No abstract

Cholera remains a public health concern in developing countries because of its high morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to assess the magnitude of and factors responsible for an outbreak in a South Indian village and to implement measures for containing and preventing the recurrence of such outbreaks. Data was obtained by surveying households in the village to identify cases and assess factors responsible for the outbreak. A sanitary survey of the water supply system was performed to identify the cause of the outbreak. Preventive measures were implemented by setting up a rapid response team to manage cases and provide safe drinking water and health education regarding the prevention of such outbreaks. A total of 73 cases were reported during the outbreak, an attack rate of 17.5%. Attack rates were similar among males and females, and the highest rates were observed among the elderly (33.3%), while the lowest rates were observed among adults (14.7%). There were no deaths reported due to cholera in the village. Most households (81%) surveyed did not use any method of water purification, 79.7% practiced open field defecation and 58.2% practiced inadequate hand washing, indicating poor sanitary practices. Cases were most commonly observed in houses which did not practice any method of water purification (p<0.001) and among people living below the poverty line (p=0.02). Despite the high attack rate, no deaths were reported, largely thanks to timely medical and preventive interventions.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage is pivotal in prevention of COVID19. Access to PPE for health workers has become a key concern. Electronic databases were searched for studies, guidelines, reports and policies on PPE, COVID19 and respiratory infections. In total 20 research articles were included, 10 guidelines and 06 reports from various health organization and National governments were included. There are different types of masks available, it is essential to understand the role of each kind of mask in preventing the spread. Minimizing the need for PPE in health care settings, ensuring rational and appropriate use of PPE and Coordinating PPE supply chain management mechanisms are key strategies in addressing global PPE shortage. Ensuring consistent PPE standards and guidance on quality control of the PPE will help in better infection control. We need to apply a risk-based approach based on purpose of use, risk of exposure, vulnerability, setting, feasibility and type of PPE. Government of India is taking several steps and have deliberated on the adequacy and quality of PPEs. Prevention and mitigation measures are the key for prevention of transmission in the Community which include Hand hygiene, Respiratory hygiene, maintaining social distance of two metre and wearing an appropriate PPE. Adequate provision of good quality PPE is just the first step in promoting the safety of health care workers and containing the spread of COVID 19.

Background: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of medical faculty regarding research ethics and research ethics committees (RECs).Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in ESIC medical colleges in Bangalore among faculty using a validated questionnaire. Questions were designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of medical faculty regarding research ethics and research ethics committees. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.Results: Majority (76%) of faculty had not undergone training in research ethics. Less than half of the participants answered correctly to a question on guidelines in research ethics, 60% responded correctly to question on research involving children. Majority responded correctly to question on role of a research ethics committee and confidentiality, informed consent and to question on composition of Institutional Ethics Committee. 68% taught that ethical review of research by an ethics committee would delay research. >90% were favourable towards research ethics training. Faculty held attitudes regarding certain research ethics practices that were not optimal, 96% believed that it is okay to fabricate data, 68% taught that if no surrogate is available to give informed consent for vulnerable groups, they could still be included.Conclusions: We conclude that among the medical faculties participating in our study, there is acceptance of RECs and training in research ethics, while there are knowledge gaps in research ethics guidelines, research involving children. There is need to train researchers and students to make them aware about various aspects of research.

Vector-borne diseases contribute substantially to the global burden of diseases and disproportionately affect poor and under-served populations living in a country like India. Children can be effective change agents of health in their schools, peer groups, families and communities. We evaluated the effectiveness of participatory school health education on vector-borne diseases among 200 high school children, 100 each from government and private schools. Questions regarding vector-borne diseases, mosquito breeding sites, diseases transmitted by them and mosquito control measures were used to assess their knowledge before and after a health education intervention. Education included lecture, role play and community-based group activity. Average overall pretest score was 11.8^5.03 which increased significantly to 19.3^4.69 after intervention. Health education showed significant improvement in knowledge irrespective of type of school, gender or class of study. It was observed that private school children, girls and 10th class students' post-test scores were significantly better than their counter groups. Participatory school-based health education improved the knowledge of children regarding vector-borne diseases. This could be an effective medium in promoting health and possibly behavioural changes in the community. Such school-based vector-borne disease control could be applied to developing countries where there is good school enrolment and attendance.