to assess the difference in the marks obtained by students in traditional vivavoce (TVV) and objectively structured viva-voce (OSVV) examination formats and to evaluate the perception of students regarding OSVV. After obtaining institutional approvals and written informed consent, participating second-year MBBS students (n=62) were oriented about OSVV format. Assessment as per TVV format followed that using the OSVV format (both out of 20 marks) on the same day. Feedback comprising nine closed-ended questions (Likert scale) and one open-ended question was obtained from the participants. The marks obtained were statistically analysed and feedback was evaluated. While there was no significant difference (p=0.2357; Z=0.72), significant correlation (linear relationship; p<0.01, r=0.44) was observed between marks obtained in the two viva-voce formats. Majority of students were satisfied with OSVV in relation to syllabus coverage, duration for answering, relevancy of questions, avoidance of subjectivity/bias and fifty percent felt that difficulty level was well maintained. There was significant correlation between the marks obtained in the two formats of viva voce, though the participants preferred OSVV format.

BACKGROUNDDengue has been one of the most important public health issues in tropical and subtropical regions of the world due to the spread of the vector infestation in domestic environments and the potential of dengue virus infection to cause successive epidemics in highly urbanised settings. This retrospective observational study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of dengue in clinically suspected patients in and around Thane so as to be able to formulate strategies to combat this menace. MATERIALS AND METHODSBlood samples were collected from 1986 clinically suspected Dengue Fever (DF) or Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) cases attending a tertiary care health centre in a metropolitan city from September 2015 to August 2016. Sera were tested for dengue specific IgM and IgG antibodies by immunochromatographic strip. RESULTSOut of 1986 patients, 479 were seropositive for dengue antibodies, prevalence being 24.12%. Amongst seropositive cases, 46.35% were IgM positive. Besides these, 31.73% were also positive for both IgM and IgG while 21.92% were only IgG positive. CONCLUSIONDengue is becoming an emerging problem in Thane. Hence, diagnosis at an early stage is the effective strategy to control disease progression. KEYWORDSDengue, Dengue Fever (DF), Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF), IgM, IgG, Prevalence. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE:Belurkar DD, Sharma PC, Sule PA. Hospital-based seroprevalence among suspected cases of dengue in a tertiary care hospital.

-Introduction:Health education in school children is most effective method of health protection.Many rural school children suffer from many morbidities.The current study was undertaken to understand the awareness of personal hygiene, to determine the prevalence of lice infestation and scabies among the rural primary school children. Materials and Methods: Thiscommunity based cross-sectional, study was conducted among children of age group 6 to 13 years attendingtwo state government run primary schools in rural area. Pre-designed, pre-validated, semi-structured demographic proforma and questionnaire was used. Information regarding demographic characteristics and personal hygiene practices was interviewed.RESULTSOut of 101 participants, Lice infestation was seen in 42.22% of girls, and 12.5% of boys, whereas Scabies infection was present in 2.22% girls and 3.57% boys.Conclusion:The study revealed satisfactory awareness and good condition of personal hygiene. There was no gender-wise difference in hygienic practices followed, but the prevalence of lice infestation was more in females.

Introduction: Transitional period of students towards becoming professional should be aimed for making self-motivated learners by medical education. It is known that reflective writing expands the affective domain of persons and promotes mind mapping which are integral parts of good professional. The present study aimed to develop reflective writing skills of the medical students and to increase awareness about reflective writing skills. Method: Prospective analytical study. Students were educated with a reflective writing skill workshop and requested to write four reflections after a specific interval with guidance. Reflections of students were analyzed for levels by the modified REFLECT Rubric method. Students were given individual feedback and /or by focus group discussion in between successive reflections. Feedback of whole process was taken from students. Results: At the end of first reflection, 65% students had a clear concept of reflection whereas at the end of the fourth reflection, all students had a clear concept with achievement of a higher level of reflection; 33% students were transferred to the level of introspection; 11% students were found in reflection. However no student reached to the level of critical reflection. Conclusion: Formal training and guiding for writing reflections over a period of time helped medical students to get sensitized and develop reflective writing skills. They had perception of enhanced skills of effective communication, ethical issues in medicine, empathy in medicine and patient's need. For holistic growth of students, teaching reflective writing skills to students should be incorporated.

Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen causing morbidity and mortality in hospital setup. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) colonized by MRSA, play a key role in transmission of this organism to the patients. Compliance of the HCPs with sanitary guidelines is fundamental to prevent nosocomial Infections. Hence, imparting education and creating awareness is the first step towards this. The aim of this study was to determine baseline knowledge about MRSA in healthcare professionals (HCPs). The further aim of the study was to assess the impact of health education on HCPs.Methods: A total of 104 participants, including 54 nurses and 50 doctors, were surveyed using pre-validated questionnaire, regarding MRSA colonization, modes of transmission, high risk areas in hospital, isolation policy, disinfection and treatment. The survey was followed by a health education session on MRSA. Thereafter a post-test questionnaire was administered to study the impact of the health education session.Results: The study sample of 104 respondents comprised of 50 doctors (48%) and 54 nurses (52%). It was found that baseline awareness regarding MRSA was lesser in the nursing staff as compared to doctors. Statistically significant positive impact of the health education session on all the HCPs was observed when paired t-test was applied. Various challenges expressed by the participants in prevention of MRSA transmission were noted.Conclusions: Due to suboptimal awareness noted in HCPs, educational programs should be conducted to bridge the gap in knowledge and perception of HCPs to prevent spread of MRSA.