EPH - International Journal of Medical and Health Science

GROWTH AND FEEDING HABITS OF UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN NAVI MUMBAI.

Mrs. Anna Hima Thomas — 2024-08-29

Background: Malnutrition is found to be a burden in the developing countries. Underweight, stunting and wasting are the indicators for malnutrition as per WHO. Poor feeding habits can have a negative impact in the optimal growth and development of under five children. Hence the study aimed to assess the growth of under five children and to assess the feeding habits of under five children.

COVID 19 VACCINES: A WAR AGAINST DEADLIEST VIRUS

Dr Deepak Sharma — 2024-11-22

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Many people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads most commonly through the air in tiny droplets of fluid between people in close contact. The disease is mild in most people; in some (usually the elderly and those with comorbidities), it may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi organ dysfunction.

HYPOTHYROIDISM AND HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Dr.Nandgirikar Vaishali — 2024-12-18

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate production of thyroid hormones. Conventional treatment involves synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, which may have side effects and limitations. Homoeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, offers a promising alternative for managing hypothyroidism. This review aims to explore the homoeopathic management of hypothyroidism, including its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and homoeopathic treatment approaches.

COMPLETE REMISSION OF VARICOSE VEINS THROUGH INTEGRATED THERAPY W.S.R. TO JALAUKA AVACHARANA: A UNIQUE CASE REPORT

Acharya Balkrishna — 2024-11-13

Background

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety profile of leech therapy as a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment for varicose veins. Specifically, it examines the efficacy of leech therapy in managing varicose vein symptoms.

Methodology

A prospective case study was conducted with a single patient receiving treatment at the Ayurvedic Panchakarma department. The effects of leech therapy were assessed based on the patient's self-reported evaluation of varicose vein treatment over a 5-week period, during this, six sessions of Jalauka avacharana (Medicinal leech therapy) were administered to the patient.

Results

Following the six sessions of leech therapy, the patient experienced gradual alleviation of symptoms, including reduced pain and burning sensations. Moreover, significant improvements were noted in reducing swelling, lumping, skin discoloration, tortuosity, and itching associated with varicose veins. These findings suggest the potential effectiveness of leech therapy in managing varicose vein symptoms.

Conclusions

Leech therapy shows promise as a viable option for managing varicose veins, offering noticeable improvements in symptom relief and overall vascular health. Integrated therapy incorporating Ayurveda Panchakarma, naturopathy, and yogasanas may provide comprehensive support for individuals with varicose veins. Larger-scale studies are warranted to validate these preliminary outcomes and explore the long-term efficacy of integrated therapeutic approaches in varicose vein management.

INCIDENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF PHLEBITIS AMONG PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CANNULA.

Nida Bashir — 2024-10-03

It is estimated that more than 50-60% of hospitalized patients require intravenous therapy (IVT), implemented mainly with the use of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIC), since they provide quick access to the vascular system, being the most performed invasive intervention in the health care setting, and less invasive and more cost-effective than other types of intravenous catheters. Because catheterization is done for different purposes and for different lengths of time, it represents a potential risk for a number of safety incidents, including microbial growth . However, regardless of the generating factor, local complications take the form of bruises, infiltration, leakage, catheter obstruction and phlebitis.¹Phlebitis not only causes patient discomfort and frequent catheter change, it may also cause further complications like cellulitis, septicemia, DVT, and make the patient stay in the hospital for a longer time and increase the cost of healthcare.²Due to its occurrence in patients with peripheral intravenous catheters (PIC) as found during clinical observation, it was decided to conduct this study to determine the incidence of phlebitis and risk factors associated with it.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study aimed to assess the incidence and associated risk factors of phlebitis among patients with peripheral intravenous cannula. 300 patients above 18 years of age with peripheral intravenous catheters (PIC) in place, were purposely selected from medical units, surgical units and intensive care units of SKIMS, Srinagar. The factors studied were age, gender, reason for cannulation, site of insertion, situation of insertion, cannula/ cathetersize, dwelling time of catheter, IV medications, and family history of thrombophlebitis. Phlebitis was graded using Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score.

Results: The incidence of phlebitis was expressed in percentage. Frequencies and Pearson’s chi-square test [with 5% significance level] were implemented to find out the significance of associated risk factors of phlebitis. Incidence of phlebitis was found to be 25.33% in our study. The increased incidence rate of phlebitis was seen in the age group of 36->55 years, the female gender, IV drugs administration, large catheter size (18G), insertion in the dorsum of hand, catheters inserted in emergency situations, cannulation duration of 96 hours and family history of thrombophelebitis.

Conclusion: Phlebitis is an adverse complication when it gets advanced thus it needs to be arrested before it reaches blood stream. Avoiding of preventable risk factors, proper health professional practices, and, judicious administration of intravenous medication, daily inspection of catheters are needed for prevention of phlebitis.

TOBACCO SMOKING AND EMERGING DISEASES IN ENGLAND: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Srikar Praneeth Chilla — 2024-08-07

This systematic review examines the relationship between tobacco smoking and rising cancer rates in England, focusing on young adults. The study aims to analyse the impacts of tobacco consumption, develop effective intervention plans, and implement strategies to reduce smoking-related cancer risks

ADHERING TO NEW NORMAL BEHAVIOUR AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL ACTION-A STUDY IN THE BACKDROP OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH ASSAM.

Dr. Jayeeta Sen — 2024-12-06

The term new normal first appeared in 2008 to refer the financial crisis to the dramatic economic, cultural and social change that caused precariousness and social unrest impacting collective perception and individual lifestyle. This term has been used again during the COVID-19 pandemic. It directs people to carry out certain action like use of masks, sanitizer avoidance of crowded places etc. that are new to the people in Indian Society. However, Sociological theories of action particularly those who are dealing with micro- Sociology explicates that people’s action is not ordered always. Adapting new normal is a concern throughout the globe. In societies of west, people are not ready to avoid crowd, public vehicle, religious congression as well as maintaining physical distance. Attitudinal ideology of people in India is not individualism rather collectivity. There is a strong bondage of community as well as neighbour-hood feeling. People are accustomed to conglomerate in religious as well as socio-cultural festivals. Systematic queue is hardly seen in bus stand, shop or marketplace. Moreover, there is established inequitable hierarchy in terms of caste, class, education, occupation and locality in India. Unequal hierarchical composition in Indian society contributes in unequal attitude, practices, habits and beliefs regarding all aspects of cultural milieu including health and health seeking behavior. In a country like India people in general and rural as well as semi urban-setting in particular do not get ready to accept new things. They have fear to lose their own culture. Assam is not exceptional in this regard. Being agrarian society Assam is dominated by rural setting following rural culture. The Study areas geographically located in Southern part of Assam bordering Bangladesh is predominated by rural culture and outlook even after three decades of globalization. Hence the present study intends to seek to investigate: the way people are adopting with new-normal life. It seeks to know social arrangement in the attitude of people.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EVOLUTION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Al hutaylah, Hussain Hassan S — 2024-07-31

EMS has progressed through history, changes, and innovations through historical landmarks, technology, and policies to be one of the components of contemporary medical systems. Analyzing the work of this paper, the development process of EMS, its features and further prospects will be discussed. Stakeholder's key achievements include forming paramedic programs and purchasing ALS equipment, which has boosted EMS performance and patient outcomes. Most advanced communication systems, GPS systems, and mobile health applications have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of EMS services. Some processes demonstrated vital factors that influenced the structure and organization of EMS, such as the adaptation of the 911 emergency call system and federal support for EMS training programs. However, concerns such as the limitations of resources, increased stress levels among EMS professionals, and variations in the delivery of EMS across regions are still present. These issues hinder quality healthcare delivery, especially to rural clients, by delaying the time needed to attend to them. It has been essential to know and understand the evolution of EMS to understand the aspects that need improvement since people want to be well prepared, generously responded to, and cared for in medical emergencies. Identifying the efficiency of innovations and policies of EMS proved their influence on patient treatment outcomes, emphasizing the necessity of further development and research in the sphere. Sustainability, more efforts directed at resources and regions, and systematic policy review are critical for continuing EMS's evolution and enhancing emergency medical care's effectiveness for all areas.

IMPORTANCE OF EXCITOTOXICITY IN STRESS: A MINI REVIEW

Dr. Titlee Majumder — 2024-11-15

Excitotoxicity refers to the process where nerve cells are damaged or killed due to excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters, primarily glutamate. This overactivation of receptors, such as NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, causes an influx of calcium ions into the neurons, leading to cell damage or death. It is a key factor in various neurodegenerative diseases and acute neurological conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury. Many researchers suggested that chronic stress can exacerbate excitotoxicity by increasing the release of glutamate in the brain. There are numerous factors play extremely important roles in many endorsing the excitotoxicity are increased glutamate levels, vulnerability of the neurones and neuro-degeneration in the diseases like Parkinsons. Several protective measures are obtained by the review of many researches. Effective stress management, including mindfulness, exercise, and therapy, can help regulate glutamate levels and reduce the risk of excitotoxicity.Enhancing antioxidant defences through diet or supplementation may protect neurons from the oxidative stress induced by excitotoxicity.Drugs that block NMDA receptors or regulate glutamate activity are being explored as treatments for conditions associated with excitotoxicity.

INTERCONNECTIONS AMONG SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS, PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLEXIBILITY, AND MEANING IN LIFE AMONG CAREGIVERS OF CANCER PATIENTS

Ms. Sharvari S Gupte — 2024-11-09

The present study explores the interconnections among social connectedness, psychological inflexibility, and meaning in life among caregivers of cancer patients these psychological variables interact with demographic and caregiving factors, such as gender, age, cancer stage, daily caregiving hours, total caregiving duration, and the caregiver's relationship to the patient. Understanding these interconnections is essential for developing psychological support tailored to caregivers' unique challenges in oncology settings. The sample consisted of 141 caregivers (76 females and 65 males) aged 18 to 45, who provide daily support to cancer patients in varying stages of the disease. Participants were assessed using three validated scales: the Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (Lee & Robbins, 2001) to measure their sense of belonging and interpersonal relationships, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger, 2006) to assess their sense of purpose, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (Bond et al., 2011) to evaluate their level of psychological inflexibility, or rigidity in handling stress.

Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among SC, PIF, and MIL, revealing significant positive correlations across all variables, indicating that caregivers who felt a strong sense of social connectedness and purpose in life tended to experience lower psychological inflexibility. Additionally, multiple linear regression analyses highlighted how demographic and caregiving factors influenced these core psychological dimensions, shedding light on complex, multifaceted interactions.The findings underscore the importance of social and psychological support structures for caregivers. Caregiving characteristics, such as the time spent in caregiving per day and total caregiving duration, were found to have significant impacts on the sense of connection, adaptability, and meaning that caregivers derive from their roles, while variables like gender and caregiver-patient relationship did not show significant effects. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that address these dynamics to bolster caregivers' mental well-being and resilience.

INFLUENCE OF DIET ON EMOTIONAL WELLBEING–A GENDER PERSPECTIVE

Uzma Nigaar Zameer — 2024-09-03

The influence of diet on emotions explores how dietary choices can impact mood, cognition, and emotional well-being, highlighting the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health. This study explores how diet and emotions interact, particularly examining gender differences in emotional and mindful eating behaviours among 102 participants in Urban Bengaluru through personal interviews and online surveys. Key findings from the Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ) and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) reveal significant trends: 66% of respondents use food to cope with anxiety, while 45% struggle to control sweets, particularly chocolates, and 43% emotionally eat under stress, anger, or boredom; nearly half 49% feel guilt after consuming forbidden foods and 50% overeat while dieting, indicating the challenges in dietary control. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square and ANOVA tests, affirm significant gender-based disparities in eating behaviours and emotional responses. Females demonstrate higher susceptibility to emotional triggers such as anxiety, stress, or boredom, contributing to greater emotional eating tendencies and challenges in mindful eating and males exhibit lower engagement in emotional eating behaviours but may demonstrate less mindfulness during eating; 22% of males versus 18% of females feel controlled by food. Addressing these gender specific patterns through targeted interventions aimed at enhancing emotional regulation and promoting mindful eating practices is crucial for fostering healthier eating behaviours and improving emotional well-being across genders.