Background: Healthcare workers gain adequate knowledge related to medications used in treating illness from their work experiences which influences self medication practices.Methods: The present study was conducted in N=150 healthcare workers, divided into 2 groups with group I (nursing staff) and group II (paramedical staff) with 75 participants in each group. Data related to self medication was obtained from a pretested validated semi structured questionnaire either in Kannada or English. The responses were compared between each group with chi square test. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant. All statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS 16.Results: The mean age (mean±SD) of the participants in group I and group II is 31.79±8.309 and 34.15 (±8.168) respectively with p =0.081. The prevalence of self medication was 100% in both the groups. Both the groups knowledge related to the definition of self medication was similar (group I 63 (84.0%) and group II 62 (82.7%) p = 0.900). Group I believes that self medication is entirely safe compared to group II which was statistically significant (group I 66 (88.7%) and group II 46 (61.3%) p=0.029). Most common drugs used for self medication was NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in both the groups being 75 (100%). Antibiotics was used by 26 (2.66%) in group I and 14 (18.66%) in group II.Conclusions: Self medication practice is highly prevalent in the healthcare workers, who also influence the other populations to practice self medication. Practicing responsible self medication is more appreciable.

Background:This study assessed level of non-adherence to anti tuberculosis (TB) therapy among pulmonary TB patients, compares various factors among adherent and non-adherent TB patients, stressing on reasons for non-adherence at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This institution based observational and cross-sectional study was conducted interviewing patients with pulmonary TB and assessed using Moriskys medication adherence scale-8 (MMAS-8), a pre-tested structured questionnaire based scoring system of patients treated for pulmonary TB at district TB centre SIMS, Shimoga. Descriptive statistics were employed. Results: Among 70 cases analysed, 57 were males and 13 females, with mean age group of 41.32±8.63 and mean MMAS score of 2.23±1.87. 53.33% patients were on continuous phase of treatment. The level of non-adherence were as follows, high= 18%, medium= 38% and low= 44%. The common cause for nonadherence was forgetfulness (66%) reasons being: betterment of symptoms (54%), sickness after taking medication (31%), distance of travel: far (15%). Many were labourers (62%), with low literacy rate, also chronic alcoholics (72%) and smokers (73%). Female with moderate literacy and not addicted to alcohol/smoking showed high adherence compared to males (p<0.05%). Conclusions:As prevalence of non-adherence is high, especially Patients on continuous phase of TB treatment, there arises immense need for continuous and effective health education to patients' and their family regarding the adverse effects and the need for high level of adherence to treatment for the complete cure of disease. Patients who are addicted to alcohol/smoking should be targeted with interventions to quit the same, provide free transport facility to RNTCP centres and prompt treatment of ADR, will improve adherence to medication.

Background: Peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) is a first-choice vascular device, commonly performed clinical skill by junior medical doctors and interns in hospital. Improper technique of PIVC can lead to pain, stress, increased chance of infection. Thus, practising the appropriate PIVC technique is vital for interns. This study is conducted to analyse the understanding and necessity for training required to perform accurate PIVC. The objective of this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine and identify the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding PIVC among the interns of Mc Gann teaching district hospital, Shivamogga.Methods: A validated structured questionnaire containing 20 questions regarding PIVC in knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) format was distributed in hand among 109 interns affiliated to this institution. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate the results in the form of number and percentage. Chi- square and one-way ANOVA was used to analyse the result. SPSS 21.0 was used.Results: 74% of the participating interns had proper knowledge about the vein commonly used for PIVC. Only 39% of the interns answered that PIVC was an aseptic technique. 108 participants had knowledge about the common complication due to PIVC which is thrombophlebitis. 2/3rd of the interns was supervised on their first PIVC procedure by a nurse. 94.4% of the interns were instructed regarding the hand washing technique during PIVC.Conclusions: Need for learning module and training programs to ensure the interns have knowledge PIVC technique, complications and management.

Background: Rational use of medicines requires that the patients receive medication appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements for an adequate period of lime, and at the lowest cost to them and to their community. Objective of the study were like descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted to determine and identify the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding rational use of medicines among the interns.Methods: A validated structured questionnaire containing 19 questions regarding rational use of medicines in knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) format was distributed in hand among 109 interns affiliated to this institution. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate the results in the form of number and percentage.Results: Out of 109 interns, 102 completed the questionnaire and were included in the final analysis. Majority of interns who participated in study were aware of the concept of rational use of medicine but the knowledge related to EML (essential medicines list), P drugs, schedule H drugs and number of FDCs (fixed dose combination) in EML was limited.Conclusions:  As interns are future prescribers, they need to be aware of all the aspects of rational use of medicine and there is need to emphasise on learning module and training programs to ensure the interns have knowledge of rational use of medicines.