{"title":"Assessment of knowledge and awareness on fixed dose combinations among medical undergraduate students","authors":"A. S, Rajendra Nandha, Ganesh V","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.06321202318062023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.06321202318062023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In routine clinical practice, fixed dose combinations (FDCs), which contain two or more active medications in a single dosage form, are used to treat a variety of disorders. Adverse drug reactions can occur when FDCs are used. Understanding FDCs can help patients receive better care and live longer. It is crucial for aspiring doctors to be aware of and knowledgeable about prescription FDCs to treat patients and improve healthcare. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness on FDCs among undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the department of pharmacology, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, Tamil Nadu. A total of 100 students were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data of all the students were recorded. Questions regarding FDCs were given to the selected subjects and asked to fill within the prescribed time. Filled questionnaires were collected and analyzed. Results: Total 150 students were screened and 100 were included in the study. It was observed that all the students aware about Essential Medical List (EML) and FDCs. The main source of information about FDCs was journals and Continuing Medical Education (CME). The knowledge about standard operating procedure, patient compliance, adverse reaction, and expenditure was lacking among the medical students. Awareness program was recommended by 70% of the study participants to improve the knowledge about FDCs. Conclusion: Despite the fact, the students being aware of FDCs, it is necessary to increase their understanding of rationale, EML, and application, as well as banned FDCs. While the health of the patient is in the hands of medical professionals, the resident doctors must know about the benefits, risks, and appropriate use of FDCs at the undergraduate education level.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"61 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84361735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ranjani Kulkarni, Prashanth Marulasiddappa, Parwati P Patil, S. Goudar
{"title":"A cross-sectional study to assess hypothyroid status of pregnant women at 12–16 weeks of gestation","authors":"Ranjani Kulkarni, Prashanth Marulasiddappa, Parwati P Patil, S. Goudar","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.10509202209112022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.10509202209112022","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Physiological changes occur during pregnancy. These changes include metabolic, hematologic, cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory changes. In some cases, these changes may alter and lead to complications which result in adverse pregnancy outcomes. In India, hypothyroidism in pregnancy has a prevalence of 4.8–11%. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women at 12–16 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned on pregnant women attending the ANC clinic of Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at K.L. E’S Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Center Belagavi. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was estimated in the study participants. Serum TSH levels >4.5 μIU/ml were labeled as hypothyroid pregnant women. Results: In our study, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was observed to be 8.68%. Conclusion: Hence, we conclude that all pregnant women should be screened for hypothyroidism at earlier weeks of gestation.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84654589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antimicrobial stewardship program: Fighting antimicrobial resistance in India","authors":"Amit M. Shah, Sachi Shah","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.07376202305082023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.07376202305082023","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant concern in India, contributing to increased medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and mortality. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (AMSP) are organizational strategies in health-care systems designed to promote, monitor, and evaluate the rational use of antimicrobials to preserve their future effectiveness. The Indian council of medical research recognizes the need for AMS structures in healthcare institutions and has initiated actions to support this. These include developing an AMS curriculum, conducting workshops for increased awareness and education, and expanding surveillance of antimicrobial usage and resistance trends. However, many hospitals in India still lack structured processes for AMS, requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving various experts. AMSP contribute significantly to improving antibiotic use without compromising patient outcomes, such as optimal selection of agents, correct dosing, appropriate administration routes, and proper therapy duration. The aim is to enhance patient care and outcomes, reduce infection complications, and minimize the emergence of AMR. Key challenges faced in implementing AMS programs in India include lack of infrastructure and personnel, limited resources and funds, limited laboratory capability, absence of antibiotic prescription policy, irrational prescription and excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, self-medication, inappropriate disposal of leftover antibiotics, lack of regulation, and treatment non-compliance. These challenges necessitate robust, collaborative, and multifaceted responses, including policy reform, investment in infrastructure development, expanded surveillance, improved professional practices, and public education.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85160134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Shahulhameed, C. James, Anish S, Meena Dharmadas
{"title":"Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among asymptomatic whole blood donors at a regional blood transfusion center and association of prevalence with ABO blood group","authors":"S. Shahulhameed, C. James, Anish S, Meena Dharmadas","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.07341202319082023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.07341202319082023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Serological tests in asymptomatic donors provide may be a source of information on estimate of population-based infection. Serological tests using immunoglobulin G (IgG) can be a useful tool in assessing the disease’s spread if they are carried out serially in a regular manner. We analyzed the pattern in seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG in frequent intervals in an unvaccinated population. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to study the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic blood donors in the period just before vaccine enrollment in Kerala and assess risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study in which SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity was estimated in blood donors attending Government Medical College, Trivandrum from February 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021. The participants responded to a questionnaire also about their demographic characteristics and risk factors. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 17. Results: The overall seroprevalence of COVID-19 anti-IgG antibody in blood donors was 26.4% (191/724). Periodic prevalence was 21.7% in the first half of February, 25.9% in the second half of February, 47.6% in the first half of March, and 25% in 2nd half of March 2021. Non-O group donors carried a higher risk for COVID seropositivity. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was higher among the blood donors compared to the general population who were asymptomatic but it reflected the pattern in the general population. No specific risk factor among donor characteristics was identified which can predict seropositivity.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"84 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80563732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress in Type 2 diabetic patients: A case–control study","authors":"Shirisha J, P. S., D. Y, Kala N","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11525202209112022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11525202209112022","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases throughout the world that leads to the highest mortality and morbidity. Aim and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to observe depression, anxiety, and stress levels in Type 2 diabetic patients and compare them with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 diabetic patients with Type 2 diabetes and 30 age and gender-matched healthy controls were part of the study after obtaining written informed consent. The assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress was performed using the standard questionnaire DASS 21. Results: There was a significantly higher level of depression scores observed in the cases when compared with the control group. Anxiety scores were significantly higher in diabetic patients when compared with the control group. Stress scores were significantly higher in diabetic individuals when compared with the control group. Conclusion: The levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly higher in the diabetic group compared to the control group. Further detailed studies are recommended in this area to adopt the diagnosis and management of depression, anxiety, and stress levels in diabetic patients.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"112 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80680054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A study on the effect of duration of Type 2 diabetes mellitus on nerve conduction velocity and amplitude","authors":"Kannan Kaveri","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.03117202315032023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.03117202315032023","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80988111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. N, M. Lella, H. Gujjarlamudi, Chandrakala Kambari, S. Kurli
{"title":"Drug utilization pattern among patients of chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis in a tertiary care teaching hospital","authors":"S. N, M. Lella, H. Gujjarlamudi, Chandrakala Kambari, S. Kurli","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.01041202313022023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.01041202313022023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In India, end-stage renal disease incidence is 100 patients/million population/year, which means every year for a population of 1 billion almost more than 100,000 new patients will occur. Nowadays, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is augmenting due to the advancement of age, polypharmacy, and drug interactions. Drug utilization studies determine the rational prescription of drugs. Aim and Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the drug utilization pattern among CKD patients who were on maintenance hemodialysis and to identify the comorbidities among them. Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee a prospective, observational study was conducted by the Department of Pharmacology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, from January to June 2022. The details of demographic, biochemical, clinical data, and drugs prescribed in CKD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were recorded in a structured case report form. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics were used. Results: Among 100 patients evaluated, males and females were 72 and 28, respectively. Their mean ages were 47.55 ± 11.49 years and 39.82 ± 13.56 years, respectively. The majority of the patients received hematinics followed by multivitamins, anti-hypertensives, drugs used in gastrointestinal disorders, antioxidants, respiratory drugs, CNS drugs, diuretics, and antibiotics. The most common comorbidity was hypertension followed by diabetes, epilepsy, tuberculosis, and HIV. Among the prescribed drugs, 74% were from the Indian national list of essential medicine and only 3% were by generic name. About 74% of patients received five or more drugs. Conclusion: This study describes the pattern of drug utilization in CKD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. As polypharmacy is more prevalent, among them elements such as adverse drug reactions and adherence to therapy must be investigated further to minimize drug interactions and to improve patient quality life.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78843474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antifungal drugs prescription pattern in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India","authors":"Subashree A, A. R., Reena R","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.02099202323022023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.02099202323022023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. Immunocompromised patients are more susceptible to fungal infections which may be from superficial to systemic fungal infections. Proper diagnosis and appropriate prescription is essential for management of these fungal infections. Inappropriate use of antifungal agents can lead to antifungal resistance and adverse effects caused by them. Therefore, this study was carried out to understand the prescription pattern of antifungal drugs among patients from various departments such as general medicine, dermatology, obstetrics, and gynaecology at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (i) To understand the Antifungal prescription practices in our hospital and (ii) to improve the rational use of antifungal drugs. Materials and Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study. Inpatients and outpatients of age above 18 years attending Government Omandurar Medical College, Chennai, during the study period of 2 months who were prescribed antifungal drugs were included in this study. The prescriptions of 342 patients were collected and data including age, gender, diagnosis, name of the antifungal drugs, route of administration, dosage form, and duration of treatment were reviewed. Out of 342 prescriptions, 92 contained more than one antifungal drugs in their prescriptions. The data collected were analyzed for frequency of antifungal drugs prescription and percentage values calculated. Results: In our study, females (n = 198; 57.95%) were prescribed antifungal drugs more than males. Most of them are out patients from the age group of 31–50 years (n = 159; 46.49%). Dermatology (n = 272; 79.53%) department had the most number of antifungal prescriptions. Tinea corporis (n = 138; 40.35%) was the most common fungal infection to be prescribed. Clotrimazole (n = 115; 27.89%) was the most commonly prescribed antifungal drug followed by Fluconazole (n = 105; 24.19%). Topical route (n = 268; 61.75%) was the most common route of administration of antifungal drugs followed by oral and parental routes, respectively. Conclusion: This study report helped us to analyze the prescribing pattern of antifungal drugs in our tertiary care hospital. This gave an idea to create guidelines for the rational use of antifungal drugs in our institution.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"45 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82730098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Drugs used in patients with heart failure in a tertiary care center – A drug utilization study","authors":"","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.03127202315032023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.03127202315032023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Heart failure (HF) patients need multiple drug therapy. There are numerous drugs used worldwide but knowledge regarding pattern of their use is limited from Eastern India. Aims and Objectives: Objective was to assess utilization pattern of drug among the adult patients with HF in Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Pharmacology and Cardiology at NRS Medical College and Hospital. A total 100 adult patients were included for this study after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and their treatment details were recorded. Results: A total of 670 drugs were prescribed in this study (average of 6.7 drugs per prescription). Most of the patients were between 41 and 60 years of age and most of them were male (61%). Significant percentage of prescriptions were generic (86.87%) and 100% were adequately labeled and dispensed. Average consultation time for each patient was 10.5 min. Commonly used drugs included diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, mineral-corticoids receptor antagonists, and angiotensin receptor blockers. Conclusion: This study showed that standard treatment protocol guidelines were followed and rational use of drug was seen.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"40 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90722848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perception of students about objective structured pattern of examination for summative assessment in pharmacology department","authors":"Dolly Asani, Sneha Agravat, Aniljeet Singh","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.12608202203012022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.12608202203012022","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) is globally implemented and beneficial system that is utilized for assessing students in practical examination. It is used to assess the competency based on objective testing through direct observation. It comprised several “Stations,” in which examinees are expected to perform variety of practical tasks within specified time period against criteria formulated to practical skill, thus demonstrating competency of skills or attitude. OSPE is very useful to evaluate their ability to obtain or interpret data, solve the problem, teach, and communicate. Aims and Objectives: The primary objective is to obtain student’s perception toward OSPE and study the effectiveness of OSPE as a tool for summative assessment also quality care assurance of OSPE. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in January 2022 at our institute. A total 197 students were enrolled after obtaining verbal consent for summative assessment (University Exam). The assessment was carried out for 4 days with different batches per day. Each student attended six different OSPE stations. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire from students. Perception of students was assessed on the basis of 5-point Likert-scale. Results: Majority of students (82%) agreed that the sequence of stations was appropriate. For instance, they also agreed (82%) that time allotted at stations was adequate. Regarding examination environment, 83% of students agree that it was appropriate for the conduct of exam. Majority (79%) number of students agreed that OSPE helps to evaluate wide range of knowledge. About 81% of students felt that stations covered major competencies. Conclusion: Although OSPE is a laborious and time intensive assessment tool, the present study showed several advantages of OSPE as a structural, organized, and fair assessment method for summative assessment.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"2012 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87857809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}