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Sociodemographic disparities in diabetic foot self-care: Critical Sociodemographic disparities in diabetic foot self-care: Critical role of healthcare providers

2026-07-03T11:06:44Z

Title: Sociodemographic disparities in diabetic foot self-care: Critical Sociodemographic disparities in diabetic foot self-care: Critical role of healthcare providers Authors: Shrilaxmi Bagali, M. S. Shirisha, Manjunath S. Kotennavar Abstract: Background: Foot self-care is an effective measure to prevent diabetic foot, a dreaded complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to assess knowledge and practice of foot self-care among diabetic patients, evaluate the influence of sociodemographic factors, and examine the foot self-care advice the patients reported receiving from healthcare providers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital involving 146 patients with DM. The researcher recorded sociodemographic parameters, knowledge, practice, and advice of foot self-care using a validated structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. Results: Mean knowledge, practice, and advice scores were 12.15 (±5.57), 5.65 (±2.05) and 2.97 (±2.41) respectively. 62.33% of patients had poor knowledge, 90.41% had poor practice scores, and 65.07% had not received adequate advice and instructions from healthcare providers regarding foot self-care. Knowledge, practice, and advice scores had a significant positive correlation. Education and occupation were substantial predictors of knowledge and advice scores, while age and education significantly predicted practice scores. Conclusion: Most patients had poor knowledge and practice of foot self-care. The majority reported receiving inadequate advice about foot self-care from healthcare providers. Certain patients (rural, lower education levels, farmer/laborer, single/widowed) had disproportionately low scores for knowledge and practice of foot self-care and advice received from health care providers. The results necessitate community health and awareness programs and wide dissemination of information via mass/media, including targeted/focused efforts to promote diabetes awareness in certain groups of patients. Healthcare providers can significantly impact patients by advising and educating them about foot self-care during every visit.

The Role of Catechol O Methyl Transferase Gene Variants in Modulating Labor Analgesia and anxiety—A Prospective Observational Study

2026-07-03T10:58:00Z

Title: The Role of Catechol O Methyl Transferase Gene Variants in Modulating Labor Analgesia and anxiety—A Prospective Observational Study Authors: Shreedevi Kori . Vinithira Sri G V, Shivanand L. Karigar · Gurushantappa S. Kadakol · Rajasri Yaliwal · Neelamma Patil · Aruna Biradar Abstract: Background Women experiencing labor pain undergo significant psychological and physiological challenges, often leading to increased rates of cesarean sections. Epidural analgesia has proven effective in managing labor pain, but its efficacy varies among individuals, partly due to genetic differences, including variations in the COMT gene, which influences pain perception pathways. Methodology Fifty-three hospitalized patients provided informed consent to participate in this study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes for DNA isolation and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis to investi gate COMT gene polymorphisms. Epidural analgesia (Fentanyl with Ropivacaine) was administered upon reaching regular uterine contractions and cervical dilation of 4–5 cm. Pain and anxiety levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) at predetermined intervals post-administration. Data analysis focused on exploring associations between COMT gene variants and outcomes related to pain perception and anxiety during labor. Results Of the 53 participants, 35 were homozygous for the wild-type genotype (Val/Val). Approximately 33.9% displayed COMT gene polymorphisms: 14 women were heterozygous (Met/Val) and 4 were homozygous for the Met allele (Met/Met). Women with the Met/Met and Met/Val genotypes reported significantly higher scores on the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) compared to those with the Val/Val genotype (p < 0.005). These women also required more supplementary analgesia during labor. Conclusion The presence of the Val158Met mutation in the COMT gene correlates with increased labor anxiety and reduced effec tiveness of analgesia in pregnant women. Understanding the genetic factors influencing pain perception could improve analgesic strategies tailored to specific genetic profiles, potentially promoting higher rates of vaginal deliveries and better birth experiences for women. Further research into genetic markers of labor analgesia is crucial for refining pain management approaches in obstetrics.

Optimization of Topical Glucocorticoid Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study Evaluating Formulation, Potency, and Clinical Outcomes in a Tertiary Care Hospital

2026-07-03T10:39:01Z

Title: Optimization of Topical Glucocorticoid Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study Evaluating Formulation, Potency, and Clinical Outcomes in a Tertiary Care Hospital Authors: Sreeraj G, Shrinivas R. Raikar, Sneha Abstract: Background: Dermatological disorders contribute significantly to global morbidity and often require prolonged management. Topical glucocorticoids are widely used as first-line therapy, with treatment outcomes influenced by both formulation and pharmacological potency. Objective: To evaluate the prescribing pattern of topical glucocorticoids with respect to formulation, potency, and associated clinical outcomes in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 303 prescriptions containing corticosteroids were analyzed. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between diagnosis and potency selection. Results: Creams and ointments were the most frequently prescribed formulations. Very high potency corticosteroids accounted for 48.2% of prescriptions, followed by high potency agents (36.3%). Good to excellent clinical improvement was observed in 79.2% of patients. Adverse effects were not reported in 51.8% of cases, while skin atrophy was the most common adverse event. A statistically significant association was found between dermatological diagnosis and potency selection (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Topical glucocorticoids demonstrate high therapeutic effectiveness; however, rational selection of potency and formulation is essential to optimize clinical outcomes and minimize adverse effects.

Comparison of Physical, Physiological and Psychological Parameters in Menopausal Women Practicing Yoga and Non-Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study

2026-07-03T10:29:49Z

Title: Comparison of Physical, Physiological and Psychological Parameters in Menopausal Women Practicing Yoga and Non-Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study Authors: Smita Shail, Jyoti Khodnapur Abstract: Introduction: As women enter menopause, they experience numerous changes physiologically and psychologically which may affect their quality of life. These changes often result in women seeking alternative methods to improve their quality of life, such as practicing yoga. Thus, we sought to compare both physical and physiological/psychological parameters between yogic practitioners and non practitioners in menopausal women. Aim: To compare physical, physiological and psychological parameters in menopausal women practicing yoga and non-practitioners. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational study that included 120 menopausal women (60 men and women each for exercise and controls). We measured physical parameters of subjects using the WHO STEPS protocol for functionality. We assessed physiological parameters with PeriScope (Cardiovascular analysis device) and stress level was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data was analysed using the independent t-test. Results: No significant differences in physical parameters existed between the two groups (yoga practitioners/control). Yoga practitioners also demonstrated significantly less heart rate (p = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.017), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.012), mean arterial pressure (p = 0.008) and lower PSS scores (p = 0.001) when compared to controls. Conclusion: Yoga is associated with improved physiological and psychological health among menopausal women.