Southern Rajasthan Research Articles

Drug utilization study of antidepressant drugs in psychiatric outdoor patients at a tertiary care hospital in Southern Rajasthan

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “Drug Utilization” as the marketing, distribution, prescription, and use of drugs in a society, with special emphasis on the resulting medical, social, and economic consequences. Antidepressants are used to treat depressive illnesses and anxiety disorders. However, these are also employed in the pharmacotherapy of several psychiatric disorders. Very few studies were found regarding the pattern of prescription of antidepressants in outdoor patients in southern Rajasthan. So, this study has been planned to learn about the prescription pattern of antidepressant drugs as per WHO Core Drugs Prescribing indicators at a tertiary care hospital in southern Rajasthan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 375 patients by convenient sampling over one year duration, in the outdoor Department of Psychiatry at RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Patient’s prescriptions were analyzed for drug utilisation pattern in OPD after relevant consent. All data was compiled in MS Excel and analyzed using statistical methods. Results: Out of 375 prescriptions analyzed, 48.8% were males and 51.2% were females. Most commonly, patients had a diagnosis of depressive disorder (42.93%), followed by bipolar affective disorder (14.4%). The most common drug class prescribed was SSRI (88.86%). Escitalopram (41.65%) was the most prescribed drug, followed by Sertraline (30.51%). Conclusions: Among the prescribed antidepressants SSRIs were the most common class of drug followed by TCA. Escitalopram was the most common drug to be prescribed followed by sertraline. More than half of the patients receiving antidepressants suffered from non-depressive disorders. Monotherapy was preferred over combination therapy. All patients were prescribed generic drugs.

Prospective Study On Spectrum Of Cervical Cytology In Papanicolaou Smears Of Symptomatic Women In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Southern Rajasthan

Prospective Study On Spectrum Of Cervical Cytology In Papanicolaou Smears Of Symptomatic Women In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Southern Rajasthan

Evaluation of immunisation coverage and its determinants among children aged 12–23 months in urban slum areas of Jhalawar city

ABSTRACT Background: Immunisation services does not reach over one third of urban poor children. There is clear cut difference of children completely immunised in the low as compared to high standard of living index in urban areas. This difference is more marked in low performing states like Rajasthan and this difference as compared to better performing states like Kerala. Such inter-state differentials indicate the importance of extra focus on low performing states like Rajasthan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 children aged 12–23 months in an urban slum of a district in southern Rajasthan. Along with the immunisation coverage, determinants associated with incomplete immunisation was assessed. The child’s immunisation was ascertained using the immunisation cards/Mamta cards or in whom cards not available WHO recall method was used. The Chi-square test was used to find out statistical significance. Results: Of 550 children studied, 417 (75.8%) were fully immunised, 117 (21.3%) were partially immunised and 16 of them were non immunised (2.9%). When the determinants of incomplete immunisation were assessed, all were found statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study concluded that immunisation coverage is lower than that of the target. The factors thought to have influenced immunisation such as religion, family composition, education of mother and gender of child were discovered to be statistically significant.

Scenario of Arthropods Fauna on Rose in Southern Rajasthan

The arthropod fauna associated with rose at Udaipur comprised of 17 species of insects (6 pests and 11 pollinators). The pests included were thrips, aphids, the rose bud caterpillar, black flies and the scurfy rose scale while, pollinators included members of Hymenoptera and Diptera. During the crop season, the peak populations of thrips, aphids and larvae of rose bud caterpillar were recorded in the first week of April (9.80 thrips flower buds-1), first week of March (17.04 aphids flower buds-1) and first week of March (0.56 larvae flower-1), respectively. The mean atmospheric temperature evinced a positive correlation with thrips (r=0.832), rose bud caterpillar (r=0.607) and insect pollinators. Thrips (r=0.583) and aphids (r=0.622) had a significant positive correlation with sunshine, whereas the relative humidity indicates significant negative correlation with thrips (r=-0.720), aphids (r=0.581) and rose bud caterpillar (r=-0.817), respectively. The population of pollinators showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.573) with the mean atmospheric temperature; while a significant negative correlation (r=-0.769) with relative humidity. The relative density of pollinators visiting rose comprised: honeybees, A. florae & A. dorsata with 68.24 per cent; solitary bees (12.08%) and dipteran flies (19.55%). Most pollinators preferred to visit rose flowers during 9 to 11 hours of the day

Complementary and alternative medicine use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic: a point to ponder.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Pregnant women are vulnerable to adverse effects of medicines, especially during the first trimester. Though it is advised to avoid unnecessary intake of medicine during pregnancy, CAM use is widespread. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 120 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Udaipur district of Southern Rajasthan, India. Women of age 18 years and above were surveyed between July 2022 to December 2023 by convenient sampling strategy and data were entered in a pretested and pre-validated questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test was applied to compare CAM use among different demographic categories and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 120 participants, 58 (48.33 %) were using CAM therapy. Out of 58 users, 44 (75.86 %) were using herbal & traditional medicines. Twenty (34.48 %) were using CAM for a healthy baby, 18 (31.03 %) for easy delivery and 17 (29.31 %) for boosting immunity. Forty (68.96 %) participants started CAM on the advice of a relative/friend. Fifty six (46.67 %) participants believe that CAM therapy cannot cause adverse effects on the in utero child, while 32 (26.67 %) believe that CAM and modern medicines don't interact. CAM use among pregnant women is substantial. There is a need to raise awareness among the healthcare professionals and pregnant women regarding possible adverse effects and drug-drug interactions with CAM use.

Clinical profile, complications, outcome and predictors of intensive care for paediatric scrub typhus: a tertiary hospital-based study from Southern Rajasthan, India

Background: Scrub typhus is an endemic acute febrile zoonotic disease and one of the most neglected tropical illnesses. In 2019, its outbreak was reported from Mewar region of Rajasthan, India. It is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi which is intra cellular gram-negative coccobacilli. Methods: It is retrospective descriptive study conducted on children diagnosed positive for scrub typhus by IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) admitted in ward and paediatric intensive care unit at tertiary care centre during 1 year of study period from April 2023 to March 2024. Clinical profile, laboratory parameters, course of illness and outcome data were collected in predesigned case records proforma for analysis. Results: Mean age of presentation was 10.5±3.2 years with female preponderance (F:M 1.21:1). 78.5% belong to rural areas. Environmental exposure was living close to forests, bushes in 38%, crop fields in 26% and cattle shed with pets in 30%. All cases had fever (100%, n=42) followed by vomiting (62%), cough-cold (42.8%), myalgia (40.4%), altered sensorium (35.7%), breathlessness (31%), oliguria (16.6%), conjunctival redness (11.9%). Most common signs were temperature >101’F (90.4%), hepatomegaly (62%), hypotension (21.4%), edema (23.8%), meningeal signs (14.2%). Tachypnoea (n=14) (p value <0.0001), CRT>3 seconds (n=13) (p value <0.0003), altered sensorium (n=15) (p value=0.0003) and SpO2 <90% (n=7) (p value=0.004) were found significant predictors of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Eschar and rash seen in 3 cases (7.1%). 16 (38%) children requiring intensive care unit admission had statistically significant anaemia (85.7%) (p=0.013), thrombocytopenia (78.5%) (p=0.042) and raised C-reactive protein (CRP) (50%) (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Scrub typhus is common in Rajasthan and should be suspected in any child with acute febrile encephalopathy, signs of shock, breathlessness, hepatomegaly, anaemia and thrombocytopenia in the monsoon season with the history of exposure. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with doxycycline can prevent mortality.

Effect of Organic Manure and NPK Consortium on Growth, Yield and Quality of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) in Southern Rajasthan Condition

Effect of Organic Manure and NPK Consortium on Growth, Yield and Quality of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) in Southern Rajasthan Condition

Prevalence of stress associated oral mucosal disorders among patients from Southern Rajasthan, India

Data on the prevalence of stress associated oral mucosal lesions/conditions such as Oral lichen planus, Apthous ulcers, Burning mouth syndrome, Headache, Xerostomia, Halitosis, Myofacial pain Dysfunction syndrome amongst population of Southern Rajasthan is of interest to dentists. Cross sectional study had been conducted on 5214 patients from 18-60 years age group who visited the Department of the Oral Medicine and Radiology, Pacific Dental College and Research Centre, Bedla, Udaipur. Findings such as burning of oral mucosa, presence of vesicles and ulcers, striation in oral cavity, limitation of jaw movement, muscular pain were assessed for the establishment of diagnosis. Prevalence of stress associated oral mucosal lesions/conditions like Oral lichen planus, Apthous ulcers, Burning mouth syndrome, Headache, Xerostomia, Halitosis, Myofacial pain Dysfunction syndrome was reported to be 12%, 17%, 3%, 21%, 6 %, 23 and 18% respectively. Besides stress management therapy, Professional consultation along with proper investigation and medicinal treatment is required

Prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis linking with Areca Nut usage among Indians.

The prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis amongst population of Southern Rajasthan is of interest to dentists. Hence, a cross sectional study had been conducted on 3548 patients from 18-60 years age group who visited the Department of the Oral Medicine and Radiology, Pacific Dental College and Research Centre, Bedla, Udaipur was completed. They were subjected to thorough case history related to quid habit in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) form and to diagnose OSMF clinically. 1645 processed form of arecanut users were identified. The prevalence of arecanut chewers in study population has been reported to be 46.36%. The prevalence of OSMF in study population has been reported to be 458 (12.9%). Exact component associated and the mechanism involved in the occurrence of OSMF is still not available in literature and research is going on regarding unveiling this mysterious lesion.

A Cross Sectional Study on Prescription Pattern of Antiepileptic Medication among Children of Southern Rajasthan in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Drug utilization studies are powerful exploratory tools for establishing the role of drugs in society and also effective methods for assessing the prescribing pattern of clinicians. Around 4-10% of children suffer at least one seizure episode at 16 years of age. Even after the availability of several Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), choosing the correct drug with accurate dosing will produce seizure-free generation. Hence, this study aims to examine the prescription patterns of drugs in epileptic children. Methods: This study was a cross sectional observational study. Children <16 years old visiting neurology department with a history of epileptic seizures and already on antiepileptic drug therapy were included in the study. The data comprised of demographic details, disease history, type of seizure, diagnosis, investigations done, along with prescribed medication noted in case record form. The total study duration was 13 months. Results: In this study, the maximum epilepsy encountering age in male and female children was below the 12-year age group, male predominance was higher than females (male 60.83% vs. female 39.16%). The majority of children were diagnosed with generalized tonic colonic seizures, 54.17%, followed by focal/or partial seizures, 39.17%. Sodium valproate 19.16%, carbamazepine 14.17%, oxcarbazepine 16.67%, and levetriacetam 13.33% were the most commonly prescribed single drug regimens for treating both types of seizures, followed by clobazam added as second and third adjuvant drug in resistant epilepsy to valproate 12.5%, oxcarbazepine 6.67%, and levetriacetam plus carbamazepine combination 5% respectively. Conclusion: Monotherapy was majorly followed in 70% of pediatric patients for maintaining better patient compliance. Both old and new AEDs regimens are prescribed for maintaining the quality of life in patients.

Different stages of common Mormon (Papilio polytes) butterfly on Indian curry plant (Murraya koenigii) at home in Dungarpur (Southern Rajasthan)

Different stages of common Mormon (Papilio polytes) butterfly on Indian curry plant (Murraya koenigii) at home in Dungarpur (Southern Rajasthan)

Prevalence, Characteristics and Distribution of Odontogenic Cysts amongst the Indian Subpopulation of Southern Rajasthan: A 5-year Retrospective Study of 218 Cysts.

Odontogenic cysts (OCs) arise from the odontogenic epithelium and occur in the tooth-bearing regions of the jaws. Proliferation and/or degeneration of this epithelium lead to OC development. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, distribution and clinicopathological features of OCs and compare with other studies. Records of OCs were retrieved, and patient's data, aetiology, clinical features, histopathological distribution, treatment, complications and recurrence were studied. A total of 218 OCs were studied in 200 patients. The mean age of patients was 35.74 years. The overall sex ratio (male: female) was 1.22:1. Second, third and fourth decades of life were commonly affected. The majority of the patients (85%) reported with a complaint of pain (with or without swelling). Radicular cyst was the most prevalent type (49.55%). The most common site involved was the anterior maxilla (41.75%). Dental complications such as displacement, mobility, discoloration and root resorption were diagnosed in 91 cysts (41.75%). Bony complications such as expansion and perforation were present in 136 cysts (62.38%). Dentition was non-vital in 61.46% of cysts. The most common treatment method performed was combination surgery (enucleation with or without endodontic treatment/extraction and apicoectomy). Recurrence rate was 3.20%. The prevalence, characteristics and distribution features of OCs in India are similar to those of studies conducted in other parts of the world. There is a broad spectrum of OCs, with some cysts having a propensity for certain age, gender and site, whereas a few cysts have distinct properties to recur and have aggressive and invasive behaviour.

Vitamin D deficiency and associated parameters among Cardiovascular Patients in a Tertiary Care Institution of Southern Rajasthan

Vitamin D deficiency and associated parameters among Cardiovascular Patients in a Tertiary Care Institution of Southern Rajasthan

ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROFILE OF FARMER ABOUT POLYHOUSE VEGETABLE CULTIVATION PRACTICES

Polyhouse technology offers an excellent opportunity to grow high value crops during off-season with maximum input use efficiency. However, the successful implementation of polyhouse farming requires adequate knowledge about the specific cultivation practices involved. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the farmer knowledge about polyhouse vegetable cultivation practices in Southern Rajasthan and also ascertain the relationship between knowledge of farmers with their personal characteristic. The study was carried out in two districts of Rajasthan namely Bhilwara and Chittorgarh. Data was collected through surveys and interviews conducted with farmers in the region. The analysis of the data was done with the help of different statistical tools like frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation, mean percent score and correlation coefficient. The study clearly shows that majority of respondents (63.00%) were having medium level of knowledge about polyhouse vegetable cultivation practices in study area. They had highest knowledge about the aspect of components of polyhouse and least about nematode infestation in polyhouse and its control methods. There was a significant correlation found between annual income, education level and land holding with knowledge of respondents about polyhouse vegetable cultivation practices.

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PROFILE OF ADMITTED PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH FEBRILE ILLNESS DUE TO DENGUE AND SCRUB TYPHUS COINFECTION FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Objective: The present study aims at describing the clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, and complications in patients presenting with febrile illness due to scrub typhus and dengue coinfection from Southern Rajasthan, India. Method: This present prospective, observational, and hospital-based study conducted in the Department of Microbiology of AIMS & RC, Rajsamand, located in Southern Rajasthan, from January 2021 to December 2021. Scrub typhus was diagnosed in the microbiology laboratory by performing SD Bioline, one-step scrub typhus for the detection of IgM antibody, and dengue fever using J.mitra and Co. Pvt. Ltd., rapid card test for the detection of NS1 antigen and IgM antibody. Result: Out of 500 patients suspected of AUFI, 25 (5%) patients diagnosed of having dengue and scrub typhus coinfection. Fever was present in all 25 (100%) patients and 13 (52%) of patients had arthralgia, nausea, and vomiting. The most common sign noticed in our study was pallor and icterus in 10 (40%) patients each followed by shock/hypotension in 8 (32%) and hepatosplenomegaly in 5 (20%). The most predominant laboratory finding was thrombocytopenia (<1.0 × 106/cumm) in 23 (92%) patients, while elevated bilirubin (>2 mg/dl) in 22 (88%) and elevated transaminase and prolonged aPTT in 21 (84%) patients each. The majority of patients 23 (92%) had hepatic dysfunction, i.e., in followed by multi-organ dysfunction (MODS) in 15 (60%). Conclusion: In developing countries like India, particularly in tropical areas, dengue, and scrub typhus coinfection is under-recognized entity. Additional investigation should be carried out in cases of AUFI patients with features such as hypotension, leukocytosis, early drop in platelet counts, and hypoalbuminemia.

Analysis of Dust Properties and Deposition Loss in Mono and Poly Crystalline Photovoltaic Modules in Southern Rajasthan

Analysis of Dust Properties and Deposition Loss in Mono and Poly Crystalline Photovoltaic Modules in Southern Rajasthan

The Study of Partial Shading on Mono and Poly Crystalline Photovoltaic Modules in Southern Rajasthan

The Study of Partial Shading on Mono and Poly Crystalline Photovoltaic Modules in Southern Rajasthan

Farmers Perceptions towards Agricultural Insurance Schemes in Southern Rajasthan: The Case of National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Weather Base Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)

Crop insurance is an insurance prearrangement aiming at mitigate the financial losses suffered by the farmers due to damage of their crops due to various production risks beyond their control like natural fire, weather, floods, pests, diseases etc. Government of India started offering crop insurance in 1985, with the Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme. This encourages farmers to carry on with their productive efforts, which not only improves the welfare of the farmers but finally helps in stabilizing the agricultural output. In total majority of respondents, the insured loanee farmers 88 (88/150) (58.70 per cent) stated favourable attitude, while 35 (35/150) (23.30 per cent) could be found under less favourable category. The 27 (27/150) (18.00 per cent) farmers reported under highly favourable proportion. Statement wise attitude of insured loanee farmers in five-point continuum recorded most favourable attitude with mean per cent score 81.52, 78.17, 77.49 and 71.50 and placed at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. This stated that the farmers can sustain natural calamities and compensation is available in time.

Exploring the Interplay of Pastureland Governance Degradation and Livelihood Vulnerability: A Study in Southern Rajasthan, India

Pastureland in Rajasthan has a special significance for a range of reasons. The state has acute adverse biophysical and climatic conditions where income from agriculture is uncertain. As a result, most rural inhabitants make ends meet by raising livestock. This study attempts to understand the biophysical condition, governance of the pastureland, and its impact on the livelihood of the rural poor. It uses an exploratory research design to explore the key drivers of deteriorating pastureland. The study was conducted in 15 villages in southern Rajasthan spread across three districts: Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Pratapgarh. To fulfil the study objectives, Focus Group Discussions and individual interviews were conducted with community members and Gram Panchayat (Village Council) officials. The findings depict the dismal picture of pastureland governance at the grassroots level, resulting from multiple factors such as overgrazing, the ineffectiveness of protection rules, and encroachment. The study suggests that appropriate management and protection of the pastureland are urgently needed to sustain the rural community’s livestock and livelihood.

Some Unreported Medicinal Uses of Plants from the Tribal Area of Southern Rajasthan

Hitherto unreported folk medicinal uses of 41 species of plants belonging to 29 families used by the tribals of Southern Rajasthan have been dealt in this paper. Some plants with important ethnomedicinal new uses are Aegle marmelos, Leucas aspera and Pongamia pinnata in migraine; Acacia leucophloea as contraceptive; Borassus flabelifer, Grewia orientalis and Ziziphus xylopyra in developing complete sterility in female while Cocculus villosus in male; Citrus medica in kidney stone; Crinum asiaticum in breast cancer; Cryptolepis buchanani in piles; Gardenia turgida and Luffa acutangula as antidote in animal bite; lchnocarpus frutescens in swollen gums; Lannea coromandelica in earache; Nyctanthes arbortristis in obesity; Euphorbia acaulis, Grewia dumine, Xeromphis spinosa in skin diseases and Clitoris ternatea in colic. The plant part used and mode of administration in also given.