A qualitative analysis of perspectives of district level frontline managers in Karnataka during first wave of COVID 19

With the emergence of pandemic, health sector has been facing innumerable challenges right from prevention to management of COVID-19. This study attempts to understand these factors from a local perspective that will help in better planning and management of situation for the future. Karnataka was one of the 8 states selected as part of a multisectoral qualitative study. Perspectives of frontline managers regarding the management of COVID 19 pandemic situation were taken by in depth interviews. Deductive thematic analysis from the audio recordings and transcripts showed public apprehensions, gaps in decentralized approach and specific guidelines, monitoring difficulties and workforce related issues as factors of concern

Assessing the burden of Covid-19 in the slums of Bangalore city: Results of Rapid Community Survey

Background: Karnataka, more so Bangalore, reported an increase in number of COVID-19 cases in early April 2021. Objective: To assess the burden of COVID-19 in the slums of Bengaluru city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional multi centre community-based study was done in the 2nd and 3rd week of April 2021 in 24 different slums in Bangalore city. WHO cluster random sampling technique was followed. Swabs for RTPCR test and 4 ml of venous blood was collected from 728 subjects more than 18 years of age. Results: A total of 51 (7%) subjects were positive for COVID-19 through RT-PCR. Majority 33 (56.9%) were in the age group of 18-44 years. 148 (20.3%) subjects were sero-positive on blood examination and 18-44 years was the (59.4%) preponderant age group. Overall seropositivity was 20.3% (95%CI; 17.4-23.2) and RT-PCR positivity is 7% (95%CI; 5.2-8.8%) among the subjects surveyed. In the inner core area of Bangalore, seropositivity was 24.2% (95%CI; 21.0 – 27.3) and RT-PCR positivity was 8% (95%CI; 6.1-9.9). Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine were taken only by 1.55% subjects during the study period. Conclusion: The study showed that one in 5 subjects were sero-positive to SARS-CoV-2 and one in 15 individuals had active COVID-19 infection

Substance use among young adults in professional degree colleges of urban Bengaluru

Background: Substance use is a significant problem in our societies and is increasing day by day due to factors like easy availability, rapid socioeconomic changes, etc. The professional degree students are at risk as they are exposed to high levels of stress and competition. Aim & Objective: To find out the burden of substance use among young adults in professional degree colleges, to assess the effect of substance use on health among study subjects, to compare the health status between substance users and non-users. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students studying in various professional degree colleges of Urban Bengaluru between July 2017 to December 2017. Methods and Material: A total of 1400 study subjects were included and administered a pre-tested, semi structured questionnaire and relevant information was obtained using Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (WHO ASSIST) V3.0 scale. Statistical analysis used: Data was entered using MS Excel 2016 and was analysed in Stata 12.1 (Stata Corp, Texas, USA). Z test for proportions, Univariate logistic regression and Multivariate logistic regression were used as appropriate. Results: The overall prevalence of substance use was 35%. Dizziness was the most common health symptoms observed in substance users. Male, students staying in hostels/ paying guest, foreign nationals, substance use in the family and presence of conflict were found to be significant risk factors for substance use. Conclusions: The burden of substance use was observed in about one third of the subjects. Substance use was significantly associated with health problems

COVID- 19 Quarantine and the way forward

Quarantine is a tool that was used anciently and now used as a public health measure in a more strategic manner for containment of a disease. It requires a lot of planning for implementation depending upon the burden of disease, resources to carry out the same in a stringent manner. Benefits and outcomes need to be measured carefully while imposing quarantine especially of a larger scale. We have tried to put up the rationale behind the current quarantine measure carried out in the wake of COVID 19 and factors to keep in mind for the future

Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) – Prerequisites, Rationale and Challenges during COVID 19 Pandemic

Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage is pivotal in prevention of COVID19. Access to PPE for health workers has become a key concern. Electronic databases were searched for studies, guidelines, reports and policies on PPE, COVID19 and respiratory infections. In total 20 research articles were included, 10 guidelines and 06 reports from various health organization and National governments were included. There are different types of masks available, it is essential to understand the role of each kind of mask in preventing the spread. Minimizing the need for PPE in health care settings, ensuring rational and appropriate use of PPE and Coordinating PPE supply chain management mechanisms are key strategies in addressing global PPE shortage. Ensuring consistent PPE standards and guidance on quality control of the PPE will help in better infection control. We need to apply a risk-based approach based on purpose of use, risk of exposure, vulnerability, setting, feasibility and type of PPE. Government of India is taking several steps and have deliberated on the adequacy and quality of PPEs. Prevention and mitigation measures are the key for prevention of transmission in the Community which include Hand hygiene, Respiratory hygiene, maintaining social distance of two metre and wearing an appropriate PPE. Adequate provision of good quality PPE is just the first step in promoting the safety of health care workers and containing the spread of COVID 19