International Research in Medical and Health Sciences

Serum Aminotransferases Levels in Obese and Normal Individuals in Tertiary Care Centre: A Case-Control Study

Dr. S. J. Sanketh — 2025-02-20

Background and Objectives: Obesity represents a significant global health challenge with potential metabolic complications. This case-control study aimed to comparatively evaluate serum aminotransferase levels in obese and normal-weight individuals to understand the relationship between obesity and hepatic enzyme alterations.

Methods: A Case-Control study was conducted in a tertiary care centre involving 100 participants (50 obese and 50 normal-weight controls), aged 20-60 years. Participants were classified based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Serum levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were measured using standardized biochemical techniques. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and enzyme levels were systematically recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: Significant differences were observed in serum aminotransferase levels between obese and normal-weight groups. Mean ALT levels were 62.4 ± 22.7 U/L in obese participants compared to 35.2 ± 8.9 U/L in controls (p<0.001). Similarly, AST levels were 54.6 ± 18.3 U/L in obese individuals versus 32.7 ± 6.5 U/L in normal-weight participants (p<0.001). The prevalence of elevated enzyme levels was substantially higher in the obese group: 38% for ALT >50 U/L, 32% for AST >40 U/L, and 28% for ALP >75 U/L. Odds ratios demonstrated a significantly increased risk of enzyme elevation in obese participants (ALT OR 7.42, 95% CI 2.31-23.85).

Conclusion: The study reveals a significant association between obesity and elevated serum aminotransferase levels, suggesting potential hepatic metabolic alterations in obese individuals. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive metabolic monitoring and early interventions in obesity management.

Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness about Inflation Crisis: Perceptions, Challenges and Coping

Dr. K. Siri Chandana — 2025-02-20

This study explored the perceptions, challenges, and coping strategies adopted by students at Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC) amidst the ongoing inflation crisis. Employing a qualitative research approach, 40 students participated in in-depth interviews, providing rich insights into their lived experiences. Students overwhelmingly expressed concern and frustration towards the rising costs of essential goods and services.

They perceived inflation as a significant threat to their financial well-being, jeopardizing their ability to afford basic necessities like food, transportation, and education. Many felt a sense of powerlessness and uncertainty about their future, particularly regarding their ability to complete their studies.

The research identified several key challenges faced by students due to inflation. Affordability of food emerged as a major concern, with participants resorting to skipping meals, compromising on quality, or relying heavily on subsidized meals.

Transportation costs also posed a significant burden, limiting mobility and access to educational resources.

Additionally, the rising cost of academic materials like textbook and internet access further strained their finances, hindering academic performance. Despite the challenges, students exhibited remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in navigating the crisis.

They can adjust spending habits by prioritizing essential needs, cutting back on non-essentials like entertainment and leisure, and adopting frugal practices like buying second-hand goods or sharing resources. By seeking financial assistance, many sought help from family, friends, or student loan programs to bridge the financial gap. Some explored part-time job opportunities, despite the added pressure on their academic schedule.

Lastly, by utilizing campus support services the participants highlighted the importance of institutional support, such as subsidized meals, scholarships, and mental health resources, in mitigating the impact of inflation.

The study concluded that inflation significantly impacts students' lives, posing financial and emotional challenges that can hinder their academic success and overall well-being.

However, students demonstrate remarkable adaptability and resilience in coping with the crisis. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions from educational institutions and policymakers aimed at alleviating the financial burden on students and ensuring their access to quality education during challenging economic times.

Aim: To assess the level of understanding of inflation crisis: perceptions, challenges, and coping understanding strategies among undergraduate dental students in Khammam

Objectives

To determine the knowledge, attitude, and awareness about inflation crisis: perceptions, challenges, and coping strategies among undergraduate dental students based on gender.
To determine the knowledge, attitude, and awareness about inflation crisis: perceptions, challenges, and coping strategies among undergraduate dental students based on year of students.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 dental students, comprising 63 males (31.5%) and 137 females (68.5%), including 44 first-year BDS students,54 second-year BDS students,34 third-year BDS students, 38 final-year BDS students, and 30 interns. The Survey included 12 questions exploring knowledge attitudes and awareness about the inflation crisis; perceptions, challenges, and coping strategies among undergraduate dental students based on gender and year of study using chi-square tests to identify statistically significant differences.

Prevalence of Mandibular Impacted Wisdom Tooth in Relation to Age Factor, Pattern and Level of Impaction: An Observational Study

Dr. Shyam Sundrani — 2025-03-12

Background: The registration of impacted wisdom teeth is described by Omar LF. The prevalence of impacted wisdom teeth among young people and is considered to be one of the common problems in dentistry. It is believed that the incidence of impaction has been increasing in recent years due to the less functional activity of the Jaws. The incidence of impaction may differ from one race to another due to the fact of genetically inherited factors and due to the type of food and habits which may have a role in the growth of the jaws.¹

Material and Method: A total one hundred twenty-four individuals visiting the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly who fulfilled the study criteria and consented to participate in this study were recruited based on Observational research.

Results: In our study out of 124 study subjects, the maximum 77(62.1%) were in the age group of 21-30 years followed by 32(25.8%) in the age group of 31-40 years and 15(12.1%) in the age group of 18-20 years the mean age of study subjects was 25.36 ± 4.56 years.

Conclusion: A strong association was found between impacted wisdom teeth and the type of food and habits among the young population.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Association between Smartphone Use and Temporomandibular Disorders

Dr. K. Gabriela Soumika — 2025-03-21

This study explores the connection between Smartphone usage and Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in Undergraduate Dental students. TMDs refer to issues affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often leading to pain and difficulty in jaw movement. With the rapid rise in smartphone usage, especially among younger people, there are growing concerns about how prolonged use of these devices may impact physical health. By conducting a Cross-sectional survey among 201 Undergraduate Dental students, the research investigates how smartphone behaviours—such as lengthy usage, poor posture, and teeth clenching might play a role in the onset of TMD symptoms. The results indicate that excessive smartphone use, combined with habits like bending the neck and holding the phone in awkward positions, can increase the chances of experiencing jaw pain and discomfort. This Survey highlights the importance of being aware of the potential connection between smartphone use and TMDs, advocating for better posture and device usage practices to reduce the risk of developing these disorders.

Aim: The Aim of this study is to investigate the link between Smartphone usage and the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in Undergraduate Dental students.

Objective

1) To assess the prevalence of TMD symptoms (including jaw pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty moving the jaw) in students.

2) To increase awareness of the potential risks associated with extended smartphone use and promote healthier habits to help prevent TMDs among students.

Method: A Cross-sectional Survey was conducted among 201 Dental students, comprising 64 males (31.8%) and 137 females (68.2%), including, 33 Second year BDS students, 42 Third-year BDS students, 52 Fourth-year BDS students, and 74 Interns. The Survey included 11 questions exploring awareness, perceptions, and potential barriers among Dental students on the association between smart phone use and Temporomandibular disorders. Responses were analysed based on gender and year of study using chi-square tests to identify statistically significant differences.

Oral Hygiene Practices among Patients from Different Socioeconomic Status: An Observational Study

Dr. Shruti Tyagi — 2025-03-23

Aim: To assess the differences in oral hygiene practices among patients from different socioeconomic statuses visiting the outpatient department of the Institute Of Dental Sciences, Bareilly.

Material and Method: An observational study was conducted in the month of May 2024 to assess the effect of SES on oral hygiene habits. The questionnaire included questions related to the demographic profile and assessment of the oral hygiene habits of the study population. The SES of the population was assessed using modifyied kuppuswamy scale which is based on per capita income per month, educational status, and occupational status of the study population.

Result: A total of 128 individuals were included out of which the mean age of the study population was 41-50 years with an average percentage of about 28.9%.Out of all 60.2% of male and 39.8% of female population were included. The study population comprised 14.8% of patients belonging to the lower class, 66.4% belonging to the upper lower class, 16.4% belonging to a lower middle class, and 2.3% patients belonging to the upper middle class.

Conclusion: The oral hygiene practices among the patients belonging to the upper-lower class were found to be satisfactory when compared to the lower and middle-class populations. The percentage of people using oral hygiene aids other than toothbrush and toothpaste was very less. Therefore, education and motivation among the people about the oral hygiene maintenance along with proper selection and use of the various oral hygiene aids is necessary in order to maintain aqeduate oral health.