A CASE REPORT ON HYPOKALEMIC PARALYSIS AS A RARE PRESENTATION OF KIDNEY INVOLVEMENT IN PRIMARY SJOGREN'S SYNDROME.

Background: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects exocrine glands, commonly causing dry eyes and a dry mouth (sicca component). It can also involve non-exocrine organs, including the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, central and peripheral nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and kidneys. Case presentation: A 21-year-old female presented with sudden quadriparalysis and normal vital signs, ruling out common causes. Clinical examination revealed muscle weakness and absent reflexes. Laboratory findings included low serum potassium, ECG changes indicative of hypokalemia, and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. A urine spot test confirmed inappropriate renal potassium loss, diagnosing type 1 distal renal tubular acidosis. Positive autoimmune markers led to the diagnosis of primary Sjogren's syndrome. Treatment with sodium bicarbonate, prednisolone, and oral potassium supplementation resulted in improved muscle power. Conclusion: Kidney involvement in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) can present uncommonly as hypokalemic paralysis, sometimes occurring before the onset of sicca symptoms. Physicians should consider pSS in patients presenting with hypokalemic paralysis and renal tubular acidosis (RTA), even in the absence of sicca symptoms. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential to manage potentially life-threatening hypokalemia and improve renal outcomes

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ASSOCIATED WITH SELF-MEDICATION AMONGST MEDICAL STUDENTS AT MEDICARE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ COLLEGE. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background Self-medication is the consumption and use of medicinal products to treat disorders or symptoms of disease; it can also be the intermittent or continued use of a previously prescribed drug to treat recurring and chronic illness. PurposeTo assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students towards self-medication in Medicare health professionals’ college ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence, assess the knowledge determine the attitude toward self-medication among medical students at Medicare health professionals’ college. MethodologyA descriptive cross-sectional study was used which employed a quantitative method where data was collected once with no follow-up of respondents. This was a cheaper study design and it was done in a shorter period of time. Data was analysed using MS Excel package and descriptive statistics which include frequency and percentages were used and data was presented on figures, graphs, and tables. FindingsThe prevalence of self-medication was found to be high at 93% with the majority of respondent’s 32% practicing self-medication five times or more. 68.4% of the respondents had good knowledge of self-medication with 89% reporting having heard about self-medication before, almost all respondents 97.9% correctly defined Self-medication as consuming a drug without a prescription from a health worker, and 64.5% of respondents had good attitude towards self-medication with up to 43% believing that self-medication is not a dangerous practice,49.3 agreeing that SM is a part of self-care and 84% admitting they would recommend Self-medication to a colleague .ConclusionDespite their good knowledge about self-medication and its effects, the respondents had a positive attitude towards self-medication leading to them practicing it. This is evidenced by the high incidence rate of self-medication. RecommendationSensitization of students on self-medication and its effects should be implemented by the institution to promote attitude change and increase knowledge among students

IMPACT OF CHILD LABOUR THROUGH SUGARCANE GROWING ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN WAIBUGA SUB COUNTY, LUUKA DISTRICT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background The study sought to investigate the impact of child labor through sugarcane growing on the academic performance in primary schools of Waibuga Sub County in Luuka District. Methodology.  A cross-sectional study design was used and a review of primary documents, review of secondary documents, interview method, focus group discussion, and observation method were used. Asked the extent to which children are involved in sugarcane growing. Results.  5 out of 100 respondents representing 5% said to a very big extent, 45 out of 100 respondents representing 45% said to a big extent, while 50 respondents representing 50% said to a small extent.  40 out of 100 respondents representing 40% said to a very big extent, 50 out of 100 respondents representing 50% said to a big extent, while only 10 respondents out of 100 representing 10% said to a small extent. Conclusion There is a significant correlation between child labor and academic performance. Recommendation. There is a dire need for the Government of Uganda to enact laws

INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH FACILITATING THE ERUPTION OF IMPACTED TEETH: A CASE SERIES

This case series explores an interdisciplinary approach to managing impacted teeth, emphasizing the complexities involved and the successful outcomes achieved. Impacted teeth, defined as those failing to erupt within the physiological timeframe, present challenges due to various factors such as arch length deficiencies, retained deciduous teeth, or odontome-like conditions. Third molars are commonly impacted, but this series delves into instances where other teeth are affected. Clinical examinations and diagnostic tools aid in treatment planning by providing insights into the impacted tooth's position and surrounding structures. Dental morphology and eruption timing knowledge are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. The case series highlights three distinct cases, detailing the treatment strategies employed to facilitate the eruption of impacted teeth using an interdisciplinary approach

FACTORS AFFECTING COLD CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN VIRIKA HOSPITAL, KABAROLE DISTRICT. A CROSS–SECTIONAL OBSERVATION STUDY.

BackgroundThe cold chain is a supply of temperature-sensitive products that include vaccines, insulin, chemotherapy drugs, and other treatments such as Oxytocin, therefore, millions of these products are produced, transported, stored, and distributed worldwide yet the cost of these products and controlled of temperature is essential in the healthcare industry. The research will help health workers to improve the storage practices of cold-chain pharmaceutical products. The general objective was to assess the cold chain storage practices of pharmaceutical products in Virika Hospital Kabarole district.Methodology:The study design employed was cross-sectional with a study sample of 36 respondents using structured and semi-structured questionnaires as a data collection tool, finally, the data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel.ResultsFrom the study findings, most respondents were nurses (77.7%), followed by clinicians (11.1%) and pharmacy technicians and pharmacists (5.6%).within the hospital there was an automated generator, and most of the respondents(94.4%) had connections to the automated generator and a few (5.6%) had no connections yet and the following factors were found out to be affecting cold chain medicines; unstable power supply to the hospital, time for the refrigerators being operative is limited and insufficient knowledge of some health workers (8.3%), about the accurate temperature under which the cold chain can be maintained.ConclusionIn conclusion, the overall factors that affect cold chain medicines were not such pleasing though the health workers’ knowledge about cold chain practices was not alerting.RecommendationThe hospital administration in touch with the Ministry of Health should conduct training in hospitals and health facilities that store or issue cold chain medicines to empower health workers with knowledge for the storage of cold chain medicines

A CASE REPORT ON ZYGOMATIC ABSCESS: OUR EXPERIENCE.

To study the various etiologies of zygomatic abscess, its clinical presentations and management in different situations. Zygomatic abscess commonly occurs as a complication of chronic suppurative otitis media, but it may even present as primary infection of zygomatic bone. We have studied six cases of zygomatic abscess, who presented with varied presentation to our OPD in the last 18 months. Two patients presented with primary tuberculosis of zygomatic bone with normal aerated mastoid. Two presented with zygomatic abscess secondary to TB mastoiditis. Rest 33% had zygomatic abscess secondary to chronic suppurative otitis media with active squamosal disease. Appropriate investigations for diagnosing the primary cause of zygomatic abscess is essential for complete cure of the condition. In developing countries, where most of the population belonging to middle and low socioeconomic status, tuberculosis must be kept in mind as a DD

A CLINICAL STUDY OF EVALUATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISTAL END FEMUR FRACTURE MANAGEMENT, BIHAR, INDIA.

BackgroundNearly six percent of all femur fractures are distal fractures. The purpose of this study was to assess how treating distal femur fractures affected functional results. Materials and Methods64 patients of both sexes who had distal femur fractures were analyzed. The study noted details including the fracture subtype, affected side, and etiology of damage. Utilizing the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College, Gaya for Special Surgery scoring system, functional results were evaluated. ResultsOf the 64 patients, 30 were men and 34 were women. Thirty incidents of injuries were caused by traffic accidents, 17 by falls, and 19 by other reasons. 13 individuals had fractures to their right side, and 27 to their left. In 40 cases, treatment involved open reduction with locking compression plates; in the other 18 cases, closed reduction was used. The average knee score was 88.2, and the range of knee flexion was 101 degrees. In 54 cases, the functional outcomes were excellent, in 21 cases good, and in 4 cases fair. Two cases of limb length discrepancy, one case of malunion, two cases of shortening, and two cases of knee stiffness were among the complications. ConclusionBoth closed reduction and open reduction with securing compression plates were employed as therapeutic modalities for the management of distal femur fractures. The majority of cases had very good functional results. RecommendationsBased on the study's findings, it is recommended that for the management of distal femur fractures, healthcare professionals consider both closed reduction and open reduction with securing compression plates as viable treatment modalities. These approaches have shown positive functional outcomes, with the majority of cases achieving excellent results in terms of knee function and mobility

A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTIONS IN CANCER CARE: AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH.

The concept of mindfulness holds diverse interpretations, with both Eastern and Western perspectives contributing to its multifaceted nature. While mindfulness-based practices have origins in Eastern religious traditions, the Western approach emphasizes achieving mindful awareness to mitigate stress, enhance physical well-being, and foster life harmony. Historical records suggest potential advantages of mindfulness in promoting physical and mental health, particularly in cancer management. Emotions have long been associated with cancer development, dating back to classical observations linking despondency with heightened breast cancer susceptibility. This review aims to explore the utility of mindfulness in cancer management, considering diverse perspectives and historical connections. Specifically, it investigates the impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on physical health, mental health, neuropsychological performance, and spirituality in cancer patients, focusing on bone tumors. Mindfulness-based practices have shown promise in cancer management by reducing stress, improving psychological well-being, and enhancing coping skills. Studies have revealed associations between mindfulness and beneficial outcomes, such as improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety. Mindfulness interventions have also demonstrated immunological effects and altered cytokine production. Moreover, cost-effectiveness analyses have indicated that mindfulness-based therapies can enhance quality of life at a reasonable cost. Further research is needed to explore the potential of mindfulness in reducing cancer incidence and preventing recurrence. Investigations into its immunological and psychosocial impacts, as well as its cost-effectiveness, should be expanded to provide a comprehensive understanding of its role in cancer care. Clinicians should consider incorporating mindfulness-based interventions into cancer management strategies, particularly for addressing stress, psychological distress, and improving overall well-being. However, ongoing research is essential to establish evidence-based guidelines and protocols for the effective integration of mindfulness practices in clinical settings

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL COLLABORATIONS AND LEARNERS’ ACHIEVEMENTS IN U.P.E SCHOOLS IN MITYANA MUNICIPALITY USING A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background:Learners’ achievements in UPE schools refer to the academic achievement and progress of students enrolled in Uganda Primary Education (UPE) schools. UPE schools are government-supported public primary schools in Uganda that aim to provide free education to all children. The performance of learners in UPE schools is usually measured through assessments, examinations, and other evaluation methods. Learners’ achievements in UPE schools have been deteriorating in Mitayana District from 58% in 2018 to 45% in 2022. Most pupils in the selected primary schools fail to complete assignments on time. Therefore, the researcher was prompted to investigate the relationship between social collaborations and learners’ academic performance in selected U.P.E schools in Mityana Municipality. Methodology:A descriptive correlational and cross-sectional survey design was used. The study was both qualitative and quantitative hence a mixed research design. The study was conducted in four Universal Primary Education schools. The respondents were parents, teachers, head teachers, and pupils of the selected primary school in the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire and interview method. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between social networking and learners’ achievements in Mityana District. Results:The findings of the descriptive analysis suggest that there is a strong disagreement among the respondents that social collaborations among pupils have a positive impact on their academic achievements. Conclusion:The findings of the descriptive analysis suggest that there is a strong disagreement among the respondents that social collaborations among pupils have a positive impact on their academic achievements. This suggests that as social collaborations increase, there is also an increase in Academic achievements. Recommendation:Based on the above findings in the Mityana district, it can be recommended that efforts should be made to increase social collaboration among students

FACTORS PREDISPOSING TO INCREASED PREVALENCE OF ANTEPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT KISENYI HEALTH CENTRE IV, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the factors predisposing to the increased prevalence of antepartum hemorrhage among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kampala district. The specific objectives were to find out the individual factors, community-related factors, and Health facility-related factors predisposing to increased prevalence of antepartum hemorrhage. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design with simple random sampling as the sampling technique. Data was collected on a sample size of 50 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire written in the English language with open and closed-ended questions as the data collection tool, analysis was done manually by sheets, pens, and paper entered in an Excel computer program presented in tables and figures and then interpreted. Results:  With regards to the individual factors, (60%) of the respondents had ever experienced anemia during pregnancy and the majority (60%) had ever used alcohol or smoked tobacco during pregnancy. Regarding the community-related factors, the majority (88%) of the respondents reported that Kisenyi HC IV was the nearest health center for ANC to them, the majority (74%) had ever been delivered by traditional birth attendants and finally, the majority (64%) had ever used local herbs during pregnancy. Regarding the Health facility-related factors, almost all (98%) of the respondents reported that the Facility was inadequately staffed, and the majority (72%) reported that the health facility was inadequately equipped to effectively manage pregnancy-related conditions like Antepartum hemorrhage. Conclusion.  Despite the commendable measures put in place to manage Antepartum hemorrhage and related conditions, a lot still needs to be done especially with health facility practices and individual measures with regards to the topic.  Recommendation.  The Ministry of Health and the health facility should recruit more staff and procure more equipment for use, especially for the Maternity unit at the Health Centre.