c l i n i c a l e p i d e m i o l o g y a n d g l o b a l h e a l t h 5

Aim: The present study was done to determine the mothers' knowledge and their attitude towards risk factors of infant hearing loss, its early identification and intervention and also awareness of effect of consanguinity on hearing loss. Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional questionnaire survey study, a total of 100 mothers were interviewed using the questionnaire which consisted of three sections namely risk factors, early identification and early intervention of hearing loss. Chi-square test was used to establish relationship between consanguineous and non-consanguineous mother's responses to its effect on hearing loss. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results:Mothers' awareness was significantly high for visible causes (ear pain/discharge, head injury and slap to ear) of hearing loss. Positive attitude was seen for importance of screening programs and follow up testing. Moderate level of awareness was found on hazards of consanguinity and benefits of early identification. However, mothers were least aware of neonatal jaundice, NICU admission (>5 days), signs of lateonset and neural hearing loss, management of hearing loss, hearing aid fitting and therapy necessity, which might interfere in early detection and intervention of hearing loss. Conclusion:It is crucial to educate mothers on few risk factors and management of hearing loss to reduce its consequences.

No abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to preliminarily investigate the sentiments associated with consumer opinions of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). Method Online reviews of 21 popular PSAPs were collected from the Amazon.com website. The reviews for each product were exported to compile individual product-specific text files. A sentiment mining analysis was completed to aggregate the number of positive and negative comments for each product. In addition, the effect of value for money, available features, perceived benefit, and overall perception of PSAPs was evaluated. A correlational analysis was completed to examine the relationship between different PSAP features and the number of positive and negative comments. Results Mixed-model analysis of variance showed a significantly higher number of positive comments for high- and mid-cost products in terms of overall perception and perceived benefit compared to low-cost products. For feature attribute, high-cost products had significantly higher positive comments compared to mid- and low-cost products. There was a strong correlation between price and positive comments and a moderate correlation between price and negative comments. Also, there was a significant moderate correlation between presence of compression and feedback suppression PSAP features and positive comments. Conclusions Positive sentiments expressed toward PSAPs were found to favor high- and mid-level products. However, there was a considerably high number of negative sentiments reported across all the PSAPs investigated. The noticeable thing is that the negative comments do not change significantly across price ranges. However, the positive comments significantly increase with an increase in product price range. This indicates a possible increase in benefit with high-cost products. However, this claim requires further empirical evidence through controlled studies.

No abstract

BACKGROUND Prevalence of hearing loss varies across studies owing to methodological differences and regional differences. In the light of newly launched and running hearing health care programs, there is a great need of region-specific prevalence estimation to support proper planning of these programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of audiograms of individuals (1987), who visited Medical Teaching Institute of Mandya, was carried out for a period of eighteen months. Age wise and gender wise comparison of type and degree of hearing loss was carried out to analyze the effect of respective variables. RESULTS High occurrence of hearing loss was found in males, adult and older adult age groups. Sensorineural hearing loss and moderate degree of hearing loss had higher frequency compared to other types and degrees of hearing losses. CONCLUSION Observation of high prevalence of mild-to-moderate degree and sensorineural hearing loss necessitates organisation of appropriate and tailor-made awareness, early identification and rehabilitation programs to address specific target groups.

BACKGROUND: Febrile convulsion (FC) is the most common CNS disorder in childhood. 2-5% of children (or 4.8 out of every 1000) are affected every year. Studies conducted on the effect of iron deficiency on febrile convulsions found in children have yielded completely conflicting results. Iron deficiency has been a risk factor for febrile convulsions in some studies, while in others, it was proved to be protective against febrile seizure as iron deficiency increases the threshold of neuron excitation. Aims: To study the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile convulsion in children to prevent the treatable cause of FC. Objectives: Is to determine the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures and to find out the incidence of anemia in the febrile seizure in males and females. Methods: A Hospital-based observational study carried out at Andhra Mahila Sabha Hospital, Hyderabad, during the period May 2014 to May 2016 involving children aged about 6months to 5 years of age group with typical febrile convulsions meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The temperature at admission and nutritional status was recorded, and investigations like hemoglobin, blood indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width), serum iron, and peripheral smear did for detection of iron deficiency anemia and their relationship with febrile seizure was observed. Results: Out of 350 children enrolled, 131 (37.4%) were female, and 219 (62.6%) were males. In our study males was slightly more prone to febrile seizure with the ratio of M: F is 1.6:1. There is a significant association of iron deficiency anemia with FC, and there is increased frequency with increased incidence of iron deficiency anemia,(i.e.) seizures tend to repeat itself in the presence of iron deficiency anemia ( with P-value of <0.001, at CI of 95%). Conclusion: low serum iron levels and the presence of anemia can serve as strengthening factors for febrile seizures in children. Accordingly, children with febrile seizures are suggested to be monitored for the diagnosis and treatment of IDA.