Introduction: As part of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control strategies, entry screening was established at International airports. An assessment of the screening system will inform decision-making for improving entry screening for infectious diseases. Methods: Assessment of entry screening at Thiruvananthapuram international airport done during pre and post-lockdown phases. Observation, interviews, and secondary data analysis were the methods employed. The number of passengers screened, their symptom profile, the yield of screening, actions taken, staff pattern, perceptions, training, and infection control practices assessed. Chi-square test and t test were used for testing significance. Results: Out of the 46139 passengers screened pre-lockdown, 297 (0.64%) had symptoms, 23 (0.05%) were positive in thermal screening. Six (2%) among them tested positive for COVID-19. Out of the 44263 passengers screened post lockdown, from May to July 2020, 671 (1.5%) were symptomatic, and 12 (0.03%) were positive in thermal screening. COVID-19 was confirmed in 45 (6.7 %) patients identified through the screening. With the surge in cases, the proportion of passengers opting for institutional quarantine increased significantly (P<0.001). None of the staff contracted the disease. Infection control practices followed by them were optimal. Conclusion: Though the yield of thermal and symptom screening is low, entry screening is an opportunity to identify travelers at risk of COVID-19 infection. In addition, it helps in raising awareness to ensure quarantine and guides public health authorities in preventing disease spread to the community.

BACKGROUND Dengue fever is a major public health problem in Kerala. Vector control measures practiced at household level is the most cost-effective way of controlling dengue. This study aims to assess environmental measures of vector control practised among households of suspected or confirmed dengue patients in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. METHODS A cross sectional study was done among households of patients diagnosed with dengue fever and reported in Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in Thiruvananthapuram district from June to December 2018. Investigators interviewed the household members and made direct observations to collect data on vector control practices using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 108 houses were surveyed. Potential breeding habitats were found in 58 (53.7 %) houses. Aedes larva was found in containers from four (3.7 %) houses. Dry day observance was not regular with only 5 (4.6 %) houses practicing it weekly. Waste management practiced was proper in 47 (43.5 %) houses. Community level pre monsoon preparedness for epidemics was done in the vicinity of 53 (49.1 %) houses and it was found to be a protective factor against presence of breeding habitats in and around houses (p = 0.013). Low education (p = 0.012) and low occupational status (p = 0.017) were found to be significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Even during an epidemic, with occurrence of infections in the family, only half of the households are practising adequate vector control methods. Community level interventions and targeted information education campaign will help improve practice of environmental methods of vector control in dengue. KEYWORDS Dengue, Vector Control, Aedes Control, Environmental Methods, Community Interventions

BACKGROUND Dengue Fever is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality among all communicable diseases in Kerala. Delay in seeking care is significantly associated with complications. Understanding health seeking behaviour of persons with risk of infection, helps in improving health care delivery. METHODS A cross sectional study was done among 100 dengue fever patients listed under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state. Data regarding their health seeking behaviour during the course of the disease was collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS Inappropriate health seeking behaviour indicated by delay in seeking care and self medication was found in 22 % (95 % CI; 13.9 - 30.1) of subjects. Mean (SD) of delay in seeking health care was 3.01 (1.3) days. Treatment was initiated from government health facility by 63 % of patients. Primary level health care facility was sought by 61 % patients whereas 30 % opted for a secondary level facility. Proximity of the location of health facility to the patient’s dwelling was the factor influencing choice of treatment facility in 70 % of patients, followed by perceived quality of facility (15 %) and patient perceived competency of the physician (9 %). Male gender (p = 0.03) and educational status less than secondary level (p = 0.008) were significant risk factors for self-medication and delay in seeking health care. CONCLUSIONS Inappropriate health seeking behaviour in patients with suspected Dengue Fever is comparatively less in Kerala. Majority are seeking care from Government facilities and access to health care is influencing health seeking behaviour. Awareness generation in general and specific interventions targeting those with lower education status can further improve health seeking behaviour and reduce complications of dengue. KEYWORDS Health Seeking Behaviour, Dengue Fever, Self-Medication, Delay in Seeking Care, Healthcare Access, Kerala

BACKGROUND DOT Provider's knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about Tuberculosis play an important role in their ability to care for individuals with Tuberculosis and is a major determinant of successful completion of TB treatment. Objective-To assess Knowledge and Attitude regarding Tuberculosis treatment among DOT Providers of RNTCP registered patients in Kottayam district, Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study was done among 248 DOT providers of RNTCP registered patients in Kottayam district. DOT Providers were interviewed by the investigator using a structured interview schedule. For assessing knowledge regarding Tuberculosis, a validated questionnaire was used and knowledge score calculated. Data entry and analysis was done using statistical software SPSSv16. RESULTSMean knowledge score out of 15 was 9.19 (SD-4.741). Health staff had a significantly higher knowledge score than Community DOT providers (P<0.001). DOT providers who received training in RNTCP had a significantly greater knowledge score (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONAfter assessing the knowledge and attitude of DOT providers, gaps were found. There is a need to impart training and reorientation courses to update the knowledge of DOT providers regarding the TB disease, its diagnosis, treatment and followup of patients. KEYWORDSKnowledge, Attitude, DOT Providers, Tuberculosis. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sujatha C, Raveendran A, Krishnankutty SL. Knowledge and attitude regarding tuberculosis treatment among DOT providers of RNTCP registered patients in Kottayam district, Kerala. J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci. 2017;6(90): 6264-6267, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2017/1362 BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that has severely affected communities and nations since times immemorial. It continues to be a leading cause of death even today, despite the availability of effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools. RNTCP has developed National Strategic Plan to be implemented during 2012-2017, the national 12 th Five Year plan period. The Vision is "TB-free India" and Goal is Universal Access to quality TB diagnosis & treatment for all pulmonary & extra pulmonary TB patients including drug resistant and HIV associated TB. The key focus of the programme is to reduce default rates and to prevent the emergence of drug resistance. The key intervention planned is strengthening and improving the quality of basic DOTS services. 1 'Financial or Other Competing Interest': None. Submission 08-10-2017, Peer Review 02-11-2017, Acceptance 09-11-2017, Published 20-11-2017. Corresponding Author: Dr. Chintha Sujatha, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. E-mail: sujathachintha@gmail.com DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2017/1362 The DOT strategy has been considered one of the most cost-effective health interventions by the World Bank. 2 While DOT is central to the success of tuberculosis control programmes, it is not easy to implement. Several types of providers are carrying out treatment observation in ...