The rational drug use refers to the correct use of the correct medication, which is obtained from a trustable source and with health assistance. The aim of this study was to describe an experience of active learning by the construction of a public campaign on rational drug use that involved undergraduate pharmacy students and to evaluate the students’ satisfaction and perceptions. The activity started with the creation of an educational flyer using a collaborative online platform. Then, a dramatization session took place before the students’ participation in a public outreach campaign on rational drug use. Written feedback from the students, collected by an open question, evaluated their satisfaction and general perceptions regarding the activities. After evaluating clinical cases, raising key-points on the acquisition, administration, storage and disposal of drugs, creating the flyer and performing a training session, the campaign on rational drug use was successfully performed. Most of the students (96.67%) were satisfied with the active learning activities. The students reported being more aware of their role in their collective learning as well as having their communication, critical thinking and writing skills improved. The campaign itself and the related activities showed the importance of active learning methodologies in pharmacy education.
Introduction: There is no specific treatment and vaccine for COVID-19 yet. The prospective vaccine is the primary prevention and is the promising preventive strategy to gain herd immunity. The study aimed to identify COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among primary health care attendees at Durban, South Africa. Method: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kwadabeka Community Health Centre, Durban, South Africa. Chi-square test and logistic regression were carried out to identify the factors for COVID-19 vaccine acceptability. P-values <0.05 were reported and considered statistically significant. Results: Almost two-thirds (61.4%) of the participants reported that they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Logistic regression analysis found that respondents’ attitude on whether “COVID-19 pandemic will be dealt with successfully” was 2.3 times more likely to accept the vaccine (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.3-3.8, p<0.05) and good practice on “use of a face mask to public places were 3 times more likely to accept the vaccine (OR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.5-6.1, P<0.05). On the contrary, knowledge on “only elderly people die from COVID-19 (False)” revealed that 44% were less likely to accept the vaccine (OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.33-0.95, P<0.05) and practice on social distance “keep a distance of 1-2 m in public places” was 69% less likely to accept the vaccine (OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.15-0.63, p<0.05). Conclusion: The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate is comparable with other studies. However, community-based studies and a mass educational and communication campaign to promote the COVID-19 vaccination coverage to the general population are recommended.
A vaccine represents the most promising strategy for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic through primary prevention. No study has been reported on the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa (SA) and in the region. The objective of this study was to determine the acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women. A crosssectional, descriptive study was conducted at the Kwadabeka Community Health Center (KCHC), Durban. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors for vaccine acceptability among pregnant women. About two-thirds of pregnant women (63.3%) may accept COVID-19 vaccination once it becomes available in SA. Participants who were <22 years of age were 72% less likely (OR=0.28, CI: 0.13 -0.62) to accept the vaccine, compared to those who were >39 years old. Women with 0-1 parity were 4.3 times more likely (OR=4.3, CI: 1.98-9.48) to accept the vaccine than those with four or more parity. Single pregnant women were less likely (OR=0.23, CI: 0.100.51) to accept the vaccine than those living with their partners. Employed pregnant women had four times more chances of accepting the vaccine (OR= 4.2, CI: 2.28-7.75) than unemployed pregnant women. It was also found that having a positive attitude towards vaccination increased the chance of accepting the vaccine by four times (OR=4.05, CI: 1.89-8.69). Our study found a 63.3% acceptance of a COVID19 vaccine, but there were noticeable demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice disparities observed in vaccine acceptance among pregnant women. Before a COVID-19 vaccine is introduced to SA, public health officials and policymakers must prioritize effective COVID-19 vaccineacceptance messages and mass education for all South Africans, especially for the most vulnerable.
Purpose: Poorly water-soluble drugs when given orally experience limited dissolution due to their low solubility in aqueous solutions. This study aimed to investigate the dissolution enhancement using self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) for Indapamide, a Biopharmaceutical Classification System Type 2 drug. Stability of SEDDS was also assessed. Methods: Drug containing lipid-based systems that could form SEDDS were prepared with vehicles including Labrafil®M1944CS and Labrasol with or without Capryol™90 or Solutol®HS15. The key quality attributes of SEDDS were determined in terms of size distribution and drug dissolution profiles. Other properties evaluated were critical micelle concentration (CMC), zeta potential and solubility profiles. Results: SEDDS formed negatively charged dispersions of typically 170-250nm and their CMC were <110mg/L. All SEDDS achieved rapid and significantly higher drug release, which were maintained over 90min when compared to unprocessed drug powder. Dissolution enhancement and size distribution profiles of SEDDS stored at 25 and 40oC were preserved. Enhancement effect of SEDDS was contributed to formation of stable nano-sized dispersions, high drug solubility in SEDDS and low CMC that withstood dilution by dissolution medium. Conclusions: Lipid-based systems with Labrasol, Labrafil®M1944CS and Capryol™90 produced SEDDS that led to a significant dissolution enhancement of Indapamide regardless of storage conditions.
A simple, specific, accurate and precise spectrophotometric method was settled for simultaneous determination of paracetamol and orphenadrine citrate in their pure form and in their pharmaceutical formulation. Isoabsorptive point technique has been used in simultaneous determination of both drugs without prior separation. Isoabsorptive point method parameters were validated according to ICH guidelines in which accuracy, precision, repeatability and robustness were found in accepted limits. Advantages and disadvantages of Isoabsorptive point were discussed and statistical comparison between the proposed method and the reference one was also performed.
Need for materials with high biocompatible properties have led to the development of prodrug-decorated nanoparticles. The structure of present nanostructures consists of the hydrophobic core and hydrophilic shell. The shell acts as an external envelop which enhances the colloidal stability of dispersion which protects the prodrug of the nanoparticles from photo- and thermal-initiated degradation. The composite nanoparticles coated by organic shells with functional groups were considered to govern the covalent immobilization of therapeutics/biomolecules. The nanoparticles with unique physiochemical properties may be useful as biosensors in living whole cells. The enhanced cellular drug delivery to cancer cell lines via nanoconjugates revealed that smart nanoparticles are an effective tool for transporting and delivering drugs.
This short commentary is intended to briefly discuss the benefits of plant secondary metabolites against brain tissue injury promoted by oxidative stress. Henceforth, the physicochemical features and biological activities of phytocomponents were assessed based on literature reports, which showcased their thermodynamic feasibility to reduce reactive oxygen species. It was strongly hinted that secondary metabolites possessing antioxidant potential may be of use in the therapeutics against neurodegenerative disorders owing to free radical scavenging, what hinders further damage to brain tissue.
Emotional abuse in marital or committed couples has been reported differently in literature. There has been a traditional theme that husbands are significantly more emotionally abusive toward their wives. This trend, however, has been changing due to the social participation and educational uplift of women. The current study intended to explore the prevalence and levels of emotional abuse among husbands and wives. The study involved 177 husbands and 139 wives and administered the Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse to assess the levels of emotional abuse among the respondents. The findings revealed that husbands felt significantly more emotional abuse from wives.
In our present studies we identify the components of essential oil, crude extracts and fraction of Illicium verum, and evaluation of antibacterial activity. We isolated and identified as 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid) through spectroscopic studies and comparison with the data of the authentic sample [1]. The phase MEA itself was emerged as the active fraction comprising antibacterial, antioxidant and nematocidal constituents, including 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid which also possessed antibacterial, Superb antioxidant and nematocidal activities [1].
The researcher in this write-up employed the use of multivariate statistical methods to find a more proactive solution to reduce and if possible to stop the rate of death as a result HIV/AIDS, so that with time it will be a history for patient leaving with HIV/AIDS in Teaching Hospital Gombe State and Nigeria in general. The powerful statistical softwares used in accessing the outcomes of this research is SPSS. This software helps the researcher in revealing those patients that were involved in relocating to other places, losing to follow up and those with incomplete attendance. 5000 sample of HIV/AIDS patient were randomly selected from the Hospital on antiretroviral therapy database to achieve this purpose. However from the sane investigation the end result revealed that there was significant difference between people living with the virus and people dying because of the virus. While the case of turnout from the record and during the follow-up, showed a higher percentage of people leading with virus comes from females, married people and younger age after taking statistics. However, several individuals from different region dying with the virus, is as a result of negative belief about the virus and obstruction of rules and regulation of taking drugs. This upsetting problem encouraged the researcher to recommend to the Government and Non-Governmental body to take immediate action in tackling this issue, so that it should be be-young reduction, but to stop the feature coming up generation with contamination of the virus.
Background: Effective drug supply management ensures uninterrupted availability of quality approved, safe and effective pharmaceuticals.This could be achieved through proper selection, quantification, procurement, distribution and use of drugs based on consumption and morbidity pattern of the catchment area by using a system like ABC-VEN analysis.ABC/VEN analysis used for the investigation represents the simple and effective method of analysis of medicine expenditures, identifying priority groups of medicines, the use of which, when improved, may provide the greatest clinical and economic impact.Methods: Descriptive, retrospective cross sectional study was conducted using document reviewed from the main central national and state medical supply organizations NMSF and RDF respectively, in addition to hospital based study.All data was analyzed with excel spread sheet to obtain ABC, VEN, and ABC-VEN matrix analysis results of the annual medicine expenditures and to explore the pharmaceutical inventory control management.Awareness about inventory system among pharmacists working in drug supply centers was measured using pretested questionnaires. Results:The analysis of drugs procured by the NMSF for years (2015)(2016)(2017) shows that total number of items imported was 584 items, with total value of 1495510147.2Euro.About 79 (14%) of items consumed 75% of the budget (class A), 100 (17%) items cost 15% (class B), while majority 405 (69%) items only consumed 10% of total medicine expenditure (class C).Among the class A medicines purchased items (Sodium chloride solution 0.9% w/v) 500 ml solution for intravenous infusion ranked first by contributing 5% of total expenditures.The results obtained from RDF for year (2017) shows that the total number of items imported was1134 items, with total value of 242,148,789.5SDG.About 166 (15%) items consumed 75% of the budget (class A), and 277(24%) items consumed 15% (class B), where majority of items 691 (61%) only consumed 10% of total medicine expenditures (class C).Among the class A items ceftriaxone injection (1 gram) ranked first by contributing 4% of total expenditures and 95% of class A items total expenditure.Hospital based study from ALZYTONA private hospital for 2017 shows that the total number of items purchased was 175 items.With value of (135,695 SDG).The ABC analysis shows that about 66% of the medicines belonged to class A, and 19% (32 items) categorized as class B, The rest of items that is about 15% (27 items) categorized as class C.Among the class A purchased items Innohep 4500mg (Tenzaparin) contributing 4% of total expenditures (5500 SDG) as the highest purchased medication. Conclusion:The inventory management tools knowledge was found to be poor in fresh graduates and university pharmacists but it was better in some postgraduate pharmacists which leads to the problems in the decision making in purchasing drugs and optimizing cost.
Nail infection (onychomycosis) affects people worldwide, with estimated prevalence of about 14% in North America [1], 20% in East Asia [2], and 23% [3] in Europe. Among these, about 50% are caused by fungal pathogens [4]. Epidemiological surveys have identified several risk factors for onychomycosis, including old age; compromised immunity from HIV infection, organ transplantation, and cancer treatments; wearing non-breathable tight footwear for extended periods of time; working in certain occupations such as mining, lodging, and the military; extended use of damp spaces such as locker rooms and gymnasiums that are shared by large groups of people; and physical activities such as long-distance running and playing racket sports that cause trauma to nails [4-7]. With an increasing number of people exposed to these risk factors, the prevalence of onychomycosis is expected to rise, especially in developed countries with a looming aging population. While typically not life-threatening and often dismissed as merely an unsightly nuisance, onychomycosis can cause noticeable disfigurement of the nail, discomfort, and pain, and impact mobility and occupation choices [4,8]. In severe cases, onychomycosis can lead to systemic infection, limb amputation, and even death. However, none of the current treatments are ideal and often require extended long-term therapy and/or have significant side effects, especially for oral medications [5,8]. As a result, there is a pressing need to develop effective, topical treatment strategies.
Objective: To assess menstrual hygiene management practice and its determinants among adolescent girls in second cycle schools of Sebeta Town, Oromia Regional State. Method:This study uses a school based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 466 in-school adolescent girls of grade 7 and 8 in Sebeta Town in December 2016.A single-stage cluster sampling was used to select the students for the present study.The outcome variable for the present study was menstrual hygiene management practice among in-school adolescents.Data entered using EpiData 3.1 and analysis was done using SPSS for windows version 21.Bi-variate and multivariable logistic regressions analysis were conducted to examine the determinant factors of menstrual hygiene practice of adolescent female in-school students.A p-value of 0.05 was used as a cut off value to declare statistical significance. Results:The proposed sample size for the present study was 485; however, a total of 466 adolescent female students participated in the study making the response rate 95.9%.The prevalence of proper practice of menstrual hygiene management among in-school adolescent girls was one in five (21%).Mothers were the major source of information about menstruation before menarche and menstrual hygiene management as well.Young adolescent girls who had a partial awareness about menstrual hygiene management practice [AOR=0.60(0.36, 0.98)] and unfavorable attitude towards it [AOR=0.37,95% CI: 0.22, 0.61] were less likely to practice menstrual hygiene management.Conclusions: Many adolescent girls miss school because they lack appropriate facilities within school that allow for private management of their menstrual hygiene.Working on awareness creation on menstrual hygiene management and making school environment conducive to girls does greatly improve the menstrual hygiene management experience of young adolescent girls.
To start, antibiotics, also known as antibacterial, are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria.They include a range of powerful drugs and are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria.Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections, such as cold, flu, and most coughs.Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections.The bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm.Frequent and inappropriate
A significant proportion (20-30%) of patients presenting with typical angina pectoris have angiographically normal coronary arteries [1]. Although noncardiac causes may be responsible for the chest-pain, a considerable subset of these patients have true angina due to myocardial ischaemia in the absence of angiographically significant coronary stenosis [2] The term cardiac syndrome X (CSX) are used to describe patients with typical angina pectoris and a positive stress test (classic down-sloping ST segment depression on treadmill exercise test, and/ or a reversible perfusion defect on radionuclear myocardial perfusion scan), in the absence of significant coronary stenosis on angiography and other cardiac diseases [3]. Coronary microvascular dysfunction was suggested to be the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction with subsequent microvascular ischemia has been implicated as an important contributing factor [4]. While, several studies reported that patients with CSX supposed to have excellent long-term clinical outcome [5] other clinical reports have been reported that a considerable percentage of those patients might have a higher risk of unfavorable clinical outcomes [6].
Received: October 29, 2018; Accepted: October 30, 2018; Published: October 31, 2018 Pharmacy schools around the globe aim to graduate appropriately trained professional pharmacists with the skills and ability to provide patient-focused care. These schools aim to produce moral pharmacists who are compassionate and have the ability to put their patient’s interests above their self-interest. Training in ethical reasoning is important for pharmacy students because students at greater levels of moral development may show a bigger likelihood of following a higher level of patient focused care. As pharmacy moves closer to the patientoriented care model, opportunities for complex ethical dilemmas will increase [1]. When chores are inconsistent, as is frequently the occasion in providing pharmaceutical care, people at lower levels of ethical reasoning may have poorer conceptual tools when tackling a social or ethical dilemma [2].
