Volume11,Issue4

Introduction: Schizophrenia is one of the most serious and frightening of all mental illnesses. Atypical antipsychotics are first line drugs for schizophrenia. They have significant adverse drug events. Aim: The study was conducted with an aim to evaluate the pattern of occurrence of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in the patients with schizophrenia and to assess their causality and severity. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the psychiatry inpatient and outpatient department of KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka for 3 months. All patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and stable on atypical antipsychotics and receiving pharmacotherapy was included. Assessment of causality and severity of recorded ADRs was done using Naranjo’s scale and Hartwig Scale respectively. Results: A total 32 ADRs were recorded from 25 patients out of 60 patients. The most common ADRs were weight gain (28.13%) and insomnia (18.75%). Majority of ADRs were Probable (53.13%)on  Naranjo’s causality assessment scale and Level 4b (40.63%) on Hartwig’s severity assessment scale. The drug Aripriprazole showed maximum ADRs (34.38%). Conclusion: ADRs are frequent occurrence in patients with schizophrenia which are probable in most cases. Incidence of ADRs can be decreased and compliance as well as quality of patient can be improved by early detection and management.

Breast cancer is presently leading cause of death among women. Every year 4 among 10 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The present study focused on assessment and development of awareness against breast cancer among the students and staff members from the various schools of Anand district, Gujarat. We had conducted breast cancer awareness sessions for the female students and staff members including early screening techniques, self-breast examinations, healthy habits and lifestyle. Before and after these awareness sessions, we had given them questionnaire based on breast cancer. Questionnaire was given to 206 participants including students and staffs who all were absolutely normal. Our results showed, out of 206 participants 91.7% and 80.6% participants who all had no idea about self-breast examination and breast cancer screening before the awareness session but after the awareness campaign, 78.2% and 76.2% participants have the knowledge of self-breast examination and breast cancer screening. To avoid breast cancer completely females should know the whole concept of breast cancer such as breast cancer types/stages, healthy habits and lifestyle, early screening techniques etc. The present study concludes that there have to be workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns for the females in rural areas to improve the knowledge and skill regarding breast cancer screening and self-breast examination.