Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care最新文献

{"title":"Parents as key actors to screen early childhood development disorders: Validation of a culturally sensitive, parent-administered screening instrument using Delphi technique.","authors":"Vadivelan Kanniappan, J R Abishek, S Shrisruthi, Manju B Manoharan, Manikumar Muthiah, Prakash Muthuperumal","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1740_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1740_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The lack of culturally sensitive screening instruments that can be administered by parents is one of the major barriers to incorporating them in the monitoring of their child's developmental progress and incorporating them in the early identification of early childhood development disorders (ECDDs). The paper presents the methods and outcomes of the validation process using the Delphi technique to develop a culturally congruent instrument appropriate to be used by the parents of infants in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu to assess their child's developmental progress.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A screening tool was developed with 64 statements/items on the red flag signs for children from age 0 to 12 months. A panel of experts then evaluated this instrument and scored each of the items, in two rounds, on 5-point Likert scales evaluating their safety and relative priority. In both the rounds, any item/statement with a median score < 5 or interquartile range > 1 was removed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The validated alpha version of the tool had 45 statements split across infant's age, encompassing a comprehensive range of pediatric development domains including tone, primitive reflex, cognition, gross motor, fine motor, language communication, sensory motor, social, and problem solving.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The cultural congruence with the Tamil population, focus on concerning signs of developmental delay, and the inclusion of a few primitive reflexes perceived by the expert panel as safe to be used by the parents/caregivers enhances the practical application of the instrument, in the early detection of ECDD.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1910-1918"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178520/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Positive airway pressure therapy adherence in obstructive sleep apnea patients with or without web-based telemonitoring: A real-world study.","authors":"Xin Ru Qu, Xin Liu, Zi Qian Cheng, Yi Ming Li, Teng Han, Xiao Lei Zhang","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1182_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1182_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Telemonitoring has been found to improve the adherence of short-term positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence in random controlled trials (RCT) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), however, the RCT results may not fully reflect the real-world situation of PAP management. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of web-based telemonitoring on PAP adherence in patients with moderate to severe OSA on real-world evidence.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>PAP therapy data for patients with OSA were retrospectively examined and were divided into two groups according to the PAP machines with or without web-based telemonitoring application (TC group or SC group). The adherence data was analyzed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after initiation of PAP therapy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 126 patients, including 64 subjects in the TC group and 62 subjects in the SC group, were included for analysis. Compared with those in the SC group, the percent of nights ≥4 hours of PAP use and the mean nightly duration of PAP use were greater in the TC group in the initial 6 months. However, these adherence data were comparable at the end of 12 months. The decreased rate of adherence parameters was greater in the TC group during the 3-6 months compared with the initial 1-3 months. The uptake of telemonitoring function was found to be only associated with good PAP adherence at the initial 3-month therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PAP adherence is significantly improved through telemonitoring in the first 3-6 months after PAP initiation. However, the 12-month adherence was comparable between TC and SC groups. The timing and form of interventions based on telemonitoring data that could be most effectively implemented by healthcare providers, warrants further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1702-1709"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178465/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A study on morbidity patterns among geriatric age group population in urban field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Guntur Medical College, Guntur.","authors":"Ummadi Venkata Nitish Reddy, Meenakshi Lella, Supritha Sakhamuri, Radha Kumari Paladugu","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1555_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1555_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The immune system of elderly people is weak which provokes them for increased susceptibility to infections leading to great concern for their health.</p><p><strong>Aim and objectives: </strong>This study was conducted to explore the morbidity profile, to identify determinants and predictors of morbidity, to determine their health care seeking behavior, and to recommend required measures to be taken for the benefit of the geriatric individual's health.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>After approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and informed consent from participants, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using a prevalidated questionnaire among the geriatric population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 250 population, 58.4% were females and 41.6% males. The mean age of the population was 70.5 ± 4.94 years. The literacy rate was 71.2%. 58.8% were having good health care seeking behavior. In this study, majority of individuals (58%) had hypertension in association with musculoskeletal problems, followed by diabetes in association with hypertension (34%). Morbidities were statistically significant among females, alcoholics, nonvegetarians, people with low socioeconomic status and those with overweight.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The current study identified more morbidities among females, smokers, nonvegetarians, individuals with low socioeconomic status, those with overweight and those who do not exercise. These morbidities may be due to physiological age-related changes or due to any underlying pathology or even due to changes in life style habits. As this age group is mostly dependent on others, family physicians and primary care providers provide consistent and long-term care and also educate both patients and their families in managing age-related conditions, promoting healthier lifestyles and preparing for future health challenges. The government also must do its role in providing social security schemes and National Health Programs to the elderly individuals and enhance the health infrastructure at the ground level.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1662-1668"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178500/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing health-related quality of life using EQ-5D-5L in adolescents with perpetuation of obesity.","authors":"M Suganya, S Maragatham, D Padmapriya","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1400_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1400_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obesity in adolescents is a global health issue with increasing prevalence in middle-income countries. This study aims to analyze the Health-Related Quality of Life of Adolescents with Obesity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. The adolescents were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. In total, 62 adolescent patients with perpetuation of obesity were identified and interviewed. Agreed adolescents were given General information questionnaires and EQ-5D-5L. ANOVA was calculated using SPSS Version 21.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>More than half of adolescents (67.8%) were in the weight status of Obesity-I. The variables of Weight status, Physical activity, Duration of obesity, and Number of comorbidities were strongly correlated with health-related quality of life of adolescent patients since the <i>P</i> value of EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS were <0.05 level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>When compared to adolescents with obesity II and I status, adolescents with obesity III status had a lower health-related quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1643-1645"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178528/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical presentation and spectrum of opportunistic infections among HIV patients encountered in coastal Karnataka, South India.","authors":"Jutang Babat Ain Tiewsoh, Beena Antony","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1507_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1507_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Human immunodeficiency virus</i> (HIV) affects the immune system, bringing the body's defenses down resulting in the occurrence of opportunistic infections (OIs) which account for high morbidity and mortality.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>1) To analyze the demographic pattern including age, sex, and marital status of HIV seropositive patients. 2) To investigate the clinical presentation, spectrum of OIs, and outcome of HIV-infected individuals.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>Descriptive cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods and material: </strong>The study was conducted for a period of two years. HIV status was determined following NACO guidelines. Patients of either sex and of any age found to be sero-positive for HIV were included in the study. Demographic information, clinical presentation, different OIs isolated, outcome and determination of CD4 count were recorded.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>SPSS version 17-0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 137 infected individuals were included in the study, the most common presentation on admission was fever followed by gastrointestinal symptoms. Tuberculosis was the most common OI encountered followed by oral candidiasis. The CD4 count showed Tuberculosis having a median value of 162, Oral candidiasis 174, and Pneumonia 214, while others like PCP, <i>Toxoplasma</i>, CMV, <i>Cryptococcus, and Herpes zoster</i> presented with a median value of 96, 101, 369.5, 42, 299.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Fever followed by gastrointestinal symptoms was the most common clinical presentation. Tuberculosis was the most common OI followed by oral candidiasis in patients infected with HIV but other infections were also encountered. Therefore, clinicians on diagnosis of HIV should keep in mind to screen for the common OIs and vice versa.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1858-1864"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic nephropathy among type 2 diabetes patients in family medicine clinic AFHSR Khamis Mushait.","authors":"Saeed Mohammed Al-Shahrani, Bandar Mohammed Shaher, Yahya Mohammed Alragea, Fatima Mohammad Ali Alqahtani, Amjad Saeed Mansour Binghamiah, Mansour Ali Mansour Alqahtani, Saad Abdullah Mufrrih","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1476_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1476_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic nephropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting a considerable proportion of patients. Despite confirmed rising prevalence worldwide, little is known about its epidemiology in Saudi Arabia or its connection to glycemic or lipid parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study. We modeled the data using mixed effects logistic regression modeling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our sample was constituted of (n = 415) type 2 diabetes patients. The prevalence for diabetic nephropathy was [n = 17, 4.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 3.7% to 4.4%)]. Unadjusted risk factors were older age profile, comorbid diabetic retinopathy, comorbid stroke, lower BMI, and injecting insulin. However, tobacco smoking, neuropathy, family history of diabetes, or renal disease did not bear any significant association with diabetes nephropathy among our participants. Risk factors related to glycemic and lipid profiles included initial FBG levels and HbA1c percentages and initial and later cholesterol and LDL levels. Initial and later HDL levels were protective from diabetic nephropathy. At the adjusted analysis, only the number of children (HR = 0.3151, <i>P</i> = 0.02256) and triglyceride levels were associated with higher diabetic nephropathy risk (HR = 3.1709, <i>P</i> = 0.03218).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our estimate for diabetic nephropathy prevalence is exceedingly low compared to global figures. This may be related to impaired identification of diabetic nephropathy in Saudi Arabia. Our survey is the first in Saudi Arabia to confirm a link between reduced fertility and diabetic nephropathy. Our study, also, uniquely identifies a strong link between hypertriglyceridemia and diabetic nephropathy among Saudi patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1685-1694"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178525/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among elderly persons in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Roy Arokiam Daniel, Mani Kalaivani, Praveen Aggarwal, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1254_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1254_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of joint pain among the elderly population. It deteriorates their quality of life and poses economic burden to the family and the nation. Furthermore with increasing life expectancy and growing elderly population, the prevalence of OA will eventually increase. There is lack of national-level estimate on the prevalence of OA knee in India. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the prevalence of OA knee among elderly persons in India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to retrieve community-based studies which reported the prevalence of OA knee among elderly persons in India. To estimate the pooled prevalence and heterogeneity, the random effects model and I² statistic methods were employed. We conducted subgroup analyses based on gender and study setting, criteria, and sensitivity analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We included 14 studies in this meta-analysis, which comprised a total of 5,029 participants. The pooled prevalence of OA knee among elderly persons in India was 47% (95% CI: 38.4% to 55.8%, I²-97.1%) The subgroup analysis based on gender, criteria used, and study setting did not reveal the cause of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis after removing two studies did not change the pooled estimate.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Almost half the elderly persons in India suffer from OA knee, posing a severe threat to the healthcare system. Hence, the strengthening of primary health care and increased rehabilitation services is needed to reduce the consequences of OA among elderly people.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1675-1684"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178484/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of caregiver stress among carers of patients of cognitive impairment: An observational study from memory clinic of AIIMS, India.","authors":"Bharti Kumari, Avinash Chakrawarty, Abhijith Rarajam Rao, Yamini Ajmera, Prasun Chatterjee, Maroof Ahmad Khan, Aparajit B Dey","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1069_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1069_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Caregiver burden arises as a natural response to the stress associated with caregiving, encompassing a wide range of psychological, physical, social, and financial challenges. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of caregiver burden experienced by carers of cognitively impaired patients and the coping strategies employed by the caregivers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2019 and March 2020 in the memory clinic of the Department of Geriatric Medicine and 116 patients aged ≥60 years with cognitive complaints and their caregivers were recruited. Addenbrooke's cognitive examination III (ACE-III)-Hindi version was used to define subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD). Caregiver stress was assessed using the Kingston caregiver stress scale (KCSS), and the coping behaviour assessment scale was used to identify caregiver coping strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 116 patients, 46 (39.66%) had SCI, 20 (17.24%) had MCI, and 50 (43.10%) had MNCD. The caregivers' mean age was 47.82 ± 12.95, and 68 (58.62%) were male. Eighty-eight (75.86%) of them reported caregiver stress, and 85 (73.28%), 28 (24.14%), and 51 (43.97%) had caregiving, family, and financial issues. The presence of caregiver stress was significantly higher in MCND (RRR: 6.92, 95%CI, 2.32-20.64, <i>P</i> = 0.001) and MCI (RRR: 4.36, 95%CI, 1.12-16.96, <i>P</i> = 0.034) than caregivers of SCI patients. The coping score increased in MCI (RRR: 1.22, 95%CI 1.03-1.46) and MNCD (RRR: 1.59, 95%CI 1.34-1.89).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Caregiver stress is common among patients with MCI and MNCD, comprising challenges in caregiving, family dynamics, and financial aspects.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1728-1734"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178512/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of student's performance on biopsychosocial model-Three-stage assessment using e-learning platform in a distant education program in family medicine.","authors":"Hemavathi Dasappa, T A Lakshmi, Farah Naaz Fathima, Elizabeth Reji, J Hudson, M Kiran","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1690_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1690_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The three-stage assessment, which includes clinical, individual, and contextual assessment, is a person-centred clinical method (biopsychosocial model). This method can help students and clinicians to assess biopsychosocial factors of the patient in a systematic way.</p><p><strong>Aim and objective of the study: </strong>To assess student performance of 'three-stage assessment-patient centred care method' using a rubric among students enrolled for fellowship in family medicine program.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>It is a cross-sectional interventional study done at St John's Medical College after obtaining ethical clearance among the students of the fellowship in family medicine program batch 2023-24 and 2024-25, a total of 80 students.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall assessment mean is 19.3263 (maximum score is 26) and SD is 3.5157. The mean for the clinical assessment (6.9236, SD 1.1465) is better than individual (5.8333, SD 1.5151) and contextual assessment (6.3819, SD 1.7492). The mean score for the management plan is 12 and SD is 2.2966 (maximum score is 16).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Student's performance of clinical assessment is better than individual and contextual (psychosocial) assessment and management. Overall performance of students on three-stage assessment is poor.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1825-1832"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178505/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitude, and practices toward conjunctivitis among general population of central Karnataka - A cross-sectional study.","authors":"H Shalini, Aishwarya Bali, S Poojitha","doi":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1722_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1722_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Conjunctivitis is a widespread eye condition globally, with 2-5% of general practice consultations concerning eye issues. Infective conjunctivitis accounts for approximately 35% of eye-related cases, with an incidence of 13-14 per 1,000 individuals. Estimates on the prevalence of bacterial conjunctivitis in children vary widely. In light of the recent outbreak during the monsoon season in India, this study aimed to assess the population's perceptions and practices regarding conjunctivitis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>1. To explore the understanding of conjunctivitis among study participants. 2. To understand the practices followed in managing conjunctivitis.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban field practice area of JJM Medical College between August and October 2023. Participants included individuals aged over 18 years, with no current eye infection, who provided informed consent. Two hundred participants were enrolled in the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority, 68 (34%), were aged 21-30 years, followed by 45 (22.5%) aged 31-40 years. The mean age was 36.2 ± 13.6 years. Most participants (129, 64.5%) were unaware of the cause of conjunctivitis, whereas 37 (18.5%) correctly identified bacteria as the cause. Half of the participants (101, 50.5%) recognized eye redness as a symptom. Most participants (146, 73%) sought medical consultation within 2-3 days of symptom onset. Additionally, 139 (69.5%) used antibiotic eye drops as per a doctor's prescription, while 20 (10%) self-medicated using previous prescriptions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study reveals a knowledge gap regarding the causes of conjunctivitis, though most participants sought timely medical attention. However, a small portion engaged in inappropriate self-medication practices, highlighting the need for better public health education.</p>","PeriodicalId":15856,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care","volume":"14 5","pages":"1884-1888"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178516/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144475475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}