Introduction: Diabetes is chronic, multisystem disorder with life-threatening complications. According to a study by the Lancet, India is ranked among the top three countries having high diabetic populations. Easily managed by glycemic control and simple alteration in lifestyle, it is most often allowed to escalate to the level of complications due to the lack of adequate knowledge of the disease and its management. Moreover, regional and socioeconomic differences among the rural and urban population of the city could result in skewed perceptions of the disease, in terms of treatment and control. The awareness of these patients is crucial to preventing acute complications and reducing the risk of long-term complications, in order to have a positive impact on the morbidity and mortality levels associated with the disease. Representative data on their levels of awareness would help plan large scale diabetes awareness programs to reach and masses. Thus, the present study aims to assess and compare the rural and urban diabetic population of Chennai city, on their knowledge of diabetes and associated complications. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based study was carried out on 100 diagnosed diabetics, of which 50 belonged to rural areas and 50 belonged to urban. A predesigned questionnaire pertaining to knowledge, attitude, and practices relating to the disease was administered to them. Data obtained from the two groups were compiled and statistically analyzed on Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: Out of the 100 self-reported diabetic participants, with a mean age of 45–65 years, it was evident that urban residents had consistently higher awareness rates about diabetes mellitus, its management and complications, compared to rural populations. The results emphasize the interrelation between demography and awareness. Conclusion: Urban diabetic patients are more aware than rural diabetic patients about diabetes mellitus, its management, and complications. The present study emphasizes interrelation between demography and awareness levels. The results underscore the need to design and implement the awareness programs directed at increasing the awareness among the rural population.

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Background: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause a wide range of illness from the common cold to more severe diseases. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a public emergency of international concern that affects several nations. The widespread outbreak of COVID 19 virus has brought major psychological pressure among the dental interns. However, the awareness and psychological impact on dental interns and postgraduates has not been studied in Chennai. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the fear and awareness of infection among dental interns and postgraduates practicing during the current COVID-19 pandemic in and around Chennai and to explore their knowledge about guidelines to fight the virus and to assess various modifications in dental practice. Materials and Methods: An online survey was submitted to dental professionals. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire consisting of 26 closed-ended questions. The gathered data were statistically analyzed. Results: Totally, there were 150 respondents. Majority of students (81%) were anxious about treating the patients during the pandemic. Almost all are afraid of getting quarantined if they get infected. On overall awareness and knowledge part, postgraduates have a slight edge when compared with dental interns. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on dental professionals. Dental professionals were always vulnerable to infections, many long before the novel coronavirus. Hence, they need to proceed with utmost caution and treat everyone as a potential risk without causing more anxiety.

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Introduction: The novel coronavirus (CoV) known as severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 has engulfed the entire world. The nations worldwide are engaged in carrying out several research, treatment, and vaccine trials to relieve the world from the shackles of this global pandemic. This pandemic has not only strained health-care facilities but also has psychosocial repercussions. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the effects of lockdown on ophthalmological services in coronavirus disease (COVID) era and its psychosocial impact. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data in the department of ophthalmology of tertiary care institute from March 2020 to August 2020 was done. This period was compared with corresponding months of previous year 2019. The services affected and the pattern of social behavior during different phases of complete and partial lockdown periods were studied. Results: Strict administrative execution of lockdown and curfews led to the reduction in the number of patients visiting the hospital and accounted for a drastic dip in the number of patients visiting outpatient department and operating procedures. The initial mental defense phases of apprehension, denial, and projection in lockdown period were eventually followed by displacement and suppression in unlockdown period. Conclusion: The number of COVID-positive patients in India has risen exponentially. As per the WHO, this global pandemic is likely to stay longer, the standard protocol for patients and health-care workers needs to be adhered strictly and revised from time to time, as there is an expected surge of patients with visual threatening situations for number of patients who have been deprived of treatment in restriction phases of lockdown. The psychosocial behavior as a result of mental defense mechanisms should also be maneuvered along the pandemic control.

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