South India Research Articles

De-westernizing public relations: A comparative and global perspective on the influence of personal and patronage relationships across the world

This article highlights diversity and pluralism in the field of public relations. It challenges the normative ideals that books have traditionally taught us about how communication between organizations and their public should be. A review of the importance of personal and patronage relationships in non-western countries from every continent (Latin America and Southern Europe, China, India and Sub-Saharan Africa) shows a rich and complex reality about how communication happens. It reveals that we do not live in a perfect, predictable world – not necessarily a negative factor, but rather a source of richness. This should not be surprising news since the United States, Canada, Australia and western EU countries represent approximately just 8 per cent of the world population. A main diversity factor in strategic communication is the importance of patronage relationships, often ignored or minimized in books on the subject. Offering multiple perspectives aims to show how the importance of considering the construction of personal relationships as part of the strategic menu of organizations should not be stigmatized or considered an undesired outcome to eradicate. In most societies, patronage relationships and personal relations play a large role when organizations build relationships with their public.

IJCM_6A: Prevalence of Malnutrition and its associated factors among elderly population in rural field practice area of Madras Medical College- A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: In India the elderly population (>60years) is on a raising trend has more than tripled in last 50 years and the projections for 2031 is 178.59 million of total population. As the health of the elderly will be an important issue defining the health of the whole population, hence elderly malnutrition is on focus. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and factors associated with malnutrition among elderly population in rural field practice area of Madras Medical College. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November-2023 among 480 elderly participants selected by simple random sampling in Medavakkam area. This study was done by using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire that includes socio-demographic details and Mini Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire. Body Mass Index used to identify Obesity based on Asia Pacific BMI guidelines. Data was entered in MS-Excel and analysed using SPSS v16. Results: Among 480 participants,79.8% were in the age group of 60-70years,18.1% and 2.1% were in the age group of 71-80years and >80years respectively. Among them 53.1%were male. The prevalence of malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition were 7.7%(95%CI:5.5-10.5) and 39%(95%CI:34.6- 43.5) respectively which was assessed using MNA-questionnaire. Prevalence of obesity was 45.8%(95%CI:41.3-50.4) based on Asia-Pacific BMI guidelines. A significant association was found between malnutrition and older age groups, female gender, no formal education, kutcha house, widowed, unemployed and dependent financial status. Conclusion: According to this study, prevalence of malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition were lesser than previous studies done in rural South India, but the prevalence of Obesity found to be high (45.8%). Both undernutrition and over-nutrition are important health issues to be considered in elderly population. These problems can be solved through community level nutrition status screening of elderly and health education to the elderly and their families regarding balanced dietary practices and lifestyle modification, thereby enhancing their nutritional status and their quality of life.

IJCM_108A: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study on prevalence of Low Social Support Status of the Geriatric Age group in a Rural population of South India.

Background: The elderly above 60 years of age constituted 10.5% of India’s population according to the United Nations Population Fund India Ageing Report 2023. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of low social support of the geriatric age group in a rural population of South India. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 elderly individuals including both genders in two villages of the field practice areas of the Rural Health Training Center of MAPIMS during the month of September & October 2023 with the use of the Multidimensional Scale Perceived Social Support questionnaire (MSPSS). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were carried out using SPSS version 24 software. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 66.33 ± 8.02 years and the majority of the study participants were females (62%). Out of 200 study Participants, 110 (55%) elderly were found to have low social support, 71 (35.5%) had moderate social support and 19 (9.5%) had high social support. The result also showed that the farmers, Illiterates, people belonging to low socioeconomic status and those married were significantly having low social support. Conclusion: The study concluded the prevalence of low social support is high among the geriatric population and emphasizes the need to create awareness among the people regarding the provision of social support to the geriatric population.

Development and validation of a risk assessment tool for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes among patients in South Karnataka, India

IntroductionDiabetes is a chronic medical condition with severe complications mainly caused due to unhealthy lifestyles in genetically susceptible individuals. This study attempts to develop a non-invasive risk assessment tool to...

Perception of undergraduate medical students on learning physiology: A descriptive cross-sectional study in a medical school of South India

BACKGROUND: Understanding the various principles in physiology is very important for medical students to apply their knowledge in clinical practice. Most of the students learn physiology just to clear exams. There is a need to understand the student’s perception on the significance of learning physiology in medical colleges, its role in clinical practice, research, and the subject of career choice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in a medical college in Karnataka, India. A total of 100 medical students studying in year 2 MBBS were enrolled into the study. Responses were collected, validated, and analyzed to understand the perception. RESULTS: All the participants (100%) felt physiology is an important subject in the medical curriculum and 93% of participants felt physiology knowledge was essential to become a better doctor. It was observed that 48% of the participants were interested in pursuing research in physiology and only 24% of the participants agreed on considering physiology as a carrier option. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students perceived physiology as an important and interesting subject in the medical curriculum. However, only few of the students were inclined to do research in physiology and agreed on pursuing physiology as a carrier option. The scope of study in physiology is vast due to the large variety of interdisciplinary topics included in different systems. Subsequent decrease in job opportunity, lack of awareness of research opportunities, and lower pay scale in the medical colleges in India lead to less interest in students for considering physiology as a carrier option.

IJCM_128A: Understanding the Breast Cancer Knowledge, Screening practises and Needs among the women in rural South India: A Community-based mixed method study.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in India among women accounting for 13.5% of all cancer cases. One of the leading causes of high breast cancer deaths is poor awareness about risk factors, symptoms and screening leading to the late presentation at an advanced stage. Objectives: 1. To understand the knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors, perceptions and practises of breast cancer screening. 2. To do a need assessment of the people in the community regarding screening of breast cancer. Methodology: A community-based mixed method study was conducted at Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu and primary data was collected from 401 women aged 18-60 years. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data to assess the knowledge of breast cancer. The need assessment on screening was done by Focus group discussions (FGD). Mean, median, proportions and chi-square test were used to analyse quantitative data and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Results: The study found that 71.3% of the women were aware of breast cancer. The women who were aware of breast cancer considered lump in breast (78.3%), pain in one breast (66%) as the common symptoms. Women who were aware of breast cancer reported early menarche (16.8%), late menopause (15.4%), nulliparity (20%) and family history of cancer (49%) as the risk factors of breast cancer. 65% of the women were aware of at least one of the methods of breast cancer screening. More awareness programs, organising screening camps in the village, reducing the cost of screening tests were some of the needs addressed during the FGD. Conclusion: Knowledge of symptoms, risk factors and screening practises of breast cancer were low which necessitates the enhancement of knowledge on breast cancer to reduce the burden in the community.

Knowledge About the Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders Among the South Indian Population: An Institutional Retrospective Study.

The significant malignant transformation rates of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) demand early diagnosis and proper management of OPMDs not only to reduce symptoms but also to prevent their aggressive outcomes. This retrospective study aimed to quantify the need for patient-related awareness in identifying OPMDs by quantitatively evaluating the association between the type of referral in OPMD cases. This study also aims to analyze the association between gender and types of referral in OPMDs. The sample size of n=1577 (500-leukoplakia, 500-oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), 500-lichen planus, 77-lichenoid reaction) was considered in the present retrospective study. Data regarding the sample cases were extracted from the common patient database of the Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals from June 2019 to February 2024. Random sampling method was used, and the OPMDs were categorized into two groups based on the chief complaint as self-referred and specialist-referred cases. The segregated data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA) and then exported to IBMSPSSStatistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) for statistical analysis. Pearson's chi-square test was conducted to analyze the association of referral type, OPMDs, and gender. Out of 1577 OPMD cases, 929 (58.9%) were specialist-referral cases and 648 (41.1%) were self-referral cases. Among OPMDs, lichen planus was the most self-referred 310 (62%) and leukoplakia was the most specialist-referred 470 (78.6%) category. This study found a statistically significant correlation between the type of referrals and the type of OPMDs (p=0.000). Self-referral was more commonly observed in females (23.3%) than males (17.8%) in general and among all categories of OPMDs except lichenoid reactions. This observation was also statistically significant (p=0.000). Conclusion: Among OPMDs selected in the present study, lichen planus and OSMF were more self-referred and leukoplakia cases were mostly specialist-referred. This study highlights the need of detecting less symptomatic lesions, such as leukoplakia, which has a high risk of malignant transformation. The lack of awareness about the identification of OPMDs among patients can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, which may further result in progression to aggressive outcomes.

Evaluation of Lingual Foramen in the South Indian Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background: Surgical procedures in the anterior mandibular region require a profound understanding of the complex anatomical structures to ensure patient safety. The lingual foramen (LF) and its intra-osseous canal are pivotal structures, supplying vascular and neural support to the mental region. The prevalence of LF is widely recognized, with variations among populations. Methods: The study involved 650 adult participants. Data were collected using high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and statistical analysis was conducted, establishing inter-rater agreement. Results: The population had a varied age distribution, with males comprising 53.23% and females comprising 46.77%. The median lingual canal was found in the Supra and Infra spinosum (65.38%). Most participants had lateral lingual canals (60.92%). The most prevalent lingual foramina was 4 (30.62%). The study found no significant associations between gender and LF diameter, distribution in different travel directions, or LF locations. However, males had a slightly larger diameter. Conclusion: The findings provide valuable insights into LF variations based on anatomical locations, and there were no statistically significant differences in measurements across different age groups. This knowledge contributes to the evolving field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, ensuring better patient outcomes.

Rodent communities in a neglected grassland landscape: Investigating species-specific responses of grassland rodents to habitat type and shrub presence

Arid grasslands worldwide are transitioning to scrublands due to shrub encroachment, resulting in habitats with varying shrub cover. Shrubs play a crucial role in grassland ecosystems, offering trade-offs to rodents in terms of visibility, shelter, and food availability, thereby affecting their occurrence and distribution. This study explores the link between habitat characteristics and rodent activity and density, focusing on shrub presence. In the Tirunelveli district of southern India, we measured rodent density and activity across three grassland types with increasing shrub presence. Our findings reveal species-specific responses to shrub density. The Soft-furred rat (Millardia meltada) dominated, showing adaptability to different shrub levels, while the black rat (Rattus Rattus) was least represented. Fine-scale analysis indicates a positive association between shrub presence and rodent captures. Grassland obligate species like the Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) exhibited reduced activity in densely shrubbed sites, whereas semi-arboreal species like the Indian palm squirrel (Funumbulus palmarum) showed increased activity. This study underscores the importance of considering habitat structure in grassland ecosystem management for the conservation of rodent diversity and ecosystem health.

IJCM_22A: Impact of Pranayama and Dhyana intervention on metabolic syndrome among women: community based repeated measures design

Background: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults in India, is reported to be around 20%-25%, with significantly higher proportion among women than men. Yoga interventions has been promoted as an important non- pharmacological tool to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a pranayama and intervention (yoga) intervention on various components of metabolic syndrome among 30 to 60-year-old women with hypertension. Methodology: A community based repeated measures design was undertaken 156 among hypertensive women (79 intervention, 77 controls) residing in coastal part of southern India. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBS) and lipids were measured. Six-month pranayama and dhyana intervention were administered to the intervention arm, whereas routine treatment was continued for the control arm. Follow-up was done to ensure practice of interventions while investigations were done at baseline and 6th month. Results: Majority of the women in the intervention and control arm were aged 45-60 years. In the intervention arm, using the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria, most [57(72.2%)] of the women had elevated blood pressure. Nearly half of them [38(48.1%)] had abdominal obesity, elevated FBS was seen among 39(49.4%) and 50.6% had low HDL. Hypertriglyceridemia was seen in less than a third [23(29.1%)] women. In the control arm, most [52(70.3%)] of the women had elevated blood pressure, 27(36.5%)] had abdominal obesity, half of them had elevated FBS [39(52.7%)] and low HDL [36(48.6%)]. Hypertriglyceridemia was seen in 21(28.4%) women. No significant change was noted at the end of 6th month follow-up in body mass index (BMI) (p=0.533), systolic(p=0.051) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.485). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the 6th month prevalence of components of metabolic syndrome compared to baseline, in both arms of the study.

IJCM_181A: Health behavioral change and Associated factors among patients diagnosed with non-communicable diseases in the Rural areas of Southern India

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributed to 71% of the global mortality and affect the ageing population with variable proportions. NCD diagnosis gives an opportunity for patients to change their health behaviors. Secondary prevention strategies like diet modification, physical activity and smoking cessation after NCD diagnosis are important and should be emphasized particularly for middle-aged and older adults. Objectives: 1. To assess the level of health behavioral change adopted by the patients diagnosed with NCDs registered under Rural field practice area. 2. To evaluate the factors influencing the health behavioral change in NCD patients. Methodology: This is a Cross-sectional study design conducted at Rural Health & Training Centre, Government Medical College, Ananthapuramu, from August 2023 to October 2023. Simple random sampling was used to select 150 registered NCD cases from the RHTC data-base. We included participants who were diagnosed with either diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, or cancer after recruitment. Data were collected by using pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Associations were tested using chi-squares and for all comparisons p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: In total 48 (32%) NCD cases have adopted suggested behavioral change instructed by the physician. Factors such as females, graduates, Class III & above SES, diagnosed between 5 to 10 years, not having any other co-morbidities were significantly associated with good health behavioral change. Conclusion: Around two third of the diagnosed NCD cases were not compliant to health behavioral change. Hence, health care providers need to provide behavioral change communication related to health behaviors in addition to standard medical care.

Effects of duty cycle on passive acoustic monitoring metrics: The case of blue whale songs.

Long-term fixed passive acoustic monitoring of cetacean populations is a logistical and technological challenge, often limited by the battery capacity of the autonomous recorders. Depending on the research scope and target species, temporal subsampling of the data may become necessary to extend the deployment period. This study explores the effects of different duty cycles on metrics that describe patterns of seasonal presence, call type richness richness, and daily call rate of three blue whale acoustics populations in the Southern Indian Ocean. Detections of blue whale calls from continuous acoustic data were subsampled with three different duty cycles of 50%, 33%, and 25% within listening periods ranging from 1 min to 6 h. Results show that reducing the percentage of recording time reduces the accuracy of the observed seasonal patterns as well as the estimation of daily call rate and call call type richness. For a specific duty cycle, short listening periods (5-30 min) are preferred to longer listening periods (1-6 h). The effects of subsampling are greater the lower the species' vocal activity or the shorter their periods of presence. These results emphasize the importance of selecting a subsampling scheme adapted to the target species.

Association Analysis of MMP-13 (rs2252070) Gene Polymorphism and the Susceptibility to Chronic Periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory condition influenced by genetic factors. Matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-13, serving as a crucial enzyme involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, is associated with the degradation of periodontal tissues. Therefore, this study assesses the genetic link between the MMP-13 (rs2252070) genetic variation and chronic periodontitis in a Southern Indian demographic. The study was conducted at Saveetha Dental Collegein Chennai, India. It involved a total of 100 subjects,50 individualsaffected with periodontitis (classified as stage II and above, American Association of Periodontology 2018 criteria) and 50 individuals who were periodontally healthy or were diagnosed as having mild gingivitis. We isolated DNAfrom the blood samples obtained from the participants. Specific primers that flank the BsrI region of the MMP-13 receptor gene were used in the process of DNA amplification. Subsequently, a restriction fragment length analysis using the BsrI enzyme was carried out for genotyping of the amplicon. Based on the restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern, we obtained certain genotypes. These were further recorded and followed by statistical analysis. We conducted a chi-square test to draw a comparison in terms of their genotype and allele frequencies. We calculated the odds ratio, along with 95% confidence intervals. The frequency of genotypes and distribution of MMP-13 polymorphism did not exhibit a statistically significant difference at χ2 degrees of freedom (P = 0.913). We inferred from our study that there was no significant difference between the groups concerning homozygous and heterozygous mutant genotypes (AA vs. AG + GG), with a P-value of 0.6871. The observed frequencies of GG (47% vs. 43%) and AG+AA (41% vs. 42%) genotypes did not indicate a significant difference between the groups. Similarly, there was no noteworthydistinction between the A allele (62% vs. 65%) and G allele (38% vs. 35%) in the case and control groups. Thefindings of the study reveal that there is no correlation between MMP-13 (rs2252070)gene polymorphism and periodontitis.

Etiologies, risk factors, and antibiotic pattern of lower respiratory tract infection in patients coming to Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, South India

Background. Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) impose a huge problem on society due to their tenacious and unescapable health problems, and they were the reasons for consultation and hospitalization. Patients with LRTI were present with a wide spectrum of diseases that range from life-threatening infections to minor self-limiting illnesses. Materials and methods. Sputum samples from 310 patients with complaints of lower respiratory tract infections were collected and analyzed. After microscopic analysis, 30 were excluded from the study. Of the 280 that were included in the study, 171 were males and 109 were females. The age group between 56 and 65 years comprised the highest number of patients in the study. Different antibiotics were used to check antibiotic sensitivity patterns against isolated Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Results. Of the 280 samples processed, 122 (43.5%) were culture-positive. Among the 122 bacterial isolates, the predominant organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae 55 (45%). The most common predisposing factor identified in 115 (37%) patients was smoking. Using the Double Disk Synergy Test, 11 (20%) out of a total of 55 K. pneumoniae isolates and 4 (30.7%) out of 13 Pseudomonas isolates showed Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL). The Klebsiella and Pseudomonas isolates showed resistance to 2nd and 3rd generation Cephalosporins. Conclusion. Because of different geographical regions and conditions, the etiology and the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of LRTI vary, so the etiology, predisposing factors, and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of LRTI need to be updated regularly. The diagnostic facilities for early and rapid identification of LRTI also need to be improved.

Clinical profile of children with influenza like illness during pre-monsoon at coastal Karaikal, Puducherry, India.

Influenza infections in developing countries are under reported and WHO estimates that nearly 99% of influenza deaths worldwide occur in children under-five years of age in Asian and African countries. Consequently, this study aims to analyze the use of clinical profile and easily available laboratory parameters to aid identification of the possible viral etiology in the setting of pre-monsoon ILI. A cross-sectional study was carried out for three months among children with ILI attending fever clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Karaikal, South India. In the study population the prevalence of ILI was highest in the age group four to five years followed by school aged children. Adolescents were affected the least. Influenza B was most common virus causing ILI in this region, followed by covid-19 infection. Laboratory parameters depicted a significantly high ESR in COVID-19 infected ILI children. They also exhibited leucopenia and normal platelet counts. Clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters which are easily available and cheaper can be used in resource poor settings of healthcare to identify possible influenza and COVID-19 infected children amongst cases presenting with ILI.

Correlation between Internet Addiction and Self-Esteem among Nursing Students in Selected Nursing Colleges of Nursing in South India

Internet addiction has become a modern-day addiction that has gripped people all over the world. People of all ages are affected by this addiction, though it is more prevalent among youth. Self-esteem is how we see and value ourselves. It is based on our self-perceptions and beliefs, which can be difficult to change. This is also referred to as self-assurance. The more time people spend on internet and social media, the more they socially compare themselves. This social comparison has been linked to lower self-esteem and increased social anxiety, among other things. So the present study aimed to assess the effect of internet addiction over the self-esteem of nursing students and develop positive attitude towards self-esteem in the nursing students. Study aims to assess the level of internet addiction and co-relation of IA and Self-esteem and its association with sociodemographic data. The quantitative correlational research design was adopted for the study. The participants consisted of 122 samples, selected by simple random sampling technique from selected nursing college at Bangalore. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic data and Rosenberg self-esteem scale and internet addiction, internet addiction test, which consists of 20 questionnaire was used. The data was analyzed and interpreted by descriptive statistical analysis. Data analysis demonstrated the mean percentage of Internet addiction is 36.26 and SE is 21.66. The SD of IA 14.95 and SE 3.212. it revealed that there is positive correlation between Internet addiction and Self-esteem. The study explored the self-esteem of nursing students and level of internet addiction and association of socio demographic data with self-esteem and internet addiction.

Variability of Index of Coalescence Activity (ICA) over a rain-shadow region during monsoon and its role in cloud seeding programs in India

The Index of Coalescence Activity (ICA) is an indicator of the microphysical state of the cloud. ICA is related to cloud base temperature and buoyancy of cloud at 500 hPa level. It is a useful parameter for making a decision on the type of seeding to be carried out. During Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement EXperiment (CAIPEEX) over the Indian region, aircraft operations for in situ measurements of aerosols and clouds were conducted from the base station Hyderabad to cover parts of north peninsular India falling under the rain-shadow region. Special Radiosonde flights were conducted in the afternoon hours prior to aircraft operations from the locations Hyderabad and Mahabubnagar in addition to regular India Meteorological Department (IMD) Radiosonde flights at 00 UTC from Hyderabad. The parameters like cloud base height and buoyancy at 500 hPa level obtained from Radiosonde flights have been used to estimate ICA values during the period of the experiment (June to October 2009–2011). The variability of ICA has been studied using morning and afternoon sounding profiles over the rain-shadow region. Morning hours showed highly negative ICA values, as compared to noon hours. During noon time, positive ICA values are observed before monsoon onset (in 2009, monsoon onset was 21st June over the study area) and on few occasions during post-monsoon (October). Positive ICA values represent that collision-coalescence (CC) process is not fully developed and hence, hygroscopic seeding is the proper decision. While, negative ICA values indicate active CC process, suggesting glaciogenic seeding. The soundings conducted just before the cloud seeding operations provide information about the actual thermodynamic and microphysical state of the cloud. Hence, ICA information is useful for providing guidelines to the operational cloud seeding programs.

Redescription of Pomponia cyanea Fraser, 1948 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae) from the Western Ghats, with a note on its junior synonym P. zebra Bliven, 1964, syn. nov., and Terpnosia polei (Henry, 1931), from Sri Lanka

Pomponia cyanea Fraser, 1948 from the southern Western Ghats, of peninsular India is redescribed based on the types and fresh specimens with additional data on distribution, morphometrics, and structure of male genitalia. The validity of P. zebra Bliven, 1964, originally described from the Anamalai Hills is discussed. A study of fresh specimens and holotype images of P. zebra revealed no difference in general morphology, wing venation, or structure of male genitalia so as to separate it from P. cyanea, and hence P. zebra is treated as a junior synonym of P. cyanea Fraser, 1948, syn. nov. The taxonomic status of Terpnosia polei (Henry, 1931) from Sri Lanka is revised based on male morphology and is transferred to its original genus as Pomponia polei Henry, 1931, comb. nov. A key to males of known species of Pomponia of Western Ghats is provided.

Role of Participatory Institutions in Reframing Patriarchy in Rural Water Governance : Some Evidence from South Indian Irrigation

Role of Participatory Institutions in Reframing Patriarchy in Rural Water Governance : Some Evidence from South Indian Irrigation

Determinants of Poison-related Mortality in Tertiary Care Hospital, South India.

Acute poisoning is one of the most common emergencies in India and around the world. Understanding the factors associated with mortality can aid us in devising appropriate preventive strategies to curtail deaths due to poisoning. Purpose of this study is to find various factors that determine the mortality among acute poisoning cases admitted in a tertiary care center. A retrospective hospital records-based study was conducted at Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital. The study included 2,123 cases of various poisoning cases admitted for a year from January to December 2022. Cases of bites, stings, drowning, and hanging were excluded. Information on sociodemographic profile, type of poison, time since ingestion and admission, and treatment outcome were collected using a structured pro forma. The mean age of the study population was 29.90 ± 14.98 years. Poisoning was found to be predominantly among males (56.42%) and residents of rural areas (58%). Insecticide consumption (27.0%) was the most common modality, followed by oleander poisoning (20%), corrosive poison (17%), rat poison (15%), tablet poison (13%), and other poisons. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) was 5.2%, with the highest CFR of 12.25% with insecticide poisoning. In multivariate analysis, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission is the only parameter showing a statistically significant association with mortality (adjusted odds-ratio 0.271(0.2-0.38, p-value < 0.01). Acute poisoning primarily affects the young and economically productive population. In the south Indian population, pesticides are still the major contributor though corrosives are a major contributor among children. Mortality is still significant, and GCS status admission is the only predictor of mortality. Krishnasamy N, Narmadhalakshmi R, Parameshwari P, Jayalakshmi R, Lokesh R, Jayanthi R, et al. Determinants of Poison-related Mortality in Tertiary Care Hospital, South India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):329-335.