Arti Ajay Kasulkar

Abstract

Background: With the emergence of a novel human corona virus, it is believed that persons with underlying health conditions or co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, have an increasingly rapid and severe progression, often leading to death. India as a country has demonstrated an escalating prevalence of diabetes not only in urban populations, but also in rural populations as a result of the urbanization of lifestyle parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 250 diagnosed diabetic patients of age group 18-60 years attending outpatient department of Rural Health Training Centre affiliated to the tertiary care hospital. Result: The responses were tabulated and analyzed for frequencies and percentage. We observed that 70% of diabetic patients of rural population were aware about the high risk of Covid-19 infection in diabetics. Half of the diabetic patients in our study were aware of the technique of hand washing and importance of wearing mask as a precautionary measure in this COVID era. Conclusion: Prevention is of utmost importance, but for the millions of diabetics managing their disease must remain the priority. Sensitization of population with co-morbidities regarding self-care and precautionary measures must be implemented at root level.   Keywords: Awareness, COVID­19, Diabetic population, Preventive measures, Rural area

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Abstract

Background: The COVID pandemic has caused drastic changes in education systems in the world. The government enforced the restriction of all the educational institutions all over the country and also throughout the world. Due to shut down of institutions, the mode of learning shifted from on-site, in person learning to online, virtual mode. Thanks to the advancement of the technology and sciences, we were able to connect students to their professional world virtually. The study intends to acknowledge the student’s mentality while attending online classroom and also highlighting the challenges faced due to the online education. Materials and Methods: The study was based on descriptive cross-sectional study and conducted through consented online survey where forms were distributed via social media. A total of 320 participants consented for the survey and willingly participated for it. Results: The survey showed that though the online mode of study was helpful in keeping up with the education, barriers can lead to obstruction for the fluidity of education. Conclusion: We should come up with more innovative ideas to connect students and professors with minimal barriers between them.   Keywords: COVID­19, New modes of Education, Student's perspective, Teacher's perspective, Survey

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Abstract

Background: “Health insurance” is an insurance that covers the whole or part of the risk of a person incurring medical expenses, spreading the risk over a large number of persons. Objectives: To find out proportion of insurance coverage among patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital and to assess reasons for non-coverage of insurance. Materials and Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among 272 patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital. After taking informed consent, interview of patient was conducted. Data was entered in a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire. Detailed interview of the patient was conducted regarding coverage of insurance, type of insurance used, reasons for enrolling insurance and reasons for not enrolling insurance. Data was analysed by using EPI INFO statistical software. Results: Insurance coverage was found to be 29%. 44.31% population received information regarding insurance from Friends and relatives. Lack of awareness was the reason reported by 45 % patients for not utilizing insurance. Conclusions: Coverage of insurance was found to be poor. Patients should be made aware regarding various insurance schemes provided by Government for benefit of patients.   Keywords: Insurance, Coverage, Utilisation

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Abstract

Background: Self-medication is widely used in both urban and rural people around the world, even in developing nations like India. Inappropriate self-medication can squander resources, increase microbial resistance, and pose serious health hazards regardless of whether it can help in the prevention and treatment of illnesses that do not require medical attention. Materials and Methods: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 200 participants on self-medication, a cross-sectional study using questionnaires was conducted. Result: On the recommendation of pharmacists, 45.5% of respondents used self-medication in the previous six months. About 83% of respondents thought self-medication was harmful if it was used without proper knowledge of drugs and diseases, 69% thought pharmacists were good resources for advice and information about minor medical issues, 59% thought self-medication was acceptable in some situations, and 34% thought a drug's effectiveness was unrelated to its price. Self-medication was favoured by the majority of respondents (38%) for minor illnesses like coughs, colds, and fevers. Due to time savings, participants' confidence in their own medical expertise, the expensive cost of visiting a doctor, and the clinic's distance from their homes, self-medication was chosen. Conclusion: Even though self-medication has negative effects, many nevertheless do it since it's more convenient. The general public should therefore be made aware of the potential risks associated with self-medication.   Keywords: Self­medication, General population, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

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