Journal of the Epidemiology Foundation of India

Basic Cytogenetics and Karyotyping: Initial Step for Identification of Genetic Disease

2024-09-23T07:19:49+00:00

Genetic disorders are conditions that arise from alterations in the DNA sequence, which can be inherited or occur spontaneously. These alterations may affect a single gene or multiple genes, and they can also be influenced by environmental factors. Knowledge about the importance of suitable cytogenetic tests, the challenges faced in cytogenetics, the importance of pre-investigation lab work, and post-lab communication are important for the establishment of any cytogenetic lab. Continuous medical education can help in upgrading the knowledge and skills of Medical Practitioners.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): A Comprehensive Review

2024-09-23T07:20:01+00:00

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) represents a significant leap in the field of artificial intelligence, defined by its ability to perform any intellectual task that a human can. Unlike narrow AI, which is task-specific, AGI is characterized by versatility, adaptability, autonomy, and reasoning capabilities. This comprehensive review explores the defining features of AGI, including its cognitive flexibility and capacity for autonomous decision-making and problem-solving. The current state of AGI research is examined, highlighting key areas such as cognitive architectures, neuroscience-inspired AI, and machine learning and deep learning advancements. The review also addresses the technical challenges and ethical considerations associated with AGI development, including potential impacts on employment, privacy, and security, as well as the necessity for robust safety and control measures. Looking ahead, the potential benefits of AGI in various domains, such as healthcare, climate change, education, and economic growth, are discussed. Finally, the importance of establishing ethical frameworks and governance structures to guide AGI development and usage is emphasized. By addressing these challenges and fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and society, AGI can be developed and deployed to benefit humanity as a whole.

Emergence of Long COVID: Threat to Humanity Persists!

2024-05-18T16:40:19+00:00

The transition of COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic disease will result in the further spread of SARS-CoV-2 among the vulnerable populations, especially those who still remain unvaccinated. Thus, infections are destined to increase and the majority of humanity will become infected within a short span of time. As with most viral infections, post-infection sequelae are a reality for COVID too. In fact, it has already been observed that 10-20% of COVID patients who have fully recovered, go on to develop lingering symptoms that persist for a long period of time. This has been termed as long COVID or post-COVID condition. This underscores the fact that the danger still looms and we’re not out of the woods yet. The present review article highlights the major facets of long COVID and suggests possible remedial measures that could make it a thing of the past.

Sustaining Current Policies and Introducing New Initiatives: Strategic Five-year Plan for the Government of India

2024-09-23T07:22:44+00:00

A review of key documents, including political manifestos and reports from NITI Aayog and WHO, outlines healthcare priorities for 2024-2029, aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 and the UN SDGs. Key actions include expanding Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, improving rural healthcare, addressing medical staff shortages, and leveraging digital health, telemedicine, and interoperable records. National missions targeting disease prevention, mental health, and non-communicable diseases aim to promote healthier lifestyles. Strengthening public health preparedness and health information systems, while promoting traditional medicine, is also essential. Expanding maternal and child health programs, increasing access via AB-PMJAY, ensuring quality through NQAS, and driving innovation with R&D funding are vital. Enhanced tobacco control through COTPA, higher taxes, and NTCP campaigns, along with investments in WASH infrastructure through Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Missions, will improve health outcomes. Geriatric care, digitalisation, digital health, mental health, community health workers, and partnerships are critical. Initiatives like healthcare innovation hubs, mobile clinics, and health equity programs will build a resilient, inclusive healthcare system and improve national health.

Empowering Public Health: The Impact of Infographics in Raising Awareness, Informing, and Educating India

2024-09-25T10:59:38+00:00

In a country as diverse and densely populated as India, effective communication is essential for the success of public health initiatives. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, speaking numerous languages and living under various socio-economic conditions, traditional communication methods often fail to reach every segment of society. In this context, public health infographics have become an indispensable tool, providing a visually engaging and easily comprehensible means of conveying critical health information. This editorial examines the significance of public health infographics in India, their impact on raising public awareness, and how they can be leveraged to improve health outcomes nationwide.

Mpox: A zoonotic threat that demands a One Health response

2024-09-24T10:12:44+00:00

As the world grapples with yet another zoonotic disease in the form of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), it has become increasingly clear that managing such outbreaks requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. The One Health framework offers a powerful strategy for containing mpox and preventing future zoonotic threats.

Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease has gained global attention due to outbreaks in several regions, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries, where two virus clades (Ia and Ib) are spreading. Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals, and in some cases through contaminated objects. The symptoms typically include rash, fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, with some cases leading to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccines are available and recommended for high-risk groups, though there is no definitive antiviral treatment yet.

Conference Equity in Community Medicine: A Brief Analysis of Financial and Geographical Barriers to Participation at Community Medicine Conferences

2024-09-23T07:22:32+00:00

Background: Academic conferences in community medicine offer valuable learning platform for postgraduate residents and faculty. However, to demonstrate commitment towards conference equity, financial and geographical barriers need to be enumerated and eliminated. Materials & Methods: Academic medical conferences representing the specialty of community medicine or preventive and social medicine, held between 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024, were included under the study. Variables identified for the study included registration fees, location, affiliation to professional society, geographical scope, presence of virtual/hybrid component, and availability of scholarship/travel grant for postgraduate residents. Results: None of the conferences were held in resource-constrained states of India – the North Eastern Region (except Assam) and islands of Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep. Only 2 out of 31 conferences had virtual or hybrid component and none of the conferences offered financial support for postgraduate residents. The study found no significant difference in conference registration fees between members and non-members for postgraduate residents and faculty. Conclusions: Registration fees and location of conferences are critical geographical and financial barriers to effective participation. Membership to societies offer no advantage over non-membership in terms of financial benefits of participation at conference.

Sibling anesthesiologists suggest clinical logbooks to counterbalance research publications and mitigate disparity between research output and clinical output

2024-09-23T07:22:56+00:00

The question is which medical specialties are most commonly performing biomedical research. The question is which medical specialties are most commonly receiving research funding. The question is which medical specialties are most commonly suffering research addiction. Considering that delivery of healthcare for humanity is closely intertwined with innovation in science for humanity, clinicians benefitting professionally by creating public records of their clinical logbooks may be able to mitigate disadvantaged disparity in professional growth secondary to clinical output as compared to professional growth secondary to research output.

An Epidemiological study on early detection of cervical cancer and barriers for seeking preventive Healthcare among rural females in North India

2024-09-23T07:20:12+00:00

Lack of sufficient knowledge about detection and prevention of cervical cancer has made it one of the fastest growing cancers among Indian women. 200 rural women, ages 30 to 60, were evaluated as part of this cross-sectional research that took place in Jawan Village. Information was gathered via a standardized questionnaire that examined sociodemographic, awareness of cervical cancer, and barriers to receiving healthcare. IBM SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis. The majority of the participants were homemakers and uneducated. Only 28.5% knew about cancer, and 71% had no idea that it can be cured if diagnosed early. 11% of respondents felt that tobacco use had a minimal impact on cervical cancer. Domestic responsibilities (61%) were mirrored in barriers to healthcare access. Moreover, 68% of respondents were unaware of the availability of HPV vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer. The critical need for focused health education initiatives and increased access to healthcare in rural regions is highlighted by this study. Comprehensive public health programs should target sociocultural obstacles, increase public knowledge of government institutions, and close knowledge gaps about cervical cancer.

Extent and Pattern of Physiotherapy Profession: A pilot Study

2024-09-23T07:22:00+00:00

Question: What is the level of awareness and understanding of the Physiotherapy profession among the general population of Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India? Objective: To evaluate the general awareness of the physiotherapy profession among the general population of Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). Design: A cross-sectional survey and qualitative analysis of multiple-choice responses. Participants and Methods: In this pilot study total responses 250 and participants were randomly selected from the general public in areas of Delhi NCR were collected using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with MS office and SPSS. Results: In this study there were 250 respondents, out of them 121 (48%) were males and 129 (52%) were females. Out of total participants only 1% were illiterate and 99% were literate. 88% of the respondents were aware of the term ‘physiotherapy’ and 12% had never heard about it. 52% had the knowledge of a physiotherapist’s qualifications and 49% had knowledge of various physiotherapy services. Lack of awareness and knowledge was thought to be the main cause behind why people do not access physical therapy services, followed by the perception that it is all about massage and lastly that it is just for the elderly population, with figures 67%, 22% and 11%, respectively. Conclusion: The study’s participants had moderate level of awareness and positive belief regarding physiotherapy. The findings suggested that there is still a need to increase the awareness of the role of a physiotherapist among the general population so that its maximum potential can be tapped.

Evaluation of prevalence, predisposing factors, inter-species differences in clinical profile and outcome of Campylobacter blood-stream infections: A 7-year experience from north India

2024-09-23T07:22:16+00:00

Purpose: A comprehensive study evaluating prevalence, risk factors and outcome of Campylobacter bloodstream infection (CBSI) in Indian population is lacking. Methods: A retrospective analysis of blood culture specimens positive for Campylobacter species over a 7-year period (September 2013 to August 2020) was conducted. Campylobacter species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS and patients’ details were retrieved from hospital records. Results: 39 episodes from 38 patients were reported (0.15% of all BSI), with one case of recurrence. The median age was 10 years. 54.5% patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. Steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome predisposed paediatric patients (27.3%) and liver cirrhosis predisposed adult patients (81.8%) to CBSI. Conclusion: C. jejuni was the most prevalent species (59%) followed by C. coli (25.6%) and C. fetus (15.4%). C. fetus infection was seen in immunocompetent patients (p=0.01) and was associated with longer hospital stay (p=0.01). Overall outcome of CBSI was good.