Identification of Competencies for Training: A case study on Physiotherapy Course at Kenya Medical Training College Nairobi

Background: Physiotherapists trained in Kenya evolved from masseurs to Kenya Registered Physiotherapists. The rapid developments of paramedical training programs led to training at diploma level in the current Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Physiotherapists should cope with current health challenges by acquiring clinical competencies in order to prevent, manage and provide adequate therapeutic and rehabilitative services for the whole population. Objective: To identify competencies to be acquired through Physiotherapy training at the KMTC to be competent in hospital and community set-up. Design: Descriptive educational research. Setting: Physiotherapists in Ministry of Health, Kenya Medical Training College, public and private Hospitals in Kenya. Sampling: A random sample of 30 respondents consisted: physiotherapy graduates, KMTC lecturers, public and private practitioners and administrators from Ministry of Health. Data analysis: The competencies identified by the participants from first round were clustered and  the second round of questionnaires was derived. From the second round of questionnaires, a consensus of a list of clinical competencies for training was derived. Results: The response rate was 100%. A consensus was achieved when participants repeatedly identified all the areas of clinical competence to be added into curriculum. The participants rated ‘Very Useful’ on the following areas: research (86.6%), standards in physiotherapy (86.6%), community-based rehabilitation (83.3%), counseling of patients and relatives (80%), emergency and disaster management (80%), communication (80%), medical legal issues and professional ethics (70%). Conclusion: There is a need to train physiotherapists to be competent in both community and hospital set-ups. Recommendations: KMTC should identify areas of competences for training health professionals using modified Delphi technique.  Courses developed should cope up with current health practices and prepare health professionals to work in both community and hospital set-ups. Keywords: Physiotherapists, competences, competencies, modified Delphi technique, health professions, curriculu

Studies of Biodegradation of Ipomea Carnea Weed from Kavinadu Big Tank in Pudukkottai District (India)

Introduction: The adverse effect of aquatic vegetation on the environment is an increasingly serious world-wide problem. Challenging the international community. The development of control method will require innovative thinking and creative research. The rapid growth rate, spread, and adaptability from aquatic to xerophytic habitats indicate this plant may potentially become another ecological disaster in India like water hyacinth and Salvinia spp. Methods: Sterile bag samplers were used to collect the water from various sampling site and were processed after collection. Water sample was aseptically passed through 0.22 µM pore size filters and placed on nutrient Agar plates and incubated. After incubation the isolated bacterial colonies were picked with sterile toothpicks and stabbed into nutrient agar contained in screw capped vials for further process. Sediment samples were collected in polypropylene tube with a hole drilled in the bottom and serially diluted samples were spread on the nutrient agar plates. Then the plates were incubated for 24 hrs. After incubation the isolated bacterial colonies were picked with sterile toothpicks and stabbed into nutrient agar contained in screw capped vials for further process. Results: The predominant microbial load was isolated from the samples and they were identified as Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. By biochemical characterization and selective media. Bacteria, Actinomycetes and fungal growth in aquatic biocompost were gradually increased. The organic content of biocompost also increased. The pH of Ipomoea carnea compost was 7.61.  Highest number of thermophilic bacteria (43x106) was observed at 50ºC Biocompost of 30th day, 26x106 was observed at 60 ºC. Thermophilic fungal growth was not observed in other compost Conclusion: Composting is one of the most promising ways to recycle the wastes generated from power    plants, as the process reduces the volume and stabilizes the waste. The high organic matter content in the compost product also preserves soil fertility.  A large variety of thermophilic micro-organisms have been reported in composting and other self-heating organic materials. Such information is of particular interest because these bacteria may be the major active organisms in the thermophilic stages of composting. Keywords: Ipomoea carnea, Vermicompost, biodegradation, thermophili

The Extent of Influence of Factors on Cigarette Smoking Among Teenagers in Baguio City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Although there are several studies conducted on teenage smoking, the causes to become smokers in adolescence remain unclear. Several factors were identified but the extent of its influence still obscure. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the significant difference in the extent of influence of these identified factors when teens are group according to gender and age group of 13 to 16 years old versus 17-19 years of age. Objective: A quantitative study was conducted to determine the extent of influence of factors on cigarette smoking among teenagers in City high school and St. Louis high school. Methods: A total of 100 respondents were investigated using a structured questionnaire. The study sought to explore the factors that influenced cigarette smoking among teenagers and to what extent they can influence. A questionnaire, in the form of a checklist was the primary tool used in the data gathering relevant to the study. The questionnaire explored the extent of influence of factors affecting smoking among teenagers in Baguio City. The design used for this study was the quantitative research design. The subjects were 100 students (Male and female) studying in Baguio City, Philippines. The age bracket for subjects was 13-19 years for males and females. The sample for this quantitative study was constructed by purposive sampling students in Baguio City who were asked to voluntarily answer the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics which included frequency, % distribution, average and weighted mean was used. Average mean was used to determine the extent of influence of factors on smoking among teenagers of Baguio City. Standard deviation and t-test were used to determine the extent of influence when the teenagers were grouped according to age and gender. Results: The study found out that there was a significant difference in the extent of influence of factors when the teenagers were grouped according to gender, the females smoked more than the males. However, when grouped according to age (13-16 & 17-19), there was no significant difference in their extent of influence. The teenagers were very much aware of the effects of cigarette smoking on the biological, physical and social implications. Despite this awareness, the drive to perform the behavior is strong. Conclusion: Finding solutions to modify the belief on the identified potent factor will alter the attitude in the performance of smoking behavior. Successful cessation often requires multiple strategies since continuous smoking is associated with several factors.  The researchers would recommend the formulation programs and campaigns on anti-smoking. The researchers are also optimistically looking for the possibility of this study to help assess the need to strictly or creatively implement enacted laws stated in Republic Act 2011.  The researchers believe an epidemic of tobacco use is imminent if drastic action is not taken, and recommend that anti-smoking campaigns with an emphasis on the religious aspect should start as early as in elementary school. Intervention programs to encourage behavior modification of adolescents are also recommended. Keywords: Gender, Age group, Adolescents and Tobacco use

Molecular Identification of Soil Bacteria by 16srDNA Sequence

In this current study, 16S rDNA (genotypic) identification technique is focused on identification of conventionally unidentifiable isolates those are unevaluated in isolated by employing molecular techniques and Bioinformatics in uploading and retrieving isolate gene sequences which are rapid, reliable and accurate in differentiation of various soils isolates. This study is an automaton of 16Sr DNA gene sequence that allows a queue comparison analysis of published sequences deposited in the microbial genome database was used. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16SrDNA gene using the consensus bacterial primer and separation of the resulting polymer chain reaction amplicon  by cloning, temperature gradient electrophoresis are major ecological techniques that are used in the description of soil bacteria. The isolated gene was cloned using PTZ57r or T cloning Vector amplified using 16SF and 16SR primer transformed in DH5? Cells resulting PCs 16s Plasmid hybrid. The primer 16S F2 obtained from M13 forward primer was used and aligned using BLAST and submitted to EMBL+GENEBANK+DDBJ+ PDB. 99% similarity was observed and later it was analyzed with the existing sequence in ribosomal database project II.  RDP classifier was used for confirmation with 100 % similarity. The bacteria were identified as Burkholderia cenocepacia  when the  sequence was submitted and retrieved via the World Wide Web and new sequence compared with those held in the database  using the basic local alignment tool (BLAST). A segment of 734 out of 736 nucleotide of 16S rDNA gene of Burholderia Cenocepacia is the region of choice for primer construction because of proximity that provides a successful discrimination in strains of Burholderia Cenocepacia in soil. 16S rDNA gene account to 99%  similarity score in molecular typing and identification of bacteria which concerns deposition of sequences into established microbial genomic database Key Words: Burkholderi; Bacterial transformation; Characterization; DNA based technique

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Urinary Tract Infectious Bacteria and the Effect of Different Antibiotics

Introduction: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) defines a condition in which the urinary tract is infected with a pathogen causing inflammation which is a common, distressing and occasionally life threatening condition. UTI affects people of all  ages and both gender. In all patients with UTI are reported with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Female are more susceptible to  UTIs compared to  male. To ensure appropriate therapy, current knowledge of  the  organisms  that  cause  UTI  and  their  antibiotic  is  susceptibility is mandatory. Methods: This study focused on the frequency of uropathogens and  their antibiotic susceptibility in different gender in Madurai District. Cultural and biochemical characterization  of  uropathogens revealed  the  prevalence  of  both  gram-positive and gram-negative organisms Results: E. coli was the predominant isolate isolated from the urine specimen followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis. Among the antibiotics tested, chloraphenicol and ciprofloxacin (100%) were found to be effective for empirical treatment of UTI and has covered the majority of urinary pathogens followed by tetracycline,  gentamycin and kanamycin (83%), Ampicillin (67). Streptomycin, Rifampicin and amoxicillin were less effective (50%). Conclusion: Some of the isolates were resistant to penicillin-G, Streptomycin, rifampicin and amoxicillin which are more frequently prescribed and indicates that increased consumption of a particular antibiotic leads to acquisition of resistance by the uropathogens.   Resistance rates among common uropathogens continue to evolve and appear to be increasing too many commonly used antimicrobial agents and a continued surveillance of resistance rates among uropathogens is needed to ensure appropriate recommendations for the treatment of the urinary tract infections. Keywords: Urinary tract infection, Drug resistence, Uropathogens, Biochemical tests

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Students Enrolled in Health Related Courses at Saint Louis University towards Human Papillomavirus (Philippines)

Introduction: College students are at high risk for Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, yet their knowledge, attitude and practices appear inadequate. Researcher has paid attention to college students in health related courses because this group generally represents only a small subset of samples of the broader college population. Objective: To assess students’ knowledge, attitude and practices towards Human papillomavirus Methods: Voluntary and anonymous student (N=432) participation was solicited in randomly selected health related courses. They completed the questionnaire during September 2010 assessing HPV knowledge on modes of transmission, diseases caused by HPV, signs and symptoms and prevention and control of HPV; attitude towards HPV infection and vaccine and practices to reduce HPV infection. Results: Students in health related courses had poor knowledge regarding modes of transmission of HPV and diseases caused by HPV. However, their knowledge was good on signs and symptoms of HPV and prevention and control measures. The attitude of students was positive towards HPV infection and the vaccine and students had good practices to reduce HPV infection. There was significant difference p-value < 0.05 when students were grouped according to course in all aspects of HPV with medical students being more knowledgeable compared to other students. Conclusion: Sex education and public health funded campaigns are overdue and necessary, especially targeting the young adults. Keywords: Human papillomavirus, knowledge, attitude, practices, students in health related courses

Efficacy of Plant Extracts Against Multi-Drug Resistant Escherichia Coli from Urinary Tract Infection

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most commonly prevalent infections in clinical practice. E. coli is the causative agent in about 85% of community acquired urinary tract infections, followed by Klebsiella that accounts for 6 to 17% of such infections. Objectives: Present study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial potential of five plants used against E.coli causing UTI Methods: A total of 40 pregnant women were screened for significant a symptomatic bacteriuria. All the subjects were clinically identified to have no signs and symptoms of UTI. Clean catch midstream urine samples were collected for both groups. Urine samples were examined microscopically and cultured and incubated at 24 hrs at 37°C. Isolated organisms were identified and characterized on the basic of morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Results:  A total of 40 urine sample were analyzed for isolation of multidrug resistance E. coli. Out of which 20 samples showed significant bacteriuria. The bacteria identified using biochemical characteristic as E. coli. In general, over all 100% of isolates were resistant to Rifampicin, 90% of isolates to Ampicillin, 85% of isolates to Nalidixic acid, 75% to Gentamycin, and 65% to OflaxacinConclusions: The use of plants extracts with known antimicrobial properties can be of great significance for therapeutic treatments. Results of antimicrobial susceptibility test showed marked differences among bacterial isolates in their susceptibility and resistance patterns to a particular antibioticbasis. Keywords: Urinary tract infections, Escherichia coli, multidrug resistant, plant extract

Awareness and Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals in Baguio-Benguet towards Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The issue of drug related harm is currently one of the most important public health problem all over the world. Healthcare professionals play a major role in the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs).Objective: To determine the awareness and attitudes of healthcare professionals towards ADRs reporting in Baguio and Benguet. The study also sought to determine the barriers experienced and factors encouraging ADRs reporting. Method: Cross sectional study design was used and a self-administered questionnaire was designed and randomly circulated to 242 physicians, nurses and pharmacists.Results: Healthcare Professionals in Baguio and Benguet had only an “average” awareness (54%) regarding ADRs reporting. Female healthcare professionals, those with more years of experience, physicians and those who had information about pharmacovigilance had significantly higher level of awareness (p-value ?0.001). The healthcare professionals had an overall favorable attitude towards ADRs reporting (mean = 1.56). The strongest barriers to ADRs reporting were lack of knowledge on where to address the ADRs reports (mean=3.35) and the reporting forms being too complicated to fill in (mean = 3.26). The most important factors encouraging ADRs reporting were the feeling that it was an obligation to do so (mean=1.53) and that the reaction is of a serious nature (mean = 1.67). Conclusion: Healthcare professionals in Baguio and Benguet are generally familiar with the basic concepts of ADRs reporting and view ADRs reporting as beneficial. However, there are certain constraints leading to under-reporting. ADRs reporting may be further enhanced through appropriate educational campaign. Further studies are warranted using a larger sample size and including patients as respondents. Keywords: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting, Nurses, Pharmacovigilance, Physicians, and Pharmacists