Kranti Tekulapally

Abstract

Medical and Dental students are exposed to online classes for the first time during the COVID pandemic. The current study was planned to understand their perceptions about these online classes in contrast to classroom teaching and suggest strategies to improve them. A cross-sectional study was carried out among all the students of Malla Reddy Medical College for Women and Malla Reddy Dental College for Women during September 2020. The study questionnaire containing 20 questions was prepared, prevalidated and distributed to all the study participants as google form. Data from completed questionnaires was entered into an excel sheet and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Analysis of data from 279 students revealed that the 69% of the students used smartphones to attend online classes, 96% of them reported having internet problems and 42% of the students enjoyed the online classes. Understanding of the topic and knowledge gained during online classes were rated average and above average by 59% and 53% of the students respectively. Many students felt that long screen hours have made the classes less interesting and caused health issues like headaches, eyestrain, and backache. They also felt that online classes were less interactive and did not provide much clinical and practical knowledge. Students showed a negative response to online classes. There is a need to make online classes more interactive and interesting by using certain strategies like problem-solving activities, quizzes, discussions, surveys, and polls. Faculty should be trained in good online teaching practices to ensure its success. Keywords: Elearning, Distance Learning, Internet-based, Web-based

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Abstract

Introduction: Hyperlipidemias are recognized as one of the major risk factors for the development of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Statins are the most potent lipid lowering agents currently available that significantly lower the morbidity and mortality associated with CAD. Aim: To compare the cost of various statins of different brands by calculating the percentage variation of cost. Materials and Methods: Prices of different statin preparations per 10 tablets/ capsules in rupees were reviewed from Drug today April-June 2018 issue and www.drugsupdate.com for analysis. Maximum and minimum price difference of the same drug manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies was calculated. Percentage variation was calculated as per the following formula  Drug formulations manufactured by only one company and those whose price could not be obtained from the sources were excluded from analysis. Results: Maximum companies are manufacturing single drug atorvastatin 10mg (192) and atorvastatin 5 mg + ezetimibe 10mg (40). Highest percentage variation in cost is found with atorvastatin 5 mg (900%) and in atorvastatin 10mg + amlodipine 5 mg (1488%). Conclusion: There is wide variation in the cost of various statins available in India, which increases the economic burden on patients. Government of India should take more consumer friendly steps to control the cost of drugs. Physicians should maintain a P-drug list and prescribe low cost and effective drugs to improve compliance to drug therapy and ensure effective treatment of the disease. Keywords: Statins, Cost variation, Hyperlipidemias.

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