North Karnataka Research Articles

Tobacco use and Oral Premalignant Lesions among Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Belagavi, North Karnataka.

Auto-rickshaw drivers (ARDs) are under constant physical and mental pressure due to illiteracy, poverty, lack of awareness about hazards of addictions, and other factors that lead to various habits majority being tobacco use. Studies have found that tobacco use is very prevalent among ARDs in comparison to general population. Tobacco use is commonly associated with cancers. Oral Pre-Malignant Lesions (OPMLs) are the strongest risk factor for majority of oral cancers. We studied the prevalence of OPML among ARDs of Belagavi and their association with tobacco use. It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 600 regular ARDs of Belagavi City during January to December 2016. We selected two ARDs that were the last in line from 300 major auto-rickshaw stands. We adapted the questionnaire from Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. After getting informed consent, we collected the data by personal interview and performed an oral visual examination for OPML for all the study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Institutional Ethics Committee approved the study. Prevalence of tobacco was 62.17%. One-third of participants (30.17%) had OPMLs. Leukoplakia (62.43%) was the most common lesion. OPMLs were significantly associated with tobacco use and duration of tobacco use. About 30% of ARDs had an OPML. Chewing tobacco, gutkha, lime with tobacco, and cigarette were significantly associated with OPML.

Recommendations for Conducting Mortality and Morbidity Meetings Derived from Perceptions of Faculty and Residents, and Qualitative Analysis of Records

Introduction: Even though Mortality and Morbidity meetings (M&Ms) are incorporated into postgraduate training programs for imparting the attributes of self-appraisal, audit and quality control, they are not uniformly structured across institutes. This study describes the pattern of conducting M&M at a Medical College in North Karnataka in the context of the perceptions of faculty and residents of our medical college and proposes recommendations. Aim: To generate recommendations for conducting structured M&Ms meetings derived from the perceptions of faculty and residents, and prior feasibility experience at a medical college hospital. Materials and Methods: The present mixed method study was conducted in the Department of General medicine, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India, in the month of July 2022. The perceptions of faculty and residents of medicine were obtained by a paper survey. The results of the survey were compiled and analysed by the one of the authors. The responses were matched with the records of M&Ms as conducted in the Department of General Medicine from November 2017 to May 2019. The cases were thematically analysed as deviation from standard protocols of care, multidisciplinary consults, iatrogenic cause of death, unresolved diagnosis and system failure by other authors. Any recommendations recorded were noted. The attendance for such meetings were measured as a surrogate of importance attached. Data was entered in the Microsoft Excel spread sheet. Descriptive statistics were calculated by frequency and proportions for qualitative variables. Results: A total number of 150 participants (65 were faculty including senior residents and the remaining 85 were postgraduate residents) completed the survey. The participants of the survey preferred the presentation by 3rd year residents and junior faculty. While selecting the cases for M&Ms, they preferred systematic selection turn-wise. The participants of the survey considered that while analysing M&M cases; conflicts in multidisciplinary consults, iatrogenic cause of death, human error and deviation from standard protocols of care should be emphasised. During November 2017 to May 2019, a total of 38 M&Ms were held (19 mortality and 19 morbidity meetings). The criterion for mortality case selection was subjective. Five cases were presented during each meeting. Predominant case presentations included interdepartmental transfer issues and procedural lapses. The Department of General Medicine had 30 postgraduate residents and 25 faculty members. The average attendance of residents and faculty was 90% and 78%, respectively. Conclusion: Regularly conducted M&M in a medical college hospital are important in training medical students for audit of medical errors, quality control and appraisal in a safe environment. Prospective selection of cases by recognising potential incidents; and evidence based, structured, uniform conduct of M&Ms by participation of teams involved in healthcare can reduce errors.

Alterations in haemato-biochemical and milk leukocyte count in mastitis affected cattle in North Karnataka

Alterations in haemato-biochemical and milk leukocyte count in mastitis affected cattle in North Karnataka

To Assess the Knowledge Practice about Diabetes Mellitus among Diabetic Patients of Rural Field Practice Area, North Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulinor when the body cannot effectively use its insulin. According to the World Health Organization report, India todayheads the world with over 32 million diabetic patients, and this number is projected to increase to 79.4 million bythe year 2030. Recent surveys indicate that diabetes now affects a staggering 16% of the urban population and 5-8%of the rural population in India.Objectives: To study the diabetic profile & to assess knowledge about Diabetes mellitus among diabetic patientsof Rural field practice areas.Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Rural health Training Centre, Ukkali, under thedepartment of Community Medicine, among the diabetic patients attending the Diabetic clinic for a period of sixmonths. A Pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic profile of patients,profile of diabetes & knowledge about diabetes mellitus.Results: A total of 110 diabetic patients with a mean age of 66yrs ± 6 (M 52%, F 48%) showed irregularity intreatment due to the cost of treatment & frequent changing of treatment providers (40%). The majority of patientsthink that eating excess sugar causes diabetes (72%), it runs in the family (48%) & around 60% are not having anyidea about hypoglycemia. Overall knowledge found was poor.Conclusion: There is a need to increase awareness about chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus among peopleby strengthening the IEC activities in PHCs, RHTCs & Private hospitals because this will reduce the suffering ofpeople not only physically but also economically.

Competency-based medical education: Perception and challenges among students

Introduction: Competency-based medical education (CBME) addresses students’ achievement of discernible skills in a time-independent, learner-centered manner. The curriculum emphasizes all three learning domains (cognitive, psychomotor, and affective). A major focus is given on early clinical exposure (ECE) with foundation course (FC) and renewing the teaching and assessment methods, helping the student’s conceptual thinking, skill development, and inclusion of the Attitude Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) module. The global adaption of CBME raises an alarming need to review its usefulness and limitations in the Indian context. The faculty makes tremendous efforts for its effective implementation, but the students may face many challenges in accepting the new curriculum. There is a need to assess undergraduate medical students’ perception and challenges faced with CBME that can be accountable for acceptance of CBME and allows for effective revision of the shortcomings in the new curriculum. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study included 1st and 2nd professional year students of seven medical colleges in North Karnataka. Google forms were used to collect the data. Results: Among 596 students included, majority found that the new curriculum encouraged students’ enthusiasm and various other aspects of the curriculum like FC, ECE, teaching methods, and AETCOM module, which helped them in better understanding and retaining concepts. Yet the duration of the professional year is inadequate, the curriculum is stressful and time-consuming, and the maintenance of the log book is a challenge. Conclusion: Although the new curriculum improves medical education standards, it requires effective revision regarding time and stress management.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of rational use of medicines among the postgraduate residents of a tertiary care teaching hospital in North Karnataka: A facility-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The overuse, underuse, or misuse of medicines by the postgraduate residents results in wastage of scarce resources and widespread health hazards. “Rational use of medicines” (RUMs) would bring health care within the reach of the poor by reducing costs. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of RUMs among the postgraduate residents of a tertiary care teaching hospital.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months (November 2019–April 2020). With the help of universal sampling, a self-developed, prevalidated, semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to 200 residents, to obtain information about the knowledge, attitude, and practice of RUM. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants after explaining to them about the study.RESULTS: About 92.5% of the participants were aware of the term “RUM” and 84% were aware of the term “Essential Medicines.” Sixty-one percent of the residents had good knowledge about RUM, and 51% had good practice of RUM. Logistic regression analysis showed statistically significant results that postgraduate students of the nonsurgical departments were more likely to have good knowledge and practice RUM than postgraduates of the surgical departments. Juniors (1st Year postgraduate residents) among the postgraduates also seemed to have an increased likelihood of practicing RUM.CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge gap and lack of good practice of RUM observed among the postgraduates can be reduced by imparting education regarding RUM more efficiently in the medical colleges, to inculcate it into daily clinical practice.

Contraception Awareness and its Practise among Working Women in Institutions in North Karnataka: An Observational Survey

Introduction: Contraceptive choice is a critical component of women’s reproductive health and rights. In contrastthe social and economic correlates of contraceptive use are less well understood, particularly in low and middlesincome countries, where contraceptive use if often assessed in the contest of maternal and child health interventions.Objectives: To study the Awareness about the contraceptive methods, to understand the practice of contraceptionregarding contraception & to find the Myths and Taboos regarding contraception among working population.Methodology: This study was conducted among all working women belonging to the age group of 20-49 years innorthern district of Karnataka state, using a pre-validated questionnaire which was used to assess the awarenessand practices of contraception among working women.Results: Among the total 2000 women taken into the study only 1409 participants participated in the studyfrom that we observed that majority of them around 81.3% participants belonged to rural area, with 50.8%having a minimum graduate educational qualification & belonged to the age group of 20-29 years. Theywere aware of many factors about contraception such as the facilities where is it available the pros and consassociated with it but the association of disturbed cycles, its affectability to future pregnancy and weightgain were not known. Most of the women who practiced contraception commonly used condoms followedby permanent method of sterilization. Many women and their partners have the belief that contraception isassociated with various side effects and hence they step back from using the various methods of contraceptionavailable to them.Conclusion: the working women had awareness regarding the facilities where they could approach forcontraception, the advantage of preventing sexually transmitted diseases and so on. But they needed bettereducation of the various types of methods of contraception available to them and the best option they canchoose.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Hypertension among 20-40 Years Old Residing in an Urban Area of Bagalkot City, North Karnataka.

Hypertension is the commonest cardiovascular disorder and one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular mortality which accounts for 20-50% of all deaths. Although most studies describe hypertension in older adults and the elderly, there is a paucity of data on young adults as they are deemed to be at a lower risk of developing the disease. To study the prevalence of hypertension and study the risk factors and strength of association between factors and hypertension among 20-40 years old. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 20-40 years old residing in the urban field practice area to find the prevalence of hypertension and its association with socio-demographic factors. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected with the help of an interview method by systematic random sampling using predesigned and pretested semi-structured questionnaires. Three readings of blood pressure were recorded using a sphygmomanometer, and the average reading was considered. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, Open Epi software, and SPSS software. Out of 420 subjects, the prevalence of hypertension was found to be 17.9% and pre-hypertension was 52%. Factors significantly associated with hypertension were age, marital status, type of family, family history of hypertension, tobacco chewing, stress, and body mass index (BMI). The present study reveals a high prevalence of hypertension (17.9%) in the 20-40 years old age group, which can lead to increased cardiovascular disease burden in the population.

Determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescent students in North Karnataka

Determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescent students in North Karnataka

Awareness of stroke in a teaching hospital in North Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Awareness of stroke in a teaching hospital in North Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Cytogenetic analysis of autistic children with down syndrome features

INTRODUCTION: Autism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that influences a child's ability to think, learn, communicate, and interact socially and possess behavioral problems. It has also been observed to be associated with several medical conditions, including certain chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome (DS). Several studies have shown autistic individuals with DS. The main objective of the present study is to screen for chromosomal abnormalities in autistic children with DS characteristics in the North Karnataka population, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chromosome analysis of peripheral blood of four DS children with autistic characteristics was performed to examine the chromosomal abnormalities, which were confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Childhood Autism Rating Scale score was calculated initially to assess the severity of autism. All four cases were found to have autism with DS. Out of four cases, three (75%) were found to be trisomy 21 and 1 (25%) had a trisomy 21 mosaic condition. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the chromosomal abnormality present in autistic children with DS characteristics and these findings will contribute in several ways to the diagnosis and treatment of the genetic cause of autism with other comorbidities or vice versa.

Employee Engagement Through Employee Empowerment with Special Reference to Employee Working in Manufacturiing Industry Situated at North Karnataka Region

Every organization should involve in identifying the Engagement levels of employees in their work. Engaged employees are uncopied competitive advantage for the organizations. Employees can be engaged by empowering them with well designated roles and by providing sufficient amount of autonomy while delivering their roles and responsibilities. The objective of present study is to analyze the relation between employee engagement and employee empowerment and also to find out, to what extent employee empowerment influence the engagement levels of employee at his/her workplace working in manufacturing industry. Factor analysis and regression analysis has been conducted to observe the total variance explained about the two phenomenon of the study and to analyze the effect of empowerment on engagement levels of employee.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Infection in two major districts of North Karnataka

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Infection in two major districts of North Karnataka

Maternal and neonatal determinants of perinatal mortality in selected tertiary care hospital of North Karnataka

Maternal and neonatal determinants of perinatal mortality in selected tertiary care hospital of North Karnataka

Spectrum of Histopathological Lesions in patients undergoing Gastroduodenal Biopsies in a Tertiary Care Centre in North Karnataka, India

Introduction: Patients with Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms usually present with alarming symptoms. The use of modern flexible gastroduodenoscope and the acquisition of the mucosal biopsy specimens have opened a window to the living tissues and have greatly improved the diagnostic facility for the GI lesions. It provides an in depth visual assessment of GI mucosa and allows sampling of tissue to the pathologist for further assessment. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of histopathological incidence of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in patients undergoing gastroduodenal biopsy. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 100 patients conducted over a period of one year and seven months, December 2010 to June 2012 with symptoms of gastroduodenal diseases who attended endoscopic unit of the tertiary care hospital in Bellary North Karnataka, South India. All biopsies done for various upper abdominal symptoms like pain abdomen, dyspepsia, haematemesis, mass per abdomen, and vomiting were included. Routine haematoxylin and eosin, special stains like Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Giemsa were done. Histopathological parameters evaluated included mucosa evaluation (ulceration, metaplasia, dysplasia, atrophy), type of inflammatory infiltrate, H.pylori infection and type of tumour. Data was analysed using descriptive analysis. Results: Among 100 patients, 76 were males and 24 were females. Highest percentage of study participants were in the age group of more than 58 years 30 (30%). The most common endoscopic presentation was gastric erythema in 42 (42%) cases followed by benign gastric ulcer 16 (16%) cases, ulcero proliferative growth 15 cases, and duodenal erythema 13 (13%) cases. The most common histopathological diagnosis amongst non-neoplastic lesions were chronic gastritis 44 (44%) cases chronic duodenitis 15 cases, and benign gastric ulcer 11 (11%) cases and amongst neoplastic lesions, most common was gastric adenocarcinoma 15 (15%) cases. Conclusion: Endoscopy gross findings are not disease specific hence, histopathological study of biopsy specimen can help in confirmation of the diagnosis.

Constraints perceived by farmers in adoption of biofertilizer technologies

The present study was conducted during 2021-2022 in Dharwad and Gadag districts of North Karnataka with a specific objective to identify the constraints faced by farmers in adoption of biofertilizer technologies. Sixty farmers each of both districts were identified through simple random sampling method, thus constitutes a total sample of 120 respondents. In the investigation, ex-post facto research design is being employed. The interview schedule was developed based on the objective of the study and review of literature. The information was collected by personal interview method. Constraints and suggestions were analysed using Garrett’s ranking technique and it is observed that lack of required knowledge on biofertilizer technologies ranked first among constraints with garret score 73.00 followed by non-availability of biofertilizers locally at times when needed (71.60), slow results of biofertilizer technologies on different growth stages of crop or on standing crop (65.29), lack of technical guidance about biofertilizer technologies (58.10) and lack of financial support from government (56.00). The important suggestions stated by the farmers for improving adoption of biofertilizer technologies were organization of training/demonstrations on biofertilizer technologies on usage of biofertilizers, need of government support in the form of subsidies on biofertilizers and assured availability of bio-fertilizers in villages.

Geriatric Health Status in a Rural Area of North Karnataka – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Context: Today, older people are starting to form a higher proportion of the entire population in the whole community due to an increase in life expectancy. In the future, the challenge for our health care is to ensure proper quality of life, especially for the rural elderly who are devoid of basic amenities. This study attempts to assess the health status of the elderly in a rural area of Vijayapura district, which can help to plan health-care facilities for the old in this part of northern Karnataka. Aims: The aims of this study included the study of the sociodemographic profile and finding out the morbidity pattern among the rural geriatric age group. Settings and Design: The current study was done as cross-sectional research undertaken in Ukkali, the rural field practice areas of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy-five elderly selected by the systematic random sampling method were included in this study. The participants were interviewed using pretested and semi-structured questionnaires through house-to-house visits and data were collected. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and proportions. Results: The most commonly prevalent morbidities found were joint pain (47.1%) and hypertension (34.3%). Association was found between various morbidities and habits in the rural elderly. Conclusion: The present study concludes that health demand in the elderly is of high importance in the Indian scenario, especially in rural areas. Efforts are needed to educate and make these elderly aware of healthy aging.

A Study on Status of Ossification Centres at Elbow Joint and Dental Eruption in Girls Aged 14-16 Years from Bagalkot Region of North Karnataka

A Study on Status of Ossification Centres at Elbow Joint and Dental Eruption in Girls Aged 14-16 Years from Bagalkot Region of North Karnataka

Socio economic conditions of depressed class women labour in construction sector of Bangalore city

The unfortunate socio-economic conditions of women workers on construction sites in major cities have become far worse than previously thought and seen.This was corroborated by the field survey conducted in construction sites of Bangalore city.The construction sites taken for survey were the new multi storeyed buildings from Bangalore Mysore Road, Kengeri and UllalUpanagara Koramangala and JP nagar.For this study 150 samples of migrant women workers were collected.The other factor was all of them were from scheduled castes .The rationale behind the study was firstly to find out if their conditions have improved post pandemic and secondly to understand how farthe government schemes and welfare boards have served their purpose? Has all these social security measures alleviated their problems to a certain extentnor not? The main objective were to find out if their socio economic status changed after migration and to find out if there was any possibility to avail help from the government schemes other than Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bhima Yojane and Prsdhan Mantri Suraksha Bhima Yojana or get help from NGO’s. Research gap showed that there was many shortcomings for these distressed groups as they were sidelined repeatedly but why was it so.? Did they avail of 1% cess meant for construction workers.? Research Methodology followed was using both primary and secondary data though it was a primary study. Descriptive analysis was followed. Simple random sampling was carried out and percentage method was used for data analysis. The findings indicated that most of the time they were not paid the full amount, often fell sick besides there was no prevention for the on site accidents and no immediate medical help was forth coming. Conclusion showed that this problem of distress migration arose because of severe drought conditions in many north Karnataka states and their inability to work as agricultural labourers as big farmers preferred to use tractors. Socially and economically they were a totally repressed lot and suffered more post pandemic in their quest to sustain themselves and their families.

Health-Care Seeking Pathways Of Psychiatry Patients In North Karnataka of India - A Hospital-Based: Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Neuropsychiatric disorders contribute for 13% of the total morbidities globally. In 2017, a study revealed that 14% of the Indian Population suffered from psychiatric health problems. The WHO estimates 2443 DALYs (Disability adjusted life years) per 100000 population in India due to psychiatric problems. The non-availability of mental health services, stigma, and superstitions associated with mental disorders, along with the unwillingness or inability of families to care for their mentally ill relatives, appear to be major cause behind delay in approaching a psychiatrist. These factors act as major barriers in the pathways of care for these patients, thereby increasing the unmet need. An understanding of the way people seek care for mental disorders is important for implementing mental health services, and developing effective referral mechanisms. Hence this study was taken up with the objectives. OBJECTIVEs: To determine health-care seeking pathways of psychiatry patients using WHO pathways of care proforma and to explore the social and cultural determinants of health-care seeking behaviour in them. METHODOLOGY: This exploratory cross-sectional study includes newly diagnosed psychiatry patients (ICD-10), visiting psychiatry OPD in a private medical college in Bagalkot, North Karnataka, India. Sample size for proportion was calculated to be 340 ~350, taking 33% as P (Pilot study) and at 5% absolute precision at 95% confidence level. Written Informed consent were obtained from the study participants or from the patient attenders, in case of inability to give informed consent. Predesigned and pretested proforma were used for obtaining socio-demographic details of subjects. Patients were examined and diagnosed by the Psychiatrist (Principal Investigator). World Health Organisation (WHO) pathways to care proforma were used to obtain the health-care seeking behaviour of these study subjects. Statistical analysis will be done using SPSS software version19 and appropriate statistical tests will be applied. RESULTS: In the pilot study, we observed that about 32% of patients firstly approached medical practitioners, followed by psychiatrists and faith healers. An average delay of 24 months was found in reaching psychiatric services. CONCLUSIONS: There is a substantial delay in health-care seeking of psychiatry patients to psychiatrist, as per the pilot study. Further completion of this study is required to understand the extent of the problem, and socio-cultural factors leading to such delay. Generating awareness among the general public to address cultural myths and stigma related to psychiatric illnesses is required