Objectives:The objective of this study is to identify and compare the nature of the drug-related problems (DRPs) associated with self-medication and non-self-medication (drug use guided by a prescription).Materials and Methods:The cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 1100 adult participants at a convenience sample of six retail private pharmacy counters. The data collection form was based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe version 6.2 classification for DRPs. Descriptive statistics was used to represent the prevalence of DRPs. Chi-square test was used to find out the association between the type of medication and DRPs. Odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) was computed to find the factors determining the occurrence of DRPs. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.Results:The prevalence of self-medication was 18.72%. The prevalence of DRPs was 17.36%. In the self-medication group, the prevalence of DRPs was high (40.78%) as compared to the non-self-medication group (11.97%). DRP related to inappropriate drug dosing was observed in 44.83% and 40.45% subjects in self-medication and non-self-medication group, respectively (P < 0.001). The subjects in the self-medication group were about 5 times likely to have a DRP (OR: 5.06, CI: 3.59-7.14, P < 0.001).Conclusions:Self-medication is associated with a higher risk of various DRPs. Since retail pharmacy outlet is often the first point of contact between the patient and the health care system in a developing country, interventions like drug information activities at the retail pharmacy is likely to bring down the DRPs associated with self-medication.

BACKGROUNDThe world is facing a global epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a major threat to health in general because of an increasing incidence, high cost of treatment and poor outcome associated with various adverse events and comorbidities. Although improved control of hypertension is known to attenuate progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a little is known about the adequacy of treatment of hypertension in patients with CKD in India.

Background: Fluoroquinolones are generally well tolerated; most adverse effects are mild and common are GI upset. But recent literatures suggest increase reports of Cutaneous Drug reactions (CDRs) including SJS with Fluoroquinolones. However there is insufficient data both in animal and clinical study regarding comparative Analysis of CDRs among different Fluoroquinolones. Hence the present study was under taken to evaluate incidence of comparative CDRs among different Fluoroquinolones.Methods: 96 Albino mice were divided into 16 groups of 6 each. Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin were administered in Group 1-4, 5-8, 9-12 and 13-16 at the dose of 50/100/150/200mg/kg respectively. The following parameters were observed i.e. Number and % of mice developed CDRs with type and severity. Duration of exposure till development of CDRs, time to Recovery and Mortality in each group.Results: Ofloxacin produced maximum number of CDRs i.e. in 33.3% mice which was significantly higher than that with levofloxacin (p=0.006*). The incidence of CDRs with Ciprofloxacin was 16.67 % and Moxifloxacin16.67 %, but no statistically significant difference than Ofloxacin. The onset for CDRs was significantly earlier with Ofloxacin among the Fluoroquinolones (P=0.013*). The reactions varied from severe dermatitis to serious exfoliation of the skin with ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin, Alopecia with Moxifloxacin but no cutaneous reactions to Levofloxacin. Mortality was found only with Ofloxacin (12.5%).Conclusions: CDRs are common and may present as severe skin exfoliation or Alopecia with Fluoroquinolones. The CDRs are Maximum with Ofloxacin without significant difference from ciprofloxacin but significantly higher than levofloxacin which has least potential for CDRs. Fatality may occur with Ofloxacin.

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Background: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone strength and is commonly prevalent among perimenopausal women. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching module (VATM) in improving the knowledge on osteoporosis and its prevention among perimenopausal women in urban slum area of Berhampur, Odisha, India. Material and Methods: It was an interventional study carried out in the slum areas of Ankuli between September 2013 and February 2014. Sample size was calculated as 369, and systematic random sampling was applied. A structured pretested and predesigned questionnaire consisting of two parts (A and B) was used as the study tool. Immediately after pretest with questionnaire, VATM was presented and the posttest conducted 7 days after using the same structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics applied on data analysis by using SPSS version 16.0. Paired t test was applied for pre-and posttest comparison. Confidence interval was also calculated based on standard error. Result: Majority (75%) were in the age group of 51-60 years; 42% revealed no formal education. Before administration of VATM, 48% knew that osteoporosis is a disorder of bone opined, which increased to 92% post-VATM. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean pretest and posttest scores in all aspects of knowledge on osteoporosis. Conclusion: Along with other modalities of sensitization such as leaflet distribution and counseling, VATM is an effective mode of increasing the awareness on osteoporosis.