bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IJCM_347A: The relation of Academic motivation with academic stress, self-efficacy and social support among the Paramedical students of tertiary health centre of Uttarakhand- Cross sectional study
Authors: Adhikari Ritu , Singh Surendra , Bartwal Janki , Rawat CMS
Published: April 2024

Background:

Students experiencing academic stress undergo mental distress in anticipation of academic challenges and academic failure, which eventually impacts their studies, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being therefore academic motivation is essential to continue their studies.

Objective:

I. To assess the Sociodemographic profile of paramedical students. II. To find correlation between the academic motivation, academic stress, self-efficacy, social support of paramedical students.

Methodology:

A cross sectional study was conducted over period of 3months after complete enumeration of Paramedical students of Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Institute Of Medical Science & Research, Uttarakhand. Prestructured validated questionnaire of Academic Motivation Scale (ASM- C28) with Cronbachs alpha 0.92, General Self - Efficacy Scale(GSE) with Cronbachs alpha 0.9, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support(MSPSS) with Cronbachs alpha 0.9 in addition to adapted questions of academic stress was used.

Results:

46% of students agree that college education helps them prepare a better career.58% of students feels academic stress while studying

Conclusion:

Most of the students are academically motivated.
IJCM_354A: Mental health screening of workers of a tertiary care neuropsychiatry hospital of Delhi
Authors: Khurana Sarbjeet , Sadija Jagdish , Kumari Sushma , Gotewal Sangeeta , Sinha Uday Kumar , Singh Ravinder , Dhamija Rajinder Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background:

Employee mental health has a significant impact on productivity at work. People who work in healthcare environments are known to be at an increased risk of developing mental health issues.

Objective:

To assess the psychological distress in housekeeping and sanitation workers of IHBAS hospital

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the housekeeping and sanitation workers of the IHBAS hospital, a tertiary care Neuropsychiatry hospital and Institute. The socio-demographic data of the workers was collected. Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21) were used to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress among workers. The data was entered and analysed in SPSS 21.

Results:

A total of 598 workers were screened, of which 50.7% were males and 49.3% were females .63.5% of the workers were in the age group of 31 to 50 years,24.4% were between 18-30 years of age and 12% were more than 50 years of age. The output of K10 scale for psychological distress showed that only 0.2% were likely to have a mild disorder. The analysis of DASS-21 yielded on depression subscale that 0.5% had mild depression, and 0.2% each had moderate and extremely severe depression. On the anxiety subscale, 0.5% had moderate anxiety, 0.2% each had mild and extremely severe anxiety and stress subscale yielded that 0.5% had mild stress, and 0.2% had moderate stress

Conclusion:

Even though the percentage of workers with mental health problems was very low based on screening with K10 and DASSS-21, it is still worthwhile to screen for and appropriately address mental health issues among hospital employees as part of the occupational health program
IJCM_358A: A Study of Adversity Quotient, Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Quotient among Medical Undergraduates in Nanded District of Maharashtra
Authors: Sinekha Perlin P , Inamdar IF , Gadekar RD
Published: April 2024

Background:

Medical Education deals with vast curriculum, human interactions and huge amount of stress. The changing scenario in medical education with introduction of CBME pattern, just having high Cognitive Intelligence is not enough to achieve academic success. With increasing stress in medical education and uncertainties like Covid-19, it is high time we think beyond Intelligence quotient for professional success. Adversity Quotient (AQ) is a measure of a person’s ability to cope with and overcome adversity. Emotional Quotient (EQ) measures person’s ability to identify and manage their own emotions as well as emotions of others. Spiritual Quotient (SQ) correlates to a person’s awareness and consciousness.

Objectives:

This study aims to assess AQ, EQ and SQ among Medical Undergraduate students and correlation between them.

Methodology:

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to October 2023 on 466 Medical Undergraduate students in Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical college, Nanded, Maharashtra. Data was collected using predesigned, pretested, semi structured e-questionnaire. Data was compiled in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS.

Results:

The participants included 262 males and 204 females. The mean AQ, EQ and SQ were 144.28, 329.81 and 57.14 respectively. The study showed high positive correlation between AQ and SQ (r=0.807; p= 0.000), AQ and EQ (r= 0.760; p= 0.000) and EQ and SQ (r= 0.871; p= 0.000) and correlation was significant at 0.01 level (2 tailed).

Conclusion:

This study concludes high positive correlation between AQ and SQ, AQ and EQ, EQ and SQ. Exploring these quotients helps students become more resilient and better prepared to cope up with the curriculum.
IJCM_364A: A Cross Sectional Study on Sickle Cell Disease awareness among adolescents in a tribal district of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Suryawanshi Sampat Nagnath , Anjana I , Uplap Pallavi
Published: April 2024

Background:

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) poses a substantial health concern in India, especially among tribal populations. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Tribal Health Expert Committee has identified SCD as one of the top 10 challenges in tribal health. This study aims to assess the knowledge gap about SCD among school-going adolescents in a tribal district of Maharashtra.

Objective:

1. To assess awareness of sickle cell anaemia among adolescents aged 12-18 years in a tribal district of Maharashtra 2. To provide recommendations based on study findings.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tribal district of Maharashtra, involving 394 school-going adolescents. Participant’s knowledge of sickle cell anaemia was assessed through face-to-face interview after obtaining necessary permissions from concerned authorities and assent from the participants. Data collection included information on general awareness, understanding of disease transmission, familiarity with sickle cell crisis, and preventive measures, with strict maintenance of data confidentiality.

Results:

Out of the 394 participants surveyed, 212 (53.8%) were females, and 182 (46.2%) were males. Only 19 students (5%) demonstrated awareness of SCD, with 16 (7.5%) females and 3 (1.6%) males out of the total. Surprisingly, none (0%) had knowledge of its transmission or had undergone screening for SCD. Within the aware subset, only 3 (15%) recognized Sickle Cell Crises, and a lone respondent (5%) was aware of its preventive measures.

Conclusion:

The study highlights a notable lack of sickle cell disease awareness among school-going adolescents in Maharashtra’s tribal district, posing a potential public health challenge. Urgent, tailored interventions are essential to sensitize the future generation, aligning with SDG 3, which aims for improved health and well -being through enhanced understanding and awareness.
IJCM_366A: Role of lifestyle factors in migraine among adolescent students of a senior secondary school in east Sikkim
Authors: Acharya Vivek , Bhutia Dechenla T
Published: April 2024

Background:

Migraine can be a debilitating condition. It can manifest as severe throbbing pain, often with nausea, light and sound sensitivity. It can negatively impact school performance and quality of life.

Objective:

1. To assess the prevalence of migraine in adolescent students. 2. To check the relation of stress and anxiety as triggers in migraine

Methodology:

A cross-sectional-study was conducted in a senior secondary school among 200 adolescent students (Class X, XI, XII) via anonymous self-administered questionnaire method. Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) Questionnaire developed by World Health Organization and Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire-Short Form(HTSAQ-SF) was used.

Conclusion:

Awareness about stress and anxiety as a trigger for migraine must be emphasized. Measures to manage stress and anxiety may help students manage migraine headache better

Results:

The prevalence of migraine was 26% among the adolescent students. Among them, anxiety was found to be a trigger for migraine in 58%(p=0.000) (Trigger frequency: Sometimes-31%, Usually-8%, Always-19%). Stress was found to be a trigger in all of them with migraine(p=0.000) (Trigger Frequency- Sometimes-50%, Usually- 15%, Always - 35%).
IJCM_367A: Mapping the Terrain of Learning: A Study on the Association between Self- Directed Learning Readiness and Learning Environment Dynamics among Students studying in a Public Health Institute in Kolkata
Authors: Ghosh Soumik , Paul Bobby , Bandyopadhyay Lina , Sahu Monalisha , Bhattacharyya Madhumita , Basu Rivu
Published: April 2024

Background:

Self-directed learning (SDL) is the process in which individuals take the initiative and learning environment involves all other aspects of the institute. Good SDL ability is the foundation of lifelong learning. Students’ perception of the educational environment plays a subtle role in learning and contributes to learning input and students’ achievement. Self- directed learning is integral to public health teaching

Objectives:

To assess the perceptions of learning environment and self- directed learning readiness and the association between the two among public health students

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2023 in a public health institute in Kolkata. A total of 102 participants across five courses were selected by Census method and their self-directed learning readiness (SDLRS) and perceptions of learning environment were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS, version 16. Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Ethics Committee of AIIH&PH, Kolkata.

Results:

The mean age of the study participants was 26.7 years and 64.7% of the study participants were from MBBS background. The median academic hours was 18 hours per week and around 37.3% of the participants were studying in the institute for less than 6 months and 20.6% for more than 24 months. There was significant positive correlation between SDLRS and Learning Environment (Spearman’s rho=0.281, p=0.004). SDLRS and perceptions of Learning environment improved with increase in duration of studying. Age(p=0.015) and prior academic qualification(p=0.016) were significantly associated with SDLRS.

Conclusion:

SDLRS is associated with positive Learning Environment. SDL ability can be improved by changing the learning environment to include new student-centered teaching methods. The duration of studying in the institute is also an important driver to inculcate self directed learning ability among the participants.
IJCM_377A: Socio-demographic and clinical profile of Lip, Oral cavity and Pharyngeal cancer in an urban cancer centre in Coimbatore
Authors: Sujatha K
Published: April 2024

Background:

Cancer ranks as a leading cause of death and a major barrier to increasing life expectancy in every country of the world. The incidence and demographic data of cancer are important for cancer prevention. Lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers (LOCP) has multiple risk factors and a varied geographic distribution.

Objectives:

This study aims to describe and compare the epidemiological and clinical profile of LOCP cancers.

Methodology:

 

Results:

A total of 441 LOCP cases were recorded, of which most cases belonged to the age group of 51-70 years and male gender. The most common subtype among LOCP cancers is mouth (27%), followed by the tongue (25%). Histo-pathologically, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type contributing to 425 (96.5%) of cases. Nearly 267 patients (60.1%) were smokers, and 206 patients (46.7%) used alcohol whereas 266 patients (60.3%) used Smokeless tobacco products. Majority of the patients underwent a combination therapy of surgery and radiotherapy (69.6%).

Conclusion:

The increased incidence of LOCP cancer and its subtypes associated with smoking and tobacco points to the pivotal role of these risk factors in the pathogenesis of LOCP cancers. Hence better awareness and stringent measures are the need of the hour to decrease the ongoing burden of these cancer types.
IJCM_378A: Introduction of Elective modules Block 2 in undergraduate new Competency based Medical Education (CBME) Curriculum: Perception of students
Authors: Sharma Mini , Verma Nirmal , Das Durga
Published: April 2024

Background:

The new competency based medical education curriculum (CBME) introduced 2 months electives (2 blocks of 4 weeks) in the curriculum for undergraduates medical students during their study periods (at the completion of phase 3 part 1). Elective is an optional course, generally of short duration, where students can opt ‘electives’ as per their topic of interest, career preference and availability at institutes. During electives students get an opportunity to differentiate during medical training, experience applicative use of knowledge and develop applied skills under the supervision and guidance of preceptors.

Objective:

To assess the Students perception regarding Elective modules (Block-2) necessity and benefit.

Methodology:

This was a cross sectional study conducted in Department of Community Medicine, Pt JNM Medical college, Raipur and Associated tertiary care hospital Dr. BRAM hospital. Raipur, Chhattisgarh in which 181 undergraduates medical students were interviewed through online mode using google form and was circulated to all via WhatsApp group.

Results:

Total 181 study subjects were participated in which 56.4% male and 43.6% female. Sixty-eight percent study subjects agreed that elective posting increases their knowledge and skill. Most of the students 66(36.5%) perceived elective posting very good

Conclusion:

This study concluded that students had very good overall experience of elective posting which proved to be helpful in improving their knowledge, clinical skills and enhanced their learning opportunities.
IJCM_39A: To compare the World Health Organization growth charts with Indian Academy of Pediatrics growth charts of under-five children attending urban health center of a Medical College
Authors: Muntazeem Muhammed G , Kumar Aswin
Published: April 2024

Background:

The nutritional status of the child can be measured by using anthropometry which is the valuable tool and the gold standard method. The magnitude of different measures of nutritional status is affected by choice of reference charts used.

Objective:

To compare the world Health Organization growth charts with Indian academy of pediatrics growth charts to assess the malnutrition among under 5 children attending Urban health center of a medical College.

Methodology:

A cross sectional study was conducted among 220 children attended urban health centre of SS. Institute of Medical Sciences for a period of 4 months. Height and weight were measured and plotted on World Health Organization and Indian Academy of Pediatrics charts.

Results:

In this study underweight was detected among 46.9% of the boys and 43.8% of the girls and stunting was detected among 50.4% of the boys and 43.8% of the girls by using World Health Organization Growth Charts. According to Indian academy of Pediatrics, 32.1% of the boys and 38% of the girls were found to be undernourished and Stunting was detected among 53.9% of the boys and 68.8% of the girls.

Conclusion:

In this study both the growth charts showed variation in the height and weight measurements.
IJCM_408A: Knowledge and perception of female feticide among medical students
Authors: Darshan B B , Pahuja Mayank , Harshwardhan  , Jaiswal Sukriti , Shukla Tanya
Published: April 2024

Background:

The preference for male children over female children has resulted in a declining sex ratio. We need to tackle and treat the mindset of people who don’t value the existence of females and consider them a burden.

Objectives:

To study the knowledge and perceptions related to female feticide among medical students of Mangalore.

Methodology:

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out among third and fourth year MBBS students of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A sample size of 300 was calculated and they were selected into the study using Convenient Sampling. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 29.

Results:

Around 94.6 % of the participants were aware of the correct meaning of the term “Female feticide”. Almost, 94.3 % of the participants had an awareness about the practice of female feticide being prevalent in India. Nearly 74% of participants received information about female feticide from multiple media sources and 51.1 % from Newspapers.

Conclusion:

The study shows medical students have the optimum level of awareness about the factors of female feticide. They favoured that the decline in sex ratio is the main impact of female feticide.
IJCM_409A: Prevalence And Pattern of Self-Medication With Antibiotics: A Community- Based Cross-Sectional Study From South-East Delhi
Authors: Jabeen Roshan , Shaikh Aqsa , Gautam Richa , Nabi Nusrat
Published: April 2024

Background:

Antibiotics are commonly self-medicated drugs worldwide, with over 50% purchased and used without a prescription. Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global public health concern. Although many studies have been conducted worldwide to study the prevalence and pattern of self-medication with antibiotics and associated socio-demographic factors (SMA), very few have been conducted in India, and no such studies have been conducted in Delhi in community setup, especially in post-pandemic setup.

Objective:

1. To estimate the prevalence and pattern of self-medication with antibiotics among the adults residing in the field practice areas of a medical college in South-East Delhi. 2. To determine the socio-demographic factors and their association with self-medication with antibiotics among the study subjects.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in South-East Delhi. The sample size was calculated as 200 considering an absolute error of 5% at a 95% level of significance. Simple random sampling was done to select households by using a Random number generator. The total sample size of 200 was distributed proportionately between the UHTC and RHTC, according to Probability Proportional to Size (PPS). One individual from each selected household of age = 18 years who has used antibiotics in the past 3 months and met the eligibility criteria was included in the study. A self-designed, pre-tested, validated, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data.

Results:

71(35%) out of 200 of the participants practiced SMA. Nearly 42% of them lived in urban areas. 30% had an education level of high school and above. The Chi-square test revealed that the participant’s level of education was significantly associated with SMA. The frequency of SMA ranges from one to a maximum of five times in the past 3 months. 69% of the respondents administered antibiotics twice in the past 3 months. The indications for SMA were fever (34%), followed by cold and flu (23%) and UTI (14%). Most of the participants who practiced SMA obtained antibiotics from the pharmacy (75%) followed by leftovers from previous treatment (17%).

Conclusion:

The study revealed that more than one-third of the respondents practiced SMA. The findings from the present study indicate the necessity of activating antimicrobial stewardship programs throughout the country, as well as implementing effective legislation to prohibit dispensing antibiotics without prescription.
IJCM_411A: Motivational factors associated with the choosing medicine as a profession among first year students
Authors: Chawla Surbhi , Mithra Prasanna , Rekha T , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh , Dhawan Neha , Gomes Samantha , Taneja Nikhil , Mohan Ayushi
Published: April 2024

Background:

Students enter the medical study with internally generated motives like genuine interest (intrinsic motivation) and/or externally generated motives like parental pressure or desire for status or prestige. Due to limited information available on the motivational factors to take up medicine among Indian students, this study was carried out to determine motivations of first-year medical students’ towards a medical career.

Methodology:

This cross-sectional study was carried out among all 250 first year medical students of Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Mangalore in February 2015. Data collection was done using a pre-tested semi structured questionnaire, consisting of 16 questions about demographic and academic characteristics; motivational factors to study medicine; and the role of career guidance in choice of study Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 11.5.

Results:

Of 250 students, 246 (98.4%) submitted completed questionnaires. The majority of the students (72%) were self-motivated for choosing medicine as a career; 64.2% chose medicine because it is a humane and noble profession; 50.4% for respect and prestige it provides; 36.6% were inspired by the family; 27.2% because of the non-requirement to study Mathematics and Physics and 14.6% for financial security. Also, 16.3% students had parents in the medical profession; Fifty-seven students (55%) got admission after > or = 2 attempts; 46% decided on a medical career before class ten. Overall, 13% had sought career counselling. More than half of the students had accurate knowledge about the curriculum, course duration, examinations, and post graduate training.

Conclusion:

Nobility of the profession, prestige, and inspiration from family members were the predominant motivating factors. Determining the reasons for choosing medicine has important implications for the selection and training of students as well as for their future job satisfaction.
IJCM_415A: “Swipe, Match, Risk: A study about Dating applications amongst the youth of a metropolitan city.
Authors: Bishnoi Deepika , Qureshi Kamran , Miranda Roshni
Published: April 2024

Background:

One of the primary goals of young adulthood is to establish a committed romantic relationship. During the last decade, the Internet has become an important platform to initiate contact with potential romantic or sexual partners. The Statista Market Forecast estimated that by the end of 2019, there were more than 200 million active users of dating apps worldwide. The current study is an attempt to understand the usage of the dating apps among young adults, the target users of these apps.

Objective:

1. To estimate the prevalence of use of internet-based dating applications in the youth. 2. To study the pattern of social and sexual encounters through these apps. 3. To understand the reasons for the usage of the apps.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was done amongst 18-25 years college students from a metropolitan city of India. Minimum sample size required for the study was 1012. Ethical approval was obtained from local ethics committee & data was collected via a Google form amongst students from colleges in particular area of city.

Results:

1641 respondents participated in the study. Majority of the participants were females, belonging to the age group of 18-21 years. Dating applications were used by 208 participants. The most common reason for use was finding love/partner, casual sex & exploring/experimenting. Association between use of dating applications was statistically significant with gender, duration of stay in Mumbai, relationship status, sexual orientation and habits.

Conclusion:

The use of dating apps was 12.7% in this study. The risk factors associated with dating apps were male gender, residing in Mumbai since more than an year, habits like smoking, alcohol etc. Sexual orientation & relationship status were also significant risk factors for use of dating applications.
IJCM_417A: Internet health information seeking and its effect on patient-doctor relationship and satisfaction among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore
Authors: Aggarwal Shreyas , Suresh Aakriti , Jindal Disha , Trikha Radhika , Rekha T , Kumar Nithin , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Mithra Prasanna , Holla Ramesh
Published: April 2024

Background:

The doctor-patient relationship is a fundamental and essential component of healthcare that plays a critical role in patient outcomes, trust, and overall quality of care. Internet-based health information has been found to have both positive and negative effects on patients.

Objectives:

To assess the internet health-seeking behaviour among patients, and its effect on the doctor-patient relationship

Methodology:

In this facility-based cross-sectional study, 110 patients were assessed regarding their internet health-seeking behaviour and its effect on the doctor-patient relationship. Patient-Doctor Depth-of-Relationship Scale and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short form (PSQ-18) was used to assess the relationship. A comparison of patient satisfaction scores and doctor-patient relationship scores among those who use the internet for seeking health-related information with those who do not was done by independent t-test and P < 0.05 will be considered to be a statistically significant difference.

Results:

Sixty-seven-point three per cent use the internet for health-related information. Most of the patients felt satisfied with their medical care but there was still some scope of improvement in the domains of communication and the time devoted by the doctor to the patient. The overall level of patient satisfaction was above average. Our study also showed that 77.2% of the study participants had a good relationship with their doctor.

Conclusion:

In our study, we found that the internet using study participants were found to have an above average satisfaction with their doctors.
IJCM_42A: Nutritional Assessment and Association of Malnutrition with Food Insecurity among Adolescent Females of Age 15-19 Years in an Urban Slum of Raipur City
Authors: Galhotra Abhiruchi , Das Sakthi , Shukla Arvind K
Published: April 2024

Background:

Adolescent girls constitute about one-tenth of our country’s population. They suffer the brunt of malnutrition due to increased nutritional needs; compounded by urbanization, peer and social pressure. They are food insecure either due to unavailability, lack of resources or lower priority in food allocation. The NFHS-5 revealed that in the age group of 15€“19 years, about 39.7% of girls were thin, while 5.4% were overweight or obese.

Objective:

To assess the nutritional status of adolescent females of age 15-19 years in the urban field practice area of the CFM department of AIIMS Raipur and to determine if malnutrition is associated with food insecurity.

Methodology:

A sample size of 401 was determined, using the prevalence of 46.1% malnourishment among girls aged 15-19 years from NFHS-4 data. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling method, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Food insecurity was measured using Food Insecurity Experiential Scale.

Results:

According to WHO BMI-for-age Z scores for adolescents, 2% had severe thinness (<-3SD), 9.7% had thinness (-3 to <-2SD), 5% were overweight (>1 to 2SD) and 1.5% were obese (>2SD). The odds of being thin (low BMI for age) were high among girls who faced moderate to severe food insecurity [OR 3.2, CI 1.5-6.8, P <0.002].

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of thinness and its significant association with food insecurity as revealed in our study, calls for immediate nutritional policy interventions to make this vulnerable group, food secure.
IJCM_425A: Outcomes of Second Line Anti-Retroviral Therapy Among a cohort of people living with HIV/AIDS attending an ART Centre in Mangalore
Authors: Anand Nandita , Achappa Basavaprabhu , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Anand Rishit
Published: April 2024

Background:

Anti-Retroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS has been effective, but the mortality rate remains to be high, resulting in the use of second line of ART treatment for better results.

Objectives:

1) To estimate the number of deaths among PLHIV between the years 2011 and 2017. 2) To assess the clinical immunological and virological outcomes among these patients. 3) To find out the association of outcomes with the socio demographic characteristics.

Methods:

In this record-based study, medical records of PLHIV seeking treatment from an ART center associated with KMC, Attavar. between the years 2011 and 2017 were reviewed. The data was extracted using a data extraction sheet consisting of sections on demographic, clinical and treatment details of the patient.

Results:

The baseline median CD4 count before starting ARTs was found to be 253 (IQR 150-351). After starting second line ARTs it was found to be 461 (IQR 326-651). The correlation of CD4 count after initiation of second line ART with viral load among 34 patients measured was found to be -0.371 (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The study concludes that the outcomes of second line ARTs in the present study were found to be satisfactory. The average CD4 count after the initiation of ARTs was significantly high as compared to the CD4 count before the ARTs, implying that second line ARTs had a good, long-term and positive immunological outcome on PLHIV and attending a second-line ART clinic.
IJCM_426A: Use of Big Data for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) - A Review Paper.
Authors: Raina Ishaan , Rekha T
Published: April 2024

Background:

The influence of AI and Big Data on the healthcare sector and health delivery systems provides a hopeful path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by way of improved decision-making and operational efficiencies.

Methodology:

A review of existing literature was carried out to evaluate the current landscape of AI applications in healthcare and its potential implications for SDG achievement.

Results:

Big data is at the center of health transformation, which, combined with artificial intelligence and Internet of Things, enables real-time processing and analysis of huge datasets. Big data enhances customization in marketing, streamlines operations in manufacturing and redefines healthcare by means of precision medicine. Big data also helps to drive changes in society through better public policy choices and steps taken to ensure sustainable development. It is through its analytic power that big data can identify obscure patterns and insights which can lead to pioneering solutions and strategic growth.

Conclusion:

Applying big data and AI strategically plays a crucial role in advancing the sustainable development agenda. However, we must exercise responsibility when utilizing the power of data. It is important to enforce strict measures of protecting data so as to avoid its misuse and also empower underdeveloped regions with relevant tools and capabilities for efficient data management. This way proactive moves will make sure that all people benefit from the information revolution, and it helps to drive global progress on SDGs.
IJCM_43A: Status of sexual and reproductive health services among youths from a rural area of Madhya Pradesh: A mixed-method approach
Authors: Maheshwari Mukul , Dabar Deepti , Prasad Pankaj
Published: April 2024

Background:

Warranting adequate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among the youth population in India is challenging. While the Government has undertaken several measures to improve SRH services, gaps exist in terms of availability of these services at the health centre.

Objective:

To assess utilization of SRH services and explore the associated factors among youth population in rural area of Central India.

Methodology:

An explanatory sequential mixed method study was conducted which included collection and analysis of quantitative data pertaining to the utilization of SRH services from 236 youth (aged 15-24 years) selected through multistage cluster sampling. This was followed by 29 in-depth interviews conducted among the various stakeholders. Quantitative data was entered using MS Excel and analyzed using R v-4.1.0. The notes and audio recordings from the interviews were transcribed manually and thematic analysis was done.

Results:

Out of 236 youths, only 90 (38.1%) had ever availed SRH services, of whom 85.5% had visited the SRH clinic in the past 12 months. The most common reason to visit a government health facility was cited as a pregnancy test while in the case of private health facility the reasons were STD treatment, pregnancy tests, and abortions. Except the request for contraceptive services and adequate response to questions by clients, the services provided by the facilities were reported to be inadequate. Further exploration summarized the barriers and facilitators of the health care services under the themes of training, logistics, ARSH clinic, adolescent health days, and community awareness.

Conclusion:

Among the various influences of SRH, the healthcare system is a fundamental aspect; which seems to address inadequately the varied needs of the rural youth. Future efforts must focus on community awareness and involvement of all stakeholders to uplift SRH services, so as to have positive impact on their sexual health.
IJCM_50A: Mortality trends in Indian prisons and its associated risk factors: a time trend analysis from 2017-2021
Authors: Rath Abhishek , Pal Anjali
Published: April 2024

Background:

The environmental health status of jail populations poses a significant public health threat for prisoners and the general population. The environment of jails provides a suitable foundation concerning morbidity and mortality of the general population due to the concentrated potential source of infectious diseases, difficult access to treatment for chronic health conditions, interruption in the continuity of care for serious behavioural health conditions, as well as on-going issues for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse disorders. Prisoners should receive a healthcare provision equivalent to people living in the community. Those rights, if fulfilled, will contribute to the process of social rehabilitation and will facilitate further reintegration into society on release.

Objective:

To analyze the mortality trends in Indian prisons from 2017-2021 and determine associated risk factors.

Methodology:

The various mortality statistics and associated risk factors were retrieved from the Prison Statistics of India report published annually by the National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs. A literature search was also done in electronic databases like -PubMed, Google Scholar, and other platforms using keywords- mortality in prisons, prison health, and death in Indian jails.

Results:

The obtained estimates identified an ascending trend in mortality in Indian prisons due to cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and suicide, accompanied by a rising trend in mental illnesses. Overcrowding, inadequate manpower for healthcare facilities, and poor budget allocation for prison health are some notable causes of rising mortality.

Conclusion:

The study’s findings revealed that prisoners, despite being a vulnerable section of the population, are deprived of adequate medical facilities due to restrictions imposed by law. Therefore, reducing overcrowding, recruiting adequate manpower for healthcare facilities and adequate budget allocation for prison health shall play an instrumental role in reducing the trend of mental illnesses and mortality in Indian prisons.
IJCM_55A: Harassment in public transport: A study to quantify the violence against women in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu.
Authors: Sushmitha G. , Umadevi R , Eashwar Anantha VM
Published: April 2024

Background:

A vast majority of population is dependent on the public transport for their day to day transit. Women travelling by public transport amount to 84% in India. Sadly, during the course of their commute, people especially women are susceptible to verbal and physical harassment at the hands of their fellow travelers. Many do not report and such atrocities aren’t brought to the media.

Objectives:

1. To estimate the prevalence of harassment in public transportation in Chennai 2. To find out the association between harassment and socio demographic factors. 3. To find the coping strategies of victims after the harassment

Methodology:

This cross-sectional study, with a sample size of 270 includes women who are above 18 years. Data was collected from 5 randomly chosen public transportation facilities using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire which comprises of questions related to socio demographic profile, experiences of harassment and the victims behavior post the incident. Data analyzed using SPSS version 25

Results:

Out of 270 women who were interviewed, 57 (21.1%) said that they have faced at least one form of harassment, either Verbal or Physical out of which only 4 complained to the police. 172 (63.7%) women said that they have been stalked at least once. Majority said they were harassed while travelling in bus. On doing chi square, statistical significance was seen with a p value of <0.05 in people who said they felt insecure when traveling alone and who were stalked.

Conclusion:

Awareness about gender-based violence must be taught. Bystander awareness must be increased, so that they can come to aid of women when any harassment is taking place. Women must also be encouraged to complain to the authorities. Stricter laws has to be implemented.
IJCM_64A: Prevalence of anemia among school going adolescent girls in selected health blocks of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Ahmed Suhail , Gandhi Manoj K.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia among school going adolescent girls in India

Objective:

To find the prevalence of anemia among school going adolescent girls in selected health blocks of Himachal Pradesh

Methodology:

It was a community based cross-sectional study where 09 health blocks from 07 districts were selected randomly using probability proportionate to size criteria for selection of blocks. A total of 720 adolescent girls were enrolled for the study.

Results:

The mean age of the study subjects was 15.82±1.19 years. The prevalence of anemia observed was 31.6% and mean hemoglobin levels observed were 12.73±4.85 gm/dL

Conclusion:

We observed prevalence of anemia among school going adolescent girls as 31.6% which is lower than that reported in India. A way to reduce this burden of anemia among adolescent girls is WIFS which has reduced anemia prevalence among adolescent girls but still there is a long way to go
IJCM_71A: Adverse birth outcomes and its association with non-communicable diseases and behavioral risk factors among Indian women: a secondary analysis from National Family Health Survey- 5.
Authors: Basu Parama , Raghuveer Pracheth
Published: April 2024

Background:

Pregnancy may be associated with several adverse outcomes. India, with its diverse population, presents a unique setting for studying the determinants of adverse birth outcomes.

Objectives:

Among women respondents of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5): 1. To estimate prevalence of adverse birth outcomes; 2. To determine association between adverse birth outcomes and various non- communicable diseases (NCDs), behavioral risk factors.

Methodology:

We have analyzed the latest available data from NFHS- 5 (2019-2021) gathered from Demographic Health Survey program with permission. Prevalence of adverse birth outcome was estimated using weighted prevalence. Binary logistic regression was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and p-values < 0.005 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

Data pertaining to 2,02,798 respondents were analyzed. The mean (SD) age was 27.56 (±5.255) years. Prevalence of adverse birth outcome was 80318 (39.6%). Among the adverse birth outcomes, low birth weight (28,605, 17.7%) was more common followed by preterm birth (23,532, 12.3%). NCDs like anemia (AOR- 1.023; 95%CI- 1.004-1.042; p=0.019), hypertension (AOR- 1.059; 95%CI- 1.024-1.095; p<0.001), heart disease (AOR- 1.464; 95%CI- 1.285-1.668; p=0.00), thyroid disease (AOR- 1.258; 95%CI- 1.187-1.332; p<0.001), tobacco usage (AOR- 1.152; CI- 1.095-1.211; p<0.001) were significantly associated with presence of any adverse birth outcomes.

Conclusion:

From this secondary data analyzed from NFHS-5, prevalence of adverse birth outcome is high among Indian women aged 15-49 years. Several factors significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes were determined. Findings from this analysis may have implications concerning pregnant women with NCDs and behavioral risk factors.
IJCM_85A: Prevalence of unmet need for contraception among married women aged 15-49 years in urban and rural areas of Telangana.
Authors: Stefi M S , Darivemula Surendra Babu , Tondare Devidas P
Published: April 2024

Background:

As reported by NFHS 5, over seventy percent of presently married women aged 15-49 have a demand for family planning. Women encounter a multitude of obstacles when it comes to accessing and adopting contraception, including limited knowledge, social disapproval, and inadequate availability of family planning resources.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of unmet need for contraception and factors affecting contraceptive behaviour among reproductive age group women aged 15-49 years living in urban and rural areas of Telangana.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Telangana among 306 reproductive age group women aged 15-49 years. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and chi-square test was used to assess the significance.

Results:

The unmet need for contraception was found to be 18.6%, and it was significantly higher in urban than in rural (24.2% and 13.1% respectively). Spacing need was 6.2% and limiting need was 12.4%, significantly higher among urban (17%) than in rural (7.8%). Occupation of the correspondent was found to be significantly associated with an unmet need for contraception.

Conclusion:

A high unmet need for contraception was observed among women in Telangana, highlighting the existence of a knowledge-action gap in promoting positive attitudes and behaviours toward contraception. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying factors contributing to the rising unmet need and training of frontline healthcare workers to raise awareness about family planning methods and address associated stigmas.
IJCM_93A: Anthropometric profile of under five children attending Pediatric at rural health training centre in Aligarh (U.P.)
Authors: Bilal Mohammad , Abedi Ali Jafer , Nawab Tabassum , Eram Uzma , Mehnaz Saira , Hashmi Syed Sohaib
Published: April 2024

Background:

Child undernutrition is a global health concern. Malnutrition continues to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in developing countries like India. As per the NFHS-V, the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in under-five children stands at 35.5%, 19.3% and 32.1% respectively. Anthropometry has become a practical tool for evaluating the nutritional status of populations, particularly of children in developing countries & the nutritional status is the best indicator of global well-being of children.

Objective:

To describe the anthropometric profile and assess malnutrition using anthropometric measurements of under-five children attending pediatric OPD at Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Jawan under Department of Community Medicine, JNMCH, A.M.U., Aligarh (U.P.).

Methodology:

This is a retrospective study with secondary analysis of anthropometric data of 255 under five children attending pediatric clinic for the first time at RHTC, Jawan, under Department of Community Medicine from January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. Collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using the software SPSS, version 20.0.

Results:

The median age of the children was 24 months. 52.2% of them were boys and 47.8% were girls. Severe wasting (weight-for-height<-3SD) and severe stunting (height-for-age<-3SD) was present in 4.3% and 10.2% of all children respectively and there was no significant difference among different age groups. Prevalence of underweight and stunting was highest in children less than 6 months.

Conclusion:

Undernutrition is common in under-five children and 10.2% of children had severe wasting. In order to prevent severe forms of undernutrition health education to caregivers on various forms of undernutrition is crucial. IEC activities and health education regarding infant and young child feeding (IYCF) should be strengthened, especially to caregivers of children less than 6 months.
ZNT1 Regulates the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of HaCaT Cells Infected with HPV Through the PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Jiang Liwei , Yi Qian , Sun Zhizhong , Lin Yasi
Published: April 2024

Background:

Condyloma acuminatum (CA), which is a highly contagious sexually transmitted illness generated by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is characterized by abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes resulting in verrucous lesions. Although solute carrier family 30 member 1 (ZNT1) is highly expressed in CA tissues, the function of ZNT1 in CA remains unclear.

Methods:

HPV transfection was performed in HaCaT to simulate the CA pathological environment. The mRNA and protein levels were monitored using RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. Cell viability was found using the MTT test. Cell invasion and migration were probed using the transwell and wound healing.

Results:

ZNT1 expression was up-regulated in CA tissues, and HPV transfection increased the expression of ZNT1. Overexpression of ZNT1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of Human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) transfected with HPV. Meanwhile, ZNT1 knockdown repressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of HaCaT that HPV transfected. Further research displayed that ZNT1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HaCaT transfected with HPV through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Conclusion:

Our research confirmed that ZNT1 regulated the proliferation, migration and invasion of HaCaT transfected with HPV through the PI3K/Akt pathway, providing a new target for the effective remedy of CA.