International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 

About: International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences is an academic journal published by Medip Academy. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 2320-6012. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 6422 publications have been published receiving 14545 citations.

Socio-economic status scales updated for 2017

Abstract: The health status of any country depends on the socio-economic status (SES) and the per capita income of its citizens. The SES also decides the affordability and utilization of the health facilities. Constant changes in the price of goods in the country due to inflation make it mandatory to constantly update the income-based socioeconomic scales. This paper attempts to provide updates in Kuppuswamy, B.G. Prasad and udai pareek socioeconomic scales for 2017.

Prevalence of smart phone addiction, sleep quality and associated behaviour problems in adolescents

Abstract: Background: World is ever changing due to advancement in realm of science and technology, one such advancement is in field of smart phones. The ubiquity of smart phone technology raises concern for its addiction among adolescents and its relationship with quality of sleep, mental and physical health problems. Objective of the study was to investigate magnitude of smart phone addiction and evaluate the impact of smart phone addiction on their mental health and sleep quality. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted on sample comprising of 587 students of repudiated school. Students were assessed with a specially designed proforma and Smart phone addiction scale (SAS) which was self‑administered by the students. Subjects were classified into smartphone non-user group, a low smartphone user group and a high smartphone user group. Subsequently depression anxiety and stress sub scores (DASS-21) scale were administered to asses associated behaviour problems, investigate sleep quality Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory was administered (PSQI). Results: Out of 587 subjects who completed the questionnaires 12.9% (n=76) were not using smart phones, (n=315) 53.62% were low users and (n=196) 33.3% were high users of Smart phone as estimated by Smart Phone addiction scale. Those who used smart phone excessively had high Global PSQI scores and DASS-21scores in terms of depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: With increasing popularity of smart phones, youths spend significant time on smart phone thereby developing addictive tendencies. This study concludes that youths are not only addicted but are also developing significant sleep and behaviour problems owing to excessive smart phone usage.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nurses in rural Maharashtra, India: a multi centre survey

Abstract: Nurses have one of the highest rates of MSD of any occupation. Although en number of studies were done to find out prevalence of Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among nurses across the world, there is limited information on its prevalence in Rural Maharashtra. This study investigated prevalence of WMSDs, job risk factors and the coping strategies towards reducing the risk of development of WMSDs among nurses from selected hospitals in rural Maharashtra, India. Validated questionnaires were distributed to 250 nurses working rural hospitals across Maharashtra but only 228 questionnaires were returned and 212 complete questionnaires were included for study. On Analysis we found that 89.1% nurses had experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain or discomfort at sometime in their occupational lives. WMSDs was highest in the low back (48.2%), followed by the shoulder (34.6%), neck (33.1) and knee (29 %). Other regions with less prevalence were Thoracic (10.5%), Feet and ankle (7.6%), Elbow ( 1.88%) and Hip (1.6 %). Priority was given to getting help to handle heavy patients ( 57.1 %), nursing procedure modification in order to avoid stress injury ( 50.2 %) coping strategies. Our study Concluded that high prevalence of LBP, Shoulder, neck and Knee pain over a 12-month period among nurses working in Rural hospitals in Maharashtra state , and certain risk factors like working in same position for long time, bending, twisting, lifting and treating excessive number of patients were strongly associated with WMSDs.

Rising concern of nomophobia amongst Indian medical students

Abstract: Background: Aims and objectives of current study were to assess the pattern of mobile phone usage and prevalence of nomophobia amongst third year medical students in north India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst 130 medical students of third year MBBS of Sri Aurobindo institute of medical sciences, Indore. A pre-formed pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed statistically by simple proportions. Results: Response rate was 90.76%. Female preponderance (65 females out of 118 respondents) was seen in our study. Most of the students were in the age group of 22-24 years. All of them were having possession of at least one mobile phone with activated internet services in 87% of students. 34% were having two mobile phones, while 4% had more than two mobiles. 61% students had to recharge the internet services once a month, 28% twice a month, while 11% students had to recharge it more than three times a month. 73% of students were nomophobics. 21% of nomophobics experienced rinxiety. 83% of students experienced panic attacks when their mobile phone was misplaced. Headache and lethargy were the commonest side effects that were experienced by 61% of students. Conclusion: Our study gives a brief idea about the woeful outcomes of nomophobia. There is a definite need of further studies in this field.

Colorectal cancer: a review

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CCR) is the third most common cancer worldwide in men and women, the second largest cause of death related to cancer, and the main cause of death in gastrointestinal cancer. The risk of developing this cancer is related to bad alimentary habits, smoking, intestinal inflammatory disease, polyps, genetic factors, and aging. Of the patients that are diagnosed with colorectal cancer 90% are older than 50, with a median age of 64 years; however, the disease is more aggressive in patients that are diagnosed at younger ages. According to the American Cancer Association, it was accounted for more than 49,700 deaths in 2015. The goal is to reduce the mortality rate with early diagnosis and treatment. Currently, the survival rate is used to predict a patient’s prognosis. The patient is considered to have a positive familial history if a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or colonic polyps before the age of 60, or also if two or more first-degree relatives have been diagnosed with cancer or polyps at any age. There are several methods for detecting colorectal cancer, such as the guaiac test, immunochemical test of stool, DNA stool test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema. The stage in which the cancer is detected determines the prognosis, survival, and treatment of the patient. Provide a review about generalities, genetic basis, risk factors, protective factors, clinical course, diagnostic methods, therapy and survival in colorectal cancer. Conducted research from different databases such as PubMed, Medline, MedScape, on the definition, genetic factors, classification, risk factors, protective factors, diagnostic methods, epidemiology, survival and treatment of colorectal cancer. Articles from 2000 to 2017 were included using the following keywords.