Mangaluru City Research Articles

Clinical features and haematological parameters among malaria patients in Mangaluru city area in the southwestern coastal region of India.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical profile, severity and complications of patients suffering from malaria in Mangaluru, a southwestern coastal city in India. A total of 579 patients, who were treated at the District Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru, and 168 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The clinical profile, haematological and biochemical parameters, and disease complications were assessed. The majority of patients were treated as outpatients and patients who had severe clinical conditions were admitted to the hospital for treatment and supportive care. Among the total 579 patients recruited in this study, the distribution of P. vivax, P. falciparum and mixed infections were 364 (62.9%), 150 (25.9%) and 65 (11.2%), respectively. Among these, 506 (87.4%) had mild malaria, whereas 73 (12.6%) had severe malaria. Overall, the clinical features and severity of malaria in P. vivax and mixed infection patients were comparable to P. falciparum patients, albeit with some significant differences. The clinical complications in severe malaria cases included thrombocytopenia (50.7%), metabolic acidosis (30.1%), severe anaemia (26.0%), jaundice (21.9%), hepatic dysfunction (15.1%), acute renal failure (6.8%), haematuria (8.2%), hypotension (9.6%), cerebral malaria (1.4%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.4%). All the patients with severe malaria recruited in our study were successfully treated and discharged. Majority of patients had mild malaria, likely due to seeking treatment soon after experiencing symptoms and/or having preexisting immune protection. However, a significant number of patients had severe malaria and required hospital admission indicating that there is a substantial need for creating awareness among vulnerable immigrant population. Implementing effective surveillance and vector control measures in malaria hotspot locations in the city and educating people about preventive measures are likely to reduce the malaria burden in this endemic region.

Early childhood caries and oral hygiene practices among preschool children in Mangaluru city

Background: Dental caries in young children is a serious public health problem that is highly underestimated in a country like India as it is not life threatening. The rapid westernization and urbanization in Mangaluru city has led to the inclusion of more refined sugars, frequent snacking habit and intake of more chocolates and candies in children, making them more susceptible to early childhood caries (ECC). This study intends to determine prevalence of ECC.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 preschool children aged 3-6 years studying in private preschools in the North Zone of Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India. Data collection was done using semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire given to the parent; examination of the child’s oral cavity was also done.Results: The prevalence of ECC in preschool children in Mangaluru City was 57.5%. A statistically significant association was seen between oral hygiene practices and father's education level (p=0.033). The oral hygiene practices were found to be satisfactory with the majority (62.1%) of them following good oral hygiene practices.Conclusions: Lack of awareness about ECC has further contributed to the increase in the prevalence and severity of the problem hence revealing the need for effective preventive methods.

Sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety among pre-university college students of Mangaluru city, India

Background: Adequate sleep is extremely important for appropriate physical growth, emotional stability, behavior, and maintenance of cognitive function. Good quality of night sleep will reflect in better school performance and increased motivation to study. The aim of this study is to determine the level of sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness, stress and anxiety and to associate stress, anxiety with sleep pattern.Methods: A college based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Mangaluru City, Karnataka. The study has been conducted among 5 pre–university colleges (2 from Aided, 2 from private and 1 from government). A total of 634 participants were enrolled from grade 11th and 12th irrespective of their stream and responded to a questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, sleep pattern, daytime sleepiness by using Epworth sleepiness scale, level of stress using Perceived stress scale-10, level of examination anxiety and general anxiety by using Westside Anxiety scale and Anxiety Self-Rating scale. Descriptive statistics, chi square or likelihood ratio test were used. The data was entered and analysed using SPSS 16v.Results: Among 634 students the mean age was found to be 16 years. Prevalence of sleep deprivation was found to be 39%, daytime sleepiness was 66.6%, 77.8% had moderate stress and 9.1% had high stress. Moderately high-test anxiety was observed among 22.6% of the respondents and 1.4% with extreme anxiety.Conclusions: The study showed that 1/3rd of the respondents had sleep deprivation and 2/3rd had daytime sleepiness and the prevalence of general anxiety was higher than examination anxiety and most of the respondents had moderate stress.

Occupational hazards and health problems among traffic personnel of Mangaluru city

Background: Occupational health risks and hazards due to the polluted environment have become a serious public health concern. Thus, the duty-bound personnel like traffic police who are continuously exposed, may be at high risk and badly suffer from related health problems. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of occupational hazards and related health problems among traffic personnel in Mangaluru city. It also aimed to determine the association between occupational hazards and health problems.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among traffic personnel of Mangaluru city. A semi-structured questionnaire with established reliability and validity was used to measure occupational hazards, protective measures, and health problems.Results: The prevalence of respiratory morbidity, eye symptoms, and auditory symptoms was found to be 51.2%, 61.6%, and 47.5% respectively. Respiratory morbidity and duration of use of protective measures against air pollution are found to be significantly associated. The duration of exposure to noise pollution was also significantly associated with the auditory symptoms.Conclusions: Police personnel suffer from significant occupational health problems, due to hazards like air pollution and noise. Necessary protective measures should be taken to ensure the safety of traffic personnel. This study showed an association between occupational hazards and related health problems.

Physical Activity Level among Pre-University Students of Mangaluru City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Physical activity is one of the best health promotion activities that enhance the overall health status, mental status and performance. There is decline in the physical activity by ten folds since last four decades among adolescence worldwide. Educational institutions have a prime role in enhancing physical activity among school going children’s through schedule classes. This study was conducted to determine the level of physical activity among the Pre-University students of Mangaluru city. The study also aimed to determine the nutritional status of the students using weight for height. Cross-sectional study was conducted in selected Pre-University colleges of Mangaluru city. The study period was from January 2019 to April 2019. In total 572 samples were col lected. YPAQ for physical activity and Likert scale questionnaire for college based program were used to collect a data. Overall 50.5% of the students were found to be physically active in this study. In-house factors like type of college, type of streams (Science/Commerce/Arts), mode of transportation and personal factors like gender, gym workouts, household activities were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the level of physical activity respectively. Student’s regular participation in physical activity at college level was significantly associated (p<0.05) and were 3.76 times more active than students who did not participate. Regular physical activity schedule at the college level and motivation to participate along with studies will significantly improve the overall performance of the students.

Extent of Road Traffic Accidents in Mangaluru City, Karnataka, India

Extent of Road Traffic Accidents in Mangaluru City, Karnataka, India

Malaria Severity in Mangaluru City in the Southwestern Coastal Region of India.

Dakshina Kannada district in the Southwestern region of Karnataka state, India, including Mangaluru city is endemic to malaria. About 80% of malaria infections in Mangaluru and its surrounding areas are caused by Plasmodium vivax and the remainder is due to Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria-associated clinical complications significantly occur in this region. Here, we report the pathological conditions of 41 cases of fatal severe malaria, admitted to the district government hospital in Mangaluru city during January 2013 through December 2016. The results of clinical, hematological, and biochemical analyses showed that most of these severe malaria cases were associated with thrombocytopenia, anemia, metabolic acidosis, acute respiratory distress, and single or multi-organ dysfunction involving liver, kidney, and brain. Of the 41 fatal malaria cases, 24, 10, and seven patients had P. vivax, P. falciparum, and P. vivax and P. falciparum mixed infections, respectively. These data suggest that besides P. falciparum that is known to extensively cause severe and fatal malaria illnesses, P. vivax causes fatal illnesses substantially in this region, an observation that is consistent with recent findings in other regions.

Impact of Bruxism on Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Schoolchildren in Mangaluru City—A Case Control Study

Impact of Bruxism on Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Schoolchildren in Mangaluru City—A Case Control Study

Perception, Attitude and Practices Regarding Climate Change among College Students in Coastal South India

Introduction:From developing innovative practicesto reduce the effects of changing climate, and to the implementation of legislations the young people can contribute immensely. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional survey 375 college students from Mangaluru city were assessed regarding their perception, and attitude towards climate change and their practices towards mitigating it. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to commencement of the study. Results: The mean age of the student was 21.6 ± 2.6 years. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups on impacts of changing climate such as Changes in population of certain species, rising sea levels, increase in diseases and increase in flooding. (p<0.05). Reducing the use of electricity, and water, walking or cycling to work were the most commonly followed practices Conclusion: The study highlights the pressing need for changes in curricula in schools and colleges. Traditional diversion of students into science and non-science fields should be overcome by including climate change topics in junior school as part of subjects dealing with science and environment.Introduction:From developing innovative practicesto reduce the effects of changing climate, and to the implementation of legislations the young people can contribute immensely. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional survey 375 college students from Mangaluru city were assessed regarding their perception, and attitude towards climate change and their practices towards mitigating it. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to commencement of the study. Results: The mean age of the student was 21.6 ± 2.6 years. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups on impacts of changing climate such as Changes in population of certain species, rising sea levels, increase in diseases and increase in flooding. (p<0.05). Reducing the use of electricity, and water, walking or cycling to work were the most commonly followed practices Conclusion: The study highlights the pressing need for changes in curricula in schools and colleges. Traditional diversion of students into science and non-science fields should be overcome by including climate change topics in junior school as part of subjects dealing with science and environment.

Association between inflammatory cytokine levels and anemia during Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in Mangaluru: A Southwestern Coastal Region of India.

Background and Objectives:Dysregulated production of inflammatory cytokines might play important role in anemia during malaria infection. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of anemia due to malaria, associated complications, and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-10) across varying anemic intensity during malaria infections.Materials and Methods:A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at District Wenlock hospital in Mangaluru city. Samples from 627 patients and 168 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed for level of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), and inflammatory cytokines. The blood cell parameters and inflammatory cytokines levels across varying intensity of anemia were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test and pair-wise comparison between two groups were by Mann–Whitney U-test. Correlations were calculated by Pearson's and Spearman rank correlations.Results:Compared to HC, Hb, and RBC levels were significantly lower in infected patients. On comparison with mild anemia patients (Hb 8–10.9 g/dL), the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly elevated, whereas IL-10 levels were lower during severe anemia (SA) (Hb <5 g/dL). In this endemic setting, we found a strong negative association between Hb levels and parasitemia, Hb and TNF-α, and positive relationship with IL-10; anemic patients also had significantly high TNF-α/IL-10 ratios. SA was associated with complications such as acute renal failure (16.0%), jaundice (16.0%), metabolic acidosis (24.0%), hypoglycemia (12.0%), hyperparasitemia (4.0%), and hepatic dysfunction (16.0%).Conclusions:Contrary to its benign reputation, Plasmodium vivax (Pv) infections can also result in severe malarial anemia (SMA) and its associated severe complications similar to Plasmodium falciparum infections. Dysregulated inflammatory cytokine responses play an important role in the pathogenesis of SMA, especially during Pv infections.

A study on hr development practices in banking sector with special reference to corporation bank, Mangaluru City

A study on hr development practices in banking sector with special reference to corporation bank, Mangaluru City

Role of banks in empowering women entrepreneurs in small and micro enterprises-with reference to Mangaluru City

In this globalized era, economic growth of a country highly depends on the participation of women in the development of a country. Woman Entrepreneur is a person who accepts challenging role to meet her personal needs and become economically independent. However, it is to be taken into consideration that woman entrepreneurs have to face a lot of hurdles and problems especially in fund generation. In the present scenario various Indian banks help small and micro women entrepreneurs in fulfilling their fund requirements by providing various facilities. This paper is concerned with studying various financial assistance provided by bank to women entrepreneurs in accumulating fund and paving the way for growth of women entrepreneur in the future -with reference to Mangaluru city.

Sociodemographic Determinants of Dental Fluorosis in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India: An Explorative Study

Aim:To analyze the sociodemographic determinants of dental fluorosis among high school children aged 12–16 years in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India.Materials and method:A cross-sectional study was conducted. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select the three schools for the present study. Demographic details and previous medical history was assessed by administering the questionnaire to the study subjects. Presence of dental fluorosis was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form of 2013.Results:A total of 500 students were examined for the present study. A major fraction of the study population was formed by males. It was observed that 95 participants were affected by varying severity of dental fluorosis with the prevalence of 19%. Correlation and logistic regression analysis showed the occupation of father and dietary pattern to be significantly correlated with the presence of fluorosis in study subjects. Conclusion:Prevalence and severity of the condition are found to have a huge burden in the given urban population of Mangaluru city. As the occupation of father and dietary pattern showed significant association with fluorosis, further interventional studies are recommended to be conducted considering these socioeconomic factors. Clinical significance:Results of the present study will further our understanding of the association between prevalence and social determinants of dental fluorosis, which may be critical for prevention and control of the condition.

Prevalence of Dental Myth and Misconceptions among the Rural Population of Mangaluru City: A Cross Sectional Study

Prevalence of Dental Myth and Misconceptions among the Rural Population of Mangaluru City: A Cross Sectional Study

Presence of novel triple mutations in the pvdhfr from Plasmodium vivax in Mangaluru city area in the southwestern coastal region of India

BackgroundGenes encoding dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) are the targets of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) present in artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT; artesunate + sulfadoxine pyrimethamine) for Plasmodium falciparum. Although SP is generally not used to treat vivax infection, mutations in dhfr and dhps that confer antifolate resistance in Plasmodium vivax are common; which may be attributed to its sympatric existence with P. falciparum. Current study was aimed to determine the pattern of mutations in dhfr and dhps in P. vivax isolates from Mangaluru region.MethodsA total of 140 blood samples were collected from P. vivax-infected people attending Wenlock Hospital Mangaluru during July 2014 to January 2016. Out of 140 isolates, 25 (18%) and 50 (36%) isolates were selected randomly for sequence analysis of pvdhfr and pvdhps genes respectively. Fragment of pvdhps and full length pvdhfr were amplified, sequenced and analysed for single nucleotide polymorphisms. dhps was analysed by PCR–RFLP also, to detect the two specific mutations (A383G and A553G).ResultsAnalysis of pvdhps sequences from 50 isolates revealed single and double mutants at 38 and 46% respectively. Three non-synonymous mutations (K55R, S58R and S117N) were identified for pvdhfr. Among these, K55R was detected for the first time.ConclusionsThe current study indicates that P. vivax dhps and dhfr mutant alleles are prevalent in this area, suggesting significant SP pressure.

Drug resistance genes: pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1 polymorphism in patients from malaria endemic South Western Coastal Region of India

BackgroundMalaria is highly prevalent in many parts of India and is mostly caused by the parasite species Plasmodium vivax followed by Plasmodium falciparum. Chloroquine (CQ) is the first-line treatment for blood stage P. vivax parasites, but cases of drug resistance to CQ have been reported from India. One of the surveillance strategies which is used to monitor CQ drug resistance, is the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the associated gene markers. Susceptibility to CQ can also be determined by copy number assessment of multidrug resistant gene (mdr-1). The current study has examined the prevalence of SNPs in P. vivax orthologs of P. falciparum chloroquine resistant and multi-drug resistant genes (pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1, respectively) and pvmdr-1 copy number variations in isolates from the highly endemic Mangaluru city near the South Western Coastal region of India.MethodsA total of 140 blood samples were collected from P. vivax infected patients attending Wenlock Hospital Mangaluru during July 2014 to January 2016. Out of these 140 samples, sequencing was carried out for 54 (38.5%) and 85 (60.7%) isolates for pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1, respectively. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1 genes were analysed by direct sequencing method, while copy number variations of 60 isolates (42. 8%) were determined by real time PCR.ResultsOut of 54 clinical isolates analysed for pvcrt-o, three (5.6%) showed K10 insertion and the rest had wild type sequence. This is the first report to show K10 insertion in P. vivax isolates from India. Further, out of 85 clinical isolates of P. vivax analysed for mutations in pvmdr-1 gene, only one isolate had wild type sequence (~ 1%) while the remaining (99%) carried mutant alleles. Seven non-synonymous mutations with two novel mutations (I946V and Y1028C) were observed. Of all the observed mutations in pvmdr-1 gene, T958M was most highly prevalent (present in 90% of samples) followed by F1076L (76%), and Y976F (7%). Amplification of pvmdr-1 gene was observed in 31.6% of the isolates, out of 60 amplified.ConclusionThe observed variations both in pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o genes indicate a trend towards parasite acquiring CQ resistance in this endemic area.

Health profile of plastic industry workers in Mangaluru city – A cross sectional study

Health profile of plastic industry workers in Mangaluru city – A cross sectional study

Malaria prevalence in Mangaluru city area in the southwestern coastal region of India

BackgroundMalaria is highly prevalent in many parts of India and the Indian subcontinent. Mangaluru, a city in the southwest coastal region of Karnataka state in India, and surrounding areas are malaria endemic with 10–12 annual parasite index. Despite high endemicity, to-date, very little has been reported on the epidemiology and burden of malaria in this area.MethodsA cross-sectional surveillance of malaria cases was performed among 900 febrile symptomatic native people (long-time residents) and immigrant labourers (temporary residents) living in Mangaluru city area. During each of dry, rainy, and end of rainy season, blood samples from a group of 300 randomly selected symptomatic people were screened for malaria infection. Data on socio-demographic, literacy, knowledge of malaria, and treatment-seeking behaviour were collected to understand the socio-demographic contributions to malaria menace in this region.ResultsMalaria is prevalent in Mangaluru region throughout the year and Plasmodium vivax is predominant species compared to Plasmodium falciparum. The infection frequency was found to be high during rainy season. Infections were markedly higher in males than females, and in adults aged 16–45 years than both younger and older age groups. Also, malaria incidence was high among immigrants compared to native population. In both groups, infection rate was directly correlated with their literacy level, knowledge on malaria, dwelling environment, and protective measures used. There was also a significant difference in treatment-seeking behaviour between these two groups.ConclusionsMalaria incidences in Mangaluru region are predominantly localized to certain hotspot areas within the city, where socioeconomically underprivileged and immigrant labourers are densely populated. These areas have inadequate sanitation and constant water stagnation, harbouring high vector density and contributing to high infection incidences. Additionally, people in these areas seldom practice preventive measures such as using bed nets. The high incidences of malaria in adults are due to minimal cloth wearing, and long working hours stretching to late evenings in places with high vector density. Instituting heightened preventive public measures by governments and creating awareness on using preventive protective and environmental hygienic measures through educational programmes may substantially reduce the risk of contracting infections in these areas and spreading to other areas.

Factors influencing Oral Health and Utilization of Oral Health Care in an Indian Fishing Community, Mangaluru City, India

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing the oral health and utilization patterns of oral health services by fishermen community in Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India. Materials and methods A house-to-house survey was conducted among 840 individuals in fishermen population. Oral health status was evaluated by employing the World Health Organization basic oral health survey form. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patterns of utilization of dental services and their sociodemographic details. Results Mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) of the population was 3.78 ± 6.02 and prevalence of caries and periodontal conditions was 55 and 99% respectively. About 55% participants had never visited a dentist. Age, gender, and education of the respondents showed significant associations with DMFT status. Periodontal health showed significant association with age, gender, education, and income of the respondents. Visit to the dentist was associated with age, gender, education, and dental caries. The major barrier recognized in seeking dental care was the perception of not having any dental problem. Conclusion The dental care utilization was poor, and majority of the dental visits were for tooth extraction. Lack of perceived oral health care need was the main barrier to the utilization of dental services. Clinical significance The fishing population had high dental caries and poor periodontal health due to low utilization of dental care. How to cite this article Bhatt S, Rajesh GR, Rao A, Shenoy R, Pai MBH, Nayak V. Factors influencing Oral Health and Utilization of Oral Health Care in an Indian Fishing Community, Mangaluru City, India. World J Dent 2017;8(4):321-326.

Assessment of maternal risk factors and its relationship with early childhood caries among preschool children in Mangaluru city.

The aim of this study is to assess the maternal risk factors and its relationship with early childhood caries (ECC) among preschoolchildren in Mangaluru city. Children aged 3-5 years attending preschool (Anganwadi) and their mothers were included in the study. A total of 120 child-mother pairs participated in the study. The maternal risk factors were assessed by a pretested questionnaire. After obtaining the consent, the mother and their children were clinically examined for dental caries using the WHO criteria (1997). Results were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Significant difference was found in mother's caries activity, high level of Streptococcus mutans, brushing frequency, diet of the mother, and their child's caries experience. A relationship between maternal risk factors and ECC is a result of a multifactorial and a comprehensive model that includes psychological and behavioral aspects. Caries prevention strategy should be that every child should receive oral care before age of one so that needful children can be instituted with preventive measures and their parents can be targeted for educational programs.