Razia M Nagarwala

Abstract

Context: Menopause is the period in women’s life when menstruation ceases for atleast 12 months. Perimenopause refers to the time during which body makes the natural transition to menopause. M Majority women attain menopause without having adequate knowledge and approaches to cope with the menopausal changes. So, they face many physical and psychological disorders during their menopause. So knowledge and awareness regarding it is very necessary. Aims: To study knowledge, attitude and perception of perimenopausal and menopausal changes in middle age women of 40-45years of urban population. Design: It was a cross-sectional study in urban population (community set-up). Materials and Methods: 100 female participants between the age group 40-45 years having regular or irregular menstrual cycle were asked to fill a self-made questionnaire which was face validated. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive analysis. Results: 99% women have heard about the term perimenopause and menopause of which 96% women have knowledge about it. 46% were aware about the physical symptoms, 84% about the emotional/psychological symptoms, 78% about the hormonal deficiency related symptoms and 92% about the bone and muscle related problems. 41% of women had knowledge about Hormonal Replacement Therapy. 51% of the women have knowledge about the exercise which helps cope with perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Conclusion: More efforts are needed for creating awareness about symptoms, complication and risk factors associated with perimenopause and menopause and importance of exercise as the first line of treatment option to cure the symptoms.   Keywords: Perimenopause, Menopause, Awareness, Knowledge, Symptoms.

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Context: Inhalation therapy plays a major role in treatment of respiratory diseases. Correct inhalation technique is crucial for effective clinical outcomes. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyse technique of use of Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) and Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) in patients with respiratory disease. Settings and Design: This observational study was conducted at pulmonary outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: 30 patients were enrolled using convenience sampling. Participants’ demographic and disease specific data was recorded. Participants were asked to use their inhaler just as they would at home. The technique of device use was observed and recorded using inhaler specific checklists. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 30 patients 26 were using MDI, 23 of which (92%) performed at least 1 error. Among 4 patients using DPI, 3 (75%) performed at least 1 error. Patients using MDI for more than 1 year performed less errors compared to those who had been using MDI for less than 1 year, however the difference observed was not significant (n=26, p= 0.304). 29 patients (96%) received education about inhaler device use. The most common incorrectly performed steps were “complete exhalation” and “breath hold.” Conclusions: 92% of MDI and 75% of DPI users made at least one error during the inhalation maneuver despite majority being educated about inhaler technique. The most frequently performed incorrect steps for MDI and DPI were “Complete exhalation” and “Breath hold”.   Keywords: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Dry Powder Inhaler, Metered Dose Inhaler

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Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common heterogeneous, endocrine and metabolic disorders in women and studies have shown that 10% of the women are affected by PCOS in India. This study aims at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise as a treatment option in young females diagnosed with PCOS. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 100 participants diagnosed with PCOS and were asked to fill a self-made questionnaire that was face validated. Results: 93% of the respondents are aware of PCOS being one of the most common lifestyle disorders. 22.5% were aware of obesity being a complication of PCOS and only 23.1% were aware of weight reduction as a benefit of exercise. 5.4% consulted a Physiotherapist to treat the condition. 70% reported that health care professionals were their main source of information about PCOS. 74% strongly agreed to the importance of treating PCOS to prevent its future complications and 66% agreed to take some time out of their daily schedule to indulge in an exercise program. 84% were aware that exercise is a treatment option in the management of PCOS but only 67% practiced exercise regularly. 34.8% of the population chose a lack of time as the main reason for not exercising regularly. Conclusion: Efforts need to intensify in creating awareness about the complications of PCOS and therefore the importance of exercise as the first line of treatment option to cure the condition along with a healthy diet. A multidisciplinary approach in tackling PCOS has to be emphasized. Keywords: Polycystic ovary disease, Awareness, Exercise, Physiotherapy.

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