Background: In today's world, eating out has become the preferred choice rather than the exception. We all love trying out new food joints and tingle our taste buds with various cuisines but it is important to note that eating out comes with its share of risks and ailments. One of the most common effects is worm infestation in nursing students, especially in paying guest. Also, being a developing nation with its share of illiteracy. hygiene is not given much priority by chefs and food handlers. The main form of transmission is through faeco-oral route. Other modes are through sexual contact and also carriers like flies, cockroaches and rodents. Common worms that humans are susceptible to include roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and threadworm. Objectives of the study: To assess the level of knowledge regarding prevention and management of worm infestations among nursing students residing in paying guest accommodations. To find out the association between knowledge scores and selected demographic variables such as age, year of study, type of accommodation and previous knowledge regarding worm infestations. To develop a self-instructional module on prevention and management of worm infestations for nursing students based on the findings of the study. Materials and Methods: A conceptual framework is a theoretical approach to the study the problems that are scientifically based and emphasize the selection, arrangement and classification of its concepts. A conceptual model or conceptual frame work broadly explains phenomena of interest, expresses assumption and reflects a philosophical stance. A descriptive survey approach by using non probability convenience sampling technique was adopted to collect the data. Structured knowledge questionnaire was administered to 60 nursing students who are residing at paying guest, Nelamangala, Bangalore. Results: The mean knowledge score was 40.5% and SD 7.03. The highest mean knowledge score is related to management of Worm Infestations (44.5%), whereas, the lowest mean knowledge score is related to Risk factors, causes and transmission of Worm Infestations (36%). The aspect wise mean knowledge score ranged between 30% to 44.5%. The result shows that 60% nursing students possess inadequate knowledge, 25% nursing students possess moderately adequate knowledge and 15% nursing students possess adequate knowledge regarding the Worm Infestations and its prevention. Conclusion: There was significant relationship found between the demographic variables such as age, family history of Worm Infestations and knowledge of nursing students but there was no significant relationship found between the demographic variables such as educational status, family monthly income, gender, Source of information and knowledge level of adults.
An experimental study to assess the effectiveness of stretching exercises on restless legs syndrome and fatigue among patients with chronic renal failure in selected hospitals at Erode. The research design adopted for the present study was Quasi experimental non-equivalent control group pre-test post-test design. Walter’s International Restless legs syndrome Study Group Rating Scale was used to assess the level of restless legs syndrome. Helen Michielsen fatigue assessment scale was used to assess the level of fatigue among patients with chronic renal failure. The mean post-test of level of severity of restless legs syndrome scores in experimental group 17.4 (SD+2.47) was significantly lower than the mean post-test level of severity of restless legs syndrome scores in control group 27 (SD+4.35). The mean post-test of level of fatigue scores in experimental group 18.4 (SD+1.97) was significantly lower than the mean posttest level of fatigue scores in control group 26.6 (SD+5.1). The Independent ‘t’ value was 20.4 (table value=2.002) which was significant at P < 0.05 level. The mean posttest of level of fatigue scores in experimental group 18.4 (SD+1.97) was significantly lower than the mean posttest level of fatigue scores in control group 26.6 (SD+5.1). The Independent ‘t’ value was 20.4 (table value=2.002) which was significant at P < 0.05 level. Hence it was concluded that stretching exercises was effective in reducing the severity of restless legs syndrome and fatigue among patients with chronic renal failure.
Priscilla*, M. Sabitha, Kalpana, Vijayarani Prince.
Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition characterized by physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms can adversely affect academic performance, interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being among young women. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among paramedical students and to determine the severity of symptoms along with their association with selected demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 50 paramedical students at Ultra Trust, Madurai. Participants were assessed using a structured questionnaire based on the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between PMS prevalence and demographic variables. Results: Among participants, 14% reported mild symptoms, 66% moderate symptoms, and 20% severe PMS symptoms. Significant associations were observed between PMS prevalence and type of family, duration of menstruation and source of information (p < 0.05). No significant association was identified with age, place of living, place of stay, or mother’s education. Conclusion: PMS is highly prevalent among paramedical students, with the majority experiencing moderate symptoms. Early identification, education and supportive interventions are essential to improve coping and academic functioning.
K. Gayathri*, G. Atchaya, Vinitha, Santhosh Kumar, Annal Paulin.
Fiji, a small island developing state (SIDS) in the South Pacific, is generally known for its low HIV/AIDS prevalence. Nonetheless, recent increases in case notifications, localized outbreaks among key populations, significant barriers to testing and treatment and limited surveillance capacity raise concerns about the potential for epidemic growth. This research provides an in-depth overview of Fiji's HIV situation, examining epidemiological trends, biological and behavioral risks, socio-cultural and structural factors that affect vulnerability, the state of public health and clinical infrastructure and the policies guiding the national response. Using data from UNAIDS, WHO, the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the Pacific Community (SPC) and recent research, it highlights over 1,100 confirmed HIV cases since 1989, with a notable increase in diagnoses since 2012. Key populations-including men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (vakasalewalewa), sex workers and people who inject drugs-bear a disproportionate share of the burden. Challenges such as stigma, discrimination, criminalization of same-sex conduct, limited access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), inadequate laboratory infrastructure and a shortage of healthcare workers hinder effective responses. The report reviews the HIV and AIDS Decree 2011, the National Strategic Plan for HIV and STIs and international collaborations, offering evidence-based recommendations to enhance prevention, testing, treatment and care that respect human rights and cultural sensitivities. Overall, the findings underscore the need for sustained investment, strong political will and community engagement to prevent Fiji's relatively low-level epidemic from becoming a major public health crisis.
Effective dissemination of scientific research is essential for advancing knowledge, influencing clinical practice, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Academic conferences provide important opportunities for researchers to communicate findings through poster and oral presentations. However, many conference presentations fail to achieve meaningful audience engagement due to excessive textual content, poor organization and ineffective communication strategies. Scientific storytelling has emerged as a valuable approach that integrates narrative structure with scientific rigor to improve clarity, audience engagement and knowledge translation. This narrative review explores the concept, principles and applications of scientific storytelling in academic conference presentations, particularly within nursing and health sciences education. Literature related to science communication, storytelling, data visualization, poster design and oral presentation strategies was reviewed from databases and scholarly resources. Evidence suggests that storytelling-based presentations improve comprehension, information retention, audience interaction and perceived research relevance. Integrating scientific storytelling into academic and professional training may strengthen research dissemination and evidence-based practice. Future directions include digital storytelling, multimedia integration, and formal communication training programs for healthcare professionals.
Background: Burnout syndrome is commonly seen among healthcare professionals, especially staff nurses, due to heavy workload, long working hours and high levels of stress. Burnout can negatively affect both the quality of patient care and the well-being of nurses. Objectives: To assess the level of burnout syndrome among staff nurses during duty hours. To determine the association between burnout syndrome and selected demographic and professional variables. Methods: A descriptive research approach was used to collect data. A total of 100 staff nurses were selected using non-probability convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and burnout assessment scale were used to evaluate the level of burnout along with selected demographic variables. Results: The findings revealed that the majority of staff nurses 57(57%) had high burnout, 40(40%) had moderate burnout and 3(3%) had low burnout and no one had severe burnout. There was a significant association between burnout levels and selected demographic and professional variables such as marital status p = 0.0008* and area of work p =0.000007*. Conclusion: The study concluded that most of the staff nurses experience high level of burnout, indicating the need for stress management programs, supportive work environment and regular counselling to improve their mental health and job performance.
Background: Anaemia is a major public health problem especially in adolescent age group because of its intergenerational impact. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India launched the weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programme for adolescent girls and boys. Aims and objective: of the study was carried out to assess the knowledge regarding weekly iron and folic acid supplementation among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in selected private nursing college in Madurai. Fifty (50) first year Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) student were selected and Self-structure knowledge questionnaire was used to collect the data. The study was carried out for a period of one week, the data, were organized, tabulated and analysed based on the objectives of the study. Results: A total of 50 students, 5 had adequate knowledge (10.41%), 40 had moderate knowledge (78.16) and 5 had adequate knowledge (10.41). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that only 5nursing students had adequate knowledge regarding weekly iron and folic acid supplementation.
G. Bharatha Selvi*, A. Muthulakshmi, S. Florence Grace Angel.
Self-medication is the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent diseases or symptoms without prescription. Medicines for self-medication are often called 'non-prescription' or 'over the counter' (OTC) and are available without a doctor's prescription through pharmacies. In some developing countries, many medications are available to public without prescription, thus, self-medication, due to its lower cost, is a replacement for people who cannot afford medical services.