Role of active and passive surveillance in early case detection and prevention of disease spread in COVID-19 pandemic: our experience

Background: Strong surveillance systems which include both active and passive surveillance are the important steps to halt a disease outbreak by early case detection and management, which helps in breaking the chain of transmission. The main aim of this article is to share our experience regarding the active and passive surveillance done during COVID 19 spread in the year 2021.Methods: The early case detection of COVID 19 cases through active and passive surveillance was slightly different from the usual methods that are carried out for regular known communicable diseases. Active surveillance was done round the clock by screening of all vehicles entering the union-territory of Puducherry and by house-to-house survey. Passive surveillance was carried out by screening of various symptomatic patients attending to hospitals which needed motivation of health personnel as well as awareness among the general public.Results: Out of 12 Govt. PHCs (3,30,000population) where active and passive surveillance was conducted, the total number of individuals referred to designated COVID centre by active and passive surveillance is 30 and 110 respectively for COVID testing and further management.Conclusions: Active and Passive surveillance plays a major role in early case detection and prevention of disease spread in COVID-19 pandemic

Imposter Phenomenon Among the Final Year (Part 1 and 2) Medical Students of a Private Medical College in the Union Territory of Puducherry: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: “Imposter syndrome” or “Imposter Phenomenon” is not a mental disorder but is considered as a psychological pattern in which people doubt their accomplishments and is associated with certain poor psychological functioning like low self-esteem can be detrimental to medical students. Objective: To find out the prevalence of Imposter phenomenon as well as it association with self-esteem among the final year medical students. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried-out among 249 medical students of a private medical college in the U.T of Puducherry using Clance Imposter Phenomenon scale. Results: 58.2% and 41.8% of the participants were in Part-1 and part-2 of final year respectively. It was observed that every participant had some degree of Imposter phenomenon. Low self –esteem, was found among 12.85% of the study participants. In this study there was no association between the low self-esteem and Imposter Syndrome. Conclusion: It is very clear that the burden of Imposter syndrome is quite high among the medical students as the reasons are varied. Extensive research to elaborate these is the need of the hour, as this information helps in designing the preventive measures for the students who are the future of the nation and the foundation stones of progress