Medical College In Delhi Research Articles

Trends of Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index Among Adolescents and Young Adults of a Government Medical College in India

Context: Medical undergraduates are an important health resource for the country in the future. Their health status and risk for the development of non-communicable disease need to be studied. Early diagnosis and management of these physiological risk factors among adolescents and young adults are of utmost importance for a healthy world in the future. Aims: The study was performed to assess the trend of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents and young adults of a government medical college in Delhi over 13 years from 2000 to 2013. Subjects and Design: A record-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college in Delhi. The records of the routine health screening of MBBS students from 2000 to 2013 were analyzed. The data related to the student’s age, sex, height, weight, blood pressure, family history of diabetes, family history of hypertension were utilized for the study. Results: Among 1350 study participants 63.5% were males. Female MBBS students were constantly lesser than males with a minimum of 20% in 2006. The trends of obesity among MBBS students were increasing from 11.3% in 2000 to a maximum of 31.7% in 2013. The prevalence of hypertension was 8.1% in the year 2000 which increased to 16.4% in 2001, 10.6% in 2002, 15.3% in 2006, 14.% in 2007 and then it decreased to 1.5% in 2013. Conclusion: Our study has found that there was an alarming increase in the trend of prevalence of obesity among medical undergraduates which indicates the need for urgent interventions to minimize unhealthy behaviours among future doctors. Key Messages: The MBBS undergraduate students are the future doctors of India who are going to manage patients with non-communicable diseases (NCD). But, they themselves are at high risk of having NCDs in future. This study assessed the trend of NCD risk factors over 13 years and found that the prevalence of obesity has increased alarmingly.

Perceptions And Attitudes of Postgraduate Students towards Thesis Work in A Medical College in Delhi.

IntroductionResearch forms the backbone of rapidly evolving world of medical sciences. In the existing medical curriculum, every student pursuing MD/MS Degree has to conduct a research study and submit a write up in the form of thesis as an essential requirement to earn the degree of Masters of Medicine/Surgery. There is thus a need to identify perceptions, attitudes, motivational factors and barriers among these postgraduate studentsin carrying out their thesis work in medical colleges.Materials and MethodsThis was cross sectional study, conducted in a Medical College of Delhi, in February 2017 among 247 MD/MS post-graduate students. Self-administered questionnaire was used to assess perceptions, attitudes, motivating factors and barriers towards doing thesis work.ResultsAlmost 70% postgraduate were motivated towards doing their thesis work but still, 62.8% perceived that thesis should be made optional. Major motivating factors included support from the supervisors, satisfaction towards career aspiration and advancement in the current field. Major barriers included unavailability of samples, difficulty in following up patients, lack of internet access in the department and lack of time.ConclusionEven with knowledge regarding the importance of research in the field of medicine, barriers outnumbered the motivations towards conducting thesis work. Overcoming these barriers in various forms will help enable a greater number of students to pursue research.

The Gap between Knowledge and Practice of Physical Activity in Medical Students of Delhi

Introduction: The lifestyle today has become more sedentary, and obesity and many non-communicable diseases are increasing among people. Medical students have a very demanding stressful life and have often been found to develop an unhealthy lifestyle. Objectives: To find out the level of physical activity among the medical students, the gaps between their knowledge and practice and the prevalence of obesity among the students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 101 medical students of 3rd year (35.6% were females and 64.4% were males) in a medical college in Delhi and assess their knowledge and practices of physical activities using a predesigned standard questionnaire (IPAQ). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and descriptive statistics was presented. Result: Thirty five (34.7%) partcipants only had knowledge of recommended physical activities but only twenty nine (28.7%) participants believed that the recommended physical activity is more than or equal to 150 minutes in a week. 41 (40.6%) had Low activity, 45 (44.6%) were sufficiently active or Moderately active, and 15 (14.8%) had High activity. 20 (19.8%) were overweight and 31 (30.7%) were obese. Males [26(40%)] were found to be significantly more obese than females [5(13.8%)] (P=0.001). Conclusion: There is a high level of physical inactivity and obesity among medical students. Knowledge about physical activity has been increasing over the years among the medical students, but that knowledge is not converting into practice. There is a dire need for health promotional activity and behaviour change communication for increasing physical activity among medical students.

Amit Sengupta: founder and advocate of the People’s Health Movement in India

In death, as in life, Amit Sengupta was recognised as one of the most vocal advocates of universal access to healthcare and a leader of the People’s Health Movement (PHM),...

Study of depression, anxiety and stress among Class IV workers in a medical college in Delhi

Context: India contributes significantly to the global burden of mental illnesses in the world. Class-IV workers tend to have poor socioeconomic status, low levels of education, and long erratic working shifts. However, there is a lack of studies to assess their mental health and its impact on quality of life (QOL), especially in the Indian context. Aims: The objectives of the current study were to (i) assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among Class-IV workers in a medical college of Delhi, (ii) study the association of sociodemographic variables with depression, anxiety, and stress levels, and (iii) assess the impact of these psychometric variables on overall health and QOL. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college of Delhi where Class-IV workers were interviewed using a sociodemographic questionnaire and psychometric tools such as DASS-21 and Short Form Survey-12 (v2) (QualityMetric). Statistical analysis included prevalence data, multivariate binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression. Results and Conclusions: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in Class-IV workers was found to be 17%, 15%, and 6%, respectively. The results showed that workers belonging to upper middle socioeconomic class were less likely to have depression than upper lower class (odds ratio [OR] = 0.048, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.003–0.866). Workers educated till primary level were more likely to have anxiety than those educated till high school and beyond (OR = 8.736, CI = 1.28–59.64). Those commuting longer distances from home to workplace daily were less likely to have depression (OR = 0.017, CI = 0.00–0.735) and anxiety (OR = 0.059, CI = 0.004–0.851). High levels of depression, anxiety, and stress had a negative impact on the overall QOL as well (P = 0.001).

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Prevalence of Hypertension among Medical Students with Positive Familial History of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in a Medical College of Delhi

Prevalence of Hypertension among Medical Students with Positive Familial History of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in a Medical College of Delhi

Occupational Health and Safety in Healthcare Settings – Effect of Training on the Knowledge of Resident Doctors

Background: Over the past years several diseases and disorders associated with different kinds of occupations have been identified, including healthcare. It is important for medical personnel especially resident doctors to have adequate knowledge of occupational health and safety and prevention of occupational hazards. Objective: To assess the knowledge among resident doctors regarding occupational health and safety in healthcare settings, and the effect of training on the same. Methodology: A before and after intervention study without control was done among a group of resident doctors of a medical college in Delhi. Training on occupational health and safety was given to the study participants in the form of a two-day workshop. Pre- and post-test questionnaires filled by the participants were scored and the mean scores were compared and tested for statistically significant difference using Mann Whitney U test. Results: The study was done on 17 post-graduate resident doctors. The mean post test score was higher than the mean pre-test score and the difference was statistically significant at p<0.05. Conclusion: Training of doctors and other health personnel on occupational health and safety and prevention and control of occupational hazards can prove to be effective in improving their knowledge regarding the same.

Relationship between dominant hand and ear preference for listening among medical students

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine dominant hand for routine activities and ear preference for listening among medical students. Mobile phone usage was also studied. Methodology: Medical students of three batches (2nd, 3rd, and 4th year) studying in a government medical college of Delhi (India) were considered. Out of 150 permitted (50 per batch) seats, only 139 were filled. Thus, after seeking an informed consent, a total of 117 (84.1%) available students could be contacted in person who completed the survey capturing details such as Section-I: Sociodemographic background; Section-II: Dominant hand (right/left) for undertaking routine activities, ear (right/left) preference for listening say mobile phones; and Section-III: Selected details of their mobile phones. Results: There were 71 (60.7%) males and 46 (39.3%) female students; It was found out that out of 117 students, 110 (94.0%) were right handed while 7 (5.9%) were left handed. Out of all the right-handed persons (n = 110), 94 (85.4%) preferred right ear, 14 (12.7%) left ear, and 2 (1.8%) either of the ears for listening phone. Similarly, out of all the left-handed persons (n = 07), 6 (85.7%) preferred left ear and only 1 (14.2%) right ear for listening mobile phone. Right-sided (right hand-right ear) laterality was observed in 85.4% and left-sided (left hand-left ear) laterality in 85.7% with overall (same hand-same ear) laterality of 85.4% among study participants (P

Cross Sectional Study of Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and Age among Medical and Paramedical Students of Medical College in Delhi

Cross Sectional Study of Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and Age among Medical and Paramedical Students of Medical College in Delhi

Mentoring in Medicine: Introducing a structured programme in a Medical College in Delhi

Objectives: To evaluate the response to mentoring amongst medical students after introduction of a structured mentorship programme.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, [HIMSR] New Delhi. A pre validated confidential questionnaire, designed as both open and closed ended questions was utilised to obtain responses from a sample size of 300 students, both males and females. Our questionnaire solicited the following information: clarity of the concept to the mentee, duration of being involved in the programme, preferred mentoring model, comments on intended benefits and those obtained, frequency of meetings, forms of communication used and preferred place of interaction. All students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year at HIMSR who agreed to participate in the study were included.Results: A total of 231 students returned their questionnaire, making the response rate of 77%. Different forms of communication were being used, of which personal meeting was most frequent. Both males and females were contacting their mentors in person. Majority of students preferred the mentorship model to be 1:1 and faculty members as mentors instead of senior students. Most of the students wanted the relationship to be mutual on both the sides, with both mentors and mentees having a say in the allocation process. There was no preference to gender for most of the students.Conclusions: The mentorship programme found good acceptance with medical students.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(1) 2017 p.29-34

Changes in pulmonary functions in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is characterized by various microvascular and macrovascular complications. Amongst the lesser known, is the involvement of respiratory system. Changes in pulmonary volume, diffusion and elastic properties of lungs leads to a restrictive pattern in lung functions. The present study was aimed to determine the changes in various parameters of pulmonary function tests amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their correlation with duration of disease. Methods Cross-sectional study was performed at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital & Medical College in Delhi, a tertiary care referral centre which included 200 patients divided into 2 groups. The first group included diagnosed patients with diabetes and the second group included controls. Cases and controls symptomatic for any acute or chronic respiratory or cardiovascular illness or a history of smoking were excluded. Both groups were subjected to spirometry. Result In diabetics, the mean Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow rate (PEFR) and the mean ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in first second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) was 2.55 ± 0.66, 2.01 ± 0.48, 379.5 ± 72.4, 0.80 ± 0.08, respectively while that in non-diabetics was 2.94 ± 0.43, 2.37 ± 0.38, 411 ± 69.6, 0.81 ± 0.07, respectively. Conclusion The respiratory functions namely FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were found to be significantly decreased (P 0.05).

Effect of an Educational Booklet on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Major Depressive Disorder in Medical Students in Delhi

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting people in the world. It is also a growing concern in younger population particularly medical students. There are many pharmaceutical interventions for treatment of depression but there is paucity of data to determine the effect of educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude and help seeking behaviour regarding depression among medical students. Methods: An interventional study was carried out among randomly selected 100 medical students except interns over a period of 6 months from March-August 2011 in a medical college in Delhi to assess the effect of educational booklet on knowledge and attitude about depression. Data was collected using pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16 software. Statistical significance in pre and post intervention proportions was determined using Mc Nemar test (MN) and for other proportions Chi-square test.Results: The study shown that only 71% of subjects knew that depression is a disease in pre intervention phase, which rose to 88% in post intervention phase (p=0.01). Knowledge of symptoms and treatment significantly improved such as trouble falling asleep or too much sleep (p=0.03), feeling tired or decreased energy (MN=17.6, p=0.01), feeling bad about self (MN=21.8, p=0.01), speaking slowly other can notice (MN=19.1, p=0.01) and can be treated by improving awareness (MN=8.6, p=0.03), and anti-depressants do not cause much of side effects (MN=17.3, p=0.01). Most common reasons for not seeking help were thinking that there is lack of understanding by other people about the depression (63%), lack of confidentiality (49%), social stigma (30%), fear of rejection (26%) and time constraints (6%). Majority of students accepted the booklet for their understanding about depression where 63% considered that it improved their knowledge to great extent. Conclusions: Educational interventional booklet should be promoted at bigger level to help students to identify and understand the depression which may improve health seeking behavior and could decrease their suffering if they fall sick.

Low back pain and associated risk factors among undergraduate students of a medical college in Delhi

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common orthopedic problem worldwide and is known to affect both younger and older adults. The stressful and time consuming curriculum of medical students predisposes them to this problem. Few statistics are available on prevalence rates of LBP among medical students in India. This study assesses the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in students of a medical college in Delhi. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a medical college in Delhi. The study subjects (n = 160; 100% participation) were selected via stratified random sampling from all undergraduate medical students (aged 17-25 years). A validated questionnaire was used to collect the data. The overall prevalence of LBP among the students over the past one year was 47.5% (n = 76) with a prevalence of 32.5% at the time of data collection. Prevalence among males and females was 45.3% and 50%, respectively. Significant associations were found between LBP in the past year and coffee drinking (Regular = 57%, Occasional = 38.9%, Never = 65.2%, χ2 = 7.24, P= 0.02), body posture (Normal = 32.6%, Abnormal = 75%, χ2 = 18.97, P < 0.001), place of study (Study table = 33.8%, Bed = 58.6, Both = 61.5% χ2 = 10.51, P = 0.01), family history of LBP (Present = 75%, Absent = 38.3%, χ2 = 16.17, P < 0.001) and carrying backpacks (Regular = 50%, Occasional = 33%, Never = 0%, χ2 = 16.17, P < 0.001). The mean scores of depression (2.7 vs. 1.6), anxiety (3.5 vs 1.9), and monotonous work (3.9 vs. 1.8) were found to be significantly higher in group with LBP than in the non-LBP group. However, no association with LBP was seen for weight lifting, watching television/working on computers, driving, wearing heels, or body mass index. The high prevalence of LBP among medical students and its association with poor study habits, lifestyle habits, and psychological factors highlight a need for life skills training, education, counseling, and restructuring of the medical curriculum.

ABC-VED Analysis of a Drug Store in the Department of Community Medicine of a Medical College in Delhi

A matrix based on coupling of cost (always, better and control) analysis and criticality (vital, essential and desirable) analysis was employed for drug inventory containing 129 items of drug store in the Department of Community Medicine of a Medical College in Delhi. The annual drug expenditure incurred on 129 drug items for the year 2010-2011 was found to be Rs. 4,35,847.85. On always, better and control analysis, 18.6, 24.0 and 57.4% drugs were found to be always, better and control category items, respectively, amounting for 69.1, 20.8 and 10.1% of annual drug expenditure. About 13.2 (17), 38.8 (50) and 48.0% (62) items were found to be vital, essential and desirable category items, respectively, amounting for 18.7, 49.5 and 31.8% of annual drug expenditure. Based on always, better and control-vital, essential and desirable matrix analysis there were 37 (28.68%) items in category I, 53 (41.09%) items in category II and 39 (30.23%) items in category III, amounting for 73.0, 22.2 and 4.8% of annual drug expenditure, respectively. To conclude, scientific inventory management tools are needed to be applied in routine for efficient management of the pharmacy stores as it contributes to not only in improvement in patient care but also judicious use of resources as well.

Building a different future: Constructing hope and peace in Syrian dental education

Context: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common orthopedic problem worldwide and is known to aff ect both younger and older adults. Th e stressful and time consuming curriculum of medical students predisposes them to this problem. Few statistics are available on prevalence rates of LBP among medical students in India. Th is study assesses the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in students of a medical college in Delhi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a medical college in Delhi. Th e study subjects (n = 160; 100% participation) were selected via stratifi ed random sampling from all undergraduate medical students (aged 17-25 years). A validated questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: Th e overall prevalence of LBP among the students over the past one year was 47.5% (n = 76) with a prevalence of 32.5% at the time of data collection. Prevalence among males and females was 45.3% and 50%, respectively. Signifi cant associations were found between LBP in the past year and coff ee drinking (Regular = 57%, Occasional = 38.9%, Never = 65.2%, χ2 = 7.24, P = 0.02), body posture (Normal = 32.6%, Abnormal = 75%, χ2 = 18.97, P < 0.001), place of study (Study table = 33.8%, Bed = 58.6, Both = 61.5% χ2 = 10.51, P = 0.01), family history of LBP (Present = 75%, Absent = 38.3%, χ2 = 16.17, P < 0.001) and carrying backpacks (Regular = 50%, Occasional = 33%, Never = 0%, χ2 = 16.17, P < 0.001). Th e mean scores of depression (2.7 vs. 1.6), anxiety (3.5 vs 1.9), and monotonous work (3.9 vs. 1.8) were found to be signifi cantly higher in group with LBP than in the non-LBP group. However, no association with LBP was seen for weight lift ing, watching television/working on computers, driving, wearing heels, or body mass index. Discussion: Th e high prevalence of LBP among medical students and its association with poor study habits, lifestyle habits, and psychological factors highlight a need for life skills training, education, counseling, and restructuring of the medical curriculum.

Entomo-epidemiological investigations of chikungunya outbreak in Delhi, India

Context: An outbreak of fever with severe joint pain started in the Palam area of Delhi in August 2010. An entomological and epidemiological investigation of this outbreak was conducted to ascertain the nature and cause of the outbreak. Aim: Aim of the study was to investigate the nature and cause of the outbreak and to contain its further spread. Settings and Design: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Palam area of south-west Delhi, situated at a distance of about 20 km from Medical College. It is one of the field practice areas for training of undergraduate and postgraduate students of Department of Community Medicine of Medical College of Delhi. Materials and Methods: All patients attending OPD of Primary Health Center (PHC) Palam, complaining of ever with incapacitating joint pain, were screened for chikungunya fever. Of the 750 suspected chikungunya patients, 130 blood samples were randomly drawn amongst these patients. Out of the 130 tested, 97 (70.8%) were positive for the IgM antibodies against chikungunya virus. House-to-house survey was conducted in the affected area for more cases and to find out the vector-breeding sites. Statistical Analysis: Frequency distributions were calculated for age and sex. Results: The main breeding sites of the mosquitoes were the desert coolers of houses, water stored in metal and plastic containers, and water collections at construction sites. Aedes mosquito was present in almost all the houses surveyed in the area. Conclusions: It was concluded that the routine campaigns need to be organized regularly within the community highlighting the potential breeding grounds of mosquitoes and the possible control methods. Source reduction strategies like cleaning of desert coolers on weekly basis, emptying of water containers, and close monitoring of construction sites for potential breeding of the vector needs to be done on a regular basis to avoid future outbreaks.

Cardiovascular risk behavior among students of a Medical College in Delhi

Background:Life style related behavioural risk factors are mainly implicated for increased burden of cardio- vascular diseases. Research related to these risk behaviours especially among medical students is essential, considering their role as future physicians and role models in public health intervention programmes.Objective:To evaluate the burden of cardiovascular risk behaviours among students of a medical college of Delhi, India.Materials and Methods:A cross sectional study was carried out among undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Delhi. Self administered questionnaire was used to collect information on identification data and risk behaviours in relation to cardiovascular diseases. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to calculate adjusted odds ratio to assess association between risk behaviours and covariates.Results:The minimum recommendation of taking at least five servings per day of fruits and vegetables was complied only by 12% of students. Consumption of carbonated soft drinks either once or more on daily basis was present in 23.7% students and 32.0% reported frequent consumption of fast foods in past week. Consumption of alcohol was present in 28.8% students but only small proportion of students (7%) was current tobacco users. Large proportions of students (42.6%) were either not carrying out or were involved in only occasional physical activity in past week.Conclusions:Unhealthy behavioural practises are present and may progress as student advance through medical college. Developing strategies targeting at these risk behaviours and determining factors is necessary to promote healthy life style among medical students.

Women′s health: Beyond reproductive years

With changing demographic profile India has more older women than men as life expectancy for women is 67.57 as against 65.46 for men. Gender differences in the aging process reflect biological, economic, and social differences. Both social and health needs of the older women are unique and distinctive as they are vulnerable. The social problems revolve around widowhood, dependency, illiteracy and lack of awareness about the policies and programmes from which they can benefit. Among the medical problems, vision (cataract) and degenerative joint disease top the list, followed by neurological problems. Lifestyle diseases form another single-most important group of health problems in the elderly women. The risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with the outcome being poorer than men. The most common causes of death among women above the age of 60 years are stroke, ischemic heart disease and COPD. Hypertensive heart disease and lower respiratory tract infections contribute to mortality in these women. Common malignancies viz. Cervical, breast and uterus in women are specific to them and account for a sizeable morbidity and mortality. In a study done at Lady Hardinge medical college in Delhi, Hypertension (39.6%) and obesity (12-46.8%) were very common in postmenopausal women. Half or more women had high salt and fat intake, low fruit and vegetable intake and stress. There is a need to recognize the special health needs of the women beyond the reproductive age, to be met through strengthening and reorienting the public health services at all levels starting from primary health care to secondary till tertiary care level with adequate referral linkages. All policies and programs need to have a gender perspective. At present there is lack of sensitization and appropriate training of the health personnel in dealing with the needs of elderly. Women too need to be aware to adopt healthy lifestyle and seek timely care.