An analytical cross-sectional study of peer pressure on adolescents

Background: Friendships constitute an integral part of adolescent growth and development. As the teens explore their identity towards functional independence, teen peer relationship acquires an important role. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, peer pressure can have both a positive and negative impact on youths.  Methods: A school based cross sectional study carried out on adolescents falling between the age group of 11 to 19 years using a pre-designed written questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analytical methods.  Results: The mean age for all was 17 years (Range 15-19 years). Adolescents preferred long term friendships (52%), opposite gender (66%) and similar socioeconomic status (43%) while making friendships. Majority admitted to have good quality time spent with parents (81%) and parents as the most influential persons in their lives (85%). While, teen peer relationship  can result in  improvement in academic performance (96%), skill and personality development (96%) it can also have negative influences like alcohol intake (52%), cigarette smoking (55%) and other misconducts (55%).Conclusions: Though, it may appear that teens are all influenced by their peers, parents continue to be the most influential persons in their lives. Peer friendships although thought of as all negative impact, can also have a  positive effect on youth development.

Obstetric emergencies: preparedness among nurses for safe motherhood

Background: Obstetric emergencies may turn catastrophic in women’s as well as obstetrician’s life. In the event of real emergency, all prior preparations may fall deficient. Every little contribution towards safe confinement brings about large reductions in maternal mortality and morbidity.Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire based study carried out on nurses involved in perinatal care of parturient conducted at the Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology of PCMS & RC, Bhopal.Results: Total study participants were 36 (100% response rate). Majority (83%) were aware about the two leading causes of maternal mortality (PE, PPH). Twenty four (67%) knew the warning signs of eclampsia and 61% knew the signs of eclampsia but only 17% were aware of MgSO4 toxicity. Only 56% could correctly prepare the loading dose of MgSO4. All were aware about PPH; however only17% knew methergine as the drug for active management. Grossly wrong attitude noted only in 27% for PPH and 27% for severe PE. Overall preparedness for emergency was satisfactory in LR and PNC.Conclusions: Though the overall awareness for identifying emergencies (PE, PPH) was satisfactory, lacunae in awareness were noted about components of eclampsia, magnesium toxicity and drugs required for initial management of PE and PPH. Preparedness of nurses in labour room and postnatal ward was fairly good. Regular assessment of awareness & preparedness for obstetric emergencies would be desirable to optimize the overall delivery outcomes especially at peripheral rural centres where nurses are primarily involved in the care of labouring women

Obstetric emergencies: preparedness among nurses for safe motherhood

Background: Obstetric emergencies may turn catastrophic in women’s as well as obstetrician’s life. In the event of real emergency, all prior preparations may fall deficient. Every little contribution towards safe confinement brings about large reductions in maternal mortality and morbidity.Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire based study carried out on nurses involved in perinatal care of parturient conducted at the Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology of PCMS & RC, Bhopal.Results: Total study participants were 36 (100% response rate). Majority (83%) were aware about the two leading causes of maternal mortality (PE, PPH). Twenty four (67%) knew the warning signs of eclampsia and 61% knew the signs of eclampsia but only 17% were aware of MgSO4 toxicity. Only 56% could correctly prepare the loading dose of MgSO4. All were aware about PPH; however only17% knew methergine as the drug for active management. Grossly wrong attitude noted only in 27% for PPH and 27% for severe PE. Overall preparedness for emergency was satisfactory in LR and PNC.Conclusions: Though the overall awareness for identifying emergencies (PE, PPH) was satisfactory, lacunae in awareness were noted about components of eclampsia, magnesium toxicity and drugs required for initial management of PE and PPH. Preparedness of nurses in labour room and postnatal ward was fairly good. Regular assessment of awareness & preparedness for obstetric emergencies would be desirable to optimize the overall delivery outcomes especially at peripheral rural centres where nurses are primarily involved in the care of labouring women