21 research outputs found
Biology of Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual activity is a multifaceted activity, involving complex interactions between the nervous system, the endocrine system, the vascular system and a variety of structures that are instrumental in sexual excitement, intercourse and satisfaction. Sexual function has three components i.e., desire, arousal and orgasm. Many sexual dysfunctions can be categorized according to the phase of sexual response that is affected. In actual clinical practice however, sexual desire, arousal and orgasmic difficulties more often than not coexist, suggesting an integration of phases. Sexual dysfunction can result from a wide variety of psychological and physiological causes including derangements in the levels of sex hormones and neurotrensmitters. This review deals with the biology of different phases of sexual function as well as implications of hormones and neurotransmitters in sexual dysfunctio
Study - Comparison of two systems of classification of leprosy based on number of skin lesions and number of body areas involved - A clinicopathological concordance study
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: WHO guidelines classify leprosy patients for
therapeutic purposes into paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB)
leprosy based on the number of skin lesions. An alternative system of
classification has been in practice in Nepal from 1985 onwards, based
on the number of body areas involved in patients of leprosy. We
attempted a clinicopathological approach for comparison of these two
systems of classification in leprosy patients for their ability to
demarcate patients into groups of PB and MB leprosy. MATERIALS AND
METHODS: The study included 108 leprosy patients (80 males and 28
females). Complete clinical examination and body charting was carried
out in each patient noting the count of skin lesions and the number of
body areas involved. Slit skin smears and skin biopsies were taken from
an active skin lesion in all patients. RESULTS: On analysis, it was
observed that there was good clinicopathological correlation between
patients with 5 or <5 skin lesions and 2 or <2 body areas
involved. (Clinical 95% and histological 96%) A similar correlation was
also observed in the other group of patients with > 5 skin lesions
and > 2 body areas involved, (Clinical 94% and histological 96%).
There were almost identical numbers of patients represented in these
two groups of classification. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that
patients with involvement of 2 or less body areas can be classified as
PB leprosy and those with more than 2 body areas involved can be
classified as MB leprosy for the purposes of therapy. The study of
areas of involvement in leprosy patients not only provides additional
patient information but also adds another parameter as a basis for the
study of leprosy patients
Comparison of two systems of classification of leprosy based on number of skin lesions and number of body areas involved - A clinicopathological concordance study
Mental Health of University Students: Perspectives for Intervention and Prevention: An Indo-Canadian Collaborative Project
Purpose: The study aimed to determine the levels of psychological distress of university students and examine teachers’ awareness and opinions concerning suicide prevention. Methods: The study used a two-phase, sequential mixed-method approach of converging quantitative and qualitative methodologies. In the quantitative study the 1a2-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to measure psychological wellbeing in a student sample ( n=110 ). The qualitative study consisted of a focus group with students (n=200) and faculty members. (n=25). Results: The scores for the sample ranged between 0- 33 with a mean score of 10.25 (SD= 6.14). The majority of respondents (70.6%) endorsed low levels of psychological distress (i.e. scores ≤ 12). Nearly 12% reported increased current psychological distress (score 16-20). A small proportion of respondents (6.4%) reported currently experiencing severe psychological distress The overwhelming majority of teachers recognized the importance of mental health; however, they lacked the knowledge concerning how to appropriately address mental illness and stress related issues. Lack of awareness, negative attitude and stigma were identified as significant barriers to help-seeking among students. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity amongst the student in societies that are undergoing social and economic transition, such as the Indian society. The findings indicated that nearly 18% of the respondents showed an indication of increased risk for mental health problems such as depression. Teachers feel they are able to identify mental health issues; however, they are unable to offer any intervention. Expected Outcomes: These findings support the need to develop a curriculum for teachers that addresses mental health issues and offers training in intervention skills