A Comparative Study on Rabies Prophylaxis in Anti-Rabies Clinic between a Secondary and Tertiary Care Hospital in Bengaluru City

Rabies can be prevented by appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). It is assumed that the healthcare providers starting in tertiary care, secondary care and primary care are up-to-date in administration of PEP. However, due to reasons like non-affordability and non-availability of rabies immunobiologicals, manpower shortage, etc., there are issues in administration of PEP. The primary objective of this study was to compare rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in ARC in a secondary care and tertiary care hospital. This prospective comparative study was conducted from March to May 2016 in anti-rabies clinic of one tertiary and secondary care hospital selected through purposive sampling .The animal bite cases attending these clinics during study period were the subjects. Only 21.5% of category-III bites were administered rabies immunoglobulin in secondary care hospital whereas 96% of category-III bites were administered rabies immunoglobulin in the tertiary care hospital. 100% and 89% of subjects were administered anti-rabies vaccine in the secondary care and tertiary care hospital respectively. The median age of subjects in secondary care was 22 years (range: 1-75 years) and tertiary care 8 years (range: 2-70 years). 54% and 63% of bite victims were males in secondary and tertiary care hospital respectively. Majority were students by occupation in both hospitals. Rabies prophylaxis was satisfactory in the tertiary care hospital compared to secondary hospital

Spatial Mapping the Dengue and Chikungunya Burden in a Rural Area near Bangalore: a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The burden of dengue and chikungunya diseases across geographical regions of India is poorly quantified more so during Covid19 pandemic and from hospital-based studies. The objective was to assess the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in the study area and to visualize the spatial distribution of dengue and chikungunya cases using the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the population in villages coming under a medical college’s rural field practice area near Bangalore. A total of 31 villages were selected through a simple random sampling method and 3356 subjects were surveyed through household visits. QGIS was used for spatial mapping of cases. Results: 3356 subjects were surveyed, and the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya was 1.13% and 0.02%, re­spectively. The overall prevalence of dengue and chikungunya cases together was 1.16%. All 39 (100%) cases had reported fever and 31 patients (79.5%) reported myalgia followed by arthralgia 22 (56.4%). QGIS supported spa­tial mapping of the cases and no clustering of cases was found in the study area. Conclusion: The burden of dengue and chikungunya is under reported, and the surveillance system needs to be strengthened in the rural area. Spatial mapping using QGIS may help in a better understanding of the problem. QGIS was found to be useful in the spatial mapping of the cases and there was no clustering of cases observed

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis delivery to ensure treatment efficacy and increase compliance

Objectives Since rabies is lethal once symptoms appear, its prevention including community awareness, mass dog vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial. Although safe and potent rabies vaccines have long been available, the global rabies burden is still high and access to adequately-delivered PEP remains challenging. Here we offer healthcare providers up-to-date, simple, exhaustive, visual guidance on how to perform PEP steps correctly. Protocol PEP consists of 1) washing the wound with water and soap for 15 min, 2) assessing the need for rabies biologicals based on specific criteria; 3) administering, if required, rabies immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies deep in and around all wounds; 4) starting, if necessary, the WHO-recommended intradermal 1-week vaccination regimen; 5) informing patients adequately throughout the PEP process to increase compliance and avoid dangerous misconceptions about animal bite treatment and rabies risk. Discussion The intradermal 1-week vaccination regimen recommended by WHO is as safe as other regimens but carries important cost-, dose- and time-sparing benefits. As fundamental as the correct administration of rabies biologicals is clear doctor-patient communication and sharing of up-to-date knowledge among healthcare professionals. Conclusions This resource will help ensuring that no life is lost to rabies, an incurable yet preventable disease

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

Breast feeding practices and newborn care in rural areas: A descriptive cross-sectional study

<b>Context:</b> Breastfeeding practices play an important role in reducing child mortality and morbidity. This study was aimed to describe the breastfeeding practices prevalent in rural areas. <b> Objectives:</b> The primary objective of this study was to describe the breastfeeding and newborn care practices in rural areas and the secondary objective was to describe the factors affecting the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. <b> Settings and Design:</b> The study was conducted in primary health care center (PHC) that is attached to a medical college in Kengeri, rural Bangalore, Karnataka. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> Mothers with children who were 9 months old who came to the PHC for measles vaccination were included in the study and data was collected using the pre-tested questionnaire on breastfeeding and newborn practices. <b> Results: </b> Our study shows 97&#x0025; of the mothers initiated breastfeeding, 19&#x0025; used pre lacteal feeds, 90&#x0025; had hospital deliveries and 10&#x0025; had home deliveries, and 50&#x0025; used a house knife to cut the umbilical cord among home deliveries. <b> Conclusions:</b> This study emphasizes the need for breastfeeding intervention programs especially for the mother during antenatal and postnatal check-ups and practices like discarding the colostrum and early/late weaning are still widely prevalent and need to be addressed

Awareness of COVID 19 vaccine in a Rural Area near Bangalore, Karnataka

Background: COVID 19 vaccines was launched as Phase I on 16TH January 2021 in India for Health workers. The study was conducted to assess the awareness and willingness to accept the COVID19 vaccine in a rural population. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study in the rural area near Bangalore was conducted in January 2021. A total of 846 adult subjects were enrolled. Subjects were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire about COVID 19 vaccine and willingness to get vaccinated. Results: Of 846 participants, minimum age of the respondent was 18 years and maximum was 90 years. 689 (81.4%) were literates and 157(18.6%) illiterates. Awareness about COVID 19 disease was 838 (99.1%). 710(83.9%) subjects were aware about vaccine. A total of 545(64.4%) were willing to take the vaccine and 50% informed will take the vaccine to prevent infection. Maximum fear was associated with side effects among 66.1% of the population. 37.1% would not like to vaccinate the family members mostly children and elderly. Conclusion: Awareness about COVID 19 vaccine was seen in more than two third of the subjects. However, vaccine acceptance was about 60% in the rural area. An effective BCC strategy to combat vaccine hesitancy is necessary for better coverage in subsequent vaccination drives

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 &amp; 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

An exploratory study on socio economic status scales in a rural and urban setting

Background: There are many different scales to measure socioeconomic status (SES). The present study was conducted with the objective to compare the most commonly used SES in rural and urban setting. Materials and Methods: This exploratory study was conducted in the rural and urban field practice area of a medical college situated in Bangalore for a period of 3 months between January and April 2010. Statistical Analysis Used: To measure the agreement between the scales spearman′s rank correlations was applied. Results: A total of 120 families were included in the study. Among the 60 families surveyed at rural setting, it was observed that, majority 40 (67%) belonged to high class when the Standard of Living Index (SLI) scale was applied. Among the 60 families surveyed at urban setting, majority 30 (50%) belonged to high class when the SLI scale was applied. Conclusions: The SLI scale gives a more accurate and realistic picture of the SES of the family and hence should be the scale recommended for classification of SES in urban and rural setting