bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sexual Behaviors Related Factors of Senior High Schools Teenagers in Bukittinggi 2017
Authors: Nurdin Yonrizal , Refnandes Randy , Aulia Isny Shafira
Published: June 2022

Background: The increasing number of the teenager’s sexual behavior in Indonesia is influenced by many factors. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with sexual behavior of Senior High Schools in Bukittinggi. Aims & Objectives: This study is aimed to determine the factors which are associated with the sexual behavior of high school teenagers in Bukittinggi. Material & Methods: This study was a correlation study with the simple random sampling of 360 adolescent. This research was conducted in February to August 2017. Data analysis uses chi-square. Results: The results of data analysis of factors related to the sexual behavior of high risk are gender (p = 0.000, OR = 0.124), knowledge (p = 0.000, OR = 0.392), attitude (p = 0.000, OR = 2.529), exposure sources information (p = 0.000, OR = 12.405) and peers (p = 0.000, OR = 8.711). Conclusion: Exposure to sources of information (p = 0.000, OR = 8.544) become the dominant factor associated with high-risk sexual behavior of teenagers high schools in the city of Bukittinggi. It is suggested to the schools to provide the student with the extra material about health and sexual behavior in any subjects related to health.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Risk Factors associated with it in Subjects attending Health Camp in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Authors: Mohanty Soumya , Kishore Surekha , Mishra Surabhi , Usha Preeti
Published: June 2022

Background: One of the most important causes of death in the world is hypertension and its epidemic seems to be growing. By the year 2025, around 1.5 billion adults will be living with hypertension. Aim & Objectives: To find prevalence of hypertension in subjects attending a health screening camp at SPS government hospital, Rishikesh and to identify various risk factors related to hypertension. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among subjects attending a health screening camp at SPS Government hospital, Rishikesh. The camp was conducted for seven days period, from 11th October- 17th October, 2017. All subjects that attended the health camp and were either 30 years old and/or above were included in this study. An informed written consent was taken from all subjects that consented to participate in this study after explaining to them the purpose of the study. A questionnaire that was predesigned, pretested, structured was used to obtain demographic data, personal data and history of hypertension in the family, behavioural aspects, including, use of tobacco, alcohol and dietary habits. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements were also recorded in this study. Total of 207 people attended the health camp, from which 196 agreed to participate in study. Results: Out of total of 207 people that attended the camp, 196 people gave their consent to participate in the study. In this study, out of 196 subjects 66 (33.7%) were found to be hypertensive. Risk factors like increasing age, family history of hypertension, increased BMI and waist hip ratio, use of tobacco and alcohol and increased blood sugar levels were found to be associated significantly with hypertension. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of hypertension in Rishikesh. Efforts are required to regularly screen for blood pressure at the community level to help tackle this iceberg disease.
A roadmap to improve health care services in Jodhpur city slum through resource mapping
Authors: Sinha Latika Nath , Ali Anahita , Lohra Abhishek , Bhandari Aditya , Fatima Sadaf
Published: June 2022

Background: Mapping of resources helps us in identifying those resources which can be used more pragmatically, for interventions and programs related to human health especially during emergency conditions. Resource mapping identifies the resources that can realistically be used for health related interventions, programs and during an emergency. Aim and Objectives: The primary objective was to locate the basic healthcare related resources available in that area. Secondary objectives were to Understand and compare these resources along certain important dimensions using qualitative research methods and to identify possible existing gaps, share the results with the local stakeholders and suggest effective interventions. Material & Methods: Manual mapping method was used to locate the available healthcare related services in urban slum area. FGDs were held to compare utilization of resources along eight dimensions. In depth interviews were held with existing healthcare service providers, stakeholders and local residents to assess their utilization and needs. Results Existing health services used by community were local herbal clinic, district hospital, Anganwadi Centre, mobile clinic, wellness clinic and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur. Conclusions The manual mapping and qualitative techniques used showed that existing resources lacked in (a) providing in situ primary care (b) clinical services by a female gynecologist (c) health education services to address existing drug addiction and substance abuse.This exercise helped in rapid need assessment and prioritizing of interventions.
Guidelines for iron supplementation for Prophylaxis of Anemia in a National Programme - A Review
Authors: Mondal Ankita , Thomas Tinku , Swaminathan Sumathi , Rao Sanjukta , Varghese Jithin Sam , Kulkarni Bharati , Sachdev Harsh Pal Singh , Kapil Umesh , Kurpad Anura V
Published: June 2022

Recent National Family Health Survey-4 data shows that anaemia continues to be a major public health problem in India. In India much of the anaemia is due to iron deficiency, and women and children are at the greatest risk of anaemia. TheMinistry of Health and Family Welfare took a policy decision, in 2013, to develop the National Iron+ Initiative (NIPI) to address the prevailing iron deficiency anaemia. This initiative covered pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents. However, the guidelines do not match the current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for prevention of iron deficiency anaemia in these population groups. The background evidence for the WHO and NIPI is thus reviewed to come to a common consensus on the optimum recommendation of iron supplementation for the population, while taking into consideration the feasibility of the program, without burdening the groups with iron over-dose. However, from the present review, there is a need for increased number of trials in India that could qualify for a high grade of evidence to support the guidelines of NIPI.
Current Practice of Iron doses for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia - A Review
Authors: Rao Sanjukta , Thomas Tinku , Swaminathan Sumathi , Varghese Jithin Sam , Kurpad Anura V , Mondal Ankita , Kulkarni Bharati , Sachdev Harsh Pal Singh , Kapil Umesh
Published: June 2022

Although functional impairment begins with iron deficiency in the absence of anaemia, the development of anaemia heralds a homeostatic dysfunction that impairs daily activity. Iron deficiency anaemia is often the reason for poor physical performance, maternal and child morbidity and referral to a healthcare professional. (1) Women in their reproductive years, pregnant women and children are most vulnerable to develop iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and will be the focus of this review.
Double Fortified Salt in India: Coverage, Efficacy and Way Forward
Authors: Mannar M.G. Venkatesh , Raman J. K.
Published: June 2022

Iron deficiency remains the world’s most widespread nutritional disorder and India is one of the countries very worst afflicted. India has successfully reduced the burden of iodine-deficiency disorders through mandatory iodization of salt for more than 20 years. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the prevalence of iodine deficiency diseases. Building on the success with iodization, double fortification of salt with iodine and iron is gaining ground and can be integrated with established iodization processes. DFS contemplates the creation and distribution of a powerful innovative product with demonstrated health effects, building on existing distribution platforms for salt through public distribution channels targeted to some of the most impoverished populations in the country at minimal expense and without requiring changes in cultural habits and compliance. Two formulations have been approved by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) with iron either in the form of encapsulated ferrous fumarate or ferrous sulphate. A meta-analysis showed that DFS increased hemoglobin concentrations significantly.  This intervention as part of a broader anemia strategy has the potential to effect large-scale anemia reduction across populations in India on a permanent and economically self-sustaining basis.
Assessment of Cold Chain System for Routine Immunization of Primary Health centres of the Bhojpur district of Bihar
Authors: Pandey Sanjay , Singh C M , Ranjan Alok , Kumar Yogesh , Kumar Pragya , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: June 2022

Background: Immunization is an important among activity in the Public Health Services. The vaccines are highly temperature sensitive and vaccine potency once lost cannot be restored. A well-managed cold chain will increase the efficiency of immunization and reduce vaccine wastage. An assessment of cold chain system for vaccine storage was done in the all PHCs of the study area. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the cold chain practices, with particular reference to assessing the availability of cold chain equipment, vaccine storage practices, monitoring of cold chain in primary health centres (PHCs) of Bhojpur district. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at all the cold chain points of 14 PHCs of Bhojpur district during January to May 2015. A predesigned, pretested checklist was used by the trained investigators during their visits. The information was evaluated on the basis of important components related to the cold chain points. Results: All the PHCs had a dedicated cold chain room with sufficient number of cold chain equipment. Consolidated effective vaccine management score for cold chain points of 8 (57.1%) PHCs were average (60-79%). None of the PHCs have satisfactory score (? 80%). Vaccine storage practice and availability of complete RI micro-plan were found satisfactory at 12 (85.7%) PHCs. Maintenance of cold chain equipment were satisfactory at 10 (71%) PHCs. But, temperature monitoring. (5) (35.7%) and waste disposal related to routine immunization 3 (21.4%) PHCs were disappointing. Conclusion: The primary health centres had average performance related to the cold chain system, which is a matter of concern warranting for the cold chain monitoring. We recommend supportive supervision as the key measures in improvement of cold chain system.
Risk factors associated with gallstone disease
Authors: Dhamnetiya Deepak , Goel Manish Kumar , Dhiman Balraj , Pathania Om Prakash
Published: June 2022

Background: Gallstone disease is one of the most common abdominal conditions for which patients are admitted in surgical wards of hospitals. Aim & Objective: The study was conducted to understand the association between behavioral and personal factors and gall stone disease among study subjects. Settings & Design: a case-control study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi. Material & Methods: 120 each of cases and controls of over 20 years, matched for age and sex were recruited in the study. Data collection was done on a self-designed pretested “interview schedule.” Statistical analysis: The observations have been described in terms of mean and standard deviation for continuous data. To measure the strength of association simple Odd’s Ratio (OR) was calculated and McNemar’s test was used for matched pair analysis. Binary logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis to find out different correlates and analyses the independent effects of these correlates on GSD. Results: weight (59.20±9.57), height (159.67±6.25), BMI (23.20±3.15), waist circumference (75.79±7.07) and W/H ratio (0.80±0.06) were significantly higher [as seen by applying student t test] in cases as compared to controls 54.84±7.02, 156.58±4.93, 21.95±2.81, 73.49±6.09 and 0.77±0.05 respectively. High parity [OR-5.75, 95% CI 1.99-16.63] had the strongest association followed by high W/H ratio [OR-5.25, 95% CI 1.80-15.29], sedentary physical activity [OR-4.75, 95% CI 2.22-10.18], smoking [OR-3.4, 95% CI 1.25-9.21], consumption of smokeless tobacco [OR-2.36, 95% CI 1.17-4.78] and high BMI [OR-1.71, 95% CI1.03-2.83]. Conclusion: High parity, High W/H ratio, Physical inactivity, Current smoking, Smokeless tobacco and high BMI were found to be risk factors for the development of gallstone disease.
The need of Palliative care model in cancer patients in India-A long overdue
Authors: Kaushal Kanica , Bhattacharya Sudip , Singh Amarjeet
Published: June 2022

WHO defined palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual.” (1)

The concept of palliative care was introduced in the mid-1980s in India. McDermott E et al found Kerala to have 83 palliative care services as against 139 in the whole of the country in 2008.  (2)

The community palliative care projects of northern Kerala and the Neighborhood Network in Palliative Care (NNPC) is a solution to achieve meaningful coverage and care for the terminally ill. They demonstrate the way to "Palliative Care for All". (3)
A roadmap for achieving health equity in India: A proposed framework and assessment of the determinants of health equity
Authors: Ota Rachita , Agrawal Supriti , Sarkar Purnima
Published: June 2022

With the upcoming technical interventions in the health sector of India, India has been able to create a great scope for Medical Tourism in the country. People from different nations are coming to India to avail many critical treatments at an affordable price. Even after such great development, Health Equity has always been a great challenge for our country. Through Health Equity, we mean availing the standard health services by the under-privileged, marginalized group of people compared to the privileged segment of the community. The present study will help us to highlight on the prioritization of the allocation of the resources to the most eminent tier of the Health care structure. Also, this study will focus on the effectiveness of this component of the Health care structure of India and how this can help in throwing light on the disparity of the health care services through a proposed model.
Epidemiology of stress among Nursing Undergraduate Students
Authors: Singh Shikhar , Singh Shivender Kumar , Manar Manish , Kar Sujita , Gupta Abhishek , Bajpai Prasant , Sharma Neha
Published: June 2022

Background: Stress is a double-edged sword that can either invigorate or decrease the student’s performance. Longer the duration of stress poorer the performance. Nursing students may develop feeling of inadequacy regarding the activities required during professional education which may lead to stress Aims & Objectives: To study the level of stress among undergraduate nursing students of Lucknow city and to determine the risk factors causing stress. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 B.Sc. (Nursing) Students enrolled in government and private colleges of Lucknow city using semi-structured questionnaire and DASS 42 scale Results: 60 percent and 62 percent of total nursing student from government college and private nursing respectively were stressed. There was no statistical difference (p= 0.17) between median stress score of two colleges. Predictor for stress was gender (odds ratio =3.41) Conclusion: The study showed high level of stress among the nursing students from government college and private college. Risk factors which were responsible for stress among students were gender, sharing of room, educational expenses, academic performance, mobile phone and harassment in college.
Neuropsychiatric disorders in Rural and Urban areas of district Dehradun
Authors: Khan Imran Wasfi , Juyal Ruchi , Shikha Deep , Gupta Ravi , Vallabh Vidisha
Published: June 2022

Background: Neuropsychiatric disorders are quite prevalent in the community and are on the rise due to changing lifestyles and lack of social support. Most of the published data is from hospital, which calls for more community-based studies to measure the actual burden of this menace. Aim & Objective:  To estimate the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in district Dehradun and to find out association of socio-demographic correlates with neuropsychiatric disorders Settings and Design: This community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected rural and urban areas of district Dehradun. Methods and Material: Study areas and households were selected by multistage stratified and systematic random samplings respectively. Participants were chosen from the selected households by Kish method. Respondents were screened for neuropsychiatric disorders by using MINI-6. Statistical analysis used: data was entered in SPSS 20.0 version and analysed by using percentages, chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: About one fifth of the respondents had a lifetime diagnosis of at least one neuropsychiatric disorder. Age, male gender, higher education, joint family and upper socio-economic status were found to be significantly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Conclusions: Factors determining psychological wellbeing are deeply rooted in socio-demographic environment and individual characteristics. Many of the respondents had one or more lifetime neuropsychiatric disorder and most of them were not diagnosed. More community-based research is required to determine the exact magnitude and responsible factors of neuropsychiatric disorders, so that a focused strategy may be developed to address its preventable aspect
Youth Tobacco Survey among the School Going Adolescents in a Block of Vadodara District, Gujarat.
Authors: Patel Geetika M , Zalavadiya Dhara L , Thomas Ebbie , Jha Ranjit K , Godara Naresh R , Patel Nikhil J
Published: June 2022

Background: Tobacco use is the leading cause of Preventable death, Tobacco use during adolescence increases the risk of persistent addiction, leading to regular and sustained tobacco use in adulthood. Objective: To assess the prevalence and practice of tobacco use among the school going adolescents in a block of Vadodara district, Gujarat. Material & Methods: Multiphase sampling was done to select the sample students (13 to 17 years) from private and government schools in a selected block of Vadodara. A cross-sectional study including 1045 students was carried out using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Results: Out of 1045 students, 3% (n=32) tried cigarette smoking ever, one or two puffs and 1.8% (19 students) of students were current cigarette or beedi smokers. Around 27.9% students and 23% students admitted that at least one of their parents and friends smoked cigarettes, respectively. About 24% and 44% of the students were exposed to passive smoking at home and outside home, respectively. Conclusions: Present study provides the baseline information of prevalence of smoking and attitude of school going adolescents towards smoking in Gujarat. The result gives an alarm to work upon tobacco control among adolescents and make them aware about the hazards.
An Epidemiological Study on Burden of Psychological Morbidities and Their Determinants among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Government Medical College of Eastern India
Authors: Biswas Bijit , Haldar Anima , Dasgupta Aparajita , Sembiah Sembagamuthu , Karmakar Anubrata , Mallick Nazrul
Published: June 2022

Background: Medical education can impose a significant amount of psychological stress and strain on undergraduates. In India, there are limited shreds of evidence regarding the magnitude of different psychological morbidities (i.e. stress, anxiety and depression) among medical undergraduates.

Aims & Objectives: To find out the proportion of medical undergraduates suffering from psychological morbidities and their determinants.

Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional hospital-based analytical observational study conducted from July to November 2017. In total 327 undergraduate medical students of a government medical college of Kolkata were interviewed with a structured schedule comprising of socio-demographic, behavioural related questionnaire and DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) 21. Data were analysed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS (version 16).

Results: The burden of stress, anxiety and depression among medical undergraduates were found out to be 33.0%, 26.9% and 21.1% respectively. The burden was much higher in females compared to males and increased with semester and age. In the multivariable model depression, anxiety and stress were significant predictors of each other along with sex, semester, both smoking and alcohol drinking, sleep adequacy and satisfaction with own educational performance. The variables in the multivariable models were explaining 29.0% of stress, 30.8% of anxiety and 32.2% of depression.

Conclusion: The proportion of undergraduate medical students with psychological morbidity was found to be high in the current study. Smoking, alcohol drinking, sleep adequacy and educational satisfaction were some critical modifiable predictors of different psychological morbidities identified in the study.
The Menace of Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Gupta Pratima , Deka Sangeeta
Published: June 2022

The discovery of Penicillin in 1926 was followed by discovery and use of several groups of antimicrobials, which gave a major boost to modern medicine by significantly decreasing mortality and morbidity.  Thus, antimicrobials were regarded as a major breakthrough as they not only cured infectious diseases but also played a key role in success of advanced medical practices viz organ transplant, immunosuppressive therapy, cancer chemotherapy, complicated surgeries specially in contaminated areas, implants etc.  However these ‘miracle drugs’ are slowly losing their efficacy due to emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). [1-3]

Emergence of AMR is a natural evolutionary phenomenon shown by microorganisms against widespread use of antimicrobials. Beta lactams were the first affected group (Table-1) and since then bacteria have gained resistance to other groups of -antibiotics too. None of the classes including even the recently discovered antibiotics have been able to escape this dynamic phenomenon. [3-6]
Nutritional status and self-reported morbidity pattern of urban elderly in Hyderabad city: A preliminary study
Authors: Suryanarayana P , Sai Santhosh Vadakattu , Arlappa Nimmathota , Prasad Undrajavarapu , Bhoja Raju Banavath , Bhaskar Varanasi
Published: June 2022

Background: Ageing is a natural phenomenon associated with physiological and functional decline in the body, which makes elderly people vulnerable to malnutrition and age related morbidity. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern of urban elderly. Aims & Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and the morbidity status of urban elderly. Material and methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among the urban elderly in Hyderabad. A total of 261 individuals of ?60 years were recruited for this study. Anthropometric measurements were measured to assess nutritional status. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic particulars and self-reported morbidity profile. Data are presented as mean ± standard error and significance level was considered at p < 0.05. Result: The mean height and weight were 160.49 Cm ±0.55 and 66.59 Kg ± 0.68, respectively while the mean BMI was 25.83 Kg/m2 ± 0.22. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among urban elderly was 46.0% and 31.4 %, respectively. The prevalence of central and truncal obesity was 60.1% and 84.6% respectively. The prevalence of morbidities such as poor vision, hypertension, joint pains, diabetes, cataract and hyperacidity was 86.1%, 63.2%, 49.4%, 48.3%, 36% and 32.2% respectively. There was a significant (p<0.05) gender difference among BMI, central obesity, CVDs, joint pains and osteoarthritis. Conclusion: In general, the prevalence of NCDs such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes are significant public health concern among urban elderly. Therefore, primordial and primary preventive measures should be adopted during adolescence and early adulthood for the prevention and control of NCDs during the period of ageing
Rising pattern, Seasonal predisposition and Trend analysis of Animal bite Cases Attending the Anti-rabies Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Saleem Sheikh Mohd , Khan S. Muhammad Salim , Roof Abdul
Published: June 2022

Background: India is responding to achieve the target of zero human death from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Objectives: To study the rising pattern, seasonal predisposition and trend analysis of animal bite cases attending the anti-rabies clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the anti-rabies clinic of Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Data were collected from the animal bite register maintained at the said clinic. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed with the application of mean, proportion and trend analysis. Results: Total number of animal bite cases were 49508 in last 14 years (2004-2017). The rising case pattern has been observed since the year 2009.The maximum number of cases being 7324 in the year 2016 followed by 6548 in the year 2017 respectively. The seasonal predisposition of animal bite cases was seen in the month of March and June. On-trend analysis, forecasting for 2018, 2019 and 2020 showed 7570, 8108 and 8645 cases respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that the animal bite cases are on an increase in the future years and applicable management measures with intersectoral coordination ought to be started vigorously in endemic areas.
Nutrition assessment of elderly residing in urban areas and urban slum: A hospital based comparative study
Authors: Naik Richa , Dudeja Puja , Thamban Nanneeth , Jain Chirag , Aggarwal Vivek
Published: June 2022

Background: In Maharashtra the elderly population is 9.9 % of the total state population (Census 2011). There is a need to highlight the nutritional problems being faced by the elderly in India. Early detection of malnutrition and timely interventions can help to reduce morbidity in the long run. Aims &Objectives: To find the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly and compare nutritional status of elderly residing in an urban area and urban slum. Material & Methods: This was a cross sectional hospital-based study. Data was collected from the civil OPD and ex-service men OPD of the hospital each having a catchment population from urban slum and urban area respectively. A total of 331 patients > 60 years of age were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the MNA, MUST and GNRI. Serum albumin levels were measured using colorimetric method. Results: The overall prevalence of malnutrition and at risk as per MNA score was 168 (50.7%). Out of 331 subjects, 209 belonged to urban slums and remaining 122 were from urban area. The gender and age distribution were comparable in both groups. The mean BMI of subjects from slum area was significantly lower as compared to urban group (22.3+ 5.3 vs 26.3+ 4.5) p<0.001. Proportion of elderly who had MNA score below 24 was significantly higher in the slum area (p<0.05). Proportion of elderly with mid arm circumference and calf circumference below the cut off of 22 cm and 31 cm respectively was significantly higher in slum area (p<0.05). Serum albumin levels were comparable in both groups. Mean BMI of elderly in urban area was >25Kg/m2. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of malnutrition was high. The nutritional status of elderly in urban slum was significantly worse than that of elderly in urban area.
Problems faced and coping strategies adopted by parents of the children with special needs in Pondicherry: A mixed method study
Authors: Boovaragasamy Chithra , A.G Keerthi , Boratne Abhijit Vinodrao , Bahurupi Yogesh Arvind , Seetharaman N
Published: June 2022

Background: The parents of a special child face different set of problems and needs to adopt different coping strategies that helps to eliminate, modify or manage a stressful event or crisis situation. Aims & Objectives: To determine the various problems faced and the coping strategies adopted by the parents of special children in Puducherry. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the selected special schools of Puducherry during May 2017 to June 2017. Quantitative component included pre-tested semi structured and self-reported “F-COPES” (Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale) questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Focus group discussions (qualitative data) were conducted among parents for more information on their problems and coping strategies adopted. Data was entered in EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using Epidata 2.2.2.182 software. Results: Among 187 participants, 70.6% were mothers. Majority of them reported problems like depression (69%) followed by economical issues (26.7%) and emotional disturbances (23.5%). The two most coping strategies used by the parents were having the strength within the family to solve problems (80.2%) and accepting that difficulties occur unexpectedly (78.6%). Conclusion: Depression was one of the major problems faced. Reframing and acquiring social support were the most commonly used coping strategies.
What motivates an ASHA? Narratives from Ramanagara district, Karnataka
Authors: Thattil Anissa Mary Thomas , Johnson Avita Rose , Thomas Priyanka , Maria Jisha , Dangmei Rosa , Thimmaiah Sulekha
Published: June 2022

Background: The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) aimed to bridge the gap in rural health care with the introduction of the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in 2005. It is essential to identify the motivators and barriers to work performance by the ASHAs in order to facilitate better health care in the community. Objective: To identify the motivators and barriers to the work performance of ASHAs in the Solur PHC area, Ramanagara district, Karnataka. Material & Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in one PHC area of Ramanagara District, Karnataka. Four KIIs with government health functionaries and one FGD with nine ASHAs were conducted. A thematic frame-work approach was used for data analysis. Results: The main personal motivators were altruism and intrinsic satisfaction, while social support and team-work were important environmental motivators. De-motivating factors were financial problems such as insufficient pay and irregular financial incentives, as well as logistic difficulties, including transportation and safety. Conclusion: Personal, cultural, financial considerations and working conditions affect the performance of an ASHA. It is essential to address relevant issues faced by these health workers in order to improve their work satisfaction and efficiency.
Assessment of awareness regarding obstetric and newborn danger signs among pregnant women and recently delivered mothers in urban slums of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Chandrakar Tripti , Verma Nirmal , Gupta Shubhra A , Dhurandhar Diwakar
Published: June 2022

Background: Knowledge regarding danger signs has been found helpful to reduce delays in seeking, reaching and obtaining care during obstetric emergencies. Aims & Objectives: To assess the awareness regarding obstetric and newborn danger signs among pregnant and recently delivered mothers residing in urban slums of Raipur city. Material & Methods: Observational study was conducted among 160 pregnant and 70 recently delivered women residing in urban slums. The assessment of awareness regarding danger signs was done by adding the marks obtained in various phases. Appropriate statistical tests were applied for any association between knowledge score and socio-demographic variables. Results: Subjects knowing at least one key danger sign during pregnancy, labour, postpartum and newborn period was 54.3%, 51.9%, 7.4%, and 11.3 % respectively. Those with age more than 20 years (p value 0.000), joint family (p value 0.000), educated more than 5 years (p value 0.009), and having married and getting first time pregnant after 20 years (p values 0.001 and 0.022 respectively) were found to have significantly more knowledge about danger signs. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding danger signs should be given at the time of every ANC visit and also at follow up visit after delivery.
Hospital-based study on the prevalence of cancers in Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Sangma Grimchi Tegite , Syiemlieh Judita , Prasad Surya Bali
Published: June 2022

Background: Garo Hills region of the State of Meghalaya is inhabited by mainly Garos. The details on the occurrence of different cancers from this region has not been reported. Aims & Objectives The study was undertaken to provide a general scenario on the prevalence and epidemiology of cancers in Garo Hills. Material & Methods: Total 1610 registered cases in the selected hospitals were studied. Detail information such as the age, sex, occupation, lifestyle and the type of cancer of the patients were collected from the hospital records. Results: The findings reveal that the age group between 41-50 years mostly developed different cancers. The highest incidence of cancer in the people was throat cancer followed by oesophageal cancer. Among females, breast is the leading site of cancer whereas in the males the leading site was found to be the throat. Conclusion: The prevalence of throat and oesophageal cancers in the people of Garo hills could be correlated with the common consumption of tobacco and raw betel quid (locally called gue) by young to adult and it is socially acceptable. It is suggested that effective measures should be taken to increase the awareness and cancer registry should be initiated in the region.
Perception regarding Bio-medical Waste Management among medical students in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Singh Shikhar , Sharma Neha , Mishra Prabhaker
Published: June 2022

Background: Bio-medical waste is perilous and can be a health hazard. There is considerable role of medical undergraduates, interns and post-graduates in preventing hazardous consequences from mishandling of bio-medical waste. Aims & Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about Bio-medical waste management among medical undergraduates, interns and post-graduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 75 participants including MBBS students, interns and post-graduate students (25 from each group) at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow through purposive sampling technique over a period of one month. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fischer-exact, one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc (Tukey) Tests. Results: MBBS students had more knowledge and the better attitude towards BMW management guidelines as compared to interns and post-graduates(p<0.001), while post-graduate students were more aware of the needle-stick injury and were correctly practicing BMW management as compared to MBBS students and interns(p<0.001). Conclusions: Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BMW management is still inadequate among MBBS students, interns and post-graduates, so repeated training-retraining and supportive supervision regarding the same should be foster. Strict regulations and surprise perusals might be a strong impetus for medical students and other health personnel.
Mental Health problem and Sustainable Development in India: An Overview
Authors: Ahmed Aijaz
Published: June 2022

Mental health is an emerging problem in the world, particularly in the developing countries like India, which is a big challenge for the sustainable human development. Health is a vital requirement for sustainable human development, and there can be no health without mental health. The role of mental health is very important in accomplishing social inclusion and equity. It also plays a vital role in acquiring universal health coverage, access to justice and human rights, and sustainable economic development. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health is not only the absence of disease but it implicates the physical, social, spiritual and mental health (Park, 2015:12-13). Since primordial eras, India, has emphasised on the health of its citizens and has underlined the need for a physically and mentally healthy society. In the new SDGs, the UN has lastly demarcated that mental health is one of the most universal development precedence, and set the scene for an ambitious plan to tackle the world’s challenges in the coming 15 years. WHO has also projected two indicators to strengthen mental health in the SDGs, which are fully aligned with the WHO Global Mental Health Action plan, both within the health goal: (1) suicide rate; and (2) service coverage (proportion treated) of persons with severe mental illness (World Health Organization, 2015). This paper is based on secondary data. The main thrust of this paper was to explore the frequency and pattern of mental disorder and its impact on families or household. This paper also analysed the mental morbidity rate and its cause in India. The findings demonstrated that 13.7 per cent of India’s general population has various mental disorders; 10.6 per cent of them need instant mediations. Whereas, almost 10 per cent of the population has common mental disorders, 1.9 per cent of the masses suffer from severe mental disorders. The result shows that the frequency of schizophrenia is more in urban metros then rural counterparts. The occurrence of mental illness is found to be very high in urban centres, where there is a higher prevalence of schizophrenia, mood disorders and neurotic or stress-related disorders.
Attrition Analysis and Retention Strategies Among Staff Nurses – A Survey Study
Authors: Cathrine Thephilah
Published: June 2022

Background: In most countries’ nurses are in short supply, but not as acute as in developing countries. An advanced world fulfils its role by attracting nurses from other countries, while developing countries cannot compete with higher wages. Aims & Objective: The current study was undertaken to analyse the reason for attrition and strategies for retention among staff nurses working at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Material & Methods: The subjects from the hospital about 50 nurses were selected for this study by simple random sampling method. The research design was organized and analyzed in terms of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings showed that a vast majority of nurses i.e. 35 samples (70%) had high attrition rate and 15 samples (30%) had moderate attrition rate. The attrition rate may vary in association with demographic variables results of the research showed that recommended counselling and social assistance will help and improve the quality of life of nurses and allow them to retain in the same hospital. Conclusion: The nurse administrator should motivate the staff nurses by conducting programs for their good lifestyle. Many service education programs should be organized for nurses to update their knowledge.
Rising trend of Non-Communicable Diseases in India
Authors: Kishore Surekha , Jain Bhavna
Published: June 2022

The 21st century has witnessed multiple public health emergencies (viz. Fukushima nuclear disaster, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, civil wars, natural calamities, etc.), which are mostly associated with many adverse consequences locally, nationally, and internationally. (1,2) Simultaneously, an unexpected rise in the global magnitude of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has also been observed. The Lancet Commission on Global Health 2035 foresees that the threat of pandemics, antimicrobial resistance and noncommunicable diseases will represent the greatest threats to global public health in the future. (3) The disease burden in India is changing. While communicable diseases remain a significant threat, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are also posing threat to country’s public health and wellbeing. (4)
Health insurance in its way to combat financial crisis in breast cancer treatment
Authors: Kundapur Rashmi , Chandramohan Sachin , Shetty Vijith , Modi Bhavesh
Published: June 2022

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, along with its diagnosis it brings disarray and economic burden on family. Its treatment is costliest compared to any other cancers. Health policies and health insurances are introduced to bridge the gap between patients and quality cancer care. We aim to understand the level to which health insurance help the breast cancer patients in reducing economic burden due to cancer Methodology: Cross sectional study done in Justice K.S Hegde Hospital in month June, 2018 to August, 2018 with participants being patients with breast cancer. Patients were contacted over the phone and a questionnaire was introduced to those willing to talk on their economic expenditure. Results: 73% of people had insurance to treat breast cancer of which 52% had advantage of Vajpayee Arogya Shree. 24% of people had insurance paid fully for treatment and 34% received partially, it reduced their burden by 51-75%. 46% of people had the cost >1 lakh for treatment which could be burden for 27% who didn’t have insurance, and this was among patients from neighboring state for treatment. Conclusions: Insurance reducing the burden is ensured; but choice of hospital for treatment is not with the patient, which is a burden.
The How of Happiness and Wellbeing
Authors: Bansal Rahul
Published: June 2022

The concept of happiness is unique to an individual. Everybody gets happy for different reasons. There is a large body of research on happiness and there are many well written books on happiness by internationally known psychologists and other experts.

Though everybody is seeking happiness in his/her own way very few people seem to be genuinely happy on a long term basis. Mihaly csikszentmihalyi well known psychologist for his international best seller “Flow – The psychology of optimal experience” has nicely explained this paradox in following words -

“Despite the fact that we are now healthier and grow to be older despite the fact that even the least affluent among us are surrounded by material luxuries undreamed of even a few decades ago (there were few bathrooms in the palace of the Sun King, chairs were rare even in the richest medieval houses, and no Roman emperor could turn on a TV set when he was bored), and regardless of all the stupendous scientific knowledge we can summon at will, people often end up feeling that their lives have been wasted, that instead of being filled with happiness their years were spent in anxiety and boredom1”.
“Smiling depression” (an emerging threat): Let’s Talk
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudip , Laura Hoedebeck Kyle , Sharma Neha , Gokdemir Ozden , Singh Amarjeet
Published: June 2022

In today’s world of chaos and stressful life dealing with the situations alone with no family, friends or financial support makes people vulnerable to develop depression. It is a worldwide major public health problem and “Smiling depression” aka an atypical form of depression is on the rising trend. People wears mask to prevent the inner turmoil and the need to overcome it. Mostly, it affects the middle-aged group people- the working force for any nation. It is significantly leading to morbidity, disability, mortality and ultimately socio-economic loss. Addressing this type of depression at an early stage will not only help in reducing self-harm and suicides but will also improve the quality of life of such people. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment can be provided in different settings by people whether health or non-health professionals. Health system strengthening through proper counselling and psychotherapy, appropriate referral mechanisms and continuity of care is the point of need to tackle this escalating concealed problem.
Is the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme achieving early initiation of treatment post two decades of its operation?: A cross-sectional study from Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Nautiyal Ram Gopal , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Mittal Sneha , Awasthi Sadhana
Published: June 2022

Background: Early case finding and prompt initiation of treatment of pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is the most effective strategy to achieve successful TB control. In order to achieve early initiation of treatment, the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) since its launch in 1997 has been using advocacy, communication and social mobilization (ACSM) strategy targeted at health care providers (HCP) and other stake holders by large scale utilization of electronic and print media. Objective: To study whether RNTCP is really achieving early initiation of TB treatment among infectious PTB patients. Methods: A cross- sectional study among new smear positive PTB patients at Haldwani block of Nainital district of Uttarakhand State of North India. Data was analyzed using the software Epi Info version 7.2.0.1. Results: Of the 85 infectious PTB patients included in the study, the median time consumed between onset of cough and contact with the first HCP, between first HCP contact to confirmation of diagnosis, and between confirmation of diagnosis to initiation of treatment were 6 days, 43 days and 6 days respectively. Overall, median time consumed between onset of cough to initiation of treatment was 61 days. HCPs working in the public health settings fared no better than those in the private health sector in this regard. Conclusions: Although majority patients sought medical care timely, a considerably unacceptable long time was consumed by HCPs in initiation of treatment of PTB.
Knowledge and Skill of Anganwadi Workers in Growth Monitoring in an Urban Slum of Central Part of Karnataka
Authors: Undi Malatesh , Annadani Rachana Rajashekhara , Rajashekara Sindhu
Published: June 2022

Background: In India, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) maintain the growth record of all the under-five years’ children in their area under ICDS. This task requires technical skill of proper weighing, plotting weight on growth charts, interpreting growth curve and using the growth card as a tool for educating mothers. In urban slums, their knowledge and skills are rarely assessed. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and skill of AWWs regarding growth monitoring of under-five years’ children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in an urban slum in central part of Karnataka. After obtaining ethical clearance, data was collected from 20 AWWs and 100 under-five children using a structured questionnaire (modified and adapted from ICDS manual). Data was analyzed using MS-Excel 2010.Results: All AWWs correctly interpreted growth chart but 60.0% didn’t know the expected weight for age or number of times a child should be weighed. 70% had inadequate skills to determine correct age of child and 30% erred while measuring the weight of child. Conclusions: Majority of AWW had adequate knowledge regarding growth monitoring but lacked skills in crucial steps like age determination and weighing the child. Training programme must ensure that the AWW learn and practices these skills.