Western Maharashtra Research Articles

Emotional Intelligence from Gender Perspective during Mid to Late Adolescence in an Indian Context.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) contributes to overall success in life. Our objectives are to explore EI among adolescents and its gender differences as per some parameters of social environments. Present cross-sectional study was conducted in secondary schools in one of municipal corporations in western Maharashtra EI of adolescents studying in tenth standard in randomly selected secondary schools, was assessed by Schutte's Self-Reported Emotional Intelligence Test with collection of relevant sociodemographic information maintaining confidentiality. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software. Total 1060 adolescents in 14-16 years of age participated in the study. Socio-economic status affected EI of adolescent girls more adversely than adolescent boys (P = 0.003, P = 0.036 respectively). Co-educational type of school favored lower EI than gender specific schools (P < 0.001). After gender wise stratification, EI did not differ significantly among boys (P = 0.154) with respect to type of schooling, but differed significantly (P = 0.001) among girls. Apart from continued efforts directed to for improvement in SES, mental health component of school health services needs to take a step forward for assessment and improvement of towards mental health parameters including EI of adolescents. EI training programs commenced in school activities based on gender, socio-economic status and other issues relevant to the situation shall prove beneficial in long run.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Basic Life Support in Postgraduate Medical Students in Atertiary Care Medical Institute of Western Maharashtra

AbstractBackground: An adequate knowledge and practice of providing Basic Life Support (BLS) and a positive attitudetowards initiating the procedure is very necessary among postgraduate medical students. The objective of thisstudy was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BLS among the medical postgraduate studentsin a tertiary care medical institute.Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 160 postgraduate students were assessed using a predefinedquestionnaire based on American Heart Association’s BLS guidelines. Students who gave consent to participatewere included and those who filled the questionnaire incomplete were excluded from the study. Data analysis wasdone by calculating the mean of the scores and converting that into percentages using Microsoft Excel. Odds ratiowas calculated to compare the scores of clinical and non-clinical postgraduate students.Conclusion: Participants trained recently had better scores than those trained many years ago. All participantsshowed positive attitude towards BLS. Clinical postgraduate students are 16.2 times more likely to have an averageknowledge of BLS (OR: 16.2) and are 4.84 times better at practice of BLS (OR: 4.84) than non-clinical postgraduatestudents concluding that repeated training of all postgraduate medical students especially those working in nonclinicaldepartments is very important.

NUTRITIONAL SURVEY IN CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR IMPACT ON ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES AND OUTCOME.

Malnutrition has a high incidence among patients hospitalized to PICUs. It has a major impact on a child's outcome, including death, morbidity, and length of ICU stay.1, 2, 3 However various studies have found that the actual delivery of enteral nutrition is less as compared to what is needed due to lack of feeding protocols, delay in initiation and stopping enteral nutrition in case of a procedure or an untoward event.4 Covid 19 pandemic has increased both underweight and obesity. Henceforth, our study is conducted in critically ill pediatric patients to evaluate their nutritional needs and the transition of critically ill pediatric patients from partial or total parental nutrition to various forms of enteral nutrition. Along with the nutritional survey, the study also evaluates the change in anthropometric indices of pediatric patients after their PICU stay and co-relation with enteral nutrition. Finally the results were segregated to nd the outcome of these patients in our tertiary level Pediatric Intensive Care Unit based in teaching institute of Western Maharashtra. There is scarcity of literature in nutrition in pediatric critical care in India. This study aims to study the incidence of nutrition in pediatric intensive care units and measures to increase nutrition and their impact on outcome.

An assessment of minocycline sensitivity in multidrug-resistant gram-negative isolates in a tertiary care center of Western Maharashtra

An assessment of minocycline sensitivity in multidrug-resistant gram-negative isolates in a tertiary care center of Western Maharashtra

A preliminary study of age determination and sexual dimorphism by ossification centres in teenage sport persons in Mumbai and western Maharashtra population

A preliminary study of age determination and sexual dimorphism by ossification centres in teenage sport persons in Mumbai and western Maharashtra population

Social stigma and discrimination faced by COVID-19 patients in an industrial unit: Findings of survey from rural Maharashtra.

Uncertain situation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to fear, stigma, and discrimination across all strata of society in varying proportions. Stigmatization increases the suffering of people or those who are at risk of getting the disease and make it harder for public health authorities to control the disease. The present study is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey conducted over a period of four weeks in the month of July 2021 in a food industry in rural region of western Maharashtra among COVID-19 positive patients. A total of 152 participants were included in the study. The data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Descriptive statistics were used which included frequencies and percentages. 64.5% of the participants were males and 35.5% were females. Approx. 85% of the participants were in age group 15-58 years. 100% of them reported to have faced fear on being tested COVID-19 positive. However, only approx. 2-5% individuals hid their illness from family and friends and 7.9% of them were afraid of getting hospitalized. It was found that fear was prevalent among all survivors but stigma was found to be minimal which is likely due to widespread awareness through media, IEC campaigns, and active involvement of administration in implementing policies.

Fosfomycin susceptibility among Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infection in a tertiary care centre in Western Maharashtra

Background and objective: Urinary tract infection(UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice. UTIs caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) AmpC and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) are difficult to treat. Fosfomycin is an old antibiotic that has excellent bactericidal activity against a wide range of bacteria. This study aimed to determine the fosfomycin susceptibility of E. coli causing UTI in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra, India. Material and methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Pune, a city of Western Maharashtra, India. Urine samples from UTI cases yielding significant (&gt; 1x 105 cfu/ml) growth of E. coli were included in study. E. coli isolates were tested for susceptibility to fosfomycin and a panel of antimicrobial agents by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. All the isolates were tested for production of ESBL, AmpC and MBL. Result: A total of 88 E. coli were isolated of which, 47 (53.40%) and 41 (46.59%) were from male and female patients respectively. Of the total E. coli isolates, 58 (65.9%) were from in-patient cases. Multi-drug resistance was found in 69 (78.40%) isolates and remaining 19 (21.6%) were resistant to different antimicrobials tested. All (100%) the MDR and non-MDR isolates were sensitive to fosfomycin. Highest resistance was present against nalidixic acid (93.8%) while resistance was least against nitrofurantoin (15.91%), piperacillin/tazobactam (17.1%) and meropenem (18.18%). Of the total, 35 (50.72%) isolates were both AmpC and ESBL producers while 11 (15.94%) and 8 (11.59%) were only AmpC and ESBL producers respectively. MBL was positive in 15 (21.73%) of E. coli isolates. All those isolates tested sensitive to fosfomycin. Conclusion: The study revealed that fosfomycin had excellent activity against MDR E. coli causing UTI in our area. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(1): 008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.008 *Correspondence: Dr. Sameena Khan, Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India. E-mail: sameenak27@gmail.com

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant studies of the leaf extracts of some Indian medicinal plants from western Maharashtra

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant studies of the leaf extracts of some Indian medicinal plants from western Maharashtra

Anti-Jo1 Syndrome: Understanding a Rare Cause of Interstitial Lung Disease.

Anti-Jo1 syndrome is one of the most common amongst the various anti synthetase syndromes (ASS), which forms a subgroup of the idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM). It is characterised by myositis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), fever, Raynaud's phenomenon, and mechanic's hands; associated with the presence of anti-Jo1 antibodies in serum. Being an orphan disease, the clinical diagnosis is often delayed. In this retrospective study, all patients diagnosed as Anti-Jo1 syndrome, from two tertiary care hospitals in Western Maharashtra, between 01 January 2019 - 31 December 2020, were enrolled. The parameters studied included demographic data, clinical features at presentation, laboratory parameters, spirometry, and radiographic findings, along with treatment instituted. A total of 17 patients (8 males, 9 females) qualified for inclusion in the study. The mean age of diagnosis was 40 (±13) years with mean time to diagnosis being 2 years (± 0.6 years), from first clinical presentation. The most common presenting symptoms encountered were arthritis (n = 12, 70.5%), fever (n = 16, 70.5%), myositis (n=11, 64.7%) and breathlessness (n=10, 58.8%).10 patients had ILD at presentation on high resolution computerised tomography of chest (n=10, 58.8%) with restrictive lung defect on spirometry. Six patients required induction of immunosuppression using pulse methylprednisolone (n=6) and Rituximab (n=6), while 11 were managed with oral steroids. Mycophenolate mofetil (n=10) and Azathioprine (n=7) were used as maintenance immunosuppression. Anti-Jo1 syndrome is a myositis syndrome, presenting with a multitude of clinical features. Steroids and disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs form mainstay of therapy.

Prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) in adults of Western Maharashtra, India: A cross-sectional study.

Oral cavity cancer is estimated to be the third most common malignancy after cancer of cervix and stomach in developing countries. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between smoking, alcoholic consumption, betel quid chewing, and OPMD in a prospective manner. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 35-55-year-old adults of Western Maharashtra, India. Oral cavity examination as recommended by the American Dental Association specification was followed. Data recorded were transferred from precoded survey pro forma to the computer. The prevalence of OPMD was assessed by determining the percentage of the study population affected. Analysis was done to find out the risk of oral premalignant disorders. The Chi-square (x2) test and adjusted odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0 was used for the statistical analysis and significance level was set at P < 0.05. Odds of having OPMD are five times higher for those who smoke (OR = 5.78; 95% CI, [6.18, 7.82]) as compared to those who do not. The odds of suffering from OPMD are about five times higher among those who chew as compared to those who do not (OR = 4.98; 95%CI, [2.91, 7.28]). The mean frequency of tobacco chewing per day and duration in years in participants with OPMDs was significantly higher as compared with normal oral mucosa (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05), respectively, in the use of different tobacco forms. These findings can be used to design case control or cohort studies to further understand the relation between habits and OPMD.

Study of knowledge, attitude, and practices of biomedical waste management among healthcare workers in tertiary care government hospital in western Maharashtra

Background: Bio-medical wastes produced in the course of health care activities has a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste among healthcare workers. Studies in India and other developing countries have shown lack of knowledge and poor practice of biomedical waste (BMW) management.Methods: This was an observational hospital-based cross-sectional study. Study group included 210 healthcare workers, which includes doctors, interns, nursing staff, laboratory technicians, and class IV workers. Study was done by using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016.Results: The majority of doctors (92%), interns (90%), nursing staff (93%) had adequate knowledge about BMW management, but lab technicians and class IV workers (70%) had poor knowledge. Among all health care workers (HCW), 50% of HCW attended the training for biomedical waste management, 46% of the HCW thought that BMW management is an extra burden on work. Except for nursing staff (100%), other healthcare workers (&gt;55%) do not follow the color-coding of BMW.Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to conduct periodic training among all healthcare workers about all aspects related to bio-medical waste management.

A cross-sectional study to compare levels of physical activity among adolescents in rural and urban areas of Western Maharashtra

BackgroundChildhood and adolescent overweight and obesity has been associated with long term health deterioration. Lack of physical activity in this age group is an important contributing factor towards increase in overweight and obesity. Due to vast socio-cultural differences across India, it is important to assess the patterns of physical activity in different age groups and regions, to understand the differences among adolescents in different socio-geographic regions. However, the studies from India are inconsistent due to use of varied parameters and methodology and a need was felt of incorporating easy to use measures of quantifying physical activity. MethodsThe study was carried out on 416 adolescents (aged 10 to 17 years) from 2 schools each from urban and rural area of Western Maharashtra. The study populations were stratified by gender and age. The data on physical activity was collected using a pre-tested, researcher-administered questionnaire adapted from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and the Physical Activity Questionnaire- Adolescent (PAQ-A). Results16.8 percent of rural adolescents did not meet the defined criteria for adequate physical activity as compared to 33.2 percent in the urban population. Urban adolescent population was found to have significantly higher anthropometric measures of adiposity. ConclusionHigher proportion of adolescents performing adequate physical activity is likely to be a key factor in keeping the BMI and TMI lower in rural as compared to urban adolescent population.

​Production Performance and Economics of Forage Cropping Systems under Irrigated Condition of Western Maharashtra

Background: Green forages have important role in livestock sector as they are the main source of nutrition. Even then there is always deficit in green fodder supply as against the demand. Out of the total cultivated land at national level, area under fodder crops is about 4%. Under these circumstances the only way is to increase the productivity of fodder crops by adopting best forage cropping system. Growing of cereal-legume fodder crops, as intercrop, mixed crop and sequence crop increase the fodder production and also help to meet the balanced diet for livestock. Methods: A field study was conducted at Central Research Station of BAIF Development Research Foundation, Urulikanchan in three successive years from 2013-14 to 2015-16. The experiment was laid in a randomized block design with four replications and six different forage cropping systems. The experiment was conducted in light gravel soil. Result: Among the six different cropping systems studied, significantly higher green fodder yield of 792 q/ha/year, net monetary returns of Rs. 92891/ha/year and benefit-cost ratio of 1.92 was recorded in intercropping sequence of maize + cowpea (kharif), oat + berseem (rabi) and bajra + cowpea (summer). This cropping system has confirmed more fodder production from the cereal and legume inter crops with further additional benefits of provision of high quality fodder and net monetary returns.

Records of Monsoon Variability in the Rain-shadow Zone of Western Maharashtra, Based on Multi-proxy Studies of Deposits in Two Historical Tanks

Global climate change is the predominant socio-economic, environmental and political issue confronting the mankind in the 21st century. The humanity in future is likely to depend upon the realistic assessment of the present climate and reasonably accurate prediction of the future climate change. This requires better understanding of the dominant characteristics of past climates. Lakes and tanks located in the semi-arid and arid regions are particularly suitable for palaeoclimatic studies, because of their high sensitivity to shifts in precipitation. The present study has been carried out using multi-proxies (e.g., textural, geochemical, mineral magnetic and charophytes studies) of sediments of two historical tanks namely, Bhatodi (~450 yrs old) and Mastani (~270 yrs old), from the rain-shadow zone of Western Maharashtra to understand the nature of monsoon variability in the catchment area of the tanks. The multi-proxy analyses of 4-5m thick sediment sections have revealed that with the exception of some minor sedimentary units in the middle, the lake sediments are by and large similar. This implies only short-term, subtle to modest changes in the rainfall and runoff conditions in the catchment area during the last 2-3cm. There is no evidence a major shift in monsoon rainfall conditions in the rain-shadow zone.

Comparative Evaluation Of Knowledge And Awareness About Mucormycosis In Dental And Medical Practitioners In Western Maharashtra

Introduction: The estimated mucormycosis mortality rate in India ranges from 28-52%. High morbidity and mortality have been linked to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Medical and dental practitioners play a crucial role in identifying the disease and formulating a treatment plan. Hence it is important for medical and dental practitioners have adequate knowledge about mucormycosis.Objective: To evaluate and compare knowledge and awareness about mucormycosis amongst dental and medical practitioners.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among Medical and Dental practitioners in Western Maharashtra. A specially designed prevalidated questionnaire was developed, consisting of 15 questions. It was distributed through electronic mode utilizing google form during July 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2022. SPSS Version 21 software was used for statistical analysis. The data obtained was statistically analysed using paired T-test.Results: A total of 604 responses were obtained among which 266 (44.04%) were medical practitioners and 338 (54.96%) were dental practitioners. Variations in responses indicated that practitioners from both the groups were nescient regarding causative organisms, predisposing factors, and guidelines for drugs used in treatment of mucormycosis. There was no significant difference observed in the level of knowledge and awareness among both the groups.Conclusions: Majority of the dental and medical practitioners lacked adequate knowledge and awareness about causative agents, predisposing factors, clinical symptoms, and drug regimens used to treat mucormycosis. Periodic continuing professional education programs are required to impart updated knowledge about mucormycosis among these practitioners.

Diversity, seasonal abundance, distribution and damage of Jassids to crops from Western Maharashtra

Diversity, seasonal abundance, distribution and damage of Jassids to crops from Western Maharashtra

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Western Maharashtra; a Cross Sectional Study

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases and is the fifth leading cause of death in most developing countries. There is always a need to investigate knowledge, attitude and behavior among diabetic patients to aid in future development of national health programs and techniques for effective prevention. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of type II diabetes patients attending tertiary care teaching hospital of western Maharashtra. Material and Methods: This was observational cross sectional study. Patients above 18 years of age, either gender attending outpatient department of general medicine including newly diagnosed and follow up type II diabetes were included by using simple random sampling. Patients not willing to participate, patients who were not physically or psychologically able excluded. Total 275 patients included as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Out of total patients 57.82% (159) and 41.18% (116) were males and females respectively. In this study majority of patients were of 51 to 60 years (35.64%) age group followed by 61 to 70 years (28.73%) and 41 to 50 years (24.36%) age group. On analysis we found that though the majority (92.75%) of the patients aware about what diabetes is. Responses on attitude domains were somewhat mixed and 65.81% and 44.72% do not exercise and test blood for sugar regularly. Conclusions: The present study concluded that although type II diabetes patients have good knowledge, attitudes, but they lack in practice which is essential to control diabetes.

Clinical Spectrum and Outcome of Scrub Typhus Patients in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Western Maharashtra

Introduction: Acute febrile illness (AFI) is the most common presenting complaint in the emergency and outpatient clinics in developing countries. Scrub typhus is currently one of the most covert re-emerging infections and it is one of the commonly occurring rickettsial diseases in India. Objectives: To determine the clinical profile and outcome of scrub typhus patients admitted at a tertiary care centre of western Maharashtra for treatment. Material and Method: Present descriptive cross sectional study conducted over period of three years from October 2019 to October 2022. Study commenced after obtaining Institutional Ethical Permission (IEC). Clinically suspected patients undergone Weil-Fliex test followed by IgM ELISA for confirmation of diagnosis. Total 148 patients were included as inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Out of 148 patients 58.10% (86) and 41.89% (62) were male and female respectively. The commonest age group of patients was 21 to 30 years. Fever was the most common (81.75%) symptom and eschar (skin lesion) was seen in 16.21% (24) patients. Conclusion: Scrub typhus is an important cause of undifferentiated acute febrile illness should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown. Adequate knowledge about demographic and clinical profile scrub typhus helps in early diagnosis.

Diversity, Biology and Control of Insect pests of teak Tectona grandis (Linnaeus) from western Maharashtra

Diversity, Biology and Control of Insect pests of teak Tectona grandis (Linnaeus) from western Maharashtra

Evaluation of WBC Parameters and Their Significance in COVID-19 Patients in Western Maharashtra, India

Evaluation of WBC Parameters and Their Significance in COVID-19 Patients in Western Maharashtra, India