Dysmenorrhea Impact and Insights: A Statistical Analysis among Allied Health Professional Students in West Bengal, India

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent gynecological disorder that is characterized by the presence of unpleasant menstrual cramps. This condition has been found to have significant medical, psychological, and social implications for individuals who experience it. Although commonly seen as an inherent characteristic of a properly functioning reproductive system, it can potentially operate as a diagnostic tool for underlying illnesses. Regrettably, dialogues pertaining to dysmenorrhea are sometimes prohibited, particularly among males, within diverse cultural contexts. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes among allied health professions students enrolled at various universities of West Bengal (WB), India with regard to dysmenorrhea. This study aims to examine the impact of cultural variables on the knowledge and communication surrounding dysmenorrhea, specifically within conservative Indian districts. Methods: The study sample consisted of 494 students enrolled in allied health professions faculties at different universities of WB. Data collection took place from September 2021 to February 2023. A meticulously designed survey was employed to gather data pertaining to the various sources of knowledge, levels of awareness, attitudes toward discussing dysmenorrhea, and willingness to engage in conversations about menstruation with prospective females. Data interpretation involved the utilization of statistical analysis techniques, such as descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: In terms of demographic composition, the study consisted of 86% female participants and 14% male participants. The mean knowledge scores of females (14.41 ± 3.14) were found to be considerably higher compared to males (13.75 ± 4.56). The primary sources of information were the internet (58.3%), maternity figures (48.8%), and educational institutions (46.2%). An observed positive connection (r = 0.244) was found between age and knowledge levels. The participants exhibited a general hesitancy to openly engage in conversations on menstrual symptoms, however, they demonstrated a readiness to engage in discussions about menstruation with their prospective daughters. Conclusions: The present study brings attention to the gender discrepancies in knowledge levels pertaining to dysmenorrhea among allied health professions university students of WB. Additionally, it emphasizes the influence of cultural norms on knowledge acquisition and communication around this topic. The statement underscores the need for destigmatization initiatives, comprehensive teaching on menstruation health, and fostering open communication within academic institutions and the broader community. The aforementioned findings offer valuable insights that can inform future educational endeavors and healthcare procedures within this particular subject

Effects of magnesium on cytomorphology and enzyme activities in thyroid of rats

787-792Till date knowledge regarding the effects of high dietary magnesium on thyroid gland is incomprehensive though certain epidemiological studies reported development of thyroid gland dysfunctions in people with chronic exposure to hard water (especially with high magnesium) despite sufficient iodine consumption. The present study is to explore the effects of chronic high dietary magnesium exposure on thyroid morphology and functional status. Male adult albino Wistar strain rats were treated with graded doses of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g %) for 60 days and changes in different thyroid parameters were investigated. Significantly stimulated thyroid peroxidase and Na+–K+-ATPase and altered idothyronine 5/- deiodinase type I activities, enhanced serum thyroxine (T4) (both total and free), total triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone with decreased free T3 levels and T3/T4 ratio (T3:T4) along with enlargement of thyroid with associated histopathological changes were observed in the treated groups. The results clearly confirm that chronic high dietary magnesium exposure causes potential thyroid disruption as reported in earlier epidemiological studies. </span

Effects of dietary magnesium on testicular histology, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and oxidative stress markers in adult rats

37-47The available information on the effect of excess dietary magnesium on male reproduction is inadequate, though consumption of hard water rich in magnesium salt is not uncommon in many geographical areas. The present study has thus been undertaken to evaluate the morphological as well as cytological and functional changes in testis of magnesium administered sexually mature male Wistar rats. Significant increase in the activities of androgenic enzymes viz. Δ53β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with concomitant increase in serum testosterone level, followed by progressive development in cytoarchitechture of genital organs, without any significant alteration in quantitative spermatogenesis were observed. The results were more marked in the groups treated for longer duration. The results further suggests that the changes that occurred after excessive magnesium in testis were not for the enhanced adrenocortical activities or for the generation of oxidative stress in reproductive organs, but for the direct action of excess magnesium on male gonads. Magnesium supplementation thus has an apparent beneficial effect on male gonadal system. </span

Environmental factors other than iodine deficiency in the pathogenesis of endemic goiter in the basin of river Ganga and Bay of Bengal, India

Background: In iodine-replete basin of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, we studied iodine nutritional status of school children by goiter prevalence and their urinary iodine (UI), iodine content in edible salt, and the bioavailability of iodine through water and its contribution to iodine nutrition. We also studied consumption pattern of common goitrogenic plants by measuring urinary thiocyanate (USCN), hardness of water (calcium and magnesium salt content) and assessed the effect of concomitant exposure of those environmental factors in goitrogenesis. Methods: 4603 children aged 6-12 years were examined for goiter by palpation, 520 urine samples were analyzed for UI and USCN; iodine content was estimated in 455 household salt and 130 water samples tested both for iodine and hardness. Results: The total goiter rate was 35.9%, median UI was 231 ΅g/l, mean USCN was 0.857 ± 0.48 mg/dl, iodine content in water was 44.7 ± 4.1 ΅g/l, 66.4% of salt samples contained iodine (15 ppm), and water was found to be hard. UI was correlated with both the drinking water iodine content and USCN and the degree of hardness in drinking water was associated with goiter prevalence. Conclusions: The studied population has endemic goitre despite iodine sufficiency. The concomitant exposure of a number of environmental factors, i.e., thiocyanate of cyanogenic plant food, hardness of drinking water, and excess iodine from environmental sources other than iodide salt are likely responsible for the causation and persistence of endemic goiter in the region