Vol 11, Issue 4, Oct-Dec, 2021

Background: Findings from many African countries show that the prevalence of onchocerciasis infection is fragmented and in a wide range. Clear and organized evidence that showed the prevalence is limited. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the pooled prevalence of onchocerciasis infection in the sub-Saharan African Countries. Methods: Published articles found in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was employed to determine the prevalence for onchocerciasis infection among peoples of all age groups in Africa. Observational studies from 1 January 2015 to 10 February 2021 revealed the prevalence of onchocerciasis in the sub-Saharan African countries was incorporated. The pooled prevalence of the studies was computed using STATA version 14 statistical software. The heterogeneity of the study was assessed using Cochrane Q test statistics, the I-squared values test, and the Galbraith plot. Considering within and between variability, the randomeffect model was used to determine the pooled prevalence. Funnel plot and egger’s tests were conducted to assess publication bias. Results: Out of 1985 accessed studies, 17 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of onchocerciasis infection. The pooled prevalence of onchocerciasis was 30% (95% CI: 13, 47) in sub-Saharan Africa. Thirty-two percent (95% CI: 9, 56)) and 28% (95% CI: 2, 54) of onchocerciasis infection were identified from the study conducted before 2015 and after 2015, respectively, based on the subgroup analysis. The prevalence of onchocerciasis among farmers and housewives was 35% (95% CI: 12, 58), 18% (95% CI: 10, 27), respectively. Conclusion: Onchocerciasis is still of immense public health importance. Hence, the local government and other stakeholders should implement rigorous and comprehensive onchocerciasis prevention strategies such as improved sanitation, vector control, mass drug administration campaigns, and multifaceted methods based on their context. Key words: Onchocerciasis, Prevalence, Meta-analysis, Systematic review, Africa.

COVID-19 has rattled our world, with devastating impact on children and families. Parents and children have been faced with new and evolving sources of stress in protecting them from the virus. The Novel COVID -19 pandemic situations have an impact in many ways on children. This article is an attempt to throw light on the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic among children and enumerates certain strategies to overcome it. Key words: Children, COVID-19 infection, Impact, Pandemic, Perspectives, Concerns.

Historically, qualitative research was rarely utilized to investigate public health problems as compared to the widely employed quantitative methods.1 Public health is not only about quantitative numbers but also described qualitatively from the perspective of community beliefs and experiences.2 Qualitative methods will help for thorough understanding of health system challenges and inform public health programs by examining how is the strategy working, which is going well, what are the challenges. Therefore, a depth understanding of such complexities and overarching contributors beyond numerical measures are required. Addressing such elements were not possible by a simple quantitative approach alone and qualitative exploration of the sociocultural interactions, community views, prior experiences and beliefs behind the determinants of health are essential.3

Introduction: Hepatitis B is the world’s prevalent blood-borne viral infection, specifically it is prevalent with its two flip sides of the coin such as in health care workers and pregnant women. Since health care workers have a vital role in providing health care, thus are more vulnerable to occupational risk. On the flip side, the most common method of transmission of HBV around the world is from mother to infant. Hence, both population knowledge and practice should be at an optimal level. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the system side knowledge and practice towards Hepatitis B be on the demand-side population in Sabarkantha, Gujarat. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. Data were obtained by using a piloted structured questionnaire in vernacular language from the supply-side (health workers) and demand-side (antenatal/ postnatal mothers) to assess the Knowledge of Hepatitis B at a point in time. Results: Study found 6.14 (± 2.89) and 1.69 (± 1.7) mean knowledge score (total score=14) towards the Hepatitis B disease, in the supply-side population and in the demand-side population respectively. The difference was statistically significant. In both populations, the most usual knowledge for symptoms and transmission of hepatitis reported were for Jaundice and hepatitis vaccine. Though the 60.9 % ANC/PNC revealed ASHA, as the most common source of information, the influence of ASHA’s knowledge on ANC/PNC was not up to the mark. Furthermore, the study noticed ambiguity between Hepatitis A, E and Hepatitis B knowledge in both populations. Conclusion: There is need of frequent context tailored training of Hepatitis B amongst supply-side workers. Key words: HBsAg, Hepatitis B, ASHA, ANC/PNC, KAP.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is an AIDS-related sickness, since HIV-positive women have a higher incidence of persistent HPV infection, which increases the risk of developing premalignant lesion of the cervix. Early detection by screening is one way to manage cervical cancer. The study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake among a target of 670 HIV/AIDS patients attending the Comprehensive Care Centre at Nandi County Referral Hospital between July and October 2020 in Kenya. Methods: It adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design, employing quantitative approach. The sample size was 190, calculated using Fisher’s formula. Sampling was by systematic and purposeful random techniques. Primary data was collected using an open- and closed-ended questionnaire. It was then analysed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to generate frequencies, percentages and means for presentation. Chi-square test of independence and logistic regression helped to test for association between socio-demographic factors and uptake of cervical cancer screening. Results: From the findings, the average was 33.8 years; majority were Christian (94.2%) and most, 152(80%), had over two children. A significant relationship existed between age (0.003), level education (0.001), and uptake of cervical cancer screening (p < 0.05). However, marital status (0.904) and number of children (0.829) did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Evidently, socio-demographics of HIV-positive women greatly influence their uptake of cervical cancer screening. Consequently, the government should increase awareness on cervical cancer screening through in the county health facilities and in communities. Key words: Socio-Demographic, Cervical Cancer Screening, HIV/AIDS Patients, HPV Infection.

Background: The COVID-19 restrictions curtailed various physical activities whose effects are unfortunate because daily exercise may help combat the disease by boosting our immune systems and counteracting some of the co-morbidities that make us more susceptible to severe COVID-19 illness. Objectives: To study the physical activity behaviour, levels and its relationship with personal variables during COVID-19 lockdown, and to explore the differences between the inactive and active group respondents in terms of physical activity preferences, motivating and restricting factors. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional descriptive online survey (Google forms) design was used and snowball sampling method was used to reach the respondents. Questionnaire consisted of four parts; 1) Demographics, 2) Occupation, Screen and Sleep behaviour, 3) Physical Activity behaviour, 4) Preferred physical activities, restricting and motivating factors to do any physical activity. To study the TPA OPA, MV-LTPA and HHPA were considered. Results and Discussion: A total of 400 respondents (male 56.2, female 43.2%)) were eligible for the analysis, majority (93.6%) of them were young adults (18-38) involved in sedentary to light occupation (95.3%).Sedentary behavior in occupation was doubled (80%) as compared to pre-COVID situation (42.5%). Majority of the respondents reported an increase in screen and sleep time. On calculating TPA ~33% of the respondents were found in each group; inactive, active and very active. Majority of them were performing pa for <150m/w in each domain i.e. OPA, MV-LTPA and HHPA. Significant difference was found between male and female, of all the three domains, in their physical activity group whereas no significant difference was found in their TPA group. Significant association was found between physical activity groups in terms of considering physical activity benefits, change in post COVID physical activity, and their self reported type of physical activity. Significant association was found between male and female respondents in terms of their BMI and perceived Body weight whereas no association was found between physical activity groups in terms of their BMI and body weight perception. Family/friends and health benefits were the most motivating factors for the majority of respondents whereas social distancing norms and lack of motivation were reported as restricting factors in doing physical activity. Conclusion: It can be concluded that physical activity among people was low even before the COVID-19 pandemic, this pandemic 0.5530/ijmedph.2021.4.37acted as a catalyst in promoting sedentary behavior. Key words: Physical activity, Physical health, COVID-19.

Introduction: WHO has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic on 11th March 2020. The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID19) has rapidly spread worldwide. First case of COVID-19 was reported on 30th January 2020 in Kerala state, India. The first COVID-19 case was reported to Government Allopathic medical College Banda on 1st April 2020, and thereafter many COVID-19 cases were admitted and treated. This study was conducted to find the epidemiological variables affection mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: Study design: This study was a hospital based cross-sectional study. The outbreak of second wave started and the period was 1st April 2021 to 30th June 2021. Socio-demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms present, history of co-morbidities and vaccination history etc. were taken at the time of admission. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was estimated for all the potential covariates associated with death. The p-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Maximum number of cases was found in the age group of 41-60 years (463) followed by 21-40 year age group (379). Out of 1226 cases, 795 (64.8%) cases were males respectively. The covariates marital status, sore throat, breathlessness and vaccination status were found to be significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: Breathlessness, cough, sore throat and fever were the important clinical findings of this study. Also comorbidity was one of the significant risk factors. The COVID death can be minimized by vaccination; therefore there is a need of awareness and health education about COVID vaccine in community. Key words: COVID-19, Death, Vaccine, Epidemiology, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Prescription auditing is one of the important tool to avoid misuse of drugs and improves rational use of drugs. The performance of the health care providers related to the appropriate use of drugs can be accessed by analyzing the different prescribing indicators. An Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) can be defined as ‘an appreciably harmful or unpleasant reaction resulting from an intervention related to the use of a medicinal product. This can be assessed by using probability scale, severity assessment scales, etc. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to audit the prescriptions, evaluate the incidence of ADR and assess health related quality of life. Methodology: A Prospective interventional study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in south Kerala during the study period of 6 months. A total no.of 235 inpatients in general medicine department were included during the study. Results: Out of 235 prescriptions, 1742 drugs were analyzed using prescription auditing checklist. The average no.of drugs were prescribed about 7.41. The incidence of ADRs is 0.025 and 6 were identified and analyzed using Naranjo scale and Hartwig severity assessment scale. In health related quality of life shows significance in age, BMI, gender, socioeconomic status and prescribing indicators in different aspects. Conclusion: There is a need for improvement in the standards of prescription patterns in all aspects. The health related quality of life will helps to assess physical and mental attitudes of patients which may affect their drug therapy. Key words: Prescription Auditing, Adverse Drug Monitoring, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL).

Cotard’s syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric condition characterised by extreme delusion of nihilism or negation towards self. It is mostly associated with psychiatric conditions like major depressive disorder, schizophrenia as well as some organic brain conditions like brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis etc. Of the innumerable types of presentations of this condition, food refusal is a rare type and hence we report this case as such. Key words: Cotards’s syndrome, Delusion, Guilt, Food refusal, Rare.

The second wave of Covid 19 after causing disruption across various sectors all over India, is finally showing a downward trend in terms of daily active cases.1 Now, it is important on part of the central and the state governments not to lower their guard in terms of number of COVID-19 testing centres, Dedicated Covid Care centres, manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and most importantly the ongoing Covid Vaccination drive.2 As our population is more than 1.3 billion, it has to be understood that it would take a lot of time to inoculate the whole nation. In the present scenario, the goal of the Indian government is to vaccinate 300 million people by the end of August 2021.3 As of June 17, 2021, more than 260 million doses of the vaccine has been delivered across India4 but the decrease in supply, as well as perceived hesitancy among the general public especially in rural areas to get vaccinated, is a real cause of concern. The main challenge on part of the government lies in mobilizing the people in such areas by enabling them to understand the importance vaccination. Also, lower literacy rates and many cultural, as well as social barriers, hamper the vaccination drive, especially in remote areas. Sometimes some odd cases of Adverse Events.