The Journal of Community Health Management

58-63

Authors: J K Mishra, Ashvendra Singh Chawra, Girish Singh, H D Khanna

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways is a major worldwide health problem that has an increasing prevalence and mortality. Aim: The aim of study was to estimate serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and Antioxidant level from blood samples of COPD patients and to compare with age and sex matched healthy controls and further to compare these levels between severity grades and smoking pack years. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of TB and Respiratory disease, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during June 2012 to June 2013. A total of 44 COPD patients who met the prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria were registered for the study and 44 age and sex matched healthy non COPD individuals were selected as the controls. MDA level was estimated by thiobarbiburic acid assay by Philpot Method and assay of TNF-α done by TNF-α (Human) ELISA KIT Protocol. Results: The percentage of male cases was 72.7 and 47.1% of cases were over 60 years of age. 50% cases belonged to poor socioeconomic status. Cough, sputum production and dyspnoea were the predominant symptoms. 40.9% cases had history of previous hospitalization. A statistically significant difference in mean MDA as well as total antioxidant level was found between cases and controls. It was observed that the level of MDA increases and total antioxidant level decreases as severity of COPD increases. The level of MDA increased and level of total antioxidant decreased with increase in the smoking pack years. Conclusion The inflammatory mediators involved in COPD have been clearly defined, and an early approach on smoking cessation and controlling oxidative stress may retard disease progression.

68-71

Authors: Abhijeet Kunwar, Pashupati Chaudhary

Background: This is a four year retrospective study of major limb amputations performed at BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal, a premier medical centre of Eastern Nepal. Analysis of indications and complications of the surgical amputations are presented. Results: This patients were mostly males below the age of 40 years. Lower limb amputations constituted 75% while the rest were upper limb amputation. The commonest indication was trauma (42%) followed by traditional bone setter (TBS) gangrene (32%) and malignant tumours (14%). Wound infection, the commonest complication occurred in patients who had identifiable predisposing factors. The two deaths that occurred were in the patients who had traditional bone setter intervention and all died due to septicaemia. Conclusion: Trauma and traditional bone setter gangrene were the commonest indications. Most of the amputations were avoidable. Institution of preventable measures is imperative. Paying attention to predisposing factors can reduce complications.

75-81

Authors: Sanat Kumar Sharma, S.C. Mohapatra, Meghkanta Mohapatra

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia with a view of suggesting measures for increased up takes in University students. Institution based cross-sectional study design was used. Respondents were selected by simple random sampling method. A total of 425 students were included. The data was collected by trained health workers using a self administered structured questionnaire which was adopted from Behavioural survey surveillance (BSS). A total of 413 students participated (with the response rate of 97%). In which 145 (35.1%) accounted for females. Their age ranged from 18-30, with the median age of 20. Majority 145 (35.1%) of the respondents preferred the VCT service to be given in youth clubs followed by Government Institutions 105(25.4%).The female respondents were found to have a significant association to accept VCT for HIV with the OR=1.95(1.27,2.99). In this study females were more knowledgeable and willing to VCT for HIV than that of the males. Still cost of VCT matters, in which the respondents prefer to be tested at youth clubs and Government hospitals. Therefore, both sexes should have to be empowered to accept VCT for HIV through peer initiated VCT services at all levels of care including in Universities.

85-88

Authors: Ramya HG, Satish Kumar and Md. Shafiq Alam

Drying of fruit and vegetables is one of the oldest forms of food preservation techniques for off season use. Although the primary objective of drying and dehydration is food preservation, yet, it lowers the cost of packaging, storing and transportation by reducing both the weight and volume of the final product. Microwave drying is a rapid dehydration technique that can be applied to specific foods, mostly to fruits and vegetables. A significant reduction in drying time in microwave drying is often accompanied by an improvement in product quality, making it a promising food dehydration technology.