Ramesh Holla

Manipal Academy of Higher Education | MAHE · Kasturba Medical College (KMC)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of lung disease marked by permanent damage to tissues in the lungs. Over time, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make breathing difficult due to permanent lung damage. COPD encompasses two main conditions chronic bronchitis, where inflammation and scarring narrow the large airway...

Background Universal access to maternal, newborn, and child healthcare is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, but the effectiveness of various incentive-based programs for pregnant mothers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains uncertain. Objective of this systematic review was to determine if incentive-based interv...

Background The purpose of the study was to assess the obstacles faced by diabetes patients in their self-care and determine the factors associated with these obstacles. The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) extends beyond the clinician’s efforts, with the responsibility of the care also being shared by the patient to achieve better treatment out...

Background The World Health Organization recommends that Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) should be administered to all People living with Human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) not currently suffering from tuberculosis (TB) to reduce the incidence of the same. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of PLHIV who contracted TB...

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a lifestyle disease associated with significant morbidity and healthcare expenses. Although the pathophysiology of this disease remains obscure till date, there are many possible predisposing factors that have been described. Medical education is extremely demanding and taxing, with students facing multi...

Background Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular involvement, which is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Echocardiography (ECHO) could be a reliable, non-invasive tool for predicting the risk of cardiovascular modalities in patients with COPD. Combining the E...

Background The second wave of COVID-19 severely affected the healthcare workforce, including doctors, nurses, public servants, and medical students, even though the system was better prepared than the first wave. Objectives To assess the preparedness and preventive measures of the health science students towards the second wave of COVID-19. Metho...

Background The demands on Medical Education have greatly increased in the 21 st century. For this very reason, there has been an unprecedented growth in the number of medical colleges in India. The teacher’s role is to facilitate rather than to direct, to coordinate as much as to communicate. Small group teaching offers students’ opportunity to dis...

Background Reading is a vital aspect of the learning process for students and should be encouraged. Any effort or innovation that improves the motivation of students to read is worth sustaining. The materials often used are textbooks and reference materials. This study aimed to assess the readership and preference for e-books and print books across...

Background Health literacy is crucial for understanding health information and making informed decisions. It encompasses the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information. Factors like education, income, and age influence health literacy, impacting health outcomes negatively when low. E Health literacy extends to navigating el...

Background Stress is defined by American Psychological Association is “Any uncomfortable emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes.” It is a feeling of being overwhelmed, worried or run-down. Stress affects people of all ages, gender and circumstances and can lead to both physical and psycholo...

Background The doctor-patient relationship is a fundamental and essential component of healthcare that plays a critical role in patient outcomes, trust, and overall quality of care. Internet-based health information has been found to have both positive and negative effects on patients. Objectives To assess the internet health-seeking behaviour amo...

Background Cancer’s global impact is surging, burdening both developed and developing nations. Therapeutic advances extend life but heighten morbidity, highlighting unmet needs. This review aims to investigate differing unmet supportive care needs for advanced cancer patients and caregivers between developing and developed countries. Objectives 1....

Background Global health agencies have recognized the rising threat of non-communicable disease (NCD) as a major contributor to preventable disease and premature mortality in low- and middle-income countries. This study was done to study the Clinico-epidemiological and socio-demographic profile of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients admitted in...

Background The Indian census highlights persistent challenges in achieving balanced sex ratios, attributed to factors like female neglect, sex-selective abortion, and societal preferences for sons. These preferences stem from economic, religious, and social norms, perpetuating gender disparities. Despite national efforts, skewed sex ratios persist,...

Background Self-diagnosis is the process of determining a disease or disorder without seeking medical care. Advances in technology have made it easier for patients to get medical information online, fostering self-diagnosis and doctor cross-examination. The aim of this study is to estimate the proportion of study respondents who use the internet an...

Background Inter-professional cooperation between doctors and nurses is essential for efficient healthcare delivery. However, hierarchical structures and power imbalances often characterize their relationship. This study aims to assess nurses’ perceptions of their working relationships with doctors in hospital settings, considering factors such as...

Background Gender preference among women remains a significant phenomenon that reflects the imbalance in the sex ratio. Understanding the determinants of gender preference is crucial in addressing associated challenges and promoting gender equality. Objectives To study the socio-demographic profile of post-natal women, gender preference among them...

Background Burnout in medical profession can reduce the work output and affect the clinical decision making. Objectives To estimate the proportion of medical residents experiencing burnout. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, 172 medical residents working in the hospitals affiliated with Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore were assessed fo...

Background Dermatophytoses or Dermatophytic infections are diseases characterized by the infection of keratinized tissues. This study was done to study the epidemiological profile and factors associated with Dermatophytosis and the awareness towards the same among patients with such infections. Methodology This cross-sectional study was carried ou...

Background Senior citizens, or individuals over 60 years, constitute 8.6% of India’s population. As a result of shifting family dynamics brought about by growing urbanization and globalization, these elderly populations are flocking to elder care centers. The objectives of this research are to ascertain the elderly’s self-reported chronic morbiditi...

Background Travel medicine is crucial in addressing the health risks associated with international travel, especially among young adults who are increasingly mobile. Despite the growth in global travel, studies indicate a lack of awareness and adherence to preventive measures among travellers. Objectives To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and pra...

Background Measles is the leading cause of child mortality in India. MR vaccine provides immunity against measles & rubella and was offered in 2 doses – 9 completed months and 16-24 months of age. This study aims to assess the awareness among the parents of children (aged 9 months – 2 years) in Mangalore about the presence and the risks associated...

Background Normal kidney dimensions are suggestive of normal kidney function. Degree of kidney function has a positive correlation with ultrasonic renal measurements. Co-morbid conditions affect the renal size. Therefore it becomes necessary to establish normal values of kidney dimensions for the diagnosis, prognosis and also as an early indication...

Background The Medical Council of India (MCI) has proposed significant changes to the MBBS curriculum, including mandatory rural postings for undergraduate medical students, to address healthcare disparities. Understanding student attitudes towards these reforms is crucial for successful implementation. Methodology A cross-sectional study was cond...

Introduction Mental disorder is a behavioral pattern which causes either suffering or poor ability to function in ordinary life. According to WHO health report 2022, 970 million people suffer from mental illness globally. 80% people with mental illness live in low and middle-income countries, which is a matter of concern for India being the most po...

Background The integration of social networking sites (SNS) into academic activities has become increasingly prevalent, yet there is a need to understand its impact and perceptions among undergraduate students and teaching faculty. This study aimed to explore the pattern of SNS usage for academic purposes and assess perceptions regarding its benefi...

Background Congenital anomalies can be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatally. Some of the congenital anomalies may be life threatening, hence an immediate management is required. This study is to determine the pattern of congenital anomalies among newborn babies and factor...

Background Interprofessional Education (IPE) has gained recognition in health professions education due to evolving healthcare roles and systems, emphasizing collaboration for quality care. Attitudinal barriers hinder its implementation, necessitating a deeper understanding of student perspectives. This study explores the attitudes of medical (MBBS...

Background Bus drivers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders manifested through tension, pain and decreased work capacity, due to the lack in postural variations and long working hours. Objectives To study the pattern of morbidities among bus drivers and the factors responsible for the morbidities. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 100 bus d...

Background Interrupted classes which gradually shifted to online mode isolating students from their friends during the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health status of the medical students. Objective To assess the mental health outcomes among the health science students in Mangalore and the factors associated with these outcomes. Method...

Background Spectacle compliance is vital among the young population to combat visual impairment arising from untreated refractive errors. Encouraging spectacle use is crucial, despite the challenges they present, such as fogging, scratches, and discomfort when prescribed wrong Objectives 1. To study the obstacles faced by medical undergraduates wh...

Background Anaemia, a common haematological abnormality, currently stands at a prevalence rate of 24.8% worldwide and 39.86% in India, affecting 1.62 billion individuals overall. Studies have shown that patients with Diabetes are twice as likely to be prone to anaemia. Objective To study the risk factors for anaemia among patients with type 2 Diab...

Background Childhood injuries represent a significant public health concern worldwide, with a considerable impact on morbidity and mortality rates among children. Understanding the epidemiology and patterns of childhood injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the demographic and...

Background Students enter the medical study with internally generated motives like genuine interest (intrinsic motivation) and/or externally generated motives like parental pressure or desire for status or prestige. Due to limited information available on the motivational factors to take up medicine among Indian students, this study was carried out...

Introduction The construction industry is one of the most stable growing industries in the developing world. In India, it is the largest economic activity after agriculture. Since it is a labor-intensive industry, it consists of organized, unorganized, skilled, and unskilled labor. Morbidity is departure from a state of physical or psychological we...

Background Thyroid ailments are frequently encountered endocrine disorders next to diabetes. They arise either due to functional aberrations of the thyroid gland resulting in over or under secretion of thyroid hormone or due to structural anomalies. People have varied constitutional, non-specific manifestations that cause abnormal metabolic functio...

Background Empathy in the clinical setting is associated with satisfaction among patients, compliance to therapy and much more positive clinical outcome. This study is to determine the level of empathy among undergraduate medical students, the personality traits, according to the big five model, and to assess the association between empathy and per...

Background Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to pose a significant public health threat worldwide, with India experiencing a substantial burden. Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTCs) play a pivotal role in addressing HIV/AIDS by providing crucial healthcare access and dispelling misconceptions surrounding the disease....

Background Planning the waste management of all waste generated in healthcare facilities is a crucial task to reduce the hazards and risks to individuals and the community. Objectives To assess the knowledge and practices regarding bio-medical waste management among paramedical staff and Group IV workers. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 21...

Background Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, providing essential nutrients and energy needed for daily activities. Skipping breakfast has been associated with various health complications, including impaired cognitive function and increased risk of chronic diseases. Understanding the prevalence and reasons behind breakfast...

Background Injuries occurring at the workplace are among the most important health concerns these days. This study was done to study the patterns of compensations available to those seeking health care for occupational injuries and to assess the level of implementation of occupational safety measures in their workplaces. Methodology This cross-sec...

Background School bags serve as a practical means for students to transport essential academic materials and personal items, including food. The significance of school bag weight has garnered increased attention in recent years due to its potential impact on the musculoskeletal health of school children. Excessive school bag weight has been identif...

Background Cancer being a deadly disease, cancer victims face great challenges with respect to their routines, roles and relationships. The usage of other means to cure illness is called complementary and alternative medicine or CAM. This study is done to determine the proportion and usage pattern of CAM for cancer treatment and to assess the perce...

Background Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths of the uterus commonly occurring during childbearing years. Despite their benign nature, they can cause significant morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of uterine fibroids, socio- demographic profiles, clinical features, complications, t...

Background According to WHO, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated mortality in India is more than 64.7 estimated age- standardized death rate per 100,000 amongst both sexes. Various studies conducted on COPD, worldwide suggest that patients are more likely to die of comorbid conditions than from COPD. Objective To find out the v...

Background Numerous research studies conducted in low- and middle- income nations have suggested that women’s autonomy can be a major factor in lowering the rate of unwanted pregnancies. In the Indian setting, where patriarchy is prevalent and women’s participation in crucial choices is restricted by sociocultural norms, there is limited data on wo...

Background Medical education needs to be adjusted to meet the fast- changing expectations of society and the resulting demands on daily medical practice. The Medical Council of India (MCI) has updated the Medical Curriculum based on CBME. Objectives 1. To assess the perceptions of the faculty members of the Medical college on the competency-based...

Background Food labelling plays a crucial role in informing consumers about the nutritional content of prepackaged food items, aiding them in making informed choices for their diet and health. However, the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food labelling among healthcare students, particularly medical and dental students, remai...

Background Over the past decades, cancer has become the second leading cause of death and morbidities around the world, accounting for nearly 1 in 6 of the total global deaths. The cost of treatment depends on the type of cancer, the duration of treatment, the type of hospital, and whether they are covered under any health insurance. Objectives 1....

Background Public perception regarding the disease and concerns regarding safety and reliability of the new COVID 19 vaccine is the determining factor for acceptance of the vaccine. Objectives To assess the risk perception of the health science students towards COVID 19 and COVID 19 vaccination. Methodology A total of 701 health science students...

Background Antenatal care is pivotal for maternal and child health, with husband involvement enhancing its efficacy. This study conducted in Mangalore, India, aimed to evaluate husbands’ knowledge and engagement in antenatal care, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for human health and well-being. Objectives The study aimed to asse...

Background The incorporation of medical humanities, an interdisciplinary field of medicine, in medical education may offer significant benefits to the medical community. This study was done to assess the attitude of medical students regarding empathy towards patients and to find out the perception of students about the inclusion of humanity studies...

Background Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and various insurance schemes in India strive to make healthcare inexpensive and accessible to everyone. The government’s Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY programmes aim to guarantee universal health coverage and financial risk protection for households within the country. According to the NITI Ayog, mor...

Background Mental illness poses a significant global health burden, with negative attitudes towards mental illness contributing to treatment gaps and disparities in care. Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of medical students towards psychiatry and psychiatric illness is crucial for addressing these challenges. This study aimed to assess a...

Background Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a Glucose tolerance disorder first diagnosed during pregnancy. WHO recommend that all pregnant women or at least women with predisposing risk factors should be screened at the beginning of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy with the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Here, blood glucose level is screen...

Background The incidence of PCOS among females is increasing. Awareness among women about PCOS can help in early diagnosis and prevention by making lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle modifications not only help in prevention of disease but also in managing the symptoms and complications. Objectives 1. To find out the perception regarding PCOS amon...

Background Karnataka recorded 87304 new cancer cases in the year 2021. Breast, lip and oral cavity, cervix were the top cancer sites amongst all sexes and are preventable. Despite the nation-wide launch of Population-based screening (PBS) in 2016, the reported coverage of individuals who were screened for these three cancers in Dakshin Kannada was...

Background Dengue is an emerging global viral disease with an increase 30-fold in incidence in the past fifty years. In the past decade it was restricted to only few a states of South and Northern India but in the recent past it has affected almost all the states in India. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical profile, trends and o...

Background Behavioural risk factors may often present during adolescence and account for 70% of premature deaths during adulthood. Excessive sedentary behaviour and screen time have become significant concerns, especially among adolescents, due to their potential negative impact on physical and mental health. Adolescents with a high screen-based se...

Background Dengue is an emerging global viral disease with an increase 30-fold in incidence in the past fifty years. In the past decade it was restricted to only few a states of South and Northern India but in the recent past it has affected almost all the states in India. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical profile, trends and o...

The goal of this clinical research was to determine the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), cardiovascular risk factors, and neuro-cognitive function in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and were on stable combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART). This is a cross-sectional study performed at a single center, including 149 pat...

Summary Background Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning is a largely preventable cause of death that has received insufficient attention. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive global analysis of the demographic, temporal, and geographical patterns of fatal unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from 2000 to 2021. Methods As part of the latest Glo...

Introduction The impact of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and the effect of preventive health strategies on acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are largely unknown. The public health model imposed during the pandemic and the lessons learnt have implications on recommending future preventive strategies for...

Background The purpose of the study was to assess the obstacles faced by diabetes patients in their self-care and determine the factors associated with these obstacles. The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) extends beyond the clinician’s efforts, with the responsibility of the care also being shared by the patient to achieve better treatment ou...

Background : Dengue is an emerging global viral disease with an increase 30-fold in incidence in the past fifty years. In the past decade it was restricted to only few a states of South and Northern India but in the recent past it has affected almost all the states in India. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical profile, trends and...

Background The infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) decide child growth and well-being. Paternal perspectives and involvement in IYCF are of paramount importance and are grossly under-studied. Aims To study the experiences and opinions of fathers of infants and young children towards feeding practices. Settings and design Two focus gro...

Background: Frontline health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing unfavourable mental health outcomes and burnout, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the early warning signs of mental distress is very important to ensure the provision of quality patient care. Methods: In this facility-based cross-sectional study...

Introduction: Trypanophobia or needle phobia is a concern for many when it comes to vaccinations, injectable medicines, blood draws, donations and thus can form a basis of avoidance of certain procedures in healthcare professionals. Our study thus, aims to assess the proportion and risk factors associated with Trypanophobia among medical undergradu...

Background: Frontline health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing unfavourable mental health outcomes and burnout, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the early warning signs of mental distress is very important to ensure the provision of quality patient care. Methods: In this facility-based cross-sectional study...

Research is the key to advancement in medical science. Medical school can nurture the skill of research right from the under graduation. Research forms an integral part of the medical curriculum in western countries. We attempted the same in our medical school in India. We developed a structured research methodology program, which was implemented i...

BACKGROUND COVID-19 has become a major cause of concern globally for the past couple of years considering the number of lives it has claimed. The spectrum of clinical manifestations related to nervous system ranged from ageusia, anosmia to stroke and encephalopathies. The burden of follow-up and review currently lies in front of us, considering the...

Background: Frontline health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing unfavourable mental health outcomes and burnout, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the early warning signs of mental distress is very important to ensure the provision of quality patient care. Methods: In this facility-based cross-sectional study...

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the serum ferritin, the biomarker of an acute phase reactant and the gall bladder wall edema, an early indicator of capillary leakage can predict the severity of dengue fever. This study included 131 patients, who were between the age group of 18–80 years. The patients presented to our departmen...

Aims: To determine adherence levels to Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) and the factors influencing it in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Materials and Methods: An institution based descriptive longitudinal study was conducted from September 2017 to June 2019 to assess the level of adherence to IPT and its determinants among HIV patients. A total...

Background: Overall child health depends on nutrition and its related practices. At the family level, responsibility of child feeding lies with both parents. There is no uniform and systematic way to determine and assess the practices of fathers in infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Also, there is a paucity of evidence related to interventions...

Background: Frontline health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing unfavourable mental health outcomes and burnout, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the early warning signs of mental distress is very important to ensure the provision of quality patient care. Methods: In this facility-based cross-sectional study...

Background : Universal access to maternal new-born and child healthcare services (MNCH) is detrimental for attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three pertaining to promotion of health at all ages. Incentivization in the form of cash, vouchers, and goods have been used as part of strategies to improve maternal and neonatal health outcome...

Background: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign condition of unknown etiology, presenting as cervical lymphadenitis. Lymphadenopathy is usually tender and maybe associated with systemic symptoms. Despite the extensive literature on this disease, it continues to be misdiagnosed owing to its misleading clinical presentation. Methods: A r...

Background: Overall child health depends on nutrition and its related practices. At the family level, responsibility of child feeding lies with both parents. There is no uniform and systematic way to determine and assess the practices of fathers in infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Also, there is a paucity of evidence related to interventions...

Background : Universal access to maternal new-born and child healthcare services (MNCH) is detrimental for attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three pertaining to promotion of health at all ages. Incentivization in the form of cash, vouchers, and goods have been used as part of strategies to improve maternal and neonatal health outcome...

Background Commercialization of medical care and lack of mutual trust between doctors and patients have led to a rise in acts of violence against health-care workers. Materials and Methods In this facility-based cross-sectional study, 71 doctors and 71 patient caretakers were assessed about their perceptions of violence among doctors. Ethics commi...

Purpose In resource-limited settings like India, the treatment efficacy of ART is monitored through CD4 count and clinical indicators. The objective of this study is to assess outcomes and indicators of treatment failure in patients on long-term first-line ART. Methods We carried out a retrospective study using data from 851 patients collected fro...

Purpose In resource-limited settings like India, the treatment efficacy of ART is monitored through CD4 count and clinical indicators. The objective of this study is to assess outcomes and indicators of treatment failure in patients on long-term first-line ART. Methods We carried out a retrospective study using data from 851 patients collected fro...

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the non-communicable diseases plaguing the world and contributes a major part to the total disease burden. Diabetes has been prevalent in all countries throughout the years, with the majority of diabetics living in low- and middle-income countries. Madras Diabetes Research Foundation developed the Indian...