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Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Jain A, Mithra P, Kumar N, Holla R. Integrating Research into Undergraduate Medical Education Curriculum: A 20-year Experience from a Medical School in Coastal South India. Indian J Community Med 2022; 47:479-482. [PMID: 36742976 PMCID: PMC9891058 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_926_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research is the key to advancement in medical science. Medical school can nurture the skill of research right from the under graduation. Research forms an integral part of the medical curriculum in western countries. We attempted the same in our medical school in India. We developed a structured research methodology program, which was implemented in the undergraduate (UG) curriculum in two phases. Phase I focuses on research methodology and Phase II on manuscript writing. With the implementation of a competency-based medical education curriculum (CBME), we have extended the research methodology program with manuscript writing and introduction to systematic reviews, which is being offered as electives to UG medical students in the third professional year. Our experience in training students at an UG level has been immensely satisfying. We hope that this article will help other medical schools to adopt a similar method of training UG medical students in research methodology and scientific medical writing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - T Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Animesh Jain
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasanna Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Nithin Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramesh Holla
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Kannan R, Rao S, Mithra P, Rajesh SM, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T. Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Coastal South India. J Nepal Paedtr Soc 2018. [DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v37i3.18734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Correction: On 13th June, Prasanna Mithra was added as an author of this paper.Introduction: Progress in new-born survival has been slow. There is a variation in neonatal death rates across states and geographical region of a country. Understanding the pattern of mortality is essential in improving new-born survival. This study was conducted to study the mortality and morbidity profile in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a university teaching hospital.Material and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study including records of all neonates admitted in NICU from January 2015 to December 2016.Results 3623 neonates were admitted during the study period. Majority were preterm and low birth weight babies. Neonatal jaundice (41.4%) was the leading cause of admission. Major cause of morbidity was sepsis (26.2%). Average duration of stay were higher in out borns (8.4 days) compared to inborn (6.5 days) neonates. Among mortality a higher male predominance was seen. Neonatal sepsis (36.3%) was the single most common cause of mortality followed by respiratory distress syndrome (27.4%) and congenital malformations (18.6%). Out born neonates which were self-transported had higher mortality rate than transported by ambulance.Conclusion This study identifies sepsis, prematurity and low birth weight as the major causes of morbidity. Sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome and congenital malformations were the leading causes of mortality Understanding causes of neonatal mortality may help to implement interventions to promote new-born survival.
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Kumar A, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Mithra P, Kumar N, Kulkarni V, Holla R, Darshan B, Chekragari M. Determinants for Acceptability of a Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme (Janani Suraksha Yojana) for Encouraging Institutional Deliveries among Antenatal Mothers. Journal of Health Management 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0972063418763655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this artile is to assess the determinants of acceptance of conditional cash transfer scheme (Janani Suraksha Yojana [JSY]) among antenatal women in Mangalore.The study is on matched case control study. The study has been carried out in the Government maternity hospital of Manipal University and on the antenatal women visiting government hospital for Ante natal care (ANC) and belonged to below poverty line. Total of 136 pregnant females, that is, 68 cases (availing conditional cash benefit) and 68 controls (not availing conditional cash benefit), were recruited in the study. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used as data collection tool. The association between the educational status of the participant and their acceptance of JSY and association between the educational status of the participant’s spouse and acceptance of JSY by their wives has been found to be statistically significant. The JSY has been successfully promoting institutional deliveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - B. Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - T. Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasanna Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Nithin Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vaman Kulkarni
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramesh Holla
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - B.B. Darshan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Nithin K, Tanuj K, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Prasanna M, Vaman K, Ramesh H, Darshan B, Samskruthi R. Gender preferences among antenatal women: a cross-sectional study from coastal South India. Afr Health Sci 2015; 15:560-7. [PMID: 26124803 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v15i2.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A balanced sex ratio is essential for a stable society. OBJECTIVE The main objective of the present research was to study the perceptions of women attending the antenatal care (ANC) facility regarding their gender preferences and family composition. METHOD In this cross-sectional study 132 antenatal women were interviewed in their preferred language using a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. The collected information was analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. RESULTS The mean age of the study participants was 27.2 ± 4.1 years. The majority of the antenatal women (60.6%, n=80) did not have any gender preferences. Among those who had a gender preference (39.4%, n=52), male and female preference was reported by 55.7% (n=29) and 44.3% (n=23) of the participants respectively. The overall son preference index was observed to be 1.3. No consistent relationship could be established between the socio-demographic factors and the preference for gender. The mean preferred family size in our study was 1.85±0.531 and more than half of the participants had a balanced gender preference. The majority of the participants were aware that the adverse sex ratio can lead to fall in the number of brides and that it would bring about a social imbalance. CONCLUSION As a developed society we need to ensure that both the genders get equal respect and are free from any sort of preferences and prejudices. To achieve this, more and more people need to be made aware of the consequences of gender imbalance and adverse sex ratio in a society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Nithin
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Kanchan Tanuj
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University) Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - T Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mithra Prasanna
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Kulkarni Vaman
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Holla Ramesh
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhagwan Darshan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Reddy Samskruthi
- Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Unnikrishnan B, Kanchan T, Holla R, Kumar N, Rekha T, Mithra P, Kulkarni V, Reshmi B. Medical students' research - facilitators and barriers. J Clin Diagn Res 2014; 8:XC01-XC04. [PMID: 25654016 PMCID: PMC4316322 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2014/10223.5291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undergraduate research in medicine is important to expose and encourage the students towards the newer advances and research practices. The present study was taken up in a medical institute to assess the perception of the medical faculty about research undertaken by the medical undergraduates, and identifying the barriers faced by them in training undergraduate students for research. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire on perceptions, barriers and limitations towards undergraduate research was distributed to 105 participants included in the study. The responses of the participants were collected on a five point Likert scale and analysed using spss version 11.5. RESULTS There was a strong agreement among the faculty about students' interest in carrying out research (95.1%), and that they had gained knowledge to design, conduct, present and publish their research from the projects undertaken by them (90.2%). Among the barriers for training undergraduate research, time consumption was perceived as a barrier by the participating medical teachers (37.7%) followed by lack of motivation and commitment among students (19.7%). Time constraint was the commonest reason for the faculty in not guiding undergraduate research (39.0%). A larger proportion of medical teachers suggested that incentives for students and teachers (62.7%) and frequent workshops for students related to undergraduate research (61.8%) are likely to encourage the students and teachers and thus, improve the scenario. CONCLUSION It is suggested to address certain important issues like reducing the workload of faculty engaged in undergraduate research, and conducting frequent research methodology workshops for the under graduate students to improvise the standards of undergraduate research.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Unnikrishnan
- Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - Ramesh Holla
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - Nithin Kumar
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - T Rekha
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - Prasanna Mithra
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - Vaman Kulkarni
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - B Reshmi
- Associate Professor, Department of Health Information Management, SOAHS, Manipal University, India
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Mithra P, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Nithin K, Mohan K, Kulkarni V, Holla R, Agarwal D. Compliance with iron-folic acid (IFA) therapy among pregnant women in an urban area of south India. Afr Health Sci 2014; 14:255-60. [PMID: 26060488 PMCID: PMC4449048 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v14i1.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaemia is highly prevalent among pregnant women and iron deficiency is the most important cause. Like many other countries, India has policies to give pregnant women iron supplements. Non-compliance is one important challenging factor in combating anaemia. OBJECTIVE To estimate the compliance for IFA tablets among pregnant women and to study the social factors influencing it. METHODOLOGY This study included 190 pregnant women seeking ante-natal care in tertiary health Centres in the Mangalore city in South India. After Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval, data was collected by personal interview. Missing ≥2 doses consecutively was considered non-compliance. The data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 11.5. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 25.8 years (SD: 4.1). Majority of the subjects consumed mixed diet and 72.1% belonged to lower socioeconomic status. Overall, compliance with IFA tablets was 64.7%. Compliance increased with the increase in age, birth order and single daily dose. Forgetfulness and both perceived as well as experienced side effects of IFA therapy were the important factors for non-compliance. CONCLUSION There was a moderate level of Compliance towards IFA tablets with key social and demographic factors playing important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
| | - B Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
| | - T Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
| | - K Nithin
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
| | - K Mohan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
| | - V Kulkarni
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
| | - R Holla
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
| | - D Agarwal
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore; India
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Unnikrishnan B, Kanchan T, Kulkarni V, Kumar N, Papanna MK, Rekha T, Mithra P. Perceptions and practices of medical practitioners towards ethics in medical practice - a study from coastal South India. J Forensic Leg Med 2014; 22:51-6. [PMID: 24485422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ethics is the application of values and moral rules to human activities. Medical practitioners are expected to not only have the skills and knowledge relevant to their field but also with the ethical and legal expectations that arise out of the standard practices. The present research was conducted with an aim to study the perceptions and practices of medical practitioners towards healthcare ethics in Indian scenario and to strengthen the evidence in the field of ethics training. A cross-sectional study was carried out in three associate hospitals of a Medical College in Southern India. Medical practitioners included in the study were administered a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was collected based on their responses on a 5 point Likert scale and analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. The majority of the participants mentioned that their perceptions of ethics in medical practice were based on information obtained during their undergraduate training, followed by experience at work. The medical practitioners had a positive perception on issues relating to consent in medical practice. However, the same degree of perception was not observed for issues related to confidentiality and their dealing with patients during emergency conditions. The majority of the medical practitioners agreed that ethical conduct is important to avoid legal and disciplinary actions. Among the medical practitioners, the responses of specialists and non-specialists were mostly similar with major differences of opinion for a few issues. A highest level of knowledge, awareness and understanding of ethics are expected in medical practice as it is the foundation of sound healthcare delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Affiliated to Manipal University), Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Affiliated to Manipal University), Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India.
| | - Vaman Kulkarni
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Affiliated to Manipal University), Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India
| | - Nithin Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Affiliated to Manipal University), Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohan Kumar Papanna
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Affiliated to Manipal University), Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India
| | - T Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Affiliated to Manipal University), Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasanna Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Affiliated to Manipal University), Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India
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Mithra P, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Nithin K, Mohan K, Kulkarni V, Kulkarni V, Agarwal D. Compliance with iron-folic acid (IFA) therapy among pregnant women in an urban area of south India. Afr Health Sci 2013; 13:880-5. [PMID: 24940307 PMCID: PMC4056486 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v13i4.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaemia is highly prevalent among pregnant women and iron deficiency is the most important cause. Like many other countries, India has policies to give pregnant women iron supplements. Non-compliance is one important challenging factor in combating anaemia. OBJECTIVE To estimate the compliance for IFA tablets among pregnant women and to study the social factors influencing it. METHODOLOGY This study included 190 pregnant women seeking ante-natal care in tertiary health centres in the Mangalore city in south India. After Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval, data was collected by personal interview. Missing >2 doses consecutively was considered non-compliance. The data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 11.5. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 25.8 years (SD: 4.1). Most of the subjects consumed mixed diet and 72.1% belonged to lower socioeconomic status. Overall, compliance with IFA tablets was 64.7%. Compliance increased with the increase in age, birth order and single daily dose. Forgetfulness and both perceived as well as experienced side effects of IFA therapy were the important factors for non-compliance. CONCLUSION There was a moderate level of compliance towards IFA tablets with key social and demographic factors playing an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - B Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - T Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - K Nithin
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - K Mohan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - V Kulkarni
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - V Kulkarni
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
| | - D Agarwal
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore, India
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Mithra P, Ravindra P, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Kanchan T, Kumar N, Papanna M, Kulkarni V, Holla R, Divyavaraprasad K. Perceptions and attitudes towards organ donation among people seeking healthcare in tertiary care centers of coastal South India. Indian J Palliat Care 2013; 19:83-7. [PMID: 24049347 PMCID: PMC3775029 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.116701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Organ transplantation is the most preferred treatment modality for end-stage organ diseases. The need for the transplants is higher than the availability. Prerequisites for the success of transplantation program include awareness and positive attitudes. Aim: To assess the perceptions and attitudes of the people seeking health care in tertiary care centers towards organ donation in Mangalore, India. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study included 863 people seeking general healthcare as outpatients. Materials and Methods: Face to face interviews were carried out using pretested tools which included the socio demographic data. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 11.5. Results: Overall, 59.6% participants showed the willingness to donate organs. Females (64.1%) and participants from upper socio economic status (62.7%) had higher willingness rates for organ donations. Hindus (63.6%) and Christians (63.3%) had higher willingness rates for organ donations than Muslims (38.2%). Also, 23.7% participants showed willingness to donate eyes and 33.6% wished to donate any organ after death. Most of the participants (67%) were aware that money should not be accepted for donating organs, and 58.1% were aware that it is an offence to accept any benefit for organ donations. Forty percent participants had perceived risks associated with organ donation. Regarding donor cards, 42.3% of the participants knew about it and 3.7% already possessed it. Conclusion: It is apparent from the study that though there was high level of awareness about organ donation, a high proportion of the participants did not have positive attitudes towards organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Kumar N, Kanchan T, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Mithra P, Kulkarni V, Papanna MK, Holla R, Uppal S. Perceptions and practices of self-medication among medical students in coastal South India. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72247. [PMID: 24015223 PMCID: PMC3756058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-medication is a common practice worldwide and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. This study assessed the prevalence of self-medication among the medical students in South India. The data was analysed using SPSS version 11.5. A total of 440 students were included in the study. The prevalence of self-medication was 78.6%. A larger number of females were self-medicating (81.2%) than males (75.3%). The majority of the students self-medicated because of the illness being too trivial for consultation (70.5%). Antipyretics were most commonly self-medicated by the participants (74.8%). Only 47% of the participants opined that self-medication was a part of self-care and it needs to be encouraged. 39.3% of the participants perceived that the supply of medicine without prescription by the pharmacist can prevent the growing trend of self-medication. Easy availability and accessibility to health care facilities remains the cornerstone for reducing the practice of self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithin Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - T. Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasanna Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vaman Kulkarni
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohan Kumar Papanna
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramesh Holla
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Surabhi Uppal
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Rekha T, Singh P, Unnikrishnan B, Prasanna Mithra P, Kumar N, Prasad KDV, Raina V, Kumar Papanna M, Kulkarni V. Sputum collection and disposal among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in coastal South India. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2013; 17:621-3. [PMID: 23575327 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.12.0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safe sputum disposal practices minimise the spread of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). OBJECTIVES To study the perceptions and practices of sputum disposal among PTB patients. METHODOLOGY This study was conducted among 206 diagnosed sputum-positive TB patients registered in selected DOTS centres in Mangalore. RESULTS Safe sputum disposal practice was followed by 50% of the subjects: it was higher among females (62%), patients of middle socio-economic status (75.5%) and those with a family history of TB (70%). Furthermore, 75% patients believed that TB was caused by several factors. CONCLUSIONS High proportions of subjects were unaware about the causes of TB and did not practise safe disposal of sputum.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rekha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, India.
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Reshmi B, Unnikrishnan B, Mithra P, Rekha T. Awareness and attitude of the general public toward HIV AIDS in coastal South India - a community based crossectional study. Retrovirology 2012. [PMCID: PMC3360317 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-9-s1-p105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Unnikrishnan B, Papanna MB, Vaman K, Nithin K, Rekha T, Prasanna Mithra P. Perceptions about training and knowledge of HIV/AIDS ethics among health care providers at teaching hospitals of a medical college in Karnataka, India. Indian J Med Ethics 2012; 9:242-4. [PMID: 23099595 DOI: 10.20529/ijme.2012.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate perceptions of HIV/AIDS ethics among health care professionals at three associate hospitals of Kasturba Medical College Mangalore. A total of 144 health care professionals were included, of which 106 (73.6%) were doctors and 38 (26.4%) were nurses.Only 52.8% of doctors and 56.6% of nurses agreed that they had received adequate training related to HIV data confidentiality. 85.8% of doctors and 76.3% of nurses perceived that they need additional training in HIV policies & procedures. With respect to rights of HIV-positive clients 92.5% of doctors and 84.2% of nurses felt the need for further training. 69% of doctors and 52.6% of nurses agreed that confidentiality could be breached in case of subpoena or other judicial processes. Only 68.4% nurses agreed that it is an offence to intentionally disclose HIV/AIDS confidential information to anyone who is not legally authorised.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Unnikrishnan
- Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka 575 001 INDIA
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Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Mithra PP, Kumar N, Reshmi B. Perceptions of Medical Students about their Educational Environment in Community Medicine in a Medical College of Coastal Karnataka. Indian J Community Med 2012; 37:130-2. [PMID: 22654288 PMCID: PMC3361797 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0218.96106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, India
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Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Kumar G, Reshmi B, Mithra P, Sanjeev B. Harassment among Women at Workplace: A Cross-Sectional Study in Coastal South India. Indian J Community Med 2011; 35:350-2. [PMID: 20922123 PMCID: PMC2940202 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0218.66888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 03/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, (Manipal University), India
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Rekha T, Martin KP, Sreekumar VB, Madassery J. Genetic Diversity Assessment of Rarely Cultivated Traditional Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties. Biotechnol Res Int 2011; 2011:784719. [PMID: 21776396 PMCID: PMC3137972 DOI: 10.4061/2011/784719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting was performed to assess the genetic
diversity among rarely cultivated traditional indica rice (Oryza sativa
L.) varieties collected from a tribal hamlet of Kerala State, India. A
total of 664 DNA bands amplified by 15 primers exhibited 72.9% polymorphism (an
average of 32.3 polymorphic bands per primer). The varieties Jeerakasala and
Kalladiyaran exhibited the highest percent (50.19%) polymorphism, while Thondi and
Adukkan showed the lowest (9.85%). Adukkan (78 bands) and Jeerakasala (56 bands)
yielded the highest and the lowest number of amplicons, respectively. Unweighted
Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean analysis using the Dice similarity
coefficient showed the highest value of similarity coefficient between the varieties
Adukkan and Thondi, both shared higher level of similarity (0.81), followed by
Kanali and Thondi (0.88). Of the three subclusters, the varieties of Adukkan,
Thondi, Kanali, Mannuveliyan, Thonnuranthondi, and Chennellu grouped together with a
similarity of 0.77. The second group represented by Navara, Gandhakasala, and
Jeerakasala with a similarity coefficient of 0.76 formed a cohesive group. The
variety Kalladiyaran formed an isolated position that joined the second cluster. The
Principal Coordinate Analysis also showed separation of Kalladiyaran from the other
varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rekha
- Department of Biotechnology, Calicut University, Kerala 673 635, India
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Rekha T, Mithra P, Bukelo M, Unnikrishnan B, Kumar N, Ballala K. Perceptions and practices regarding use of personal listening devices among medical students in coastal South India. Noise Health 2011; 13:329-32. [DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.85500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Bukelo MJ, Kanchan T, Unnikrishnan B, Rekha T, Ashoka B, Rau ATK. Study of finger print patterns in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2010; 7:21-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-010-9190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rekha T, Khan AA, Alavi A, Hussain MA, Habeeb A, Ahmed N, Habibullah CM. GENETIC FINE STRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI ISOLATES BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT. Indian J Med Microbiol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0255-0857(21)03066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Rekha T, Khan AA, Alavi A, Hussain MA, Habeeb A, Ahmed N, Habibullah CM. Genetic fine structure analysis of Helicobacter pylori isolates before and after treatment. Indian J Med Microbiol 2003; 21:166-71. [PMID: 17643012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eradication of H. pylori infection cures peptic ulcer disease and conversely, relapse is associated with reappearance of H. pylori infection. However, it is not clear whether the recurrence of ulcers following H. pylori eradication is due to recrudescence (identical strain) of the previous infection or as a result of exogenous reinfection (different strain) by another strain. The aim of the present study was to analyze the FAFLP patterns of pre and post treatment H. pylori samples to check if the recurrence was due to recrudescence or reinfection. MATERIALS AND METHODS 24 of 30 duodenal ulcer (DU) subjects screened for H. pylori infection were positive for H. pylori infection. The treatment regime included pantoprazole, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin. The patients were called for a repeat endoscopy after one month and screened for H. pylori infection. FAFLP analysis and PCR for the cagA and vacA gene was performed for the pre and post treatment samples. RESULTS Of the 24 positive H. pylori patients, only 6 were negative after treatment and the remaining 18 were positive for H. pylori infection. The analysis of the pre and post treatment samples of the 18 patients showed that the FAFLP profiles of the initial and follow-up pools were similar to one another. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that in the present series of patients, reinfection was due to recrudescence of infection due to incomplete eradication. The study also suggests that DNA fingerprinting by FAFLP provides discriminatory and complementary data for identifying strains of H. pylori while monitoring therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rekha
- Centre for Liver Diseases, Owaisi Hospital & Research Centre, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad - 500 058, India
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