A study to assess effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme on gastro intestinal tract assessment among student nurses of tertiary care hospital: a statistical approach

Background: The gastro intestinal is important system in the human body. Many times it is found that its uneasy for student nurses to check the patient. So, there is need to improve the available learning programmes regarding gastro intestinal tract assessment.So, it was necessary to conduct this study for educating student nurses regarding the gastro intestinal tract assessment to improve their knowledge. The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge of student nurses regarding gastro-intestinal tract assessment and to evaluate the effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme on knowledge regarding gastro intestinal tract assessment.Methods: Material and methods used for the study is the evaluative approach; one group pre test, post test design was used. Study was conducted on sample of 70 student nurses by using convenient sampling technique. The data were collected by structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The mean knowledge score of student nurses during the pre-test was 39.89% where as it had raised up to 72% during the post-test regarding gastro intestinal tract assessment as effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme. Therefore, the difference assessed was 32.11% between pre-test and post-test.Conclusions: There was significant difference between the pre-test knowledge level and post-test knowledge level of student nurses on gastro intestinal tract assessment. Hence health education programs and on-going teaching both can further improve the knowledge of student nurses

Examining the Social Determinants of Health in Urban Communities: A Comparative Analysis

This comparative analysis investigates the social determinants of health (SDOH) in urban communities, aiming to discern disparities and inform targeted interventions and policies. With a focus on three key determinants socioeconomic status, housing and neighborhoods, and access to healthcare the study examines selected urban communities to illuminate the intricacies of health disparities within these contexts. The paper commences with an exploration of the background and significance of SDOH, emphasizing the crucial role they play in shaping health outcomes. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of SDOH, offering insights into historical perspectives and unique challenges faced by urban communities.The methodology section outlines the criteria for selecting urban communities, the sources of data, and the ethical considerations guiding the research. A comparative framework is established, incorporating metrics such as income disparities, educational attainment, housing quality, neighborhood environments, and access to healthcare facilities. The analysis of these determinants reveals patterns, trends, and significant disparities among the selected urban communities, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of health inequalities.The findings section summarizes the key results, emphasizing the implications for public health. Policy recommendations and targeted interventions are discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing SDOH to enhance overall community well-being. This comparative analysis underscores the imperative of considering SDOH in urban contexts and provides a foundation for future research and action. By delving into the intricacies of health disparities, this study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on public health, urging a comprehensive and nuanced approach to address the root causes of health inequities in urban communities

Health Policy Implementation in Developing Nations: Challenges and Solutions

Putting health plans into action in poor countries is hard for many reasons, which makes it harder to provide good healthcare to the people who live there. Policies are often hard to put into action because of a lack of money, facilities, and skilled healthcare workers. Also, government uncertainty and corruption can make health projects less effective than they were meant to be.  One major obstacle is the insufficient funding allocated to health programs, leading to inadequate facilities and a shortage of essential medical supplies. This financial constraint exacerbates the difficulty of attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals, perpetuating a cycle of suboptimal healthcare delivery.Infrastructure deficiencies, including poor road networks and limited access to remote areas, further compound implementation challenges. These obstacles impede the timely and equitable distribution of healthcare services, disproportionately affecting rural and marginalized communities.Political instability and corruption introduce an additional layer of complexity, compromising the integrity of health policy implementation. Unstable political environments often result in inconsistent policy frameworks, hindering long-term planning and sustainable healthcare improvements. Corruption erodes trust in the healthcare system, discouraging public participation and impeding the successful execution of health policies.To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Increased international collaboration and financial assistance can alleviate resource constraints, while targeted capacity-building initiatives can bolster the healthcare workforce. Improved infrastructure development, especially in rural areas, is crucial for ensuring widespread access to healthcare services. Additionally, fostering political stability and implementing anti-corruption measures are vital steps toward creating an enabling environment for successful health policy implementation in developing nations

Association of genetic polymorphisms in XRCC4, XRCC5, XRCC6 and XRCC7 in cervical cancer susceptibility from rural population: a hospital based case-control study

Background: Cervical cancer is a major concern of health risk, moreover the leading cause of cancer causing deaths in women of rural India. This study was aimed to assess the risk of cervical cancer development in association with polymorphisms in XRCC4, XRCC5, XRCC6 and XRCC7 genes in rural population of south-western Maharashtra.Methods: This study included 350 cervical cancer proven cases and 400 age and sex matched controls. We used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to analyze the association XRCC4, XRCC6 and XRCC7 gene polymorphisms with cervical cancer development in women of Western Maharashtra.Results: The result from our study showed that allele frequencies of selected genes were not statistically different between the groups for XRCC4, XRCC5 and XRCC6. 6721 >T allele of XRCC7 (6721G>T) (OR= 2.34; 95% CI= (2.34 (1.60-3.43); p= <0.0001) significantly increased the risk of cervical cancer.Conclusions: This study indicates that XRCC7 gene polymorphisms play a role in modifying genetic susceptibility of individuals towards cervical cancer among women from rural Maharashtra. This case-control study also revealed negative association of XRCC6 gene in cervical carcinogenesis in the rural Indian population

Assessment of role of genetic polymorphisms in XRCC1, XRCC2 and XRCC3 genes in cervical cancer susceptibility from a rural population: a hospital based case-control study from Maharashtra, India

Background: Cervical cancer is a major concern of health risk, moreover the leading cause of cancer causing deaths in women of rural parts of India. This study was aimed to assess the risk of cervical cancer development in association with polymorphisms in X-Ray Cross Complementing Group (XRCC1, XRCC2 and XRCC3) genes in the rural population of south-western Maharashtra. We focused to determine the frequency of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes including XRCC1 at codon (cd) 194, cd 280, cd 399, XRCC2 at cd 188 and XRCC3 at cd 241 and their plausible role in cervical cancer risk from rural parts of India.Methods: This study included 350 proven cases with cervical cancer and 400 age and sex matched controls. We used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to analyze the association XRCC1, XRCC2 and XRCC3 gene polymorphisms with cervical cancer development in women of South-Western Maharashtra.Results: The result from our study showed that allele frequencies of selected genes were not statistically different between the groups for XRCC1 Trp194, XRCC2 His188 and XRCC3 Met241. XRCC1 His280 (OR= 4.36; 95% CI= (3.20-5.95); p= <0.0001) and XRCC1 Gln399 (OR= 2.99; 95% CI= (1.60-5.56); p= <0.0001) genotypes significantly increased the risk of cervical cancer.Conclusions: This study indicates that polymorphisms in cd 280 of exon 9 and cd 399 of exon 10 of XRCC1 gene could play a role in modifying genetic susceptibility of individuals towards cervical cancer among women from rural Maharashtra. This case-control study suggest that selected DNA repair genes represent genetic determinants in cervical carcinogenesis along with other risk factors in the rural Indian population

Identification of genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair xenoderma pigmentosum group D gene and its association with head and neck cancer susceptibility in rural Indian population: a hospital based case-control study from south-western Maharashtra, India

Background: Smoking and alcohol related head and neck cancer is a major concern of health risk in developing countries, such as India. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of polymorphisms in DNA repair gene, xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D (XPD) at codon (cd) 156, cd199, cd320, cd751 in patients of oral cancer from South-Western Maharashtra, India and to evaluate their association with oral cancer development.Methods: We used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to analyze XPD gene polymorphisms in 320 patients with oral cancer and in 400 age and sex matched disease-free controls.Results: There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution between oral cancer patients and controls for each polymorphism (p>0.05) except XPD199. The result from our study showed that allele frequencies of selected genes were not statistically different between the groups for XPD Arg156, XPD Asn320, XPD Gln751. XPDMet199 (OR=29.44; 95% CI= (18.47-46.92); p≤0.0001) genotypes significantly increased the risk of head and neck cancer.Conclusions: This study indicates that polymorphisms in cd199 of XPD gene could play a role in modifying genetic susceptibility of individual to head and neck cancer inMaharashtra patients. Thus, the case-control study suggest that selected DNA repair genes represent genetic determinants in oral carcinogenesis along with other risk factors in the rural Indian population.

Association of Genetic Variants in XPC and XPG Genes with Cervical Cancer Risk in a Rural Population: A Hospital Based Case Control Study

Background: Cervical cancer is a major concern of health risk in urban and rural parts of India.. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed to find out frequency of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes including Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) and Xenoderma pigmentosum complementation group G (XPG) in patients of cervical cancer from Maharashtra and to evaluate their association with risk of cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: We used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to examine gene polymorphisms in 350 patients with cancer of cervix and 400 age and sex matched normal controls. Results: The results obtained indicated that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution between cervical cancer patients and controls for XPC Lys939Gln, -371promoter and XPG His 1104 Asp. The result showed that genotype frequencies of XPC Val 499 Arg of codon 499 in exon 15 (OR=4.26; 95% CI=(3.007-6.03); p= <0.0001) were increased significantly. Conclusion: This study indicates that polymorphisms in Val499Arg haplotype of XPC gene appear to influence genetic susceptibility of individual to cervical cancer in Maharashtrian patients

Pubertal Changes in Adolescent Girls: A Community Based Cross -Sectional Study

Background: Adolescence is a process – a series of varied, rapid and extensive changes as well as period of life. The timing of maturational events varied within healthy children primarily because of genetic factors. Even among healthy youth, there is marked variation in the timing of these maturational changes. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in slum areas adopted under Urban health Training Centre of Department of Community Medicine, KIMSU, Karad. Maharashtra from November 2007 to October 2009, Adolescent girls between 10 to 19 years who were residents of the area adopted for at least five years before inception of study were included. There were 251 adolescent girls of which 200 formed the study group. The study participants were interviewed and examined by house to house survey using pretested structured questionnaire with prior informed consent of parent. Sexual maturity was assessed using Tanner’s Sexual Maturity Score. Analysis was done using SPSS 16 software Results: In present study mean age at commencement of breast, pubic hair, axillary hair and mean age at menarche have been 10.4±0.6, 10.6 ±0.7, 12.2 ±0.7 and13.4 ±1.34years respectively. Breast stage appears earlier than the pubic stage. Time period required for full breast and pubic hair development was 7.3 years and 7.9 years respectively. Conclusion: Timing of sexual maturity indicators could be useful for giving health education regarding hygiene during menstruation and family life education

Acute Diarrheal Diseases Among Preschool Children in Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Malnutrition and infectious diseases both occur in the same unfortunate children and together they play a major role in causing the high morbidity and mortality in them. Acute Diarrhoeal diseases (ADD’s) are reported to be the 2nd leading cause of child morbidity and mortality. \ud Objectives: To study the attack rate of Acute Diarrhoeal Disease among pre-school children and to study the socio-demographic variables of pre-school children suffering from Acute Diarrhoeal Disease. Methods: A Longitudinal study was conducted among preschool children (3-5years) of Private pre-primary school of urban area and followed for the period of one year. Mother/ guardian/ teacher was interviewed by using pre-tested proforma. Results: About 56% of children found suffering from ADD with 0.6 episodes per children per year among private pre-primary school. Higher proportions of ADD affected children were residing in nuclear type of family, belonging to middle socio-economic class, mothers were literate & housewives, born with order >2 compared to non ADD affected children. Conclusion: More than half of children from private pre-primary schools suffered with nearly one attack of Acute Diarrhoeal Disease. Maternal illiteracy and working mothers found favorable factors. Immunization coverage, EBF and proper weaning play a very important role in prevention of infections