bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Parasitic Infestation in School Going Children of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Bansal Deepankar , Gupta Pratima , Singh Gagandeep , Bhatia Mohit , Singla Harshit
Published: June 2022

Background: Intestinal parasitism(IP) remains a common problem in school going children. Aims & Objectives: To study the prevalence IP infestation in school going children and to study the relation with type of water supply and sanitation. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out and a total of 461 stool samples were collected from children under ten years of age from various schools of Rishikesh. The normal saline and iodine mounts of fresh and saturated salt solution concentrated samples were examined. Modified Ziehl Neelsen staining was done for detection of coccidian parasites. The statistical significance within gender, age, drinking water supply, sanitation and other socio-demographic parameters was assessed by Chi-square test. Results: 112 (24.3%) out of 461 were positive for intestinal parasites. Giardia lamblia was the commonest parasite (15.2%) followed by Hymenolepis nana (2.38%), Hookworm (2.17%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.17%), Entamoeba histolytica (2.17%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.86%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (0.86%). Conclusions: Due to lack of proper sanitation & education along with low socioeconomic background, IP infections are still prevalent among school children. Regular awareness program on promoting good health, maintenance of proper personal hygiene and carrying out regular deworming in schools should be instituted for control.
Assessment of knowledge and skills of nursing staff working in a tertiary care hospital of Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Kariwala Peeyush , Dixit Anand Mohan , Jain Pankaj Kumar , Rani Vidya , Srivastava Dhiraj Kumar
Published: June 2022

Background: Nurses are the most vital part of the health system. Having adequate knowledge, awareness and desired clinical skills among them can decrease the risk of infection or complications, can shorten the stay of patients in hospital, decrease the morbidity and mortality of patients and decrease the disease burden.Material & Methods- Nursing staff from the wards of a private tertiary care hospital were interviewed for knowledge and observed for skill assessment. Aim & Objective: To assess the knowledge, skills and practices of nursing staff working in a tertiary care hospital. Results: Knowledge of nurses is good regarding routine investigations, universal precautions, work ethics but poor in pharmacovigilance. Nurses are found to be good having skills in patient care, clinical skills but are poor in practice of biomedical waste management and vital monitoring. Nurses are having good communication with patient &doctors but response time on patients’ call is more.Conclusion: Retraining of nursing staff at regular intervals to upgrade their knowledge regarding universal precautions, work ethics, bio medical waste management and improve upon clinical skills should be made mandatory in a hospital setting.
Appropriate Doses of Iron for Treatment of Anemia Amongst Pregnant and Lactating Mothers; Under Five Children; Children in 6-10 Years of Age; Adolescent Girls and Women in Reproductive Age Groups
Authors: Krishnapillai Madhavan Nair , Choudhury Dripta Roy , Konapur Archana
Published: June 2022

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in India. In spite of implementation of a National iron supplementation programme of anemia control, the rate of decline in anemia prevalence has not been satisfactory. To address this issue, a National consultation meeting is being organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 23-24th April 2018, AIIMS, New Delhi. The purpose of the background document is to facilitate the deliberations of the above meeting. In this document, we discuss the latest progress in studies of iron metabolism, bioavailability, requirement and RDA for Indians. Hepcidin is a circulating peptide hormone secreted by the liver that plays a central role in coordinating the use and storage of iron with iron acquisition. Therefore, we considered it important to review and include trials on modulation of hepcidin during iron supplementation. Further, we made an attempt to review iron supplementation trials in Indian pregnant women and children to sequentially assess the basis for fixing iron dosage. Finally, we made an attempt to apply theoretical basis of computation of iron dose for the age/gender and physiological group for treatment of anemia due to iron deficiency. In the light of the role of hepcidin in iron nutrition, we consider it important to characterize the contextual determinants and establish the iron dosage. We believe that the systemic regulation may not allow the body to store adequate amounts of iron from oral doses in short duration of 100 days. Based on the biology of iron it appears that iron homeostasis leading to assimilation of storage of iron is a very slow process and may require practice of contextual food synergy systems to improve iron content (fortified foods) and bioavailability (vitamin C rich fruits) throughout life cycle.
Why Need for National Expert Group Technical Consultation on Prevention and Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Aggarwal Pradeep
Published: June 2022

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency in India. It impacts the lives of millions of mothers and children in our country through impaired health, development, quality of life and productivity. The Government of India initiated National Iron-plus Initiative Programme (NIPI) for Control of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in 2013 with an aim to prevent and treat anaemia amongst different age groups, namely i) 6-59 months; ii) 6-10 years; iii) 11-19 years, iv) Pregnant and lactating Mothers, and v) Women in Reproductive age group.
Magnitude of anemia and Strategies for Prevention and Control in South East Asia Countries
Authors: Kapil Radhika
Published: June 2022

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (and consequently their oxygen-carrying capacity) is insufficient to meet the body’s physiologic needs. Specific physiologic needs vary with a person’s age, gender, residential elevation above sea level (altitude), smoking behavior, and different stages of pregnancy (1). Globally, anemia affects 1.62 billion people (95% CI: 1.50–1.74 billion), which corresponds to 24.8% of the population (95% CI: 22.9–26.7%). The highest prevalence is in preschool-aged children (47.4%, 95% CI: 45.7–49.1), and the lowest prevalence is in adult men (12.7%, 95% CI: 8.6–16.9%). However, the population group with the greatest number of individuals affected is non-pregnant women (468.4 million, 95% CI: 446.2–490.6) (2). The prevalence of anemia is estimated at 9% in countries with high development,in countries with low development, the prevalence is 43% (3).
Universal Health coverage – a reality or mirage
Authors: Chopra Harivansh
Published: June 2022

Providing quality health services to everyone and everywhere is the dream of many countries and India is one of them. Universal health coverage means that everyone is able to access essential quality health services without facing financial hardship (1). On the other hand it does not mean that every health service will be provided free of cost to everyone everywhere. With the advancement in medical science the cost of treatment is increasing day by day and it is pushing people specially the marginalized one into poverty. It is has been said that poverty breeds diseases and diseases breeds poverty. If one has to provide minimum plethora of essential quality health services to all in India then one has to make efforts to decrease out of pocket expenditure on health. As per WHO tracking universal health coverage global monitoring report 2017 (2), 17. 3 % Indians spend more than 10% of their annual income for treatment and 3.9 % spend more than 25% of their annual income on treatment. In fact when we look at the data provided by National Sample Survey round 71 (3) it is apparent that expenditure on free medicines for In patients has reduced from 31% to 8.99% and for out-patients from 17.98% to 5.34 % in two decades that’s from 1986 to 2004. While the government spending on health as percentage of GDP is almost stationary. It clearly indicates that either the cost of treatment is increasing or the number of patients have increased tremendously due to increase in population. This issue of increasing population needs to be addressed at war footing otherwise despite increasing the government spending on health it will not be able to reduce out of pocket expenditure.
Association between standard of living and underweight & overweight among likely to conceive women in rural North Karnataka-baseline result of DBW cohort
Authors: Gurung Tika Ram , Kodkany Balachandra S , Mastiholi Shivanand , Neginhal (Gurung) Vijayalaxmi Shivanand
Published: June 2022

Background: In 2014, approximately 462 million adults worldwide were underweight; while 1.9 billion were either overweight or obese. Hence, a study was carried out first time using the NFHS Standard of Living Index to assess the association between socioeconomic status and underweight & overweight among likely to conceive women.Material & Methods: In Determinants of Birth Weight (DBW): a community based prospective cohort study; household characteristic information was collected from 1293 likely to conceive women. Nutritional status of women was graded based on WHO international BMI categories. Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression were applied to assess the association between standard of living and underweight & overweight with the 95% confidence level and p values less than 0.05.Results: The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity was found 35.1%, 52.4%, 9.7% and 2.7%, respectively, with mean±SD BMI 20.4 kg/m2±3.876 kg/m2. The low standard of living was significantly associated with underweight whereas high standard of living was associated with overweight among likely to conceive women in a rural North Karnataka with a p value less than 0.05.Conclusion: Among likely to conceive women, there is an inverse association between standard of living and underweight whereas positive association with overweight in a rural North Karnataka.
Spiritual dimension of health: an ignored aspect of adolescent care and parenting
Authors: Bansal Rahul
Published: June 2022

Are we not disturbed that more and more adolescents are getting involved in negative lifestyles like drug use, too much of fast foods, very less physical activity leading to poor health outcomes? “22% Rohilkhand teens may become impotent” say a Times of India article dated 11th Jan,2016. The article says that hormonal imbalance, adulterated food, depression and watching too much porn in formative years are reasons behind this. “Even 9 years old are taking drugs: Report”- another glaring headline in Times of India on 20th Jan, 2015 this article highlights following – 20% of child and adolescent population have mental illnesses; substance use rate of 40% - 88% reported in various studies on street children in different metros. Among students of rural Tamil Nadu, 10% of children were found to be hypertensive (1).

In a study in Dehradun it was found that 24% of unmarried girls had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which is also a lifestyle disease (2). Moreover, there were recent headlines in past couple of years showing that children as young as 10-12 years are indulging in serious crimes like shooting/stabbing/raping, etc.
Are We Educating, Our Children, About Hygiene? Are We Talking, With Them, About It?
Authors: Gupta Deepak
Published: June 2022

Cancer screening has always focused on screening lone individuals even when sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been traditionally known to require concurrent treatment of all current sexual partners. This shared responsibility towards the sexual partners cannot be limited only to the prevention and treatment of STDs, especially when human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a STD, has been implicated in the etio-pathogenesis of cervical, penile and anal cancers besides other perineal cancers. Consequently, educating Indian population about our personal perineal hygienic practices is of utmost importance to help curtailing the non-“contagious” spread of cancers.
India steps ahead to curb anemia: Anemia Mukt Bharat
Authors: Bhatia Vikas , Sahoo Durgesh Prasad , Parida Swayam Pragyan
Published: June 2022

Anemia is a major public health problem in India affecting over half of population in almost all age groups. It has devastating effect on human health and affects the socio-economic development. Government has devised several programs like National Nutritional Anemia Control Program (NNACP), Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS), National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) etc to combat anemia. The facts remain that in spite of all the programs, no marked improvement has been noticed in the magnitude of anemia. A holistic approach is required with special emphasis on community awareness about consequences of anaemia and benefits of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, uninterrupted supply availability of Iron folic Acid tablets and syrups, hard to reach areas and monitoring and review system to find out adequacy in terms of participation and frequency of meetings and problem-solving in NIPI
Health issues among transgenders in urban Pondicherry
Authors: Palve Sachin Bhaskar , N Seetharaman , T Lochan , Patil Rajkumar , A Lokeshmaran
Published: June 2022

Background: Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and expression does not conform to the norms and expectations traditionally associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. Aim & Objectives: To study the health problems among the transgenders, to study the health seeking behaviour of the transgenders, to study the social stigma and discrimination faced by the transgenders and to study the sexual behaviour among the transgenders. Settings and Design: It is a community based, descriptive, cross-sectional, study design done among 121 transgenders (TGs) registered under a Non-Government Organization. Methods and Material: A convenience sampling was undertaken. A pre-designed, pre-tested and self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire in local language was used. Statistical analysis used: Proportion, mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis & Mann-Whitney test were applied using EpiData and chi-square test was applied using MS Excel. Results: The common places of discrimination faced by the Transgender were public bathrooms for 36 (29.8%), school for 36 (29.8%) TGs and in bus for 29 (24.0%) TGs. 57 (47.1%) had sexual relationship with more than one partner. Tobacco chewing was the commonest form of substance abuse found among the distressed transgenders. (p=0.007). Conclusions: Lower per capita income, no fixed job status; low education status, prevalent health problem of knee joint arthritis, were the main findings among the transgenders. Substance abuse of alcohol and consumption of tobacco products were high and an association was found between products of tobacco consumption to their psychological distress.
Association of Internet Addiction with Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety and Stress among University Students - A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Gupta Sandhya , E Venkatrao , Pradhan Sourav
Published: June 2022

Background & Objectives: Internet is undoubtedly leading to the fourth industrial revolution. Use of internet comes with its misuse, namely Internet Addiction (IA). Mood disorders have been reported to be associated with heavy internet use, especially among young adults. We assessed the prevalence of IA and its association with insomnia, anxiety, depression and stress among University students. Material & Methods: In a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, information on socio-demographic characteristics was collected from all willing students. Previously validated and standardized scales like Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 42) and Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) were used. Results: Among 430 average YIAT score was 29.69 ± 16.66. Potential IA prevalence rate was 13% with a 95% CI of 10 - 16%. Prevalence of depression was 44.1%, Anxiety was 59.1% and stress was 37.2%. Significant correlations were found between potential IA and insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression (p-value < 0.0001). ISI, DASS stress scores were significantly associated with internet addiction. Conclusion: Potential internet addiction often exists with other psychological problems which warrant its detection in order to provide appropriate counselling and supervision.
Epidemiology of animal bite reported at animal bite clinic during 2015-16 at a tertiary care centre of Himachal Pradesh.
Authors: Minhas Akshay , Singh Mitasha , Sood Abhilash , Raj Des , Bhardwaj Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2022

Background: One health approach for rabies prevention in humans can be done only by targeting the animal source of the virus. Animal bite is the most common mode of transmission of virus to human being. Objective: to describe the epidemiology of animal bite among those attending the animal bite clinic of a tertiary care center of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Methods: This hospital based descriptive study was carried out from March 2015 through February 2016 at Animal Bite Clinic of Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. A preformed and pre tested closed ended questionnaire was used. World Health Organization’s category of animal bite was used to categorize the patients. Results: Males outnumbered females and around 30% were below 20 years of age followed by third decade. Majority of victims were students (31%) and in 61.1% the wound was localized in the lower extremities. Dogs bite was reported in 86% cases. Stray animal bite resulted in 94.2% of category III bites. More than half of the victims were aware of local remedy to be done after bite and practiced it within 30 minutes of bite. Conclusions: Agent, host and environmental factor of animal bite studied in this study indicate that vaccination of animal, abolishing environment favorable for stray animals and awareness of early management of animal bite cases can lead to goal of elimination of rabies.
Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and its Characteristics among Undergraduate Medical Students at AL-Ghad International College, Abha City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Omer Yahia Amar Ibrahim , Alshahrani Saad Abdullah Saad , Asiri Hani Ali Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Background: Cigarette smoking among medical students is becoming a serious public health problem worldwide. Objectives: To determine the daily cigarette smoking prevalence and its characteristics among undergraduate medical students at AL-Ghad International College, Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at AL-Ghad International College, Abha city, Saudi Arabia. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Descriptive data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Association between different variables was performed using Chi-square and ANOVA tests. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of daily cigarette smoking was 30.25%. Significant associations were found between the cigarette smoking and smokers in the age group of 20-25 years (P-value 0.001) and students of higher level of the study (P-value 0.005). About two-thirds (65.3%) of smokers began cigarette smoking after joining the College and 79.4% smoked 1 to 10 cigarettes per day. The association between number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of cigarette smoking in years showed statistically significant result (P. value 0.002). Conclusion: The daily cigarette smoking prevalence is still higher among undergraduate medical students. The higher prevalence of cigarette smoking might predict future adverse effects on health. This necessitates introduction of public health preventive and cessation programs which should be implemented by health and education authorities.
Vitamin D Status in Cold Trans-Himalayan Deserts at Altitude of 4000 meter and above in India
Authors: Sharma Neetu , Sharma Brij , Singh Gajendra , Gupta Anmol , Sharma Rajesh , Kapil Umesh
Published: June 2022

Recent scientific evidence suggests there is high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in India.  There is paucity of scientific data on Vitamin D status in population residing at high altitude regions in India. Hence, the present study was undertaken to determine Vitamin D status of adult population residing at altitude of 4000 meter and above in Himachal Pradesh, India.

A total of 105 subjects aged 19-56 years were recruited (3 subjects per village) from 35 villages in Lahaul & Spiti district. The data on socio-demographic profile was collected by administering a questionnaire. Venous blood samples were withdrawn. Serum 25-OHD level was measured by using direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. Vitamin D status was categorized as deficient (<20ng/ml), insufficient (21-29ng/ml) and sufficient (?30ng/ml).

The mean±SD level of 25-OHD was 14.76±7.03 ng/ml. The subjects with vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency were 83.8%, 11.4% and 4.8%, respectively suggestive of significant Vitamin D deficiency in high altitude Lahaul & Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
Cancer scenario in India and its comparison with rest of the world and future perspectives
Authors: Kishore Sanjeev , Kiran Kamini
Published: June 2022

Cancer remains the scourge of mankind, lets us not delude ourselves. Despite recent advances in molecular biology and very advanced techniques leading to early detection of malignant tumours and despite newer drugs and use of nanotechnology an adjunct measures for targeted therapy, cancer remains the most deadly enemy and killer of mankind. Thus cancer remains the single most factor for increase mortality and morbidity of human being as well as for entire nation, impacting its manpower and economy. It is this vicious cycle that needs to be controlled, broken and irradiated which at present appears to be a herculean tasks although not an impossible one.
A study on estimate of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and adequacy of Iodized Salt Consumption in Begusarai district of Bihar, India
Authors: Kumar Pragya , Agrawal Neeraj , Ranjan Alok , Lohani Pallavi , Nirala Santosh , Pandey Sanjay , Singh C M
Published: June 2022

Background: Iodine Deficiency Disorder is major public health problem causing increased perinatal mortality, mental retardation and goiter and all these morbidities are preventable. Most effective and inexpensive mode to prevent IDD is consumption of iodized salt. Objectives: To estimate the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt in Begusarai district, to assess the knowledge of households on consumption and storage of salt and to estimate Total Goitre Rate (TGR). Material and Methods: Community- based cross sectional study carried out on 412 household from 30 cluster in Begusarai district using cluster sampling technique. Children (6-12 years) were examined clinically for goitre status and sample of household salt was collected for testing iodine content. Iodine content estimation was done both quantitatively by titration and qualitatively by MBI kit. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Result: The respondents were mainly female (92.8%) of mean age 34 years. Three- fifth (61.6%) participants used packaged crushed salt for cooking purpose, followed by packaged crystal (30.5%). Only 12.1 % of the respondents gave affirmative answer for presence of label and logo. Storage of salt in container with lid was 78.5%. The proportion of household using adequately iodized salt was 78%. The sensitivity MBI kit was 61% and the Total goiter rate was 9.3%. Conclusion: The Begusarai district falls in mild public health problem for IDD as TGR is more than 5% and even after many decades of effort towards achieving an adequately salt iodization of more than 90%, it is 79% only.
Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) & Pap smear positivity rates according to socio demographic factors amongst rural married women
Authors: Arun Ruchi , Singh Jai Prakash , Faizan Malik
Published: June 2022

Background: Cervical cytology which is a standard screening tool in developed countries fails as a screening method in low-resource countries due to financial and technical constraints. Objective: To determine the prevalence of pre-malignant lesions of the cervix by VIA and Pap smear test among rural married women and to find out association of socio demographic factors with positive screening test results. Material & Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among rural married women in the field practice area. A pre-designed questionnaire was administered to collect information from 550 women. Results: The VIA and Pap smear tests were positive among 5.5% and 3.6%study subjects respectively. Pap smear test result presented with pre-cancerous lesions such as atypical squamous cell of undifferentiated significance (ASCUS)16 (2.90%), low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) 2 (0.36%) and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) 2 (0.36%). The VIA & Pap smear positivity rate was found to be more in the age group of ?40 years, Hindu, education above intermediate class, joint family and, upper & lower socio-economic status respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of pre-malignant lesions of the cervix by VIA test was 5.5 % while 3.6% pre-malignant lesion was detected by Pap smear method.
Lifestyle Related Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases among Adults of Etawah District
Authors: Gupta Nupur , Gupta Sandip , Jain Pankaj Kumar , Jaiswal Kirti , Shukla Sushil K , Bajpai Prashant
Published: June 2022

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are also known as chronic diseases, as they tend to be of long duration. Detection, screening, treatment and palliative care, are key components of the response to NCDs. Aim& Objective: To find out the prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases. Settings and Design: It was a community based cross sectional study in urban and rural areas of district Etawah. Methods and Material: Present study was conducted among persons aged between 25-64 years. WHO STEPS approach was used. Statistical analysis used: Qualitative data were expressed in the percentages and tested by chi square test. Results: In the study almost half of the subjects were males. Current tobacco use, alcohol use, insufficient use of fruits and vegetables and physical inactivity were found in 33.9%, 15.9%, 88.8% and 53% of the subjects respectively. Overweight, obesity, increased waist circumference, raised systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found in 37.1%, 16.1%, 37.7%, 14.6% and 19.3% respectively. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes and hypertension (HTN) were 3.6% and 10.2% respectively. Conclusions: There is considerable prevalence of NCDs in the district. Majority of having insufficient use of fruits and vegetables and physical inactivity. Most of them were overweight and increased waist circumference.
Effect of Perceived Health Benefits and Trust on Customer’s Satisfaction & Willingness to Pay for Organic Foods
Authors: Ghai Sneha , Sharma Ashok
Published: June 2022

Background: Organic food has captured the market tremendously, yet the attitude and purchase intentions differ invariably. Many researchers have made an attempt to discuss the major barriers and motives to purchase and consume organic food. There is a need to identify how these factors contribute in drawing intention to but the organic food. Objectives: To assess the significance effect of perceived benefits & trust on willingness to pay premium prices for organic foods. Also, to test the effect of perceived benefits and trust on Customer’s satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Data on perceived benefit and trust derived from organic food was collected from 304 respondents from Delhi & NCR students hailing in different demographics through a convenience sampling technique. The authors have used structured, and pre-tested questionnaire. Linear Logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS 21.0 to find association between the perceived benefits and trust on consumer satisfaction and willingness to pay premium prices for organic food. Results: Trust and perceived benefits are the main predictors of WPPP for organic foods. Conclusion: The findings gave valuable insights for marketers to learn organic consumer’s profiles based on socio-economic variables & benefit perception. Other variables could also be used to different consumer segments with respect to their purchase behavior.
Anti-HBs Antibodies over time in healthcare workers
Authors: Sharma Tanishka , Mittal Garima , Kalra Charu , Agarwal Rajiv Kumar , Rawat Balwant S
Published: June 2022

Background: In developing countries including India only 18 % HCWs are vaccinated against HBV. Inspite of all the recommendations, compliance to vaccination remain poor in majority of health care settings. Aims & Objectives: To estimate serum levels of anti-HBs antibodies in healthcare workers and to correlate the values of Anti-HBs level over time in health care workers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Health care workers of tertiary care hospital. Their demographic details and hepatitis B vaccination history was recorded as per performa. Serum samples of all the subjects were tested for Anti-HBs levels by VIDAS-PC equipment. Results: Out of the 294 HCWs enrolled, 84% (247) were fully vaccinated whereas 16%(47) were partially vaccinated. The vaccination rate was highest among nursing staff (74.9%) followed by doctors (13.8%). 3% of doctors and 12.4% of nurses are still at risk of acquiring HBV infection. On anti -HBs titer estimation, 9.7% of the HCWs had anti-HBs titer < 10 mIU/ml while 90.3% had titre > 10 mIU/ml. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Hepatitis B immunization must be made compulsory for hospital staff in every health care setting as well as to check their anti HBs titres.
Modified BG Prasad Socio-economic Classification, Update - 2019
Authors: Pandey Vivek Kumar , Aggarwal Pradeep , Kakkar Rakesh
Published: June 2022

Modified BG Prasad socioeconomic scale has been in use for determining the socio-economic status of study subjects in community-based health studies in India since 1961.It is an income-based scale and, therefore, constant update is required to take inflation and depreciation of rupee into account. For industrial workers (IW), the consumer price index (CPI) is used to calculate updated income categories at any given point of time, viz Jan 2019.

These details of the calculations involved will help many researchers to calculate specific income categories for their ongoing and prospective research work in current calendar year. On the Department of Labour website (www.labourbureaunew.gov.in), state-specific CPI values are also available and should be used to determine more accurate income categories.
Comparison of Health status among married and unmarried girls of late adolescent age in an urban slum of Delhi
Authors: Gupta Sujata , Taneja Neha , Chellaiyan Vinoth Gnana , Liaqathali Fasna
Published: June 2022

Background: Late adolescent girls are being forced into marriage and the burden of marital responsibilities, most notably partner’s sexual demands and childbearing and child-rearing, led to significant emotional distress and depression. Thus, early marriage for girls might have profound impact on their health status. Aims & Objectives: To study impact of early marriage on health status of married girls of late adolescent age and to compare them with unmarried girls of same age. Material & Methods: A comparison study was conducted among girls of late adolescent age in an urban slum of North East Delhi. One sixty study participants were included in each group. A pretested interview schedule was used for collecting details such as knowledge on reproductive health, physical parameters and anemic status. Chi square tests were used and odds ratio was calculated. Results: Majority of married girls, 102(63.8%) had middle school education while 93(58.1%) of unmarried girls had high school education. The mean (SD) age of marriage of married adolescent girls was 17(±) years while their husband age at time of marriage was 21.6(±) years. Levels of hemoglobin were low in both groups 87.5% in married girls and 98.75% in unmarried girls. Conclusion: Early marriage was found to have impact on menstruation, reproductive health and nutritional status of adolescent girls.
Effect of smoking on treatment outcomes among newly diagnosed Tuberculosis patients in Shimla.
Authors: Gupta Anmol , Kumar Vineet , Mahajan Anjali , Goel Sonu
Published: June 2022

Introduction: World Health Organization in 2015 had adopted “End TB Strategy” aimed at ending the global TB epidemic by 2035. Tobacco smoking has been reported to be associated with many aspects of TB disease, including increased vulnerability to being infected, recurrence with TB and related mortality. Aims & Objectives: To determine effect of smoking on treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients at the end of six months of standardized tuberculosis treatment. Material & Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients of Shimla city of India. Data related to smoking status was collected using the standard questionnaire which was used for collection of data regarding tobacco use in Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Details of the participant’s final treatment outcomes after end of standardized treatment of 6 months was collected from the treatment records of the patients available in the office of district TB center. Results: 72 TB patients were included as study subjects. The prevalence of smoking came out to be 37.5% (95% CI: 26.4-49.7). In our analyses, the risk of unfavorable treatment outcomes was higher among smokers (p value 0.049), Smokeless tobacco users (p value 0.031) and those with history of harmful alcohol use (p value 0.002). Conclusions: Smoking and smokeless tobacco cessation programs need to be targeted at Tuberculosis patients.
Evaluation of modified petroff’s method and manual MGIT culture system to facilitate detection of acid-fast bacilli in smear-negative presumptive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Jamali Sana , . Richa , Srivastava Vinod K
Published: June 2022

Background: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in India. According to RNTCP guidelines, all efforts are to be made to diagnose tuberculosis on the basis of detection of AFB/ MTB in the clinical specimen; hence all those cases where AFB/ MTB have not been detected are presumptive cases of tuberculosis. In this background, the present study aims to detect AFB/ MTB in the sputum of clinico-radiologically presumptive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis using direct ZN microscopy, Modified Petroff’s method followed by ZN microscopy & MGIT liquid culture method. Materials and Methods: A total of 94 sputum samples which were negative for AFB by direct ZN microscopy at the DMC of the institute, were subjected to Modified Petroff’s method followed by microscopy & MGIT liquid culture test to find out any additional yield of bacteriologically confirmed disease. Result: Out of 94 specimens, 20 (21.28%) were positive for AFB on ZN microscopy post Modified Petroff’s method. Among all the specimens, 30 (31.91%) were found to be positive by MGIT liquid culture method with average time to detection growth (TTD) around 16.73 days (2-38 days). Conclusion: Modified Petroff’s method followed by ZN microscopy & MGIT test for mycobacterial culture can improve case detection.
Awareness, Knowledge and Practices of Contraceptive Methods among Married Males of Slums of Phulwarisharif block of Patna District, Bihar
Authors: Shekhar Raj , Bhar Ditipriya , Singh Chandramani
Published: June 2022

Background: Even though India was the first country to launch family planning programme, population growth rate of India is still higher. Males are often the dominant decision makers of the family. Many studies regarding contraception has been done on females but the same is lacking on males. Aims & Objectives: The aim was to assess the level of awareness and practices about the contraceptive methods and factors associated with awareness and use among the married males in slums of Phulwarisharif block of Patna. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 married males aged 18 to 60 years over a period of 3 months in slums of Phulwarisharif, Patna. Data were collected by interview of study subjects using predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were applied using SPSS software. Results: Among 212 married males 91.5 % have heard of at least one contraceptive method, while only 42.45% have ever used any contraceptive method. The major source of knowledge among 194 aware participants were friends and family members (78.9%). Age, duration of marriage, number of children and position in the family were associated with level of awareness. Conclusion: Despite of high awareness about contraceptives low utilization and limited knowledge was observed among the married male participants.
Atmospheric Variability and Prevalence of Common Psychiatric Disorders in South Asia: A Meta-regressive Analysis
Authors: Ranjan Jay Kumar , Chaudhary Amrita , Asthana Hari Shanker
Published: June 2022

Background: The review of literature suggests that there is a dearth of meta-analytical study that examines the role of Atmospheric Variability on the prevalence of mental disorders in South Asia. Aims &Objectives: Therefore, the present study explores the moderating role of variability in temperature, air pressure, humidity, and rainfall on the prevalence of Common Psychiatric Disorders in South Asia. Material & Methods: Databases of several web sources, namely, EBSCOhost, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were explored for the studies that had previously observed the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in South Asian countries. Further, articles were also examined manually. Initially, geographical locations (i.e. latitude, longitude, and altitude) of surveyed places were determined. Based on these locations, historical atmospheric data were retrieved. Meta-regression analysis was computed using R –software with ‘metafor’ package. Results: The present Meta-analysis included 32 epidemiological studies consisting of 110402 persons reported a total morbidity in 7935 persons across seven countries of South Asia. Yearly rainfall (z=2.8260, p<0.01), yearly variability in temperature (z=3.7160, p<0.001), yearly variability in humidity (z= -2.4031, p<0.05) appear to have a significant influence on the prevailing patterns of common psychiatric disorders. However, yearly variability in atmospheric pressure did not have a significant influence on the prevalence of mental disorders (z= 1.0364, p>0.300). Conclusion: Discomfort weather conditions such as yearly temperature variability, excessive rainfall, and yearly variability in humidity have a significant role in the occurrence and maintenance of different psychiatric disorders in South Asia.
Prevalence of overweight obesity among M.B.B.S. students
Authors: Chauhan Aditya , Modi Sagar
Published: June 2022

Background: Prevalence of overweight-obesity is rising in India. Medical Professionals are vulnerable to overweight-obesity because of the sedentary lifestyle which is frequently adopted due to massive work burden. Aim & Objective: To assess prevalence of overweight-obesity and associated factors among MBBS students in a medical institute in north-Indian state of Uttarakhand. Settings and Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study Methods and Material: This study was conducted among 310 M.B.B.S. students at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttarakhand, between March and May 2019. Socio-demographic details were recorded using a structured pro forma. A pre-validated IPAQ questionnaire was used for assessment of physical activity. Anthropometric and clinical parameters were measured using standard techniques. Statistical analysis used: Independent student’s t test and Chi square test were used to compare the quantitative variables and categorical variables, respectively. Pearson’s correlation test was used to study the correlation of BMI with clinical parameters. Results: Among 310 study subjects, 164 (52.9%) were overweight-obese. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 30.3 percent. Subjects with overweight-obesity, in comparison to normal BMI group, had higher frequency of smoking, higher systolic blood pressure, higher mean arterial pressure, higher pulse pressure and engaged more in high (category 3) physical activity. Conclusions: There was 52.9% prevalence of overweight-obesity in study cohort. Overweight-obese subjects had higher blood pressure and frequency of smoking, both traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Interestingly, more overweight-obese subjects engaged in high physical activity.
An Assessment of Home-Based Newborn Care Plus Innovation in Six districts of Rajasthan: A Cross Sectional Comparative Analysis
Authors: Yonzon Kezia Katherine , Dehingia Nabamallika , Alwadhi Varun , Singh Kultar , Kumar Harish , Bhat Ashfaq Ahmed , Khanna Rajat , Khera Ajay
Published: June 2022

Background: To improve coverage of key child health community practices, Home Based Infant Care (HBNC+) was implemented with support of Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) in 4 States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha. The innovation aimed at improving coverage of key child health interventions through home visits by community health worker, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA). Aims & Objective: This paper elucidates the results from the assessment of implementation in intervention versus control districts of Rajasthan.   Material & Methods: A cross-sectional intervention-control design with a sample size of 3211 mothers of children in age group 0 to 23 months was adopted. Results: 85 percent of the children (aged 3-23 months) received at least one infant care home visit in the intervention districts in comparison to 32 percent in control. Significant improvements were found in terms of exclusive breastfeeding, weighing and Iron Folic Acid (IFA) consumption and availability of ORS and Iron Syrup in intervention districts. 15 percent additional children had weight plotted in growth charts and 24 percent more consumed IFA syrup bi-weekly in intervention districts. Conclusion: Home visits in infancy is a scalable model and can lead to improvement of community child health practices.
Internet addiction among medical undergraduates in a medical college of West Bengal- a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chaudhuri Susmita , Dutt Rekha , Ahmad Shamshad
Published: June 2022

Background: The era of 21st century is burdened with internet usage worldwide specially in the developing countries such as India. Internet addiction has been related to physical, social, psychological impairment. Aim& Objectives: To find out the prevalence of internet addiction among the medical students and the effect of internet addiction on health status among them. Settings and Design: This was an observational descriptive study of cross-sectional design conducted in a tertiary medical college of West Bengal. Material & Methods: All the undergraduate medical students were approached and interview was done using interview schedule consisting of sociodemographic characteristics, Young’s criteria of internet addiction test and Duke’s health profile screening test. Statistical analysis used: Data was analysed using SPSS version 20&presented in percentages, mean with standard deviation, ANOVA with Tukey’s Post-hoc test. Results: Total of 201 participants responded giving a response rate of about 50%. The distribution of respondents as per Young’s criteria of internet addiction which showed that majority of the respondents were mild addicted (58.7%) & moderate addicted (15%).Comparison of Duke health profile score across various internet addicts where physical health score differs significantly among the non-addicted (81.42+20.02) vs mildly addicted (67+20.36)& moderately addicted (63.31+ 20.15) participants (p=0.00). Mental health score also differs considerably among the non-addicts (78.16+18.36) vs mildly addicts (67+18.28) & moderately addicts (61.87+18.33) (p= 0.00). Conclusions: A good number of medical students were addicted to internet that requires timely remedial action. Educational institutions had to formulate strategies so that proper action could be taken.
Rising threat of H1N1 Cases in Dakshina Kannada, India: An Epidemiological Assessment from January 2011 To August 2017
Authors: Rao Ramakrishna , Vittaldas Rajesh Bekal , Dsouza Jyoshma Preema
Published: June 2022

Background: H1N1 or swine flu is a disease caused my influenza virus of family Orthomyxoviridae. Initial cases in India were seen in 2009 and ever since then it has been adding to the mortality rate over the years across various parts of the country. Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India, had several cases of H1N1. But despite the efforts, the magnitude is rising inconspicuously. Aim & Objective: Assessment of H1N1 cases throughout Dakshina Kannada district from Jan 2011 to August 2017. Objectives: To observe the disease trend, its factors and provide certain recommendations to control the disease and promote Health. Material & Methods:H1N1 cases notified to District surveillance unit from all the Health collaborated settings over a period of six years from January 2011 to August 2017 were assessed to measure the burden of the disease across different age groups and Gender. Result: The study revealed a considerable increase in H1N1 cases compared to previous years with peak during monsoon and difference in risk among the gender. Conclusion: Vaccination of Health professionals, High alert for travelers, Pregnant women and individuals with co-morbid conditions is essential. Control of disease transmission with early diagnosis, isolation and treatment, effective vaccination to high risk individuals will be helpful to reduce disease burden
The Stories Untold – Third Genders Navigating the Health Care System
Authors: Chandran Leena , Kuttappan Suja Molelimattathil
Published: June 2022

Background: The third genders are said to be the vulnerable and most marginalized group in the society and their health care needs should be addressed with priority, since they are under high pressure of social stigmatization. This paper is based on the discussion the researcher had with the transgender community on their access of health care system and how they define health in their own terms and experiences. Aims & Objective: To find the issues they face while navigating through the health care system. Their expectations from the health care system and their opinion on the current scenario is also reflected in the study. Material & Methods: This is a qualitative study using focus group discussion as the method adopted for collecting the data. Three focus group discussions were carried out with 8 respondents each. Hence the total number of respondents for the case study was 24 in number. Their collective opinion is also reviewed. Result and conclusion: The experience of the transgender community is appalling that they are not satisfied with the health care facilities provided. Preference should be given to them because the physical agony along with mental stress and stigma from the society is such a pathetic situation.