Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

BackgroundIn India majority of patients with respiratory symptoms initially consult private doctor. Few studies have been performed on the role of private practitioners in TB control. The present study was planned to assess the private practitioners approach in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.Method  A Cross Sectional study was conducted between September 2008 and October 2009 in rural and urban area of Udupi taluk. The study population included all modern medicine general practitioners and all the specialists practicing Internal Medicine, Chest Medicine, and Paediatrics. The non response rate was 8%. About 15 practitioners who were not in the list were interviewed during field visits. So, the total number of practitioners interviewed was 116.                                                              ResultsThe majority (67.4%) of general practitioners and physicians opted for sputum examination as the investigation of choice to diagnose pulmonary Tuberculosis. About 26.1% of general practitioners and physicians used both sputum and chest x-ray to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis. About 6.5% used chest x-ray alone. However, about 58.3% of paediatricians preferred both sputum and chest x-ray to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis. ConclusionRelying only on chest x-ray to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis may lead to over-diagnosis, over-medication and unnecessary utilization of resources. There is a need to improve the awareness among private practitioners regarding the importance of sputum smear examination to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis

Assessment of immunization coverage among under-five year old children residing in slum settlements in an urban area in coastal Karnataka

Background National Family Health Survey conducted in the year 2005-6 reported that only 43.5 % of under five year old children are fully immunized in India. Various studies have shown that coverage of immunization among under five year old children living in urban slums is lesser then the national average which makes them susceptible to the various vaccine preventable diseases. Objectives To ascertain the coverage of immunization and determinants of its uptake among under five year old children residing in slums of Udupi taluka, Karnataka. Material and Methods This study was conducted in the slum settlements of Udupi taluka in Udupi district of Karnataka state. A community based descriptive cross sectional study design was used in the present study. The total number of under five year old children studied was 267 and they were selected by convenience sampling. Information on immunization was obtained from mother, father or any other care giver of child with the help of a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 15. Proportion of children who were immunized fully, partially or not immunized at all was calculated. Chi-square test was performed to ascertain the factors associated with uptake of immunization by the under five year old children. Results It was found that the proportion of under- five year age children that were immunized fully, partially & not immunized at all was 64.8%, 31.5% & 3.7% respectively. In bivariate analysis, family income(p=0.002), variables related to maternal health care like utilization of Thayi card(p=0.002), availing antenatal care(p=0.043) and postnatal care(p=<0.001), tetanus toxoid immunization status of the mother(p=0.034), mother’s participation in meeting conducted by AWW/ASHA(p=<0.001) along with place of delivery of the child(p=0.009) and birth order(p=0.048) was associated with immunization status of the children. Conclusions Immunization coverage amongst the under-five year old children living in slum settlements is low. Promoting utilization of maternal health care by the pregnant women residing in slum settlements has the potential to increase the coverage of childhood immunization amongst the children residing there

Self‐Medication Patterns Among Medical Students in South India

BackgroundSelf-medication results in wastage of resources, increases resistance of pathogens and generally causes serious health hazards such as adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering and drug dependence. This study was undertaken to determine the reasons for self-medication and the pattern of self-medication among medical students. Method This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore. The participants were medical students from first to final year. Medical students were selected through convenience sampling. The data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16 and the results expressed as proportions.Results A total of 200 students, 121 (60.5%) female and 79 (39.5%) male, were included in the study. Of the medical students surveyed, self-medication was reported among 92%. The respondents who used self-medication found it to be time-saving in providing relief from minor ailments. The most common ailments for which self-medication were used were: the common cold (69%), fever (63%) and headache (60%). The students consulted their textbooks (39%) and seniors or classmates (38%) for the medications. Antipyretics (71%), analgesics (65%), antihistamines (37%) and antibiotics (34%) were the most common self-medicated drugs. Of the respondents, 33% were unaware of the adverse effects of the medication and 5% had experienced adverse reactions. The majority (64%) of students advised medications to others, more often to family and friends. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication among medical students is high, facilitated by the easy availability of drugs and information from textbooks or seniors. A significant number of students are unaware of the adverse effects of the medication that they themselves take and suggest to others. Therefore, potential problems of self-medication should be emphasised to the students

The rise of India’s global health diplomacy amid COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global health diplomacy (GHD), with India emerging as a key player. India’s commitment to GHD is demonstrated by its active participation in regional and multilateral projects, pharmaceutical expertise, and large-scale manufacturing capabilities, which include the production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and essential medicines. India has supported nations in need through bilateral and multilateral platforms, providing vaccines to countries experiencing shortages and offering technical assistance and capacity-building programs to improve healthcare infrastructure and response capabilities. India’s unique approach to GHD, rooted in humanitarian diplomacy, emphasized collaboration and empathy and stressed the well-being of humanity by embracing the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "the world is one family." Against this background, this paper’s main focus is to analyze the rise of India’s GHD amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its leadership in addressing various global challenges. India has demonstrated its commitment to global solidarity by offering medical supplies, equipment, and expertise to more than 100 countries. India’s rising global leadership can be attributed to its proactive approach, humanitarian diplomacy, and significant contributions to global health initiatives