Natl Med J India
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The adverse effects of tobacco use on the health of an individual are well known. It is essential to identify factors leading to tobacco use to plan strategies to limit its use. Education is known to influence the prevalence of tobacco use. We aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use in a rural community with a high literacy rate and to examine the socioeconomic and demographic correlates of tobacco consumption in the area. ⋯ Our findings in this rural community suggest that improvement in the educational and socioeconomic status may lead to a decline in the use of tobacco. Health education to improve dental hygiene may also help to reduce tobacco use in this community as it is predominantly used in the chewing form.
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Diabetic foot disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with diabetes mellitus. The commonest presentation of diabetic foot is an ulcer. Neuropathy, ischaemia and infection are the main pathogenic factors involved. ⋯ In ulcers associated with peripheral vessel disease, revascularization, when feasible, can improve blood flow and hasten wound healing. Amputation is reserved for life-threatening situations as well as for severe, non-resolving cases. The majority of amputations are preventable by diabetes education, foot care and appropriate footwear.
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Many international journals require authors of randomized controlled trials to adhere to standards of reporting described in the statement of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the requirements issued by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). We examined the extent to which these international standards have been adopted by Indian medical journals. ⋯ Medical journals published in India should adopt internationally recognized norms for reporting clinical trials and work with authors, reviewers and institutional review boards to improve the standards of conduct, reporting and validity of inferences of trials.