanus (01) are all positive. In the study, eight 16S rRNA genes sequences targeting OI1/OI2c were submitted to GenBank with for Candidatus Liberibacter africanus (1) accession no: OQ725636.1 for Candidatus Liberibacter americanus (2) Accession: OQ725635.1 and OQ725634.1 and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (5) for Accession: OQ725633.1, OQ725632.1, OQ725631.1, OQ725630.1 and OQ725629.1. Candidatus Liberibacter species isolated and sequenced in the current study had a greater degree of mutation (41 point mutations), according to single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Present study provides occurrence and prevalence of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus as key causative agent for huanglongbing in the Nagpur Mandarin cultivar. Higher prevalence and occurrence of Candidatus Liberibacter species also affect other agriculture crops and hence a trend and pattern in genomic profile was investigated via SNP analysis that provides details of mutation. Genomic profile of Candidatus Liberibacter species is highly recommended for the development of antibacterial to tackle Candidatus Liberibacter species driven agriculture economical losses.

Prospects of crop insurance for sustenance of farmers' livelihood during GM cotton crop failure in Indian Punjab

Purpose Despite the susceptibility of cotton crops to pest attacks in the Malwa Region of Indian Punjab, no crop insurance policy has been implemented there– not even the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which is a central scheme. Therefore, this paper attempts to gauge the likely impact of the PMFBY on Punjab cotton farmers and assess the changes needed for greater uptake and effectiveness of PMFBY.Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted a primary survey to conduct this study. Initially, the authors compared the costs of cotton production with the returns in two scenarios (with and without insurance). Additionally, the authors have applied a logistic regression framework to examine the determinants of the willingness of farmers to participate in the crop insurance market.Findings The study finds that net returns of cotton crops are conventionally small and insufficient to cope with damages from crop failure. Yet, PMFBY will require some modifications in the premium rate and the level of indemnity for its greater uptake among Punjab cotton farmers. Additionally, using the logistic regression framework, the authors find that an increase in awareness about crop insurance and farmers' perceptions about their crop failure in the near future reduces the willingness of the farmers to participate in the crop insurance markets.Research limitations/implications The present study looks for the viability of PMFBY in Indian Punjab for the cotton crop, which can also be extended to other crops.Social implications Punjab could also use crop insurance to encourage diversification in agriculture. There is a need for special packages for diversified crops under any crop insurance policy. Crops susceptible to volatility due to climate-related factors should be identified and provided with a special insurance package.Originality/value There exist very scant studies that have discussed the viability of a central crop insurance scheme in the agricultural-rich state of India, i.e. Punjab. Moreover, they do not also focus on crop losses accruing due to pest and insect attacks.

Anthropogenic Pollution of Groundwater and Its trends in Malwa Region of Punjab: A Correlational Study with Cancer Incidence

Groundwater in the MALWA region of Punjab becomes contaminated because of excess use of fertilizers and pesticides. The objective of this study is to compare previous research and determine the trends related to consuming contaminated groundwater in various districts of the MALWA region and its potential correlation with cancer incidence on human health over the years. Data for this study was obtained from published articles and reports. For the statistical analysis, data for the “number of cancer cases” and concentration of “arsenic”, “fluoride” and “uranium” in groundwater are collected to check the correlation between metal concentration in groundwater and the number of cancer cases. From 2006 to 2023, an increase in cancer cases alongside fluctuations in arsenic, uranium, and fluoride levels were reported in previous studies. However, the strength and significance of this relationship vary across the different independent variables. For arsenic concentration, there is a moderate positive and uranium concentration shows a stronger positive correlation with cancer patients. Groundwater contamination poses serious health risks due to industrial waste, pesticides, and natural sources. Elevated levels of carcinogens like arsenic, uranium, and fluoride correlate positively with increased cancer cases. Urgent action is required to analyze and treat groundwater and reduce pesticide use. Also, implementing alternative water sources and toxin removal systems is crucial to safeguard public health.

Energy and monetary analysis of soybean cultivation under climate smart sowing techniques in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Energy and monetary analysis of soybean cultivation under climate smart sowing techniques in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Retrospective Analysis of Metabolic Syndrome, Risk Factors and Therapeutic Approach: A Study among Patients of Malwa Region

Metabolic syndrome is illustrated by the concur of several cardiovascular risk factors including insulin resistance, central obesity, visceral adiposity, atherogenic dyslipidemia and hypertension. The proposed study was conducted on 133 patients within the course of 6 months from various region of Malwa. The data was collected using patients’ diagnostic reports, prescriptions and medical history and was separately studied using Microsoft excel 2009 spread sheets. A total of 133 patients were enrolled for this study. 46.7% were already suffering from Metabolic disorder remaining 53.3% patients were at risk of it. Group II patients were detected with high level of triglyceride, uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism besides stage II hypertension, ischemic heart disease and angina pectoris. In Group I T2DM, hyperthyroidism, hypertension besides acute myocardial infraction and Angina was identified. Whereas in Group III patients, angina pectoris was dormant in addition to cardiovascular diseases, ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infraction. Antacids, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, diuretics, vitamins, statins, glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were preferably prescribed medications. Certain class of medication were found to influence risk of metabolic syndrome due to their Adverse drug reaction. Delayed identification and certain Adverse drug reaction were identified by reviewing medication grids. Multi-fold domain such as genetic, behavioral, lifestyle and clinical factors also contributed in metabolic syndrome. Therefore, health care professionals, pharmacist, patients and caregivers need to collaborate and explore better behavioral, healthy lifestyle and safer medications to avoid the additional complicity and breakthrough of Metabolic syndrome.

Effect of gamma irradiation on growth and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) varieties

The data analysis has revealed distinct performance trends among different aspects of gladiolus cultivation. Specifically, Arka Kesar, a gladiolus variety, demonstrated superior growth characteristics, excelling in terms of plant height, the length and width of the longest leaf at both 30 and 60 days after planting (DAP). On the other hand, Arka Tilak outperformed in the number of corms and cormels per plant. Furthermore, the application of gamma irradiation at a level of 1.25 kr was found to be advantageous for several growth parameters. It positively influenced plant height, the number of leaves per hill, the length and width of the longest leaf at both 30 and 60 DAP, as well as the number of corms and cormels per plant. In conclusion, the study suggests that the Arka Kesar variety, when subjected to 1.25 kr gamma irradiation, displayed significant superiority across multiple growth parameters in gladiolus cultivation in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. However, for corm yield specifically, Arka Tilak irradiated with 1.25 kr demonstrated better performance. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing gladiolus cultivation practices in the region.

Groundwater Assessment Using MIF Technique in a Small Basin of Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh, India

Water, a vital natural resource and essential component for all living organisms, exists in two primary forms: surface water and groundwater. Groundwater, a significant global resource, is unevenly distributed worldwide. Enhancing groundwater recharge is a fundamental hydrological parameter for assessing, managing, and modelling groundwater resources. However, determining recharge rates is a complex and challenging task, despite its crucial role in recharge assessments. The current study has been conducted in northwest part of Madhya Pradesh. The Neemuch and Mandsaur district comes under semi-arid zones and faces the problem of scarcity of water annually. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate groundwater potential zones using an integrated approach using geospatial tools. Various thematic parameters i.e., slope, rainfall, geology, drainage density lineaments, geomorphology and soil were considered for identifying evaluate potential zones. Thematic maps were generated using SRTM DEM, Sentinel-2 Imagery, and Survey of India (SOI) toposheets at a scale of 1:50000. The selected thematic factors were integrated for the determination of the groundwater potential of the study area, with appropriate weightage factors given to different themes by means of the multi-influencing factor (MIF) approach. This process was repeated for other layers, resulting in reclassified layers. These layers were then combined to delineate zones classified as “very good”, “good”, “moderate”, “poor”, and “very poor” for groundwater potential. The assessment of groundwater potential information using geospatial techniques can aid in identifying suitable locations for providing safe drinking water to rural populations. This comprehensive integrated approach of RS and GIS in assessing groundwater potentiality offers valuable insights for effective identification of suitable areas to meet the potable water needs of rural communities.

Effect of Abiotic Factors on the Population Dynamics of Red Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. of Brinjal in Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh, India

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the population dynamics of the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) in brinjal and its relationship with various abiotic parameters during the 2020 and 2021 crop seasons at Patan farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mandsaur, Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. The findings indicated that the red spider mite population initiated in the 30th and 31st standard weeks in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The peak population of mites per 2 cm2 leaf area was observed in the 43rd standard week (11.52) in 2020, while the highest population was noted in the 41st standard week (9.91) in 2021. It was evident that mite infestation was substantial during October in both years. There was a noteworthy positive correlation between the population of predatory mites, maximum temperature, and sunshine hours with the red spider mite pest, while a negative correlation was observed with relative humidity.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Regimens for Theileriosis-affected Buffaloes in the Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Three groups of 15 clinical cases of theileriosis in buffaloes from various villages in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh underwent therapeutic trials. Oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg IV, once daily) was used to treat five early and moderate cases of theileriosis in Group I. After receiving therapy, three made a full recovery, while two others did not. Buparvaquone was administered alone at 2.5 mg/kg IM as a single dose to Group II (n = 5) buffaloes with moderate to severe illnesses, and all five animals recovered completely. The hematological, biochemical, and clinical markers all returned to normal. Five patients in group III received oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg IV daily for five days) combined with buparvaquone 2.5 mg/kg intramuscularly. Out of the five patients in this group, three made a full recovery; one case's condition did not totally improve, and one case with severe anemia (6.8 g/dl) passed away. The findings of this study showed that buparvaquone medication is 100% successful in the early stages of the disease but fails to improve the clinical condition in the later stages.

SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES IN DERMATOLOGICAL DISEASES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY

Objective: The study aimed to assess the pattern and reasons for self-medication practices and its rationality in dermatological diseases among the population of the Malwa region of the central India. Methods: Individuals aged older than 18 years who were practicing self-medication and gave informed consent for participation in the study were enrolled. Doctors, pharmacists, and medical students were excluded from the study. A preformed and semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data. Results: High tendency of self-medication was seen among young adults of age between 21 and 40 years (61.42%) while it was low among aged &lt; 20 years (15.71%) and &gt; 50 years (7.14%). Self-medication practice was more common in people who had education between high school and graduation (72.85%) in comparison to the illiterate (7.14%) and post-graduated subjects (5.14%). Most of the subjects who had practicing self-medication were taking suggestions from the nearest medical shopkeepers (50%). The main reasons for self-medication were the non-severity of diseases (42.85%) and easy availability of medicine from medical stores without dermatologist prescription (24.28%). Conclusion: The study showed the prevalence of self-medication was nearly same in both rural and urban population. Health-care providers should educate patients on the dangers of self-medication. Such messages should be extended periodically to the community at large scale by the government health ministry/authorities. Government should enforce relevant and strict legislation, which limits the sales of drugs without prescription.