Department of Community Medicine » UG Research 2008

Risk Factors Of Ovarian Cancer In Trivandrum, Kerala

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:13:37 +0000

MUHAMMED JASIM

MUHAMMED.J.NISHADH

MEGHA BHARATH

MOHAMMED SHAFI

K.VIJAYAKUMAR

Cancer of the female reproductive tract has a high incidence amongst Indian women. According to National cancer registry’s population based study in 2003 on the proportion of ovarian cancers among all female cancers; it was about 5.2% and 5.1% in Banglore and Chennai respectively. Ovarian cancer was about 7.2% in Delhi but Mumbai topped the list with about 7.3%.Proportion of ovarian cancer in Trivandrum increased from 5.5% in 1993 to 8% in 2003.As stated by The American Cancer Society about 76% of women with ovarian cancer survive 1 year after diagnosis, and 45% survive longer than 5 years after diagnosis. If diagnosed and treated while the cancer has not spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 93%. Here comes the importance of knowing the risk factors of ovarian cancer.

A hospital – based case – control study was conducted with 100 women of age more than 30 years with ovarian cancer as cases and the control being 200 women without ovarian cancer matched for age from the Radiotherapy and Surgery wards of Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum respectively within a time period of 3 months from October-2007 to January 2008.The data was collected by interviewing the subjects based on a questionnaire, which contained the study variables: General information, Personal history, Past history, Family history, Menstrual history, Obstetric history and Diet. Univariate analysis was done by odds ratio and students’T test and multivariate analysis by logistic regression. Following factors accounted for 55.9% of the total risk factors predisposing to ovarian cancer: Family h/o ovarian cancer, Family h/o other malignancy, Milk consumption, Fried food consumption. These findings reveal the need for early screening for individuals with a family history of ovarian cancer or other malignancies (1). A balanced diet which includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and restriction of fried food intake can also be recommended

Availability and Affordability of Drugs

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:03:06 +0000

Submitted by
Dipin Mani
Gurudas M.P
Deepu Mathew

Guide
Dr. Althaf.A
Dept. of Community Medicine
Medical College, Trivandrum

SUMMARY

Aim of the study: To find the availability and affordability of drugs in Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum, as estimated by a study done on patients during the first 24 hours of admission to the Medicine Casualty.

Research design and methods: We designed a case series study for patients admitted to Medicine Casualty during a month period. The drugs prescribed were recorded from the case book. The availability and cost of drugs were recorded by interviewing the by-standers. The proportion of drugs available in the hospital is calculated. The proportion of essential drugs available in the hospital too is calculated separately. The monthly income of the patient is recorded and affordability of drug purchase is estimated by comparing with the monthly income.

Results: The total number of cases in the study was 100. The proportion of patients having to purchase drugs from outside pharmacies during the first 24 hours following admission was 90%. The proportion of drugs prescribed which has to be purchased from outside pharmacies was 54.97%. The proportion of essential drugs prescribed which has to be purchased from outside pharmacies was 43.33%. The affordability of drug purchase from outside paharmacies: taking the average, 3 days’ wages has to be spent for a day’s treatment.

Conclusion: The availability of drugs in Trivandrum Medical College Hospital (45.03%) is extremely low. The availability of essential drugs (56.77%) too is poor. 90% of the patients requiring drug purchase from outside pharmacies infers that drugs are unavailable for the most common medical emergencies as well. 10 days’ wage spent for purchasing drugs just for 24 hour treatment infers the heavy burden on the patients.

Hearing Loss in Children

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:46:44 +0000

Mumthas A

Nidhi RS

Nishitha Mohan Philip

A hospital based case- control study was conducted with case being 50 children in the age group 5-12 years attending ENT OP, Medical college, Trivandrum who have been diagnosed to have hearing loss by doing Tympanometry and Pure Tone Audiogram and the control being 100 children without hearing loss matched for age from Paediatric ward, SAT Hospital, Trivandrum within a time period of September 2008 to November 2008.

The data was collected by interviewing the subjects based on a questionnaire, which contained the study variables. Univariate analysis was done by Chi square test and Odds ratio. The following factors were found to have statistically significant association with hearing loss based on Odds ratio: Low economic status(3.672), Rural residence(4.846), Family history of hearing loss(9.333), Antenatal X-ray exposure(3.174), Pre-term delivery(7.977) Caesarean and instrumental delivery(5.359), History of ICU admission(4.750), Breast feeding less than 1 year(4.195), Past history of infectious diseases like measles, mumps, meningitis(27.923), Presence of wax or foreign body in the ear(16.972), Ear infections(35.483), Asthma or allergy(13.857), Adenotonsillitis(126.000), Trauma to ear or head(3.381), Dip bath(3.326), Exposure to loud noise(10.954), Over crowding(14.710) and Passive smoking(17.379).

Multivariate analysis was done by logistic regression and the following factors accounted for 46.4% of total risk factors predisposing to hearing loss: Over crowding(P=0.000), Low socio economic status(P=0.007), Rural residence(P=0.000), Presence of ear infection(P=0.000).

These findings reveal the need for early intervention in children having ear infections. Measures should be taken to control other significant risk factors also.Early detection of cases by screening the high risk population is also recommended.

Risk Factors Of Depression

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:43:54 +0000

PROJECT GUIDE:

DR.REKHA RACHEL PHILIP

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE

GOVT.MEDICAL COLLEGE

TRIVANDRUM

SUBMITTED BY:

LITTY THOMAS

ARUSHMA.M.K.

MANJULA.K.P.

(2005MBBS)

BACK GROUND

Depression-a common and serious psychiatric disease in the present century WHO World Health Report 2001 suggest that by the year 2020 depression is projected to reach 2^nd place in the ranking of DALY’s calculated for all ages and both sexes. Today depression already the 2^ndcause of DALY’s in the age group 15-44 for both sex combined.

OBJECTIVE

To find out the risk factors of depression among males and females of age group 15-30

METHOD

We did a case control study with 30 cases [aged 15-30] diagnosed as depression in the department of psychiatry MCH TVM and compared with age matched 60 controls. Our study variables includes ; OCP,sedatives,thyroid disorders,family h/o of mental illness, family h/o of suicide, family h/o of alcoholism, childhood trauma, bad childhood experience,substance abuse, sex abuse, cancer, stressful events.

RESULTS

We got statistically significant association with depression for the following variables; sedatives[adjusted odd’s 5.174], family h/o suicide [adjusted odd’s3.5] , family h/o alcoholism[ adjusted odd’s 4.73] , child hood trauma [adjusted odd’s 3.087], sex abuse[ adjusted odd’s 4.364]

CONCLUSION

Thus we conclude that the above-mentioned variables show positive association with the development of depression.

Risk factors Of Cholelithiasis

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:41:21 +0000

Submitted by: Anchitha P.M

Anila Tresa

Anitha Paul

Project Guide:

Dr.Vijaya Kumar

Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine

Government Medical College

Thiruvananthapuram.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To find out the risk factors of cholelithiasis among inpatients of Surgery wards, Govt Medical College, Tvm, during the period 15th August 2008 – 15th December 2008.

Method: We conducted a case control study and compared 50 cases of clinically diagnosed cholelithiasis cases with 100 controls who did not have cholelithiasis. We collected data by approaching inpatients of surgery wards, Government Medical College, TVM. We used an interview schedule as study tool. Our study period was from 15th August 2008 to 15th December 2008.

Results: By using chi square test and odds ratio, we found out whether there is any association between cholelithiasis and the factors which have taken into consideration. According to chi square test and odds ratio , we found that , the determinants, age >40yrs (OR= 11.714, P value= 0.000), sedentary life style (OR=11.870, P value=0.000), high calorie food intake (OR=5.063, P value= 0.001), high BMI(OR=23.028, P value=0.000), presence of co morbidities(OR=6.657, Pvalue=0.010), and hyperlipidemia (OR=47.25, P value= 0.000) are statistically significant.

Conclusion: From our study , we conclude that cholelithiasis has strong association with age >40yrs, sedentary life style, high calorie food intake, high BMI, presence of co morbidities, and hyperlipidemia. Our sample size was too small and this may be the reason that many of the risk factors under consideration were not found to be statistically significant.

Risk Factors Of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:30:38 +0000

mahesh.m.r

lovely thomas

mathew tharun george

background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy is fairly common in elderly. It refers to the increase in size of the prostate in middle-aged and elderly men. As this is the major problem of the old age we should consider it seriously. The quality of the life is affected and morbidity increases. Early detection and treatment will improve the quality of the life. So finding out the risk factor will help in decreasing the incidence.

methodology:

Case control study was conducted on risk factors of BPH under the department of community medicine with 25 cases and 50 controls. Study was conducted among the male patients between the age group 45-85 yrs admitted in urology ward of MCH Trivandrum. Interviewer administered pre-tested questionnaire was used for collection of data.

Results

From this study statistically significant association was obtained for exposure to sunlight, smoking, duration of smoking, no. of cigarettes smoked per day, frequency of drinking, pan chewing, hypertension, duration of hypertension, use of analgesics and urinary calculi.

Risk Factors Associated With Female MI

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:28:58 +0000

A case control study on the “Risk Factors Associated with Female MI” among 50 females admitted in the Medicine wards of Medical College Thiruvananthapuram was conducted during the period November 2008 to January 2009.The data was collected from 50 cases and 100 controls using a prestructured questionnaire by interview technique.The data collected included personal details,dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking,and passive smoking,other heart disease,family history of heart attack etc.

Major results obtained are,

*Poorly educated females have 2.89 times more risk of developing MI.

*Females with dyslipidemia has 2.85 times more risk of developing MI.

*Hypertensive women have 5.85 times greater chance of developing MI.Greater the duration more the risk.

*Smokers have 16.11 times greater risk of developing MI.

*There is 2.28 times more risk for developing MI in female passive smokers than others.

*Increased duration of diabetes increases the risk of MI by 3.89 times.

*Females with other heart disease have 51 times greater risk of developing McI.

Guided by, Submitted by,

Dr.K Ramesh Biyamol Baby

Postgraduate Student Chaithanya.C.Das

Department of Community Chithra Gopal.S

Medicine.

Prevalence Of Addictions Among School Children Of Selected Schools In Trivandrum City

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:27:44 +0000

Guided by: Dr. J. Suhara Beevi

Assistant Professor in Medico Sociology

Dept. of Community Medicine

Government Medical College

Trivandrum

Submitted by: Sonu Manuel, Sony Raj

A cross sectional study was conducted to find out the prevalence of addictions among children of three different schools in Trivandrum city and influence of socioeconomic status in this. The tool used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. 150 students each of age group 15-18 from three different schools were selected as study subjects. The study period was spread over a short period from 01/10/2008 to 01/11/2008.

The data obtained was analysed by statistical methods and prevalence of addictions and the influence of socioeconomic status in it was found out.

The main results obtained are:

Smoking is most prevalent addiction (6.4%)
Prevalence of pan chewing is 3.3% and prevalence of drinking is 2.2%.
Addictions are more prevalent among low income group.
Addictions are more prevalent in Govt. Medical College Higher Secondary School.
Most of the children start addictions after the age of 12.
Most of the children start addictions by the influence of friends.
Most of the children are aware of the harmful effects of addictions.

Prevalance of Postpartum Depression

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:23:12 +0000

Guide by, Dr. K . Vijayakumar, Professor, Community Medicine, Medical College, Tvm.

Submitted by, praji s Prasad, rachana chandran, rajani lilly cheriyan

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression is a maternal mental morbidity which is on a rise today. But most of them go undetected. Hence this study is a venture to find out the prevalence of postpartum depression.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the prevalence of postpartum depression among young mothers.
RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODS:
We carried out a cross sectional study among 100 young mothers admitted to the postnatal wards of SAT Hospital, Trivandrum, during a 3 month period. The prevalence was found out by using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scoring system for which data was obtained by self administered structured questionnaire through personal interviews. The results were tabulated and analysed.
RESULTS:

Among the 100 young mothers, 19 were found to have a score above 10 out of a total of 30 which was suggestive of postpartum depression according to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. From our interviews using the questionnaire, we could also find out that lack of support from the family members especially the in-laws had a significant role to play in the occurrence of postpartum depression.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Antenatal and postnatal periods are the most vulnerable periods in the life of a woman. During this period, what a woman needs most is loving support from her family. She should also be encouraged to take adequate rest and relaxation in postnatal period.

Pain To Needle Time And The Factors Determining The Time Gap Among Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Admitted To Mch, Trivandrum

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:20:08 +0000

Done by Project guide

Anand V Karthik Dr K. Vijayakumar

Anil George Paul Dept of Community Medicine

Anjana Pradeep Govt. Medical College Thiruvanathapuram

OBJECTIVE

To find the average pain to needle time, its different components and the factors determining this time gap in patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted to MCH, Thiruvananthapuram.

METHODOLOGY

1) Study Design : Retrospective cohort

2) Study Setting : ICCU & medicine wards, MCH, Trivandrum

3) Study Sample : all patients with ST elevation who underwent

thrombolysis or angioplasty .

Exclusion : those patients outside window period

4) Sample size : 101

5) Study period : Oct 18 – Dec 9, 2008

6) Study tool : Pre-tested semi structured questionnaire

administered by interviewer method.

7) Study variables

Pain to Needle time and its components

a) Time spent at home/work place/others if any after onset of symptoms

b) Pain to Door time

c) Door to ICCU time

d) ICCU to needle time

e) Door to needle time

And the various factors determining the time gap like

a) Age

b) Sex

c) Education

d) Socioeconomic status

e) Occupation

f) Type of intervention

g) Place of onset

h) Risk factors and Co morbid conditions

i) Mode of transport

j) Awareness about MI

8) Procedure

Permission obtained from Department of Community Medicine.
Permission obtained from Department of Cardiology.
Prepared a semi-structured questionnaire and pre-tested it.
Informed consent obtained from patients prior to interview.
Collected relevant information from case records.
Statistical analysis done using SPSS Software.

Mean, Standard Deviation and Standard Error of the time intervals calculated.
To find the relation between variables under study and the mean time intervals was done using comparison of means by Student’s T Test. The variables giving a p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was taken significant.