An epidemiological study of metabolic syndrome in a rural area of Ambala district, Haryana

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a state of deranged metabolic and anthropometric status. It is considered a precursor to various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence of MS in adults aged 20 years and above in the rural area of Ambala district, Haryana. (2) To determine the sociodemographic factors associated with MS. Materials and Methods: In a community-based cross-sectional study, a total of 1200 subjects aged 20 years and above were studied, using multi-stage random sampling. Results: The prevalence of MS was estimated by using criterion given by the International Diabetes Federation. MS was found in 110 (9.2%) subjects, being more prevalent in females: 73 (66.36%) when compared to 37 males (33.63%). Sedentary occupation and age were significantly associated with MS. Conclusions: MS is a major health problem in the region and it should be given proper attention in order to prevent and control it

Telemedicine: A new tool for transforming fututre healthcare

Telemedicine is the solution to the problem of delivery of health services in far fledge areas. It is the use of computers and automated data to deliver technologies and promote healthcare when the patients are located far away from the professionals.  Its future looks bright with more widespread acceptance by more medical professionals and patients in different forms. There has to be a smart balance between technology and the human intelligence. However, telemedicine cannot be the panacea and surely cannot replace old fashioned medicine everywhere especially emergency medicine. More measures are required to make this change more successful and acceptable

DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF EXTRA PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA

Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis continues to be an important public health problem in India and globally. Differences in the likelihood of extra pulmonary tuberculosis have been observed in various studies among tuberculosis patients by demographic characteristic. This study aimed to find out the socio-demographic determinants of patients with extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Mullana, Ambala (India). Methods: A total of 100 confirmed cases of extra pulmonary tuberculosis attending the OPDs and IPD of medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and surgery department were included. A pre tested, semi structured questionnaire was administered to all the cases or their attendants to assess the social determinants of EPTB. The Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 12, was employed for data analysis. Chi Square test and percentages were employed. Results: The analysis showed higher prevalence among women (66%). The maximum percentage of positivity was found among the patients of age group 20-40 years and reducing thereafter. 65 % were between 20- 40 years, 25 % were in the range of 40-60 years and only 8 % were 60 years onwards p = 0.905. Conclusion: Lymph nodes are the most common EPTB. The proportion of EPTB among females was found to be higher than males