bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to treatment among hypertensive individuals in a rural population of North India
Authors: Misra Puneet , Salve Harshal Ramesh , Srivastava Rahul , Kant Shashi , Krisnan Anand
Published: June 2022

Background: Hypertension affects nearly a quarter of adults in India. While there are issues related to diagnosis and treatment gap, even among those who received treatment, adherence is a problem resulting in poor control. Aim & Objective: To study the adherence to treatment of hypertension and its determinants among rural population Methods and Material: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in twenty-eight villages in Ballabgarh block of Faridabad district of Haryana. Sample size of 300 was calculated. Adults (? 18 years) with self-reported hypertension were recruited by simple random sampling at community level. Adherence to treatment was studied by both recall and pill count methods. Information about socio-demographic characteristic was also obtained. Results: In total 350 participants were recruited in the study. Adherence (100%) by recall method was reported among 27.4% subjects and by pill count among 18.9% subjects. Symptom-free period was identified as most common reason for non-adherence. Statistically significant poor adherence to treatment of hypertension was reported among subjects belonging lower social strata.  Conclusions: Very low adherence to hypertension treatment was reported in rural community in northern India. There is urgent need for awareness generation about treatment adherence and developing adherence-monitoring mechanisms at community level
Nutrient intake of adolescents in rural area of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Khandelwal Ritika , Gupta Aakriti , Singh Gajendra , Kapil Umesh , Pandey Ravindra Mohan , Upadhyay Ashish Datt
Published: June 2022

Background: The nutrient requirements during adolescence are higher than at any other stage of life. Inadequate nutrient intake leads to poor growth, delayed sexual maturation, slow linear growth, anaemia and osteomalacia. Aim &Objective: To assess the nutrient intake of adolescents in 13-15 years belonging to rural area of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. Material & Methods: A school based cross-sectional study was conducted during 2014 - 2015 in rural area of Shimla district. Thirty clusters were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method.  A total of 170 adolescents in the age group of 13-15 years studying in government schools were enrolled. Dietary assessment was done using 24h dietary recall method. Results: The percentage deficit in boys for calorie, iron, zinc and calcium intake was found 37.9%, 53.7%, 35.5% and 22.4% respectively as compared to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The girls had percentage deficit for calorie, iron, zinc and calcium intake as 47.7%, 61.5%, 53.6%, and 43.6 % respectively as compared to RDA. Conclusion: The findings of present study indicate that the nutrient intake of adolescents aged 13-15 years was inadequate.
Is Ramadan Fasting Cardio-protective? A Study in a Village of West Bengal
Authors: Dasgupta Aparajita , Garg Shobhit , Paul Bobby , Maharana Swanya Prabha , Badhopadhyay Lina , Mallick Nazrul
Published: June 2022

Background: Islam is the second largest religion of the World (23%) and Muslims are the second largest majority of Indian Republic (14.3%). Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month(Hijra) of the 12-month Islamic calendar during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day maintaining certain rules (consuming food/drink once, avoiding smoking and sexual activity, as well as impure thoughts, words and immoral behavior). It is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Ramadan on cardio-metabolic profile among adult Muslims residing in rural West Bengal. Methods and Materials: The present study was a longitudinal community based study done among 43 Muslims residing in a village of West Bengal during 6thJune to 7th July 2016. Cardio-metabolic profile (physical activity, diet, BMI, blood pressure, blood lipids and glucose) were assessed before, during and after Ramadan. Results: There was a significant reduction in VLDL and TG level while significant elevation in HDL level along with the reduction in Framingham risk score after fasting. All the anthropometric measurements along with blood pressure reduced significantly after Ramadan with significant reduction in intake of all micro-nutrients during Ramadan. However physical activity also reduced significantly during Ramadan. Conclusion: Our study had found no detrimental effects of Ramadan fasting on the contrary has an overall beneficial effect on cardiovascular profile was observed.
Let's speak for Patient Safety in India
Authors: Kansal Om Prakash
Published: June 2022

As if the fire episode in a major hospital in 2011 in Kolkata was not enough, another fire episode was recorded in West Bengal tertiary hospital end August. Recently, a colleague undertaking infection control audit was led into an operating theatre with blood stained slippers and only face mask, when the surgery was on. The onset of hepatitis B and hepatitis C epidemics due to reuse of syringes and needles hit the regional headlines in Haryana and Srinagar in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

 Worldwide, adverse events occur in around 10% of hospital patients. Individual studies have reported adverse events from 4–17% of hospital admissions and 5–21% of these adverse events result in death. In low- and middle-income countries, adverse events may develop from unsafe care in as many as 18.4% of patients, with 30% of those events leading to the patient's death. Medical literature often reports the incidence of health care acquired infections which the patient may not have when s/he walks in the hospital. The evidence also suggests that half of these can be prevented easily just by investing a minor fraction of the budgets while planning the healthcare. In India, almost all states are facing this challenge irrespective how robust the health care delivery system has developed.
A study of Female Sex worker’s sub-network on STI treatment seeking behavior in Chennai City: A Social Network Approach
Authors: Annadurai Kabilan , Bagavandas M
Published: June 2022

Background: Female Sex workers (FSW) are having high-risk sexual behavior with multiple partners and the periodical sexually transmitted infection screening is determined by various factors. Aims & Objectives: To explore the presence of sub-networks of FSWs and to identify the trends in information flow on Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) treatment seeking behavior by using social network analysis (SNA). Material & Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study and exponential snowball sampling method is used to identify 420 FSWs. Structured questionnaire was used to measure information flow and sub-network characteristics of social relationship, Information & Treatment seeking for STI and Sexual practice. Results: Study has listed 94 sub-networks. Here, Sexual practice (Sub-group 28) has highest number of subnetworks compared to other three subnetworks of Social Relationship (Sub-group 25), information on STI (Sub-group 23) and Treatment seeking for STI (Sub-group18). Similarly, other Centrality measures like Triad and Dyad are higher (Each 4 sub-group) in sexual practice domain and this is absent in rest of the three domains. Further, treatment seeking for STI has low Clique (Sub-group 17) compared to other domains. This shows high information flow is present in Sexual Practice compare to treatment seeking for STI (CC-0.986, P-0.000). Among the sub typology home based and street based FSWs are well connected, well informed and most influential than other sub-typology. Conclusion: SNA reaches more number of HRGs with less resource. Therefore, SNA could be cost effective to mapping the sub-network and visualize the information path for STI treatment seeking behavior
Adiposity and hypertension associated risk factors in young (<40 yr) urban industrial men from Pune, India
Authors: Mankar Amol Prakash , Gaigaware Pooja Bhimshankar , Rao Shobha Suryaprakash
Published: June 2022

Background: Prevalence of hypertension is not only on the rise in urban population, but its precedence is of concern. Aims & Objective: To identify risk factors associated with hypertension among urban young Indian males. (<40yr).  Material & Methods: Young males (<40yr) working in Hinjewadi industrial area of Pune, Maharashtra were studied (n=254) for anthropometry, blood pressure and diet, lifestyle, and stress at work. Results: Prevalence of overweight was 72.5% and 48.4 % were obese while 38.2% were centrally obese (WC?90). Prevalence of hypertension (HTN) was high (25.6%) and showed significant association only with BMI.  Non vegetarian diet was a risk factor (OR-1.94;p<0.05) for overweight while lifestyle factors increased risk for obesity (OR-2.1;p<0.05) as also central obesity (OR-1.91;p<0.05).  Among subjects with high BMI, these factors became non-significant and stress alone showed independent influence on HTN (OR-4.43; p<0.05) indicating that their influence was mediated through adiposity. Conclusion: Promoting good dietary practices, healthy lifestyle and better work environment for reducing obesity and consequent risk of NCDs among young urban males is essential in India.
Assessment and comparison of nutritional status of government and private secondary school children of Muzaffarnagar
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta Jain , Muzammil Khursheed , Singh Jai Veer , Alvi Moh. Tauseef , Singh Rama Shankar , Siddiqui Sana
Published: June 2022

Background: Malnutrition leads to poor cognitive performance and physical growth in children and is a major component of school health services. Imbalanced nutrition in adolescence can put them at high risk of chronic diseases particularly if combined with adverse lifestyle. Aims & Objectives: This study was designed to assess and compare the nutritional status of government and private school children of Muzaffarnagar city. Material and Methods: School based, comparative Cross-sectional study. One private and one government school was selected using unistage stratified random sampling. A total of 1960 (980 each from private school and government school) school children of class 6-12 were studied for socio-epidemiological details, dietary habits, and physical activity. Information on education status, occupation, monthly income of their parents was also collected. Required anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: Of 980 children from private school, 90 (9.18%) were underweight,138 (14.08%) were overweight, and 137 (13.97%) were obese. Majority of children from government school were underweight 215 (21.94%) except for 24 (2.45%) overweight children. Conclusion: This study shows the dual nature of nutritional problem, under-nutrition among the lower socioeconomic class of govt. school at one side and worrisome epidemic of obesity among the affluent of private school
Dietary beliefs among informal caregivers regarding common childhood diseases in rural north-west India
Authors: Gupta Rajiv Kumar , Verma Aruna , Raina Sunil K , Kumari Rashmi , Langer Bhavna , Gupta Chandni , Akhter Najma
Published: June 2022

Background: Dietary practices among infants and children are predictor of their growth and development. India being a huge of diverse cultures, diversity in beliefs and practices regarding diet during childhood illnesses is expected. Harmful beliefs and practices can contribute to malnutrition among children. These beliefs can have adverse consequences in already sick children. Aims and Objectives: To assess the dietary knowledge, beliefs and practices of rural care givers during childhood illnesses. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 271 rural informal (parent / family member) caregivers in one of the sub-health centres which was selected using simple random sampling technique. In the context of this study, the word informal care-giver was used for parent/family member of the child, preferably a mother with a child / children aged less than five years. The survey tool was an open ended and pretested questionnaire which was developed by public health expert’s familiar with the culture of the study setting and was pilot tested before administration. For the purpose of recruiting the study participants a house to house survey was conducted and the data thus collected was analyzed in percentages. Results: Informal Caregivers had low knowledge of common childhood illnesses as well as the reasons of their causation. Majority of them consulted a doctor in the event of child’s illness. 53.81% reduced feeding and 31.93% diluted diet during child’ illness but significantly 77.85% didn’t change breastfeeding practice during illness. As far as the beliefs regarding dietary practices were concerned, it found that egg, meat, chicken and jaggery were labelled hot foods while curd, butter milk and vegetables were labelled as cold foods. Rice water and khichadi were preferred in diarrhoea but spicy food and milk were restricted. Ginger and Tulsi tea were preferred in respiratory infections while ice-cream and curd / milk were withheld. Conclusion: Hot and cold beliefs regarding foods are firmly rooted in the study population, so dietary education has a key role to play but it has to be within socio-cultural milieu of the people. It is imperative to train medical and para-medical staff in nutrition curriculum to promote healthy eating habits in the population
Validation of Indian Diabetic Risk Score for detecting Undiagnosed Diabetics in A Semi-Urban Population of Mangalore-South India
Authors: Padmanabha Usha Rani S , Kundapur Rashmi , N Puneeth , Udayakiran Nalam
Published: June 2022

Background: Diabetes is considered as an "iceberg disease". According to latest WHO estimates the number of people with diabetes worldwide in 2000 is 171 million which is likely to increase to at least 366 million by 2030.Indian Diabetes Risk Score is useful for identifying undiagnosed diabetic subjects in India and includes four risk factors: Age, Abdominal obesity, Family history of diabetes and Physical activity in predicting diabetes. Objectives: To Validate the Indian Diabetic Risk score for detecting undiagnosed diabetics in a Semi urban population. Material and Methodology: The study was a validation study conducted in the field practice area of K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore in 2015. Universal sampling was done among 80 households to obtain a minimum sample size of 160 participants. Two from each household one being the highest age and one being the middle age among the households were enrolled. Individuals aged 20 years and above were included to validate the Indian Diabetic Risk score. Informed consent was taken before introducing the participants to the study and two Random blood sugars were checked. Results: Out of 160 participants 31.9% were male and 68.1% were female. Indian diabetic risk score >60 were 60%. Mean risk scores was 57.4±2x1.7. Out of 160 respondents, 86.9% were non-diabetic and 13.1% were detected diabetic. There was a significant difference in Indian diabetic risk score among diabetic and non-diabetics (p<0.001). Indian diabetic risk score >60 had sensitivity of 95.2% and specificity of 45.3% in predicting diabetes. Area under ROC was 0.719 (95% CI:0.62-0.81). Conclusion: Indian diabetic risk score can be used as a simple screening tool in predicting and detecting undiagnosed diabetics in the community.
Engaging Actors for Integrating Health Policy and Systems Research into Policy Making: Case Study from Haryana State in India
Authors: Prinja Shankar , Gupta Rakesh , Sharma Atul , Dalpath Suresh Kumar , Phogat Amit
Published: June 2022

Background & objective: Good examples of evidence generation using Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR) in low and middle income countries (LMIC); and its application in policy making are scarce. In this paper, we describe the experience of establishing a system of HPSR from the Haryana state in India, outline how the HPSR is being utilized for policy making and programmatic decision making, and analyse the key factors which have been critical to the implementation and uptake of HPSR.

Methods: Multiple methods are employed in this case study, ranging from unstructured in-depth interviews, review of the program and policy documents, and participatory notes from the meetings. The steps towards creation of a knowledge partnership between stakeholders are outlined. Four case studies i.e. development of a plan for universal health care (UHC), nutrition policy, centralized drug procurement system and use of RAPID appraisal method highlight the use of research evidence in agenda setting, policy formulation and policy implementation respectively.

Results: Our analysis shows that the most important factor which contributed to Haryana model of HPSR was the presence of a dedicated and motivated team in National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) at state level, many of whom were researchers by previous training. Overall, we conclude by highlighting the need for establishing an institutional mechanism at Central and State level where health service administrators and managers, academicians and researchers working in the field of health system from medical colleges, public health schools, management and technology institutions and social science universities can identify health system research priorities. Increased budgetary allocation for HPSR is required.
Ranking of districts in Andhra Pradesh using women and children nutrition and health indicators by topsis method
Authors: Meshram Indrapal I , Boiroju Naveen Kumar , Kodali Venkaiah
Published: June 2022

Background: Wide variation exists in the nutritional status of under 5 years children among districts/states and more focus is needed on less developed districts in order to allocate resources. Ranking of districts provide baseline information for allocating resources to poor ranking districts and can be considered for comparison of progress in future studies. Aims & Objectives: To rank the districts of Andhra Pradesh state using a multi-criteria decision making method based on the major nutritional and health indicators. Materials and Methods: Data provided by NFHS-4 on nutrition and health indicators of women and children in the state was used to rank the districts in the state. A multi-criteria decision making technique called TOPSIS is used for ranking of the districts in the state based on the selected health indicators. Results: It is observed that Krishna district ranked first and Vizianagaram holds the last rank. The better performing districts include Krishna, Chittoor, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam and Guntur, whereas poor performing districts include Vizianagaram, Kurnool, Srikakulam and Prakasham. Indicators such as per capita income, urbanization, sanitation, use of clean fuel and maternal education were observed high, while infant and maternal mortality was low in in good performing districts. Conclusion: It is concluded that the district with poor nutrition and health indicator ranked last while those with good indicators ranked first. The priority should be given for the development of poor performing districts to improve the above indicators by allocating more resources.
Needle Stick Injuries among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital in District Bathinda, Punjab
Authors: Lal Dhruvendra , Sidhu Tanvir K , Coonar PP S , Singh Gurkirat
Published: June 2022

Background: Because of the environment in which health care staff works, many they are at an increased risk of accidental needle stick injuries (NSI). NSI has been recognized as one of the potential occupational hazards for healthcare workers which results in transmission of blood borne pathogens such as HBV, HCV, and HIV/AIDS while performing their clinical activities in the Hospital. Aims & Objectives: To study the prevalence of needle stick injuries and knowledge and behavior of health care workers in a tertiary care centre. Material and Methods: A Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among Health Care workers at a tertiary care hospital in 2016 at District Bathinda, Punjab. Results: A total of two hundred and eight (208) participants took part in the study from various departments. 58 health workers out of 208 i.e. 27% had NSI in the last 12 months. 84.1% of the health care workers were aware of the fact that HIV could transmitted by needle-stick injuries. While 55.8% and 83.2% knew that HBV and HCV respectively be transmitted through NSI. Only 46.6% of the health workers remembered that they had ever received HBV vaccination. Conclusions: The survey found out that the knowledge regarding the risk associated with NSI and use of preventive measures was adequate among the heath care workers but still there was a slight room for improvement in their attitude and practice and the same can be addressed through proper education and training
A cross sectional study on internet usage for health information among 18- 49 years in urban Chandigarh
Authors: Soni Tanu , Lakshmi PVM , Kaur Manmeet
Published: June 2022

Background: Internet use for health information has increased over the years. However, how people use internet for health needs to be explored. Aims & Objectives: Our study aim was to determine the proportion of people who use internet for health information in the age group of 18-49 years in urban Chandigarh, to document the type of health information sought from Internet, and its association with socio-demographic variables. Material & Methods: Community based cross sectional study was carried out with multistage sampling using simple random and systematic random sampling. Data was collected using pretested semi-structured interview schedule. Results: Out of 262, 60.6 % of participants used the internet for health information. Availability of broadband connection at home and gender were significantly associated (p<0.05) with use of the internet for health information. Conclusion: Internet use for health information could have significant potential, particularly in terms of the general public decision-making and autonomy as has been reflected in the results of the present study. The Internet has become an important tool with the potential to improve information dissemination and health care delivery to consumers.
Public health emergencies in urban India
Authors: Acharya Bhabani Prasad , Daniel Roy Arokiam , Baridalyne Nongkynrih , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar
Published: June 2022

Public health emergencies in urban India can be caused by natural or man-made disasters. Occurrence of a public health emergency adds to the already stretched health system. This paper looks into the public health emergency conditions in urban India, and our preparedness to tackle them. To address this composite threat to nation’s health and development, a concerted public health response is needed, that can ensure efficient delivery in emergency situations

Public health emergency is an occurrence or eminent threat of an illness or health condition caused by bio-terrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease, or novel and highly fatal infectious agent or biological toxin, that possess a substantial risk of a significant number of human facilities or incidents or permanent or long–term disability (1). It is a condition that requires the government to declare a state of public health emergency. The declaration of a state of public health emergency permits the government to suspend state regulations,and change the functions of state agencies (2).

Term “Urban” refers to perplexing variety of environments.  Health circumstances of small cities and town differ in many ways from larger cities and metros. Within cities, change in lifestyle of residents is observed. The urban system is often present with full array of health providers ranging from traditional healer, street drug seller to highly –trained surgeons (3).
Diagnostic efficacy of digital hemoglobinometer (TrueHb), HemoCue and non invasive devices for screening patients for anemia in the field settings- a proposal
Authors: Neogi Sutapa B , Negandhi Himanshu , Sharma Jyoti , Ray Shomik , Saxena Renu
Published: June 2022

It is important to diagnose anemia at an early stage for appropriate and timely management.  There is a need to have a device with good diagnostic accuracy, that is reliable and less expensive. Several methods are available for estimation of Hb. These have been reported to be piloted in small settings with encouraging results. However, for the purpose of screening at the national and state levels, we need a method that has high validity and is cost effective. Our study proposes to establish the diagnostic accuracy of some such devices that are available in India against automated analyzers (gold standard) for screening of anemia in laboratory and community settings.
India’s Story of Reducing Maternal Mortality - Achievement so far and Commitments Ahead
Authors: Kansal Amrita , Kandpal S D
Published: June 2022

In the year 2000, the United Nations (UN) Member States pledged to work towards a series of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including the target of a three-quarters reduction in the 1990 Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR; maternal deaths per 100 000 live births), to be achieved by 2015. This target (MDG 5A) and that of achieving universal access to reproductive health (MDG 5B) together formed the two targets for MDG 5: Improve maternal health (1).
Measles & Rubella Vaccination Campaign in India: Why, How, When and Where
Authors: Chaudhary Priti , Saxena Sourabh
Published: June 2022

Globally, in 2015, measles killed an estimated 1,34,200 children - mostly under-5 years of age and an estimated 49,200 deaths occurred due to measles in India. Most of these children were the ones who have not received two doses of measles vaccine. This is despite the fact that the Government of India is providing vaccines free of cost under the Universal Immunization Programme. Even today some of the children in the country are not protected against the deadly life-threatening diseases. Some of these children are left unvaccinated because their parents are hesitant to immunise, believes that vaccines are dangerous. (1)

There are many reasons for low vaccination coverage like lack of awareness or fear of side-effects of vaccination. Some of the times children are left unvaccinated because their parents receive wrong information about vaccination from a handful of people who keep trying to sabotage the vaccination programme in the country by giving factual figures and facts. (2) With digital age, social media and WhatsApp has become a new tool to spread rumours without even disclosing their identity. (3)
Economics of Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) in India
Authors: Monga Divya , Prinja Shankar
Published: June 2022

Despite the high prevalence of Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) in India, cost-effective interventions to curb smokeless tobacco use are very low.  Taxation is considered as one of the most cost-effective intervention to curb overall tobacco use but taxation on SLT product is very complex and is on ad-valorem basis. Further, Goods and Service Tax has increased the price from 0.8/gram to 1.06/gram, but still the impact of increasing the tax needs to be explored so that harmony between excise revenue generated from these products and decrease in demand of these products can be maintained. Therefore, we carried out a literature review, which involved literature search, data extraction, and synthesis. The evidence suggests that the price elasticity of SLT products has gone closer to the inelastic nature with the passing time suggesting the increasing affordability of these products. The macroeconomic impact of the disease burden resulting from these SLT products is far greater than excise revenue generated by these products. More research is required in this field with updated data. The agricultural aspect of SLT products also need to be explored to determine cost-effective alternative crops for tobacco farming. Also, as the use of SLT is culturally accepted in India, appropriate public awareness program and cost-effective interventions are required to curb SLT use along with increased tax and cessation services.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value of mobile phones: An awareness study among mobile users
Authors: Varshney Saurabh , Malhotra Manu , Sharma Suresh , Aggarwal Pradeep
Published: June 2022

Mobile phone is an inevitable part of ones life. Once been luxury has now become necessity. It’s been used by all age group people for different application apart from calling and texting. The advance in mobile technology has brought many new applications using mobile. But while using cell phone for talking or being connected to someone the user gets exposed to harmful Electro Magnetic Radiations. The exposure rate to these radiations vary from handset to handset. When cell phones are used in close proximity to human body, the radiations emitted from cell phones penetrate deep inside the human skin. Penetrated radiations produce induced electric field inside the body, resulting in absorption of power, which can be analyzed using a parameter called specific absorption rate (SAR). But still one question arises in mind that are people really aware of Safety standard especially SAR value. What does SAR value mean? It’s the specific absorption ratio measure of amount of radio frequency intensity or energy absorbed by body while connected on cellular network. It is defined as the power absorbed per mass of tissue and has units of watts per kilogram (W/kg) and in a way defines safety range of mobile handset .This study aims to measure the knowledge and awareness of SAR value of handset and the factors that influence awareness of SAR value. This is the largest sample study about mobile usage and awareness of SAR amongst mobile users .
Safety of new indigenous human Rabies Monoclonal Antibody (RMAb) for Post Exposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Shivalingaiah Anwith Huluvadi , Shankaraiah Ravish Haradanhalli , Hanumanthaiah Ashwath Narayana Doddabele
Published: June 2022

Background: WHO recommended development of Rabies Monoclonal Antibodies (RMAb) to overcome the problems associated with rabies immunoglobulin for post exposure prophylaxis against rabies in all category III exposures. A new indigenous RMAb has been manufactured and marketed in India. The present study was conducted to monitor the post marketing clinical use of RMAb for post exposure prophylaxis. Aims & Objectives: To assess the safety of human rabies monoclonal antibodies for post exposure prophylaxis. Material & Methods: A comparative study between the new RMAb and the previously established rabies immunoglobulins was conducted at anti-rabies clinic in a Medical college Hospital, Bangalore from January to June, 2018. All the animal bite victims with category III exposure were included in the study. The details regarding their socio demographic profile, characteristics of exposure, post exposure prophylaxis provided and any adverse drug reactions following administration of RMAb were recorded. Results: The study included 397 subjects with category III exposure; 142 in RMAb group, 243 in equine rabies immunoglobulin group & 12 in human rabies immunoglobulin group. Majority of the study subjects were males & aged between 1 – 85 years. All the subjects were provided post exposure prophylaxis as recommended by WHO. There were no immediate adverse drug reactions; however, 8% of the subjects had delayed ADRs such as pain at the site of infiltration (4.2%), swelling (2.1%) and wound infection (0.7%); which resolved without any complications. Conclusion: The new indigenous human RMAb is safe for post exposure prophylaxis against rabies.
Care practices during pregnancy, infant feeding practices and their association with nutritional status of infants in Gujarat, India
Authors: Ishwarji Meshram Indrapal , Rao Kodavanti Mallikharjun , Ramakrishna Kakani Sree , Kumar Rachkulla Hari , Venkaiah Kodavalla , Laxmaiah Avula
Published: June 2022

Background: Infant feeding practices plays an important role in nutritional status of children. Aims & Objectives: To assess ante-natal care, delivery and infant feeding practices and their association with nutritional status. Material & Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in all the districts using systematic random sampling. Information was collected from the selected household on socio-demographic, delivery and feeding practices and anthropometric measurements were carried out. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO Child Growth Standard. Proportion test, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was done. Results: The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 26%, 21.5% and 16.5% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of underweight and stunting was 1.4-1.5 times higher among infant whose mother had undergone ?3 ANCs or not availed ANCs, 1.4 times higher among infants delivered at home, having morbidity during previous fortnight and 3.6 times higher among low birth weight children. The risk of underweight and wasting was 1.2 times higher among infants with birth interval less than 2 years and 1.3-1.5 times higher among children whose mothers were washing their hands only with water after defecation. Conclusion: The undernutrition is associated with ante-natal care, delivery practices, low birth weight and hygienic practices.
Medical School and Stress: A Cross-sectional Study of Stress among Medical Students in Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences in district Etawah
Authors: Krishnappa Kiran , Singh Naresh Pal , Jain Pankaj Kumar , Sharma Ankita , Mehra Jyoti , Nayak Kripa Shankar
Published: June 2022

Background: Medical education has come long way since the era of Hippocrates. It is progressively evolving into a more organized and complicated system. All over the world, Medical education is criticized as one of the most demanding and stressful academics, showing effects on physical and mental health of medical students. This research was conducted to study stress and its factors in students of UPUMS, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Aim & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of stress among medical students of UPUMS. To estimate internal consistency of Medical Students Stress Questionnaire (MSSQ-40). Material & Methods: A Cross-sectional study was carried out during Oct. 2017 - Mar. 2018 among MBBS Students of all academic years in Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences (UPUMS), Saifai. All the students enrolled in the university available on the day of data collection were recruited in the study. MSSQ-40 was the study tool to assess stress. Ethical clearance was obtained from Ethical Committee. Statistical analysis done in SPSS-23. Results: The mean age of subjects was 22.4±2.3 years, more than 84% of the respondents had moderate and high stress. More number of females perceived stress than the male, 33% female were suffering from high & severe stress. statistically significant. Conclusion: Gender & grades had clear association with stress, academics & interpersonal relation caused more stress. Early detection and effective intervention can prevent future illness among medical students.
A Study on Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Adolescent children in an Urban Field Practice area of a Teaching Medical College in South India
Authors: Mohan Jayalakshmi , Chitharaj Rajan Rushender , Ganesan Dinesh Kumar
Published: June 2022

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem, causing a significant morbidity and mortality. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents aged (10-19 years) and to describe certain socio-economic, demographic characteristics related to overweight and obesity among adolescents. Material & Methods: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study conducted at the Field Practice Area of Urban Health Training Centre. A total of 900 adolescents between 10-19 years were enrolled. Parameters of height, weight and waist circumference and hip circumference were measured and recorded. Following the completion of the questionnaire, the results were compared against the body mass index (BMI). Questions from the GSHS (Global School- based student health survey) Questionnaire were also applied. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 18.7% and 5.8% among adolescents aged (10-19 years). It was found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was more in boys compared to girls. The present study found a positive association of overweight and obesity with age, SES. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were high among boys and need to be addressed by primary and secondary methods of prevention.
Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis: Experiences from Nayagarh District of Odisha, India
Authors: Bhatia Vikas , Giri Prajna Paramita , Sahoo Soumya Swaroop , PS Preeti , Sahu Dinesh Prasad
Published: June 2022

Background: India has adopted MDA strategy for elimination of lymphatic filariasis since 2004. It requires constant efforts on a nationwide scale particularly in the endemic areas for interruption of transmission of this neglected tropical disease. Aims & Objectives: This study aims to assess the coverage and compliance along with factors affecting compliance regarding MDA implementation in Nayagarh district of Odisha. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in November 2016 for evaluation of filariasis elimination activities carried out in the district. A pre-designed, pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule as per National Vector Borne Disease control Programme (NVBDCP) guidelines was used. A qualitative component was added to determine the perceptions and attitudes of the study population regarding MDA implementation. Data was analysed using simple proportion and percentages. Results: A total 120 households (90 rural and 30 urban) were surveyed, covering a population of 590. Overall coverage rate of study population was found to be 91.47%. The effective coverage rate was 71.1% (77.8% in rural areas and 48.8% in urban areas). The overall coverage compliance gap was 22.2, being higher in urban than rural areas. Conclusion: There is a felt need for health education activities to increase acceptance among the population coupled with supervised on the spot consumption of DEC for decreasing the coverage compliance gap. The issues regarding compliance need to be addressed for realizing the global target of eliminating lymphatic filariasis by 2020.
Prevalence of Dyslipidemia in Geriatric rural Population Residing in a Hilly District of Uttarakhand State, India
Authors: Khandelwal Ritika , Gupta Aakriti , Kapil Umesh
Published: June 2022

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major contributing determinant in the development of ischemic heart diseases, stroke, and other vascular diseases. It increases the risk of mortality amongst the geriatric population.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in geriatric  rural population residing in a hilly district of Uttarakhand state, India.

Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015-2016 in District Nainital, Uttarakhand. A list of all villages with their population in the district was developed. From this list, thirty villages were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. From each village 30 geriatric subjects were selected. A total of 1003 geriatric subjects aged 60 years and above were included in the study. The data was collected on socio demographic profile  and lipid profile from all the enrolled subjects. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was assessed using National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) criteria.

Result: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 50.6%. A total of 26.3% participants had hypercholesterolemia, 34.2% had hypertriglyceridemia and 23.5% had high LDL levels. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was higher in women compared to men.

Conclusion: High prevalence of dyslipidemia was found amongst geriatric rural population.
Level of physical activity and its relationship with tobacco use among youth: a cross-sectional survey in North India
Authors: Monga Divya , Goel Sonu , Padhy Susanta
Published: June 2022

Background: Tobacco use and physical inactivity are major risk factors for NCDs. Adequate physical activity keeps one healthy but sedentary life style may contribute to other unhealthy practices like tobacco use. There is a need to identify if and how the two risk factors are interrelated so as to address them more strategically. Objectives: To assess the level of physical activity and to identify its association with tobacco use among college going youth in Chandigarh. Material & Methods: Data on physical activity and tobacco use was collected from 500 students aged 18-24 years studying in different professional and nonprofessional colleges of Chandigarh in year, through a multistage stratified random sampling technique. We used semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires-namely 78 item Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) for assessing tobacco use status and GPAQ (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) for assessment of physical activity. Binary logistics regression analysis was done to find association between tobacco use and physical activity. Odd’s ratio & 95% confidence interval (C.I.) was calculated. Results: Of the 500 individuals studied, 12.8% (n=64) were physically inactive, 10% (n=50) were active and 76.2% (n=381) were highly active. Females (15.8%) were more inactive as compared to males (12.1%). Highly active respondents were seen more in 18-20 years age group (77.6%) as compared to 21-22 years age group (76.1%). The odds of consuming tobacco is significantly lower  among physically active respondents as compared to inactive respondents. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a significant relationship between physical activity and tobacco use among youth. Promotion of physical activity may be a useful educational tool for reducing tobacco use.
Prevalence and risk factors for neck pain among health care workers.
Authors: V Kanagalakshmi , Muliyil Divya Elizabeth , Alex Reginald , Kirupakaran Henry , David Judy Ann , John Jacob
Published: June 2022

Background: Work related neck pain (WRNP) is common among professionals. Its cause is multifactorial and results in loss of productivity and avoidable morbidity. Aims & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of WRNP among the support staff of a tertiary hospital. Material & Methods: 558 support staff were randomly selected to estimate the prevalence of neck pain. Staff with severe WRNP were then included in a nested case control study to identify risk factors. Results: 37% of workers reported neck pain in the preceding 3 months. Female gender, improper posture, jobs requiring repetitive movements, perception of decreased job control, high body mass index and psychosocial stress were identified as the significant risk factors. Conclusion: Better ergonomics, improving the perception of job control and encouraging micro breaks during the work time may decrease WRNP.
Why Do Some People Still Fail to Utilize Affordable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Screening Services?: a Qualitative Study Among White Collar Workers in Depok, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Rachman Andre , Hadi Ella Nurlaella , Setio Kartika Anggun Dimar
Published: June 2022

Background: Indonesia Basic Health Research (IBHR) 2013 results show that Depok citizens were at risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, participation on NCDs screening test among white collar workers was still 46.4%. Aim & Objective: The aim of this study is to explore barriers and challenges in accessing and implementing NCDs screening service at City Hall Depok. Methods and Material: This research used qualitative method. The data were collected through focus group discussion, in-depth interview, and document review. Results: The knowledge of informants about NCDs and NCDs screening needs improvement. The barriers for participating in NCDs screening were: tight work schedule, lack of information about NCDs screening programs, long queue, fear of an existing disease, and attention to the privacy of participants. Conclusions: Policy support and cooperation both across programs and sectors will be needed for future improvement. Education concerning NCDs and NCDs screening must be improved to engage utilization.
Women Empowerment for Cancer Prevention and Control – lessons from Kerala State
Authors: Jayakrishnan R , Sebastian Paul , Chennath Kalavathy Mathur , Thomas Soya
Published: June 2022

Background: Common cancers occurring in India are either preventable or curable, if detected early. Women’s organisation in Kerala working for poverty eradication was utilized to disseminate the message of cancer prevention in a southern district of Kerala state. Objectives: To create awareness among the community on cancer prevention and motivate them for early detection utilizing trained volunteers. Material and methods: Based on the three-tier system of functioning, master trainers at the top level of the organization were trained initially on primary prevention and early detection of common cancers viz. oral and breast. The trained resource persons further conducted awareness programmes in the second level and later at the grass root level also called the Neighborhood groups. Results: 174 master trainers were trained initially and further utilized to sensitize 920 members at the second level. At the NHG level, 1,00,257 volunteers were sensitized. 39169 house visits were conducted by trained volunteers to create cancer awareness in the community. Conclusion: Cancer literacy mission could effectively be implemented by empowered women in the community. Their acceptance in the community reinforces the fact that they can act both as a messenger for cancer prevention and a source of motivation for early detection.
Suicide: Managing self-directed violence?
Authors: Gupta Deepak , Kumar Sarwan
Published: June 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have put forth recommendations to document events in terms of well-defined categories of self-directed violence even though the evolution of terminology for decriminalization and de-stigmatization from “self-murder” to “suicide” to “self-directed violence” may be just avoiding calling a spade a spade. Suicide causes mortality (and morbidity if suicide attempt) in an individual leading to (a) physical suffering to others by injuring them during-and-after the act, (b) psychological toll on the next-of-kin, and (c) isolation of society due to its suicide-statistics and economic losses with overall loss of spirit to pursue happiness potentially resulting more mortality if morbidity becomes too severe for the affected. What is the story (myth) instigating an individual to commit (or think of committing) the act of self-directed violence? And what is the story (myth) in the society that is allowing the act in some instances while prohibiting and sometimes even punishing the act in other instances? We believe that Switzerland can provide an apt example to understand suicide. Swiss ideology may inspire societies around the world to recognize their stories (myths) when they scientifically decipher prevalence of self-directed violence “suicide” even in nonhuman animals. Consequently, astounding statistics of physician suicide call for action from physicians’ community to understand peers when none can remain untouched by harsh reality of unique stress which physicians’ workspace entails. One of the possible remedies may be thoughtlessness (a form of meditation) which may require strenuous practicing; however, the first step towards achieving it may possibly involve mindfulness (another form of meditation) inspiring peers to learn the need to refocus onto whatever good there is over whatever better there could have been. Essentially, the conception of birth and the birth itself is always planned to be joyful; and the embrace of death itself and the life after death is always purported to be peaceful.