Cross-sectional Questionnaire-based Study Research Articles

Dementia Knowledge Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dementia poses a significant healthcare challenge globally, and healthcare providers musthave adequate knowledge about its diagnosis, management, and support services. By assessing the knowledge level of primary care physicians in Riyadh, we can identify potential gaps and areas for improvement in dementia care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. This study holds promise in shedding light on the current state of dementia knowledge among primary healthcare physicians in Riyadh and offering insights into strategies to enhance dementia care in this region. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted from the first of June 2023 to the end of December 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was used to assess physicians' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward dementia. A total of 151 physicians completed the questionnaires. The majority were male (55%), below 30 years of age (88.1%), and family medicine residents (84.8%). Most (74.8%) recognized old age as the most significant risk factor; an overwhelming majority of participants (98.7%) could not identify the minimum course of treatment to judge a medication's effectiveness. The average score of correct responses(7.74 ∓ 4.11) was equivalent to 38.7%. Furthermore, the average correct responses were significantly different among the different job levels of the participants. The findings of this study highlight a lack of knowledge among primary care physicians regarding dementia, emphasizing the crucial importance of physician education in this area. Additionally, the results strongly indicate the need foremphasis on dementia education within the undergraduate medical curriculum, family medicine curriculum, and physician training programs. By addressing these educational gaps, we can better equip physicians to provide optimal care and support for individuals with dementia, ultimately improving patient care and quality of life.

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 among Indian medical undergraduates: a questionnaire-based study.

The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2) has emerged as a recent pandemic, increasing the need for epidemiological studies and studies on public health. Only some studies have evaluated the awareness of medical undergraduates in India and other countries, leading to a lack of literature. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India, between June to August 2020. An online survey using Google Forms was circulated among undergraduate medical students in India by a convenient sampling method for data collection. Descriptive analysis was derived based on frequencies and percentages, and the association with age, gender, and year of undergraduate training medical course was derived using the chi-square test. Altogether, 630 students from India responded to the survey, with a maximum response from students studying in the second year (38.7%). Nearly 63.85% of responders identified themselves as females. Knowledge regarding the human-to-human transmission of the virus, symptoms, complications, definition of "close contact, quarantine, and its indications was adequate among the students, with more than 70% correct responses. However, one-fourth of the students needed to gain more knowledge about masks. Respiratory hygiene was poor among 24.8%. Nearly 40% of students were unaware of the management of patients with COVID-19. There is a need for regular quality training and institutional programs on infection control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases across all Indian medical colleges to educate undergraduate medical students, who are future healthcare professionals, thus minimizing the risk of transmission and providing standardized care for patients.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Lifestyle Modifications Among Hypertensive Patients Visiting A Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Background: Globally, hypertension is a major problem. The cornerstone of the strategy for preventing hypertension is making appropriate lifestyle modifications. The present study was carried out to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of lifestyle modifications among hypertensive patients.Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study carried out among 343 hypertensive patients visiting a tertiary care hospital.Results: We observed that although majority of hypertensive had good knowledge and attitude about lifestyle changes in hypertension, least were adherent to those. Conclusion: The treatment of hypertension is greatly aided by preventive medication. In order to lower the prevalence of hypertension in a nation, assessments of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding lifestyle change are fundamentally necessary.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 08 No. 02 Apr’24 Page: 140-146

Effects of Pain-Related Features, Maladaptive Cognitions, Depression, and Anxiety on Pain-Related Disability: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Effects of Pain-Related Features, Maladaptive Cognitions, Depression, and Anxiety on Pain-Related Disability: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE PATTERN OF SELF-MEDICATION USED FOR DIARRHEA AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA

Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the drug usage pattern, personal hygiene, and sanitation practices among day scholars and hosteller medical students. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted at MGM Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore. Undergraduate and postgraduate medical students who experienced episodes of diarrhea in the past 6 months were included in the study. Diarrhea occurring due to organic causes was excluded. Data were collected using a Google or physical form and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 254 students who suffered from diarrhea in the past 6 months participated in the study, out of which 56% were hostellers. Commonly used drugs were ofloxacin, metronidazole, etc. 50.2% of them took self-medication; the majority of them were hostellers. Students were found to eat outside at least once a week. Personal hygiene and sanitation were more compromised among hostellers than day scholars. Conclusion: Personal hygiene and sanitation practices should be improved among medical students, especially hostel students. These students, despite being from medical backgrounds, still take irrational medication. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness regarding drug usage, and self-medication should be discouraged.

The prevalence of hand dermatitis among intensive care unit nurses.

Healthcare workers are at high risk of developing occupational hand dermatitis (HD) due to their frequent exposure to wet-work and use of gloves. Complaints of HD may interfere with work and cause loss of work productivity, or sick leave, and may have impact on job pleasure and performing daily activities. The prevalence of HD among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses is unknown. To investigate the point prevalence and the 1-year prevalence of HD among ICU nurses, and to determine the impact of HD on work and daily activities. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed among ICU nurses. Participants were recruited in the Amsterdam University Medical Centre. A symptom-based questionnaire was used to determine HD and atopic predisposition, and an additional questionnaire was used concerning the influence of HD. ICU nurses with an atopic predisposition or symptoms suiting HD were invited for the hand dermatitis consultation hour (HDCH). Data were analysed with logistic regression. A total of 184 ICU nurses were included. The point prevalence of HD was 9.8% (95% CI: 5.9-15.0) and the 1-year prevalence was 26.6% (95% CI: 20.4-33.6). Sick leave was reported by 0.5%. HD seemed to have more impact on job pleasure than on work productivity. The high prevalence rate of HD resulting from our study highlights the need for the prevention of occupational HD among healthcare workers.

Utilisation of the health belief model to study the behavioural intentions relating to obesity management among university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are excessive fat accumulations linked with many health problems, including heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Multiple studies have demonstrated that beliefs about overweight, obesity and...

Musculoskeletal disorders and risk indicators for pain chronification among German dentists: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MS) disorders in practicing German dentists and identify risk factors for pain chronification. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, quantitative, questionnaire-based study in which the validated German version of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire was sent out to practicing German dentists. ResultsOf the 8,072 questionnaires sent out, 576 dentists responded (60.2% men, 39.8% women; mean [SD] age, 50 [10.1] years; response rate, 7.1%). Overall, 344 dentists had current pain at 719 pain sites (point prevalence, 59.7%). The risk of chronic pain in dentists with current MS pain was high in 28.5% (n = 98), moderate in 30.5% (n = 105), and low in 41% (n = 141). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that specialization in restorative dentistry was associated with a significantly higher risk of experiencing pain chronification (odds ratio [OR], 3.94; P = .008), followed by specialization in pediatric dentistry (OR, 0.35; P = .048). A history of current pain, particularly current leg pain, was predictive of higher chronification risk (OR, 22.0; P < .001) and neck pain (OR, 4.51; P = .001). ConclusionsAlmost two-thirds of practicing German dentists have MS pain, and one-third of these have a moderate through high risk of developing pain chronification. These health problems have an adverse impact on their ability to successfully perform dental services, with the potential for prolonged sick leave, disability, and early retirement. Accordingly, these problems deserve greater attention from the scientific community (identification of risk factors), universities (sensitization and education), and policy makers (development and implementation of appropriate countermeasures for MS disorders in the dental profession). Practical ImplicationsKnowing the risk factors associated with acute and chronic MS pain may help dentists take preventive measures and thereby improve their physical well-being and work-related quality of life.

Son Preference among Infertile Couples at the Fertility Clinic of Two Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Son preference is known to be prevalent in developing countries and has dire consequences for the family, particularly girls and women. It is speculated that the prevalence of son preference may be high among fertility clinic attendees, and that son preference may be the reason for seeking fertility care in Nigeria. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for son preference among fertility seekers in Enugu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of fertility clinic attendees from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla Enugu and the Pink Petals Fertility Clinic Enugu from April 1 to September 30, 2023. Eligible and consenting participants were interviewed. Data collection was with a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire, which contained three sections: biodata, obstetrics and gynecological data and 3-point son preference questions. The proportion of those who scored 3 (son preference) was documented. The analysis was both descriptive and inferential using IBM SPSS statistics for Windows, version 22.0 Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp. Results: Of the 422 participants interviewed, 416 (98.6%) completed the study with a nonresponse rate of 6 (1.4%). The overall prevalence of son preference was 10.1% (42/416) and all 42 (10.1%) were in the clinic to have a male baby. The risk factors for son preference were less than tertiary education (P &lt; 0.001, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.46, confidence interval [CI] 2.79–14.98) and family pressure to have a male baby (P = 0.03, AOR = 3.41, CI 1.72–7.13). Conclusions: One in 10 couples who attend an infertility clinic in Enugu, Nigeria, has a preference for son, and having a male child is the sole purpose of such a visit. Being under family pressure and not having tertiary education were the predictive risk factors for son preference in the study population.

Comparison of knowledge, awareness, and behaviors toward oral cancer among dental students and dentists: an online cross-sectional questionnaire in Türkiye

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study evaluated the knowledge, awareness, and behaviors of dentists and senior dental students regarding oral cancer (OC).Materials and methodsThis study included 168 dentists and senior dental students who had completed all theoretical educations and clinical practices. An online survey was administered to all participants to assess their awareness of the risk factors for OC, clinical knowledge, and behaviors. The participants’ demographic characteristics and knowledge of OC were analyzed.ResultsOf the participants, 48.8% were female and 51.2% were male. Their mean age was 27.04 ± 5.56 years (range: 21–51). In addition, 59.5% were dentists, and 40.5% were senior dental students. The dentists’ mean time since graduation was 6.38 ± 5.64 years (range: 1–27). Routine oral mucosa examination for OC was significantly more frequent among the dentists than the senior dental students (p < 0.05). Among all participants, 33% of dentists and 51.5% of senior dental students had poor knowledge of OC-related or possibly predisposing factors. Routine evaluation of OC-related and predisposing risk factors, including human papillomavirus infection, smoking, alcohol use, trauma-related non-healing oral lesions caused by long-term incompatible prostheses, and poor oral hygiene, was significantly more frequent among the dentists than the senior dental students (p < 0.05).ConclusionEducating dental students about a more comprehensive oral examination and early diagnosis of OC would help overcome the current lack of adequate knowledge and attitudes in OC prevention and early detection. A core curriculum compatible with the global standards on OC should be provided to dental students.

The characteristics of sexual behavior in blind men in Ganzhou, China: A cross-sectional study.

Visual stimuli play key roles in influencing men sexual behavior. However, few studies have explored the sexual behavior of blind men. To provide more information about blind men for the study of andrology by surveying the characteristics of their current sexual behavior. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study design was performed. The questionnaire contained questions regarding demographic characteristics of participants, access to sexual knowledge, perception of the sexual partners' beauty, and sexual arousal. Blind men were interviewed face-to-face by the trained investigator. Complete questionnaires were collected from 54 participants, with an average age of 40.57 ± 9.80 years old. Eye diseases were the most frequent cause of blindness. In terms of sexual orientation, all participants were heterosexual. Notably, 90.7% of the participants reported to have had a sexual experience. Among those who had engaged in sexual behavior, 93.6% experienced sexual pleasure and 69.4% had a normal erectile function. Overall, 16.7% of the participants received sex education. The participants obtained sexual knowledge mainly through sounds from mobile phones, peer-to-peer communication, sounds of television and radio. Voice was the most frequent perception of the sexual partners' beauty, followed by figure, skin, and body fragrance. In terms of stimuli of sexual arousal, tactile sensation and auditory sensation in that order were the most frequent stimuli of sexual arousal. Stimuli of sexual arousal in blind men are mainly mediated by sound and touch. Blind men understand their sexual partners' beauty through auditory, tactile, and olfactory sensations. Blind men in Ganzhou lack formal and systematic sex education.

Side effects of CoronaVac® COVID-19 vaccination: Investigation in North Jakarta district public health center communities in Indonesia

BackgroundThe decreasing prevalence of COVID-19 has highlighted the value of vaccinations. CoronaVac® vaccine was one of the most widely used vaccines in Indonesia, in other Southeast Asian countries, as well as in Latin America. However, to date the safety and side effect profiles of CoronaVac® vaccine among the Indonesian population have not been reported. ObjectiveIn this study, the CoronaVac® safety profiles were determined in a community of a public health center in North Jakarta, Indonesia. MethodThis is a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on vaccine side effects as recorded in the yellow form (MESO). Patients (n = 300) who received CoronaVac® vaccinations between July and August 2021 were enrolled. SPSS was used to analyze the descriptive data. ResultsMost respondents were women (72.7 %) between the ages of 17 and 21 years. A significantly (p = 0.009) positive correlation was established between the vaccine side effects (namely pain at the injection site) with the female gender. Other side effects such as fatigue (p = 0.034) and headache (p < 0.001) were also correlated with disease comorbidity. ConclusionOverall, the side effects following the first and the second doses were generally mild and included fever, pain in the injection area, fatigue, headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, cough, and nausea. Regarding vaccine efficacy, CoronaVac® confers better protection following the second dose administration where the percentage of respondents affected with COVID-19 (26.7 %) decreased to only 20.3 % following the second dose.

Overview on Lumpy Disease: Pathogenesis, Sign and Symptoms, Risk Factor, and Treatment

The lumpy diseases is an infectious disease. It is caused by viruses (LSDV) of the family Capripoxvirus.An investigation on the risk variables linked to the proliferation of LSD in Ethiopia has been conducted through a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study LSD virus,virus has been detected in stomoxy calcitrans and Anopheles stephens. virus can survive in necrotic skin for about 33 days and remains viable for at least 18 days in air-dried skin lesions at room temperature. The virus has been reported to persist in necrotic skin nodules for up to 33 days or longer, in dried crusts for up to 35 days and at least 18 days in air-dried hides.LSD has gross lesions that are well-described. Skin nodules are typically elevated, hard, and spherical in shape, however some might fuse together to form enormous, uneven plaques with defined boundaries. Biphasic fever, a clinical symptom of LSD, is characterised by two episodes of fever that develop after a varying incubation period of 4–12 days (typically 7 days). The affected animals' body temperature rises to 40–41.5°C, and this can last for at least 6–72 hours and, in exceptional cases, up to 10 days.To guarantee sufficient defence against LSD, susceptible adult cattle should receive a yearly vaccination.To reduce the possibility of the disease spreading by vectors, cattle should get routine treatments with insect repellents. While not completely effective, this method can lower the likelihood of transmission..The first report of LSD's clinical symptoms was published in Zambia (Morris 1931 ) The affected animals displayed symptoms of nasal discharge, emaciation, necrotic plaques in the mouth and nose mucous membranes, and excessive salivation. The most popular technique for diagnosis is full-thickness skin biopsies or scabs with electron microscopy showing the presence of characteristic capripox virions.To identify the antigens, techniques such as ELISA, PCR, and viral neutralization test procedures are helpful. Doctors may administer vitamin injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infection fever and inflammation.needed a full recuperation period of six months A27L, L1R, and a combination of the two LSDV antigens were included in the development of three vaccines. Insect repellents, disinfectant cleaning, proper disposal of contaminated areas, and awareness-raising are examples of preventive approaches.The economic impact of LSD was caused by both direct consequences, like control expenses, and indirect ones, including milk loss, mortality loss, and draft power loss.

Professional Social Media Use Among Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeons in Germany: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study.

Social media (SM) has been recognized as a professional communication tool in the field of orthopedic and trauma surgery that can enhance communication with patients and peers, and increase the visibility of research and offered services. The specific purposes of professional SM use and the benefits and concerns among orthopedic and trauma surgeons, however, remain unexplored. This study aims to demonstrate the specific uses of different SM platforms among orthopedic and trauma surgeons in Germany as well as the advantages and concerns. A web-based questionnaire was developed on the use of SM in a professional context by considering the current literature and the authors' topics of interest. The final questionnaire consisted of 33 questions and was distributed among German orthopedic and trauma surgeons via the mail distributor of the Berufsverband für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (Professional Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Germany). The study was conducted between June and July 2022. A subgroup analysis was performed for sex (male vs female), age (<60 years vs ≥60 years), and type of workplace (practice vs hospital). A total of 208 participants answered the questionnaire (male: n=166, 79.8%; younger than 60 years: n=146, 70.2%). In total, all of the participants stated that they use SM for professional purposes. In contrast, the stated specific uses of SM were low. Overall, the most used platforms were employment-oriented SM, messenger apps, and Facebook. Instagram emerged as a popular choice among female participants and participants working in hospital settings. The highest specific use of SM was for professional networking, followed by receiving and sharing health-related information. The lowest specific use was for education and the acquisition of patients. Conventional websites occupied a dominating position, exceeding the use of SM across all specific uses. The key benefit of SM was professional networking. Under 50% of the participants stated that SM could be used to enhance communication with their patients, keep up-to-date, or increase their professional visibility. In total, 65.5% (112/171) of participants stated that SM use was time-consuming, 43.9% (76/173) stated that they lacked application knowledge, and 45.1% (78/173) stated that they did not know what content to post. Additionally, 52.9% (91/172) mentioned medicolegal concerns. Overall, SM did not seem to be used actively in the professional context among orthopedic and trauma surgeons in Germany. The stated advantages were low, while the stated concerns were high. Adequate education and information material are needed to elucidate the possible professional applications of SM and to address legal concerns.

Expert opinion on stroke management: An Indian observational study

: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and one of the top causes of mortality worldwide. The burden in India has been increasing at an alarming rate over the past few decades. India with its culturally diverse environment and economically developing status presents unique challenges in stroke management. This study is an initiative designed to gain a better understanding of stroke prevalence and therapy in India. : A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among Indian Cardiologists was conducted. A convenient sampling method was used. About 34% of doctors said that acute stroke is most prevalent in the age group of 41- 50 years in their clinical setup. The study results also highlight that piracetam 800mg is the preferred effective option for age-related cognitive disorders. Some of them preferred Piracetam for vertigo of mixed origin, vestibular, and other associated disorders of vertiginous attacks. 51% of doctors observed that vertigo is diagnosed more frequently among both genders, more common in the age group of 21-30 years. 93% of doctors agreed that piracetam improves cognitive improvement post-surgery. Three-fourths of doctors who participated in the survey rated 45% of doctors prescribed the combination of piracetam and citicoline in post-stroke recovery patients. Also, 40% of them prescribed neuroprotective agents to 51-70% of stroke patients. This study demonstrated that the stroke prevalence rate is high among patients above 40 years of age. Piracetam 800 mg is commonly prescribed to most of the stroke patients. Half of the respondents felt that there was a significant improvement in cognitive decline with piracetam. This study's findings highlight that piracetam is an effective option for age-related cognitive disorders.

Use of and Beliefs toward Novel Tobacco and Nicotine Products among Portuguese University Students: A Pandemic Survey.

Over the last decade, novel tobacco and nicotine product experimentation and use have dramatically increased among the youth, even in countries with strong tobacco control and anti-smoking social norms. We performed an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in March-June 2021, targeting students from the University of Beira Interior, Portugal. The aim was to assess the experimentation and use of tobacco and nicotine products and students' beliefs towards these products. Of the 452 participants, 67.0% were female; the mean age was 21.9 ± 3 years. Most students (60.4%) reported experimenting with tobacco/nicotine products; 31.2% were current users; polyconsumption was common. Of the current users, all used cigarettes, 41.1% used heated tobacco, 20.6% e-cigarettes, and 14.9% used water pipes. Our multivariate analysis showed that being male, being in the third year of study, and cohabiting or socializing with smokers were strongly associated with tobacco/nicotine use. While most students agree that heated tobacco and e-cigarettes are addictive, that they are not less harmful than cigarettes, and that second-hand exposure may cause health problems, few tobacco/nicotine users are ready to quit, and few students support a smoke-free university campus. These findings indicate high experimentation and the regular dual use of novel tobacco and nicotine products and suggest a pro-smoking social norm among university students.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dental Students from Romania Regarding Self-Perceived Risk and Prevention of Infectious Diseases.

University education is a leading source of information for dental practitioners. Particular emphasis should be given to determining the extent to which students acquire positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and positive metacompetences beyond the scope of each studied dental discipline. We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among dentistry students from Romania to assess self-perceived risk of infectious diseases and their KAP on topics related to infectious disease prevention. The surveyed students presented good knowledge regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), and their PPE practices significantly correlated with the perceived usefulness of PPE. Only 45.1% correctly recognized all vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), but knowledge regarding VPDs significantly improved with increasing year of study (τb = 0.298, p = 0.001), confirming a positive education effect. Awareness regarding the need for screening for bloodborne viruses is poor; the majority of students had never performed a test for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) (59.4%) or for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (60.4%). Furthermore, most respondents incorrectly considered themselves at high or very high risk of acquiring BBV, and perceived risk was inversely correlated with willingness to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (τb = -0.214, p = 0.018), HCV infection (τb = -0.234, p = 0.013), or HIV infection (τb = -0.242, p = 0.006). This led to 3.0% of respondents stating that they would hypothetically deny dental treatment to a patient with HBV infection, 5.0% for HCV infection, and 10.9% for HIV infection, the proportion being significantly higher for HIV (z = -2.2, p = 0.026). In conclusion, better knowledge is needed among dental students regarding their own vaccination history, screening for bloodborne viruses, accurate estimates for their risk of acquiring bloodborne viruses during routine dental practice, and the existence of post-exposure measures following occupational exposure. Improving student knowledge and awareness could translate into a higher willingness to treat patients with chronic viral infections and into a safer and more inclusive dental practice. We propose an adaptation to the university curriculum to cover these key areas for targeted focus to empower future dental practitioners and to facilitate the improvement of across-discipline metacompetences for infection prevention and control.

A Subjective Assessment of Chemotherapy Drug-Induced Taste and Smell Alteration in Non-head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to evaluate alterations in taste and smell perceptions among non-head and neck cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, aiming to identify factors influencing these changes. A cohort of 70 non-head and neck cancer patients undergoing one to four cycles or more than four cycles, over a six-month period, from oncology outpatient clinics was recruited. Participants completed structured taste and smell questionnaires with assistance from interviewers. Demographic data, recurrence history, chemotherapy cycles, drug regimens, and taste and smell perceptions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The mean age of participants was 46.5 years, with a predominance of females (81.4%) and breast cancer cases (42.9%). Taste changes were more prevalent (62.9%) than smell changes (32.9%) post chemotherapy, particularly among those on combination drug regimens. Salty taste alterations were the most common (30.0%), followed by sweet taste (22.9%)and sour/bitter tastes (14.3%). Moreover, 38.57% of patients reported experiencing dysgeusia, while 30% noted the occurrence of parosmia post chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced alterations in taste and smell significantly impact the quality of life and nutritional status of cancer patients. Despite often being overlooked, these changes warrant increased attention in oncological practice to inform treatment decisions and enhance symptom management, particularly in palliative care settings. Further research is needed to explore the implications of chemosensory alterations on patient outcomes and treatment strategies.

Assessing Telemedicine Competency Among Doctors in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The use of telemedicine in contemporary healthcare has become essential, providing a novel method of delivering care, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. This study assesses the telemedicine awareness, knowledge, attitude, skills, and challenges among physicians working in tertiary care hospitals. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with 100 doctors from diverse specialties at a tertiary care institution. The questionnaire evaluated five domains: telemedicine awareness and knowledge, telemedicine attitude, telemedicine technology skills, telemedicine utilization patterns, and perceived barriers and educational needs. Results The study indicated that 95% of participants were aware of telemedicine. However, knowledge gaps remained, particularly in legal and ethical concerns (50%) and international rules (40%). Eighty percent of respondents had a favorable opinion of telemedicine, and 85% thought it might improve patient care in rural regions. The proficiency level of telemedicine users was variable: 60% of them had previous experience, and 70% of them rated their proficiency as intermediate or better. According to utilization patterns, 50% of telemedicine users used it at least once a week, primarily for remote monitoring (30%) and video consultations (60%). The study found that 90% of respondents had a high demand for training and educational opportunities. The absence of infrastructure (65%), worries about data security (55%), and patient acceptability (30%) were the main obstacles found. It also highlighted how important it is to have defined policies and collaborate across disciplines. Conclusion The study identifies a good attitude toward telemedicine among doctors as well as a need for improved training and infrastructure. It is essential to tackle these requirements and obstacles in order to successfully incorporate telemedicine into healthcare systems.

Perceived Utility of Jan Aushadhi Outlets and Awareness of Generic Medicines at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite being the leading exporter of generic medicines to the world, affordable medicines are still beyond the reach of most patients in India.Analysis of the National Sample Survey data showed that in one year, more than 55 million Indians became poor only because they had to spend their own money to purchase medicines. The Jan Aushadhi Scheme launched by the Government of India is an ambitious step to make quality generic drugs affordable to the common man of the country. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands about Jan Aushadhi Kendras and generic medicines. The study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. A prevalidated self-made questionnaire was distributed to 200 patients visiting the OPD of different clinical departments in the hospital. Participants' knowledge, attitude, and perception of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and generic medicines were evaluated. Analysis of collected data was done using descriptive statistical measures such as mean and percentages. It was found that most of the participants were not fully aware of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme and the facts about generic medicines. The majority of the participants were under the notion that generics were not similar in quality to the branded ones. The study observed that the patients had a very poor understanding of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme and generic medicines with the majority being ignorant and having incorrect information. To fill this gap, a more proactive approach by the healthcare workers and authorities is needed to disseminate the scheme-related facts, dispel the myths regarding generics, and accept the program wholeheartedly by the common man.