Statistical Package For Social Services Research Articles

Factors Affecting Drug Shortage in Aseer Hospitals

Background: drug shortage is a critical with severe negative impacts on patients’ outcome. It is a multifactorial problem in the world leading to increased cost of health, poor treatment outcomes and unnecessary patient referrals. Purpose: this study sought to examine the various causes of drug shortage in Aseer Hospital as a foundational investigation for improvement recommendations. To explore the factors affecting drug shortage and the magnitude of every factor’s influence in drug shortage. Material and methods: this study applied a cross sectional descriptive research design of the quantitative methodology. A questionnaire was electronically sent to the 177 sample for completion. The data was then analyzed using the descriptive statistics of Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS), version 26. Results: a total of 177 questionnaires were completed. Out of the total sample, male gender dominated by 74.6% (n=132) while 25% were females. The dominant age group was (30-39) years old and most of the sampled pharmacists had bachelors in pharmacy 46.9% (n=83). In terms of experience at work, those who had worked for (5-10) years were the majority. Amongst the variables that contribute to drug shortage, this study found regulation and legislative processes (0.80=77.06%) as the major cause while imbalance between the supply and demand was the least cause (64.3%). There were other factors that contributed to drug shortage such as manufacturing problems (69.80%), drug distribution problems (69.0%) and human factor (65.57%). Conclusion: the study findings are in agreement with most of the previous scholarly findings that cited regulation and legislative process as one of the most causes of drug shortage.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EMPLOYEES AND THEIR EFFECTS TO WORK PERFORMANCE

The major problem of the study was to determine the effect of personal and professional characteristics of employees on their work performance. The study made use of a descriptive correlation method of research in which a validated instrument was used primarily as a data-gathering tool. The respondents of the study were the 419 personnel, which was composed of 247 faculty members, 42 academic support, and 130 non-teaching personnel. The data were presented using tables, and the results of the study were tabulated and processed using the Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that the respondents affirmatively proved that personal and professional characteristics do have a significant effect on their work performance. This was shown by the data tabulated that the following indicators showed a significant effect on the work performance Job Classification, Job Status, Educational Qualifications, and Training/Seminars Attended. It may be gleaned from the results that Job Status of the respondents registered the highest effect with work performance. Moreover, the null hypothesis, which stated that personal and professional characteristics do not have an impact on work performance, was rejected.

The Relationship between Psychological Inflexibility and Academic Anxiety among School Children Preparing for their Board Exams: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Many school children experience psychological inflexibility, which leads to anxiety regarding their academic wellbeing, subsequently affecting their psychological well-being. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the relationship between psychological inflexibility and academic anxiety among school children, understand the sociodemographic characteristics of the selected participants, and identify significant mean differences in subgroups based on sociodemographic details in relation to psychological inflexibility and academic anxiety. Aim: To examine the relationship between psychological inflexibility and academic anxiety in students who were preparing for their board exams. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involved the selection of 348 school children from 9th to 12th grade in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, using simple random sampling. Data collection took place from March 2021 to June 2021. The study employed a 17-item Acceptance and Fusion Questionnaire (AFQ17), a 25-item academic anxiety scale, and a semi-structured interview schedule. The data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS) software, version 19.0. Descriptive statistics were used, and the Pearson's correlation method was employed to determine the relationship between variables. Additionally, a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted to identify significant mean differences between demographic variables, with a 95% confidence level and p-value<0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of the total 348 participants, majority 184 (52.9%) were in the age group of 16 to 18 years. The results indicate a positive correlation (r=0.117, p<0.05) between the level of psychological inflexibility and academic anxiety among school children. Furthermore, significant relationships were found between psychological inflexibility and academic anxiety in terms of age and gender. Conclusion: The present study highlights a positive correlation between psychological inflexibility and academic anxiety. It emphasises the importance of raising awareness, promoting psychological flexibility, and reducing academic anxiety among school children.

Detection of Salmonella carriers among apparently healthy cafeteria food handlers in tertiary care centre Pokhara

Introduction: Foodborne illnesses are caused by consumption of contaminated foods. The risk of food getting contaminated depends largely on the health status of the food handlers, their personal hygiene, knowledge and practice of food hygiene. Hence, this study aimed to assess the proportion of Salmonella among food handlers working in the cafeteria of Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from March 2018 to February 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic characteristics, the knowledge and the risk factors of the participants. A total of 62 stool samples were collected and processed according to the standard microbiological procedures. All the Salmonella isolates were identified by biochemical tests. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines 2017, using Kirby-Baur disk diffusion method. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Service for window version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were computed and chi-square test was applied at 5% level of significance. P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Total of 62 food handlers were included in the study. Majority of the cafeteria workers 46(74.2%) were not aware of proper hand washing technique. Of the 62 food handlers working in the cafeteria, Salmonella were isolated from 12(19.4%) stool specimens. All the Salmonella isolates were sensitive to amikacin (100%), followed by imipenem (91.7%) and cefotaxime (91.7%). However, the highest rate of antibiotic resistance among Salmonella isolates was noted for amoxicillin (58.3%). Conclusions: This study showed increased proportion of Salmonella carriers among the food handlers of cafeteria. Salmonella carriage among food handlers is of great concern as they can be the source of foodborne illness. Therefore, educating the food handlers of cafeteria about personnel hygiene may play a pivotal role in minimizing the incidence of foodborne illness and the associated morbidity

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization among medicine and health science students, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia

Individuals with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonized nasal cavities were at greater risk of developing the infection and can serve as potential reservoirs of transmission. Aim of this study is to determine the extent of nasal carriage and associated factors linked to MRSA in medical and health science students of Arba Minch University (AMU), Ethiopia, who are much prone. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at AMU from 01st August through 30th November, 2020 by means of a systematic sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Nasal swabs samples were collected and S. aureus were identified following standard microbiological methods. Methicillin resistance was tested using cefoxitin disk and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. Biofilm forming ability was phenotypically detected by micro-titer plate assay. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done by Statistical Package for Social Service (SPSS) version 25. The overall prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA were 27.1% (70/258) and 7.4% (19/258) respectively. Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus carriage were higher among medical interns, 16.9% (11/65). Isolates in general were co-resistant to antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (63.2%) and tetracycline (48.4%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) were observed among 52.6% (10/19) of the isolates. Besides, 31.4% (6/19) of MRSA were biofilm producers and all of them were MDR. Multivariable analysis showed that mean exposure for > 2 years to hospital settings [p = 0.048, AOR: 4.99, 95% CI 1.01–24.66] and the habit of sharing clothing and sports equipment [p = 0.017, AOR: 5.43, 95% CI 1.35–21.83] were statistically significant. The overall prevalence of nasal colonized MRSA among students were comparatively lower than that observed in other studies done in Ethiopia itself. An alarming factor is that, 60% of MDR-MRSA were biofilm producers.

Comparison of the effect of negative pressure wound therapy with topical insulin application on wound healing in diabetic foot wounds versus NPWT alone

Introduction: Diabetic foot is an important and devastating complication of the Type II diabetes mellitus. This study was mainly undertaken to study the combination of NPWT along with topical insulin application and its effect on wound healing when compared to NPWT alone. Material and Methods: A prospective interventional study was undertaken in the Department of Surgery, Bengaluru. A total of 100 patients were divided equally between the two groups where one group received NPWT alone and another group received NPWT with topical insulin. The wounds in both the experimental and control groups were opened on the 7th, 15th and 30th day and compared using the BATES - JENSEN WOUND ASSESSMENT TOOL. The details were collected by using a predesigned proforma and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS ver 20). Results: Majority of the patients in both experimental and control groups were aged more than 60 years and were males. There was no statistically significant difference between the NPWT alone and NPWT with topical insulin groups.

SERVICE INNOVATION AND HOTEL BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IN PORT HARCOURT

This study investigated the relationship between Service Innovations and Hotel Business Performance in Port Harcourt. Four Objectives and four Research Hypotheses guided the study. The accessible population of this study was drawn from the Customers of 10 selected Hotels in Port Harcourt. A sample size of 246 respondents was drawn using Freud and William’s Formula. The study adopted a descriptive Survey Design. Face and Content validity were employed to assess the relevance of the instrument while Cronbach Alpha Statistics was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The Research Questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics while the Null Hypotheses were statistically tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS) version 22. The findings showed that New Value System had a positive Correlation with Effectiveness and Sales Revenue (r = 0.751; p=0.000; p < 0.05), (r = 0.862; p=0.000; p < 0.05). New Technological Service Delivery System had a strong Correlation with Effectiveness and Sales Revenue (r = 0.726; p=0.000; p < 0.05), (r = 0.863; p=0.000; p < 0.05). Based on the findings, we concluded that Service Innovation is a determinant of Hotel Business Performance in Port Harcourt. Being a service industry, New Value System and New Technological Service Delivery System would contribute immensely to Hotel Business Performance in Port Harcourt. Therefore, our recommendations were: There should be a department solely responsible for welcoming and taking care of new customers. Warm welcoming and receptions should be given to new customers in the Hotel Industry. Promo packages should be organized for new customers to gain a competitive advantage.

Morphological Study of Left Ventricular False Tendons in Human Cadaveric Heart Specimens

Introduction: Left Ventricular False Tendons (LVFT) is normal and common anatomical variants of the left ventricle. They may be associated with findings of cardiac pathology or they may be an isolated finding from 2D echocardiogram. These structures may mimic pathologic structures, such as intraventricular chorda rupture, vegetation or thrombus, but considered as false tendon. Aim: To study the morphology, age and gender specific proportions of false tendons in cadaveric heart specimens. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru, Karnataka, India, from October 2015 to March 2017. A total of 100 human cadaveric heart specimens of both male and female (n=50) and female (n=50) aged 18-76 years were collected from Department of Anatomy and postmortem specimens from Department of Forensic Medicine. The morphology of tendons was studied regarding its location, gross appearance and parameters such as its length and width. The statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test appropriately using the software Statistical Package for Social Service (SPSS), version 20.0 for windows. Results: False tendons were seen in 49 of heart specimens. Total 40 of the specimens showed one LVFT and nine showed two LVFT. Out of total 44 (58.67%) specimens aged 50 years or less had false tendons, while in older specimens, only 5 (20%) were found to have false tendon (p-value <0.05). The common location of false tendons was Posteromedial Papillary Muscle (PMPM) to mid interventricular septum 11 (18.9%), followed by PMPM to free wall 9 (15.5%). The tendons were fibrous in 53 (91.4%), fibromuscular in 4 (6.9%)and 1 (1.7%) was muscular in nature. Out of 50 female and 50 male heart specimens, 24 and 25 had LVFT, respectively (p-value=0.891). Conclusion: Sound knowledge of heart morphology can avoid false diagnosis in patients with false tendon, as it can simulate other pathological murmurs and structural heart disease in echocardiography.

1063 Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of ARDS in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract Introduction Many asymptomatic patients are diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection on screening, which might alter their expected course of illness. We wanted to study the incidence, risk factors, and ARDS outcomes in these patients admitted to our ITU. Method A review of all admissions (medical, surgical, and obstetric) to our ITU from May to October 2020 was done after institutional ethics approval. Age, gender, comorbidities, admission diagnosis, APACHE II score, and in-hospital course were studied. ARDS was defined as PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mmHg (with PEEP or CPAP ≥ 5 cmH2O) in the absence of cardiac failure or fluid overload. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS) software Version 21.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results Of the 832 cases, 119 (14.3%) had SARS-CoV-2 infection. 41 of 119 (34.4%) cases developed ARDS. Among the comorbidities studied, only hypertension (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.2) seemed to increase ARDS odds. Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) had a higher incidence of ARDS when compared to the asymptomatic ones (P < .05). Patients with sepsis (OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.4-13.7) and APACHE II score ≥10 (OR 5, 95% CI 2.0-12.3) had higher odds of developing ARDS. Age, gender, trauma, and recent surgery did not seem to increase the risk of ARDS. Conclusions Even though COVID-19 patients admitted with SARI and sepsis are at a higher risk of developing ARDS, further research will be needed to predict the extent to which SARS-CoV-2 infection will influence the course of their illness.

FACTORS CAUSING RECURRENCE OF INFECTION IN THE CORNEAL GRAFT AFTER THERAPEUTIC PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY

Aim:-The aim of this study is to analyse the factors causing recurrence of infection in the corneal graft after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty.Material and Methods:- This study was conducted at Upgraded Department of Ophthalmology, SVBPH,Meerut. This institution performs 120 keratoplasty procedures per year on an average. The study was conducted for a period of one year & 25 patients had reinfection and those who presented with reinfection constituted the sample size complete enumeration.The data thus obtained was compiled and analysed using Statistical Package for Social services (SPSS vs 20). The qualitative variables were analyzed by using frequencies and The qualitative variables were analyzed by using frequencies & percentages & chi square test was used as test of significance.The quantitative variables were presented as measures of central tendency and dispersion. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant Results Initial fungal etiology was the main risk factor for the recurrence of microbial keratitis after TPK in (24%) of the cases followed by persistent epithelial defects (16%),Initial bacterial etiology (12%), Lid abnormalities (8%) ,contact lens use (8%), Secondary ocular hypertension (8%), prior rejection episodes(8%), initial viral etiology (4%) ,peripheral ulcerative keratitis (8%) & suture related problems(4%). Conclusion:- .This study has shown that Fungal keratitis was the main reason for the initial TPK & initial Fungal aetiology was the main risk factor for the reinfection after TPK

Bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors among bloodstream infection suspected patients attending Arba Minch General Hospital, Ethiopia

Bacterial bloodstream infections are of great concern globally. Of late, the emergence of drug resistant bacteria worsen the related morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed to determine the bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors among the blood stream infection (BSI) suspected patients attending the Arba Minch General Hospital (AMGH), southern Ethiopia, from 01 June through 31st August, 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 BSI suspected patients. Systematic random sampling method was used to select patients. Blood culture was done to isolate bacterial pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by employing the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done by Statistical Package for Social Service (SPSS) version 22. The rate of prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed cases was 22/225 (9.8%). Majority of BSI were caused by Gram-positive cocci, 13/22 (59.1%), particularly the isolates of S. aureus, 7/22 (31.8%) followed by Enterococci species, 4/22 (18.2%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), 2/22 (9.1%). Among the Gram-negative bacteria 9/22 (41.1%), Klebsiella species 4/22 (18.2%) was the prominent one followed by Escherichia coli 2/22 (9.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2/22 (9.1%), and Enterobacter species 1/22 (4.5%). All the isolates of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to meropenem whereas 69.2% of the isolates of Gram-positive counterparts were susceptible to erythromycin. Slightly above two third (68.2%) of the total isolates were multidrug resistant. Insertion of a peripheral intravenous line was significantly associated with BSI [p = 0.03; Adjusted Odds Ratio = 4.82; (Confidence Interval: 1.08–21.46)]. Overall results revealed that eventhough the prevalence of BSI in Arba Minch is comparatively lower (9.8%), multidrug resistance is alarmingly on the rise, which is to be addressed through effective surveillance and control strategies.

Prevalence of elevated liver enzymes and its association with type 2 diabetes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study among Nepalese Adults from Biratnagar, Nepal

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable metabolic disease resulting from either insulin deficiency or insulin resistance. Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) are the well-known markers of hepatocellular health while GGT also shows biliary tract function. Increased activities of liver enzymes are indicators of hepatocellular injury, are associated with insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
 Aims and Objective: To study the status of Liver Enzymes in type 2 diabetes patients residing in the eastern part of Nepal.
 Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal dated from 27th Dec 2019 to 27th Dec 2020. The blood sample was taken from the patients coming to the outpatient department at Diabetic and Endocrinology Clinic for a regular check-up and follow-up and those willing to participate in research. All the data collected was entered in Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Service (SPSS) version 16. p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
 Results: A total of 375 subjects (255 DM and 120 healthy) were included. The age of the diabetic subjects ranges from 27-87 years with a mean of 56.91 ± 11.00 years while age of healthy subjects’ ranged from 31-86 years with the mean of 53.38 ± 13.28. Among the T2DM subjects, 11.76% (30/255) had raised AST, 17.25% (44/255) had raised ALT, 12.94% (33/255) had raised ALP, and 19.60% (50/255) had raised GGT. The level of liver enzymes (AST, p = 0.005, ALT, p = 0.007, ALP, p = 0.000 and GGT, p = 0.000) were showed statistically significant.
 Conclusion: This study concludes that liver enzyme activity was higher in T2DM subjects than individuals who do not have T2DM. In addition, Liver parameters were significantly correlated with diabetes mellitus in our study population; hence, timely diagnosis and management of the abnormal liver parameters may help to minimize liver-related morbidity and mortality in the diabetic population.

STUDY OF CLINICALAND HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF ANEMIA IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY LEVEL CENTRE IN HARYANA

Background: The demographic transition with ageing of population is a global phenomenon and in recent years there has been an increasing international awareness of health issues relating to aging population. Anemia represents an emerging global health problem producing a negative impact in the quality of life among the elderly and requiring greater allocation of health resources. Aims: To identify elderly patients with anemia and study the etiology, clinical parameters, laboratory parameters in these patients. Methods: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in this study. The entire medical history were obtained from each of the cases including previous medical reports and imaging studies. Complete blood counts , RBC indices,total WBC count, differential count, platelet count, haematocrit, ESR, peripheral smears ,reticulocyte count, ferritin, iron and TIBC were recorded for each patient. The data was compiled and analyzed using Statistical Package for social services (SPSS vs 20). Results: Among the etiologies, iron deciency anemia was seen in 43% of patients, anemia of chronic disease in 32%, anemia of chronic kidney disease and unexplained anemia in 11 % patients. Among clinical features the commonest symptom was easy fatiguability and commonest sign was pallor. Peripheral smear study showed that normocytic normochromic anemia was commonest type. Conclusion: This study showed that the commonest cause for anemia among elderly patients is iron deciency anemia followed by anemia due to chronic disease. Geriatric anemia is a disease that often goes unreported hence every effort should be made to identify the disease and evaluate the cause.

Utilization of skilled birth attendant at birth and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last 24\u2009months preceding the survey in Gura Dhamole Woreda, Bale zone, southeast Ethiopia

BackgroundMaternal morbidity and mortality continued to be major issues in many countries. Globally a total of 10.7 million women have died between 1990 and 2015 due to maternal causes where sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for 66% of maternal death. Since most maternal deaths are avoidable; skilled attendance during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum is among the most critical interventions for improving maternal and neonatal survival. The study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of utilization of skilled birth attendant at birth among women who gave birth in the last 24 months preceding the study in Gura Dhamole Woreda, Bale Zone Southeast Ethiopia, 2017.MethodsCommunity based cross-sectional study was implemented from March 25 to April 24, 2017 in Gura Dhamole Woreda on total of 402 study subjects who were selected by Multi-stage sampling technique. The data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire and data was coded, entered, cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Service (SPSS) Version 20. Odds ratio with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to assess associations the dependent and independent variables. Logistic regression model was employed to identify independent predictors and variables were declared statistically significant at P value < 0.05.ResultIn this study only 29.2% of women were assisted by Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA) during their child birth. Place of residence, mother education, travel time, joint decision on the place of delivery, ANC visit frequency, birth preparedness and complication readiness status, knowledge on obstetric danger signs after delivery and knowledge of presence of maternity waiting homes were significantly associated with SBA utilization.ConclusionSkilled birth attendant utilization in the study area was low. Strategies that improve attendance of antenatal care utilization and attention to birth preparedness and complication readiness and counseling on danger signs are recommended.

Prevalence and associated factors of urinary tract infections among diabetic patients in Arba Minch Hospital, Arba Minch province, South Ethiopia.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and grave health problem in the world. In fact, patients with diabetes mellitus have an immense risk for developing UTI. The development of resistance among uropathogens to antibiotics is a major crisis which limits the use of drug of choice for the treatment of UTI. On this view point, the aim of the present study is to elucidate the prevalence of UTI, associated factors, causative agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility amongst diabetic patients attending Arba Minch Hospital, Arba Minch, Ethiopia. A facility based cross-sectional study was carried out in diabetic patients visiting the Internal Medicine Unit of Arba Minch Hospital (AMH) during the study period (March to May 2016). Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for collecting the data pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics and possible risk factors. In order to quantify the uropathogens, midstream urine samples were collected in sterile leak proof culture bottles and streaked onto diverse bacteriological media. All the positive urine cultures showing significant bacteriuria as per the Kass count (>105 organisms/mL) were further subjected to biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed to determine the resistance/susceptibility pattern of isolated uropathogens. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Services, version 20. In total, 239 diabetic patients were included in the study of which 60.2% (n=144) were females. A total of 81 (33.8%) diabetic patients had positive urine cultures. Sixty-eight (83.9%) female diabetic patients had significant bacteriuria (p=0.000). Fifty-two (64.1%) participants had drinking habit and 79 (97.5%) of respondents had higher glucose levels (≥126 mg/dL) (p=0.004 and p=0.003), respectively. According to the biochemical tests, in a total of 90 isolates from patients with significant bacteriuria, eight species of uropathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp., Citrobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS), Enterococcus faecalis and yeast isolates were identified. The antibiogram evidenced that 79.6% (n=51) of Gram-negative bacteria were invariably resistant to amoxicillin and penicillin whereas 73.4% (n=47) and 65.6 % (n=42) of them were resistant to trimethoprim, erythromycin and chloramphenicol, respectively. Regarding the Gram-positive bacteria, high degree of resistance was exhibited towards penicillin and trimethoprim (100%, n=24) followed by amoxicillin (83.3%, n=20) and gentamicin (62.5%, n=15). Invariably, all the Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli were susceptible (100%) to amikacin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone and nitrofurantoin. The prevalence of UTI is higher in diabetic patients. Results revealed that the predominant pathogens of UTI were Gram-negative bacilli (Enterobacteriaceae), particularly E. coli. Significant bacteriuria had an association with the consumption of alcohol, gender and glucose level. Based on the results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests, it might be inferred that the antibiotics such as amikacin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone and nitrofurantoin are the drugs of choice for the management of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive uropathogenic bacteria in the study area.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Associated Factors Among HIV Positive Patients Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Arba Minch General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

Background:Tuberculosis (TB) is an extremely contagious disease detrimentally affecting virtually every organ, most importantly the lungs. Pulmonary complications have been one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality since the advent of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) pandemic. The AIDS virus has considerably reshape the epidemiology of TB by widening the risk of reactivating latent TB, increasing the possibility of TB infection once contracted to tubercle bacilli (re-infection) and by elevating the risk of rapid progression instantly after the infection. In this background, this study is intended to understand the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and associated factors amongst Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic in Arba Minch General hospital during the study period (March to May, 2016).Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out at Arba Minch Hospital from March to May, 2016. To assess the associated factors, a pre-tested structured questionnaire has been used. Sputum samples were collected and examined microscopically by using acid fast staining. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Services, version 20.Results:Totally, 291 HIV positive patients were included in this study of which 71.5% were females and 28.5% were males. It was found that 42.3% of respondents were in the age ranged between 31-40 years. Of the 291 patients screened, 21 were positively diagnosed with pulmonary TB making the overall prevalence rate of 7.2%. From this study, it was revealed that CD4 count, previous history of tuberculosis and smoking were the significant predictors of tuberculosis (p˂0.05) in HIV patients.Conclusion:The results of the present study envisaged that the prevalence of HIV/TB co-infection was 7.2%. Previous history of TB, CD4 count less than 200/μl, and smoking habit were the possible risk factors elucidated. Therefore, TB screening among HIV-positive patients, public awareness, and community mobilization should be encouraged.

Burden of oral diseases and noncommunicable diseases: An asia-pacific perspective.

At a population level, there are no systematic data to correlate the pattern of prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) with oral disease burden in South Asian countries. The influence of the age, gender, and geographical distribution on these diseases is not reported. We attempt to provide a population level correlation of occurrence using the Global Burden of Disease approach. Using the data from the Global Burden of Diseases, 2016, the occurrence of oral diseases (dental caries of permanent teeth, edentulism (including severe tooth loss), and periodontal diseases) and various NCDs, based on geographical region, gender and age groups were collected and subjected to correlation statistics. Statistical Package for Social Services (Version 23) was used to analyze the results. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Geographical location and age had a significant role in the occurrence of dental diseases. There was a considerable difference in rates of dental diseases and NCD prevalence in the various regions of Asia-Pacific. It was observed that for most of the NCDs, there was a linear significant relationship for edentulism as well as periodontal diseases with high statistical significance. The factors that contribute to the discrepancies, phenomenon, and relationship between the oral diseases and NCDs are discussed. The current state of the importance of oral health, in maintaining overall health is discussed. Methods by which policymakers could bring about a change by utilizing the principles of "Overton window" for mobilizing the support of people are presented.

A Study on Marginal Continuty of Shoulder and Chamfer Finish Line of Metal Crown

Background: Marginal continuty is very important for the longevity of restoration .The junction between the cemented restoration and the tooth is always a potential site for recurrent caries, gingivitis and periodontitis and ultimately failure of crown as well as teeth.Hypothesis: Marginal continuity for shoulder finish line for anterior teeth and chamfer for posterior teeth are equally effective.Objectives: To evaluate the marginal continuity of metal crown.Methods: Thirty extracted human teeth were prepared with shoulder margin (group-A) and another thirty teeth were prepared with chamfer (group-B) as methodically. Metal crown was fabricated by lost wax technique of casting procedure. All of the crowns (both group-A and group-B) were cemented by glass inomer luting cement. Each crown was sectioned in faciolingual direction at the midpoint of each surface by slow speed isomet saw. The sectioned crowns were examined under sreriomicroscope for measurement of marginal continuty. Data were collected on the basis of marginal continuty of each crown was compared. Collected data were processed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Service) version 12.Results: The frequency distribution of marginal continuity were statistically non significant between two groups.Conclusion: All metal crowns had greater continued margin than discontinued margin.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2017; 7 (1): 26-29

The Impacts of Cost Sharing in Health Services in Geita Distrct, Tanzania

A study on the impact of cost sharing in health services was carried out in Geita District focussing on health service provision. A sample size of 96 respondents includes 24 health workers and 72 households’ heads. Household heads were chosen to represent the community receiving health services. Health workers were chosen to represent health service providers who are providing health services in the study area. A cross sectional research design was adopted involving administration of structured questionnaires to both primary and secondary partners, complemented by relevant documentation. Statistical Package for Social services (SPSS) software was employed in data coding and analysis. The study revealed that the aim of cost sharing on health service is good. But the nature of the Tanzanians of being poor among the poorer and poor government procedure for sensitizing its policies before implementation impend the target and objectives of cost sharing on health service. More than 67% people earn less than 50,000 per month and more than 10% do not attend hospital services if they become sick. Also, more than 58% of people are not aware about cost sharing on health service. The study makes the following recommendations to improve health service provision under cost sharing policy. The spirit of working very hard in production activities should be done by all Tanzanians to reduce poverty. The government should educate its people at all levels such as villages, wards, division, district, region and national to make them aware on any policy like cost sharing on health service. Capacity building should be done to health workers to follow all the guidelines and conditions of cost sharing on health service provision.

Effect of Skill Orientation on Practice of Breast Feeding Technique among Mothers of Preterm Babies

A woman's confidence in her ability to breastfeed is crucial to her success in breast feeding preterm babies. Breastfeeding is instinctive on the part of the baby but is a learned skill for the mother. Breastfeeding is extraimportant if the baby is born preterm. Giving birth to a preterm baby can be a frightening and traumatic time for parent. Breast milk has important health benefits for premature babies as it prevent damage to baby's immature digestive system, provide immunological, nutritional and cognitive benefits and allow for optimum growth and development. Aims and objectives : The present study aimed at assessing the effect of skill orientation on practice of breast feeding technique among mothers of preterm babies. Methodology : Pre experimental one group pre test post test design was used. Thirty samples were selected using nonprobability purposive sampling technique from a tertiary hospital, Thrissur. Pre test was done using structured observation checklist on day 1, followed by demonstration of breast feeding technique to each mother of preterm babies for 2 days as 2 times per day. On 3rd day, post test was done using same observation checklist. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Services 17 (SPSS 17). Results : Results showed that majority of mothers (80%) of preterm babies were in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Most of the mothers of preterm babies (63.30%) had caesarean type of delivery. 50% of mothers of preterm babies belonged to joint family and 90% of them had family support from both husband's side and mother's side. 76.70% of mothers of preterm babies had excellent level of practice of breast feeding technique after the skill orientation. There was significant association between pre test level of practice of breast feeding technique with sociodemographic and clinical data variables like parity (p=0.03), family support (p=0.003) and baby's body weight (p=0.006). This reveals that mothers who are multiparous and who have more family support have significantly higher level of practice of breast feeding. The level of breast feeding technique significantly improved with the increase in body weight of preterm babies. Study concluded that skill orientation on practice of breast feeding technique was effective among mothers of preterm babies in NICU.