bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obituary to polio through tool of social mobilization- A cross-sectional study in Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Ansari M. Athar , Abedi Ali Jafar , Mehnaz Saira
Published: October 2022

Background: Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease and mainly affects children under five years of age.Objective: The present cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the impact of social mobilization on families resistant to giving polio drops to their children.Materials & Methods: One round of polio drop administration during September, 2014 was selected randomly. Medical interns were trained as social mobilizers by the UNICEF. The social mobilizers visited the households that refused to give polio drops to their children because of certain rumors and misguided beliefs. They tried to convince the family members that polio drops were safe and it did not hurt any religious and cultural sentiments.Results:The total number of resistant families, identified during first day of house to house activity was 270. Out of these, 180 families were visited by Team â€˜Aâ€™. Rest of the houses were covered by other agencies. A large number of houses 106 (58.8%) were converted to â€˜Pâ€™ houses and 74 houses (41.1%) remained resistant after the activity of Team â€˜Aâ€™. These resistant houses were again visited by Team â€˜Bâ€™ members. Out of these 74 houses, polio drops were administered in 57 (77.0%) houses. However, after maximum efforts of both the teams, only 17 (9.4%) houses remained extremely resistant.Conclusions: Large numbers of resistant families were converted to â€˜Pâ€™ houses. However, some of the families remained resistant even after maximum efforts of the teams. These extremely resistant families might be the potent sources of polio infection in the community and they should be followed up strictly.
A Study on Anti hypertensive Drug Compliance among Hypertensive Individuals at Ashok Nagar Urban Area of Eluru, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Sekhar K. Chandra , Sharma E. Muni Sahith , Rao K. Uma Maheshwara , Chaitanya Ch. Krishna , Reddy B.V.Harsha Vardhan , Deotale P.G.
Published: October 2022

Background: Hypertension is a chronic condition and has got significant role in the development of coronary heart disease, stroke and other vascular complications. To prevent some of the complications of hypertension regular intake of the prescribed treatment in the form of medicines (pills) is essential. Objectives: 1.To knows about the compliance of medication among hypertensive individuals of urban area of Eluru. 2. To find the demographic variables and other factors association with compliance in the study population. Materials and Methods: The present community based cross sectional study was conducted at Ashoknagar area of Eluru during the period from June 2013 to August 2013. Medication compliance (adherence) was calculated as the proportion of days covered for filled prescriptions of antihypertensive drugs. A total of 132 individuals were selected from Ashoknagar area of Eluru using simple random method. Importance of the study was explained to the participants and informed consent was taken. Results were analyzed and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied. Results: Out of 132 individuals, no one of already diagnosed individuals in the age group of 20-30 years in our study. Compliance among hypertensive individuals was 74%. Compliance criteria in our study was those who taken medicines regularly 6 days out of 7 days in a week. Compliance was good among female sex and house wives and this association was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: based on the above study results, good compliance was seen among females and also in allopathic system of medicine users. Females were more adherences towards their medication. Good compliance of anti hypertensive drugs reduces the incidence of hypertension associated mortality and morbidity.
Risk factor profile of stroke patients with special focus on determinants of severity
Authors: Mohan Athira , Sabarinadh M.G , Praveen P.S , Zinia T. Nujum
Published: October 2022

Stroke is the second major cause of death worldwide and the fourth major cause of death in India. Kerala is becoming the hotspot of lifestyle diseases. Almost 90% of the cases reported in Kerala are associated with one or two modifiable risk factor(s) in the form of lifestyle diseases.Objectives:This study is aimed at risk factor profiling of stroke patients and identifying the determinants of stroke severity. Methods:A descriptive study was conducted among stroke patients admitted in Govt. Medical College Thiruvananthapuram from August to September 2013. The risk factor profile was studied. A case control comparison was done to identify the determinants of severity of stroke. Results:: The age of incidence of stroke ranged from 37 years to 88 years. Mean age was 65.30 (SD =12.80). Hypertension was identified as the most common risk factor followed by diabetes, low physical activity and heart diseases. Limb weakness was the most common clinical presentation. Diabetes Mellitus emerged as an independent risk factor of severity with adjusted odds ratio of 3.82 (1.034-14.09). Conclusion: Hypertension was the most important risk factor prevalent in stroke patients. Diabetes Mellitus was identified as the only independent determinant of severity of stroke. Early identification of risk factors and its proper management should be done with more rigor, in order to decrease the incidence of stroke and reducing its severity.
IAPSM West Bengal U G Student Quiz, 2015
Authors: Karmaka Prasanta Ray
Published: October 2022

Community Medicine is taught in MBBS curriculum from first semester to seven semesters, but attendance of the student is not encouraging. To make the subject attractive various methods was tried. Quiz is one such method. Pudducherry state IAPSM has tried it in their state to improve teaching learning of Community Medicine .To make the subject interesting among students IAPSM, West Bengal chapter conducted quiz on Community Medicine among seven semester students of different Medical colleges of West Bengal in 2015. Quiz was announced two months before the final State level Quiz. From each Medical college one team comprising of two students participated at state level quiz. Each college was encouraged to select two members through college level quiz. Few Colleges could not organise quiz at College level for various difficulties. They selected the candidate by MCQ or other methods.
Towards a Polio free World â€“ the End Game Plan
Authors: Mukherjee Dipankar
Published: October 2022

Poliomyelitis, the dreaded cause of lameness, was ravaging the world in 1988; when more than 125 countries were endemic with the disease and about 350,000 new cases were reported every year. It could have been fanciful to consider eradicating the disease in any future. It was a resolve bold enough at the 41st World Health Assembly then to do it. The disease did provide epidemiological opportunities to make it a possible candidate for eradication and the idea was first realized soon in 1997; when the American region was certified as polio free; the last case being reported from Peru in 1994 (Louis Fermin Tenorio). Other regions did not fall short much; Mum Chanty of Cambodia was the last case from Western Pacific region in 1997 and the region was certified as polio free subsequently in the year 2000. Europe was the third region in the list; Melik Minas from Turkey had the disease in 1999; and the region got the same certificate in 2002.Meanwhile the story in India and South East Asian region was more protracted. Of the three types of polio viruses, the weakest one, wild type 2 was reported last from Aligarh in India in 1999. But it took another thirteen years to put a stop to the next type, wild type 3 (Pakistan in 2012). The last wild polio virus case of India and South East Asia region (onset on January 13) was found at Howrah in 2011 when poor Ruksar Khatun had contacted the disease. In 2012 India was declared no longer a polio endemic country. Later on the South East Asian region was certified as polio free on March 27, 2014. But in Africa and two countries of Eastern Mediterranean region ( Pakistan and Afghanistan ) transmission of wild polio virus continued. On July 24, 2014 last wild polio virus of Africa was detected in Nigeria. Subsequently the country interrupted wild polio virus transmission and was declared non endemic in 2015 leaving only two countries from the 125 when the journey had started. The latest of such glorious milestones was achieved when WHO certified that type 2 wild polio virus has been eradicated on September 20, 2015. The success story in India has been lauded greatly by the international community as technically speaking; the scenario had been most challenging in this country. But elsewhere, like in Afghanistan and Nigeria, things still pose problem â€“ a huge number of children are still unreachable and the health workers being targeted with physical assaults even in 2012 and 2013.
A Study on Risk Factors of Under-nutrition of under-five children in an urban area of Malda district, West Bengal
Authors: Guha Subhadeep , Mandal Nirmal Kumar
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Under-nutrition is highly prevalent in developing countries including India. Many risk factors are responsible for the occurrence of under-nutrition. To understand area specific causes (risk factors) responsible for under-nutrition among under-five children in Malda town, a case control study was undertaken. Methods: Forty two cases with under-nutrition (weight for age <-2SD) and 84 controls with normal weight (weight for age â‰¥ -2SD were selected from 6 ICDS centres in 1:2 ratio. Results: Of the selected cases, 22(52.4%) were moderately underweight and 20 (47.6%) were severely underweight; 57% were male & 43% were female children. 55% Mothers of severely underweight children were illiterate whereas 65% fathers of severely under-weight children were labourer. From bivariate analysis it was reflected that no statistical differences were there between underweight & normal weight children with respect to variables like family size, per capita family income, Maternal age at child birth, birth weight, breast feeding & its duration, diarrhoea and worm infestation(p>.05). Factors like fathersâ€™ occupation, ARI (38.1% vs17.8%), feeding problems (65% vs. 40.5%), incomplete vaccination (73.8% vs39.3%) were associated with under-nutrition (P<.01). Undernourished children showed statistical association with angular stomatitis, conjunctival xerosis, bilateral oedema & severe wasting compared to normal nourished children. (p<.01). Conclusion: Factors like fathersâ€™ occupation, ARI, feeding problems, incomplete vaccination were associated with under-nutrition of under-fives attending ICDS centres in an urban setting of Malda district, West Bengal.
Assessing Coverage and Compliance of Mass Drug Administration under Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis Program in Malda District, West Bengal
Authors: Tirkey Louis , Sengupta Debjani , Naskar Subhrajyoti , Ghosh Sarmistha , Hoque Md Naimul , Goswami Moumita , Mandal Nirmal Kumar `
Published: October 2022

Background: Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Evaluation of mass drug administration (MDA) is done internally by the health authorities and externally by independent agencies. This paper reports the findings of evaluation of MDA conducted in Malda district of West Bengal state in May-June 2015. Objectives: To assess the Coverage & Compliance rates of MDA against lymphatic filariasis and to study the factors influencing non-coverage and non-compliance in Malda district. Materials & Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected rural blocks and one municipality. Family was the unit of sampling in the current MDA coverage survey. 30 families in each of four clusters were taken as samples. Cluster sampling technique was adopted. The data was collected in a pre-designed semi-structured proforma from 120 households. Results: 564 eligible population 120 families were studied and 50.53% of them were males. Predominant respondents were male (92%) with average age 40.7 years. The Diethylcarbamazine citrate plus Albendazole coverage rate was 95% and the compliance rate was 71.6%. The major reason for nonâ€“compliance was due to fear of side effects amounting to 58%. Only 4 persons reported adverse effects after drug consumption. Conclusion: Though distribution was high, many people were not consuming drugs. Consumption was not properly supervised and there was misconception prevailed among workers about time of consumption. A high level of motivation and commitment from the drug distributors with adequate training is required for ensuring a high coverage and compliance rates. Supervision should be strengthened to improve consumption and misconception should be eliminated through training.
Introduction of newer vaccines in Immunization Programme of India: Challenges to be addressed
Authors: Dasgupta Samir
Published: October 2022

Small Pox eradication will continue to be regarded as the humanityâ€™s greatest triumph for all times to come. Since then, several health achievements were attained that too made significant contributions towards the goals of human survival and development. Substantial reductions in deaths and disabilities have been observed in diseases like childhood Tuberculosis, Pertussis, Diphtheria, Measles and paralytic Polio. In India, considerable reduction in vaccine preventable disease (VPD) burden was observed following launch of Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in 1978. Reported number of Pertussis cases came down from 320109 (1980) to 25206 (2015). Measles cases reduced from 114036 to 25488 in the same time interval. Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus has been eliminated from most part of the world including India. There were 18975 paralytic Polio cases reported in 1980, which came down to â€˜zeroâ€™ in 2011, and South-East Asia region including India declared free of WPV in 2014. We are at the end game phase of another great landmark, Polio eradication. In all these successes, immunization was the core intervention.Millennium Development Summit in 2000 focused on intensification of child health interventions for attainment of the MDG-4 of reducing under-five deaths. The benefits of traditional EPI vaccines are already evident. Worldwide, the projected number of deaths averted by Measles vaccine (including SIA rounds) during 2011-2020 will be around 14.1 million. Introduction of newer and less utilized vaccines may further boost the attainment of MDG-4. Universalizing Hepatitis-B vaccine may prevent 6 million child deaths by 2020. Newer vaccine Hib may avert 1.7 million deaths. Sustaining the current vaccines and upscaling the programme with newer vaccines is expected to prevent 25 million child deaths worldwide during 2011-2020. Also, a number of new vaccines, like malaria, dengue, new-generation tuberculosis and typhoid conjugate vaccines are in advanced stages of development and may be available in the coming years.
Involvement of the clinical departments of a medical college in a rural area in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in India
Authors: Sarkar Tuhin Shubhra , Ghosh Indranath , Mukherjee Abhijit
Published: October 2022

Introduction: In addition to their role in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, medical colleges are involved in imparting knowledge and skills to the future generation of medical doctors. In order that RNTCP runs smoothly, it is important that all clinical departments are involved in RNTCP and manage their TB patients according to their guidelines. Objectives: To assess the attendance of TB cases at the clinical departments of a medical college and the categorizing practices of these departments reflecting their involvement in RNTCP. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the NBMC between August and October 2015. Data on patients diagnosed as tuberculosis and categorized as per RNTCP in the clinical departments of the medical college were collected from the office of the MO-TC using pretested schedules and analyzed. Results: Of the 230 diagnosed cases, 83 were diagnosed at the chest and 147 at the other non-chest departments. Most of the pulmonary TB cases were diagnosed by the chest department (61.9%) but most of the extra-pulmonary cases were diagnosed by the non-chest departments (82.7%). Most of the cases of tuberculosis, and that were diagnosed at the chest department were categorized and treatment initiated by the same department. In non-chest departments categorization was done in 81.1% of pulmonary and 64.5% of extra-pulmonary cases. Discussion and Conclusions: Students at the non-chest departments are not being acquainted with the treatment protocols and categorization principles of RNTCP. Only by actively associating with it, can doctors in the making be encouraged to follow RNTCP in actual practice.
Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and Its Different Correlates among Under-five Children of a Slum of Kolkata
Authors: Raykarmakar Prasanta , Paul Abhishek
Published: October 2022

Background: ARI is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of the most vulnerable age group; the under-fives. Previous studies had already identified different risk factors of ARI in slums; however, the findings are hard to generalize as there is diversity among slum populations. Moreover Kolkata (M Corp.) has second highest proportion (29.6%) of slum households among million plus cities in India which necessitates studying the ARI morbidity among under-fives of slums of Kolkata. Objective: To find out the prevalence of ARI and its different correlates among under-fives of a slum of Kolkata. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the month of May, 2015 among under-fives of the Bagbazar slum area of Kolkata. Total enumeration of under-five children residing in the selected slum was done and sample size came to 68. Data were collected by house to house visit. Chi-square test was applied for statistical significance. Results: Prevalence of ARI was 66.2% among the under-five children studied. Prevalence was higher for males (74.4%). Highest prevalence (100%) was noted among infants. Ventilation, over-crowding, type of family, parenteral smoking, type of cooking fuel used, location of kitchen and presence of symptoms of ARI among mothers were found to be significantly associated with ARI among under-fives (p <0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed a very high prevalence of ARI among under-five children of Bagbazar slum area and also identified many correlates of such a high prevalence.
Ocular morbidity pattern and its risk factors: A study among rural population of West Bengal
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Prianka , Dey Indira , Sain Sonali
Published: October 2022

Background:Visual impairment resulting from infectious diseases has declined by public health efforts but cataract and refractive errors still continue as major causes of blindness. Moreover, ageing & life style diseases also contribute to large number of blindness. Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the ocular morbidity pattern and the risk factors among rural population of West Bengal. Material & Methods: A community based, descriptive, observational study was conducted in Hariharpur PHC. One subcentre was chosen purposively and three villages under the subcentre were chosen randomly. The study population comprised of all persons residing in those villages for at least one year. Door to door visit was conducted for screening of eye problems and then detailed examination was carried out in the PHC by ophthalmic assistant. Subjects requiring specialist consultation were referred. Results: Difficulty with vision was the commonest complain followed by watering, burning and itching sensation, pain and redness. Refractive errors (myopia & hypermetropia) were the commonest morbidity among all age groups followed by cataract and allergic conjunctivitis. Cataract was found to be significantly associated with diabetes and hypertension (P=0.001) and allergic conjunctivitis was associated significantly with hypertension (P=0.007). Interestingly quite a high proportion of the patients with visual complaints could be detected and managed at the PHC level . So simple screening for eye disorders and utilization of trained ophthalmic assistants can enable early detection of eye conditions, prompt treatment and early referral.
Only action No oration- The why, The what, and The how of Community Medicine 2.0!
Authors: Pandey Pavan
Published: October 2022

All through, the second half of twentieth century â€˜community medicineâ€™ has evolved from its forerunner â€˜preventive & social medicineâ€™ (PSM).(1)But this was not the Darwinian evolution; instead, it was merely a â€˜naam-karanâ€™ rather than being a much needed â€˜bhoomi-poojanâ€™ for the advancement of this specialty.(1) It would had been better, if the heavy weightsof this field would have given more stresson style of teaching community medicine.(2)It would be misdemeanour if we again change its name to â€˜community and family medicineâ€™ or â€˜public health medicineâ€™ or any other charming or sophisticated name we can think off.The role of community medicine is to make communities â€˜healthyâ€™ by making every citizen â€˜healthierâ€™, which is has far reaching effects as compared to just â€˜curingâ€™ illnesses. To accomplish this, a community physician should have expertizes in a host of scientific disciplines including various clinical specialties. He/she should be skilled enough to understand the determinants (biological, environmental and social), and course of diseases in an individual and the community.(3)Thus we need to think beyond just teaching epidemiology and bio-statistics; rather we should integrate newer fields such as evidence based medicine, health system & policy research, and overall public health leadership in training curricula.(4)In addition to ensuring the metamorphosis of a student into a proficient community physician we should also sharpen their clinical skills. For this, it is vital to focus on skills which will empower a community physician to treat most common illnesses affecting members of a family in different age groups.(5)
Why are medical graduates not joining the rural services in India
Authors: Mukherjee Abhijit , Chowdhury Ranadip , Naskar Somnath
Published: October 2022

There are significant differences in the health parameters between the urban and rural areas of India. While most parameters have reached levels comparable to the developed world in the metropolises, they remain significantly lower in the rural areas of the country. One of the major reasons for this difference is the insufficient deployment of human resources, especially doctors in the health institutions located in rural areas. Physicians are reluctant to take up jobs in rural locations. The government of India estimated in 2010 a short-fall of 10.3% for doctors at primary health centers (PHCs) and 62% for specialists at the secondary level1. The doctor: population ratio is 13: 10000 in the urban areas but only 3: 10000 in the rural areas of the country.2Joining in and adhering to rural health services are often defined by the availability of benefits like financial incentives in the form of loan repayment and scholarships for students willing to serve in rural areas, as in the United States. Monetary incentives along with professional development opportunities are also used for recruiting and retaining physicians to rural areas in several other countries. The government of India provides incentives such as the rural or hardship allowance and reservation of post graduate seats for physicians serving in the rural areas. However, these are not considered enough motivation by the vast majority of medical graduates in India, who take up jobs in city based hospitals, sometimes for lesser remunerations. Professional isolation and lack of infrastructural facilities, less salary, low standard of living and limited exposure as a doctor continue to discourage physicians from joining rural service. This trend is not unique to India and reluctance of medical graduates to set up rural practice or join rural health services have been in seen in countries both from the developing as well as the developed worlds.
Quality of Life among adolescents studying in Bengali and English medium schools of Siliguri subdivision, Darjeeling district, West Bengal
Authors: Biswas Aditya , Bhattacherjee Sharmistha , Mukherjee Abhijit
Published: October 2022

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a very subjective construct that cannot be directly measured. It needs to be converted to valid and reliable indicators of its component dimensions and domains to be quantified and measured objectively. Quality of life studies of adults have progressed over time now but literature regarding adolescents remains scarce. Objectives: To assess the QoL among adolescents studying in Bengali and English medium schools and explore the factors related to its variations. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study is conducted by pre-tested and pre-designed self-administered anonymous questionnaire (WHO-QOL BREF) which is divided in four domains.Result: It was found that the students from the Bengali medium school had better quality of life than their counterparts in the English medium school with respect to all the four domains. It was also revealed that students in their late adolescence and female gender had better quality of life. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggests that including exposure to the mother tongue may help students to express themselves freely and keep them grounded to their culture.
Addressing Malnutrition among Children â€“ An Assessment of Dastak Abhiyan in Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Patwardhan Vaibhav , Kotwani Priya , Tiwari Pragya , Saha Somen
Published: October 2022

Background: The Dastak Abhiyan is considered a pioneer program of Government of Madhya Pradesh and was pilot tested in the month of November 2016. The program offers a basket of services (10 core activities) focused on the reduction of Under 5 mortality Objectives: In this study, we monitored the functioning and the implementation of 10 core activities of the Abhiyan in 4 districts of Madhya Pradesh viz. Jhabua, Sheopur, Raisen, and Bhopal. Methods: The study takes into account modified World Health Organization(WHO)â€™s 30x7 cluster sampling where 7 households were selected from 30 villages of 4 districts of Madhya Pradesh including 2 tribal and 1 high priority district. Results: We have observed that majority of the Front Line Health Workers (FLWs) were working as per the micro plan. We identified few gaps, such as FLWs missed on carrying out some of the activities viz. Blood Test, Mid Upper Arm Circumference measurement, demonstration of Oral Rehydration Solution preparation, and Handwashing. Conclusion: We found the need to strengthen inter-communication, to customize micro plan in consultation with the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife of that village. Our study also highlighted the need for supportive supervision, post-training assessment for FLWs to assess the knowledge gained by them during the training session.
Assessment and comparison of nutritional status of government and private school children of Muzaffarnagar city
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta Jain , Muzammil Khursheed , Singh J V , Alvi Moh.Tauseef , Singh Rama Shankar , Siddiqui Sana
Published: October 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. Objective: 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.
MENDELEY: A free reference management software
Authors: Sau Arkaprabha , Bhakta Ishita
Published: October 2022

Referencing is a systematic way of acknowledging the source of information and enabling the readers to trace the ingenuity of the citation in any kind of written documentation. It is indispensable for any kind of scientific writings for publication purpose in journals or newsletters and presentation purpose in conferences or seminars. Budding researchers often face difficulties in managing their-text citations and corresponding references. Itâ€™s not saying that modifying the citation and referencing styles manually for a particulars journal is a frustrating and annoying job, after being rejected by another journal on the previous occasion. Moreover, it became a nightmare to a post-graduate trainee/research scholar to arrange hundreds of in-text citations and corresponding references, when guide or supervisor asked to modify the manuscript with necessary addition or deletions, just before submitting the thesis or dissertation. The simplest way to deal with all those problems is to use a reference management software.
The Transgenic crop debate and food security in India
Authors: Mundle Malay
Published: October 2022

Genetically modified crops or transgenic crops are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering methods. The aim is to introduce a new trait that does not occur in the natural phenotype, like resistance to pests, diseases or environmental conditions, reduction of spoilage, or resistance to herbicides, or improving the nutrient profile.1 Now the question arises as to whether GM crops are safe, whether they can address the worldâ€™s food needs, whether they are readily accessible to the farmers, and how farmers can wriggle out of intellectual property rights.History of GM Crops: The first GM crop plant was produced in 1982 when tobacco plants were engineered for herbicide resistance, incorporating genes that produced insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt). China first commercialised transgenic plants, introducing a virus resistance tobacco in 1992 but later it was withdrawn in 1997. The first GM crop approved for sale in the US was Flavrsavr tomato in 1994 which had a longer shelf life because it took longer to soften after ripening. European Union approved GM tobacco resistant to herbicide Bromoxynil. USA approved Bt potato, maize and canola in 1995, as well as glyphosate resistant soyabeans(Monsanto), and virus resistant squash(Asgrow). In 2000 Vitamin A enriched golden rice was developed but till date it is not in commercial production. In 2013 the World Food Prize was awarded to leaders of three teams of researchers Robert Fraley, Mac van Montagu and Mary Dell Chilton. 2
Forecasting Dengue Incidence in Tamil Nadu, India: An Time series Analysis
Authors: Karnaboopathy R , Venkatesan D , Manikandan M , Muthukumar T , Raja D , Ramasamy D Jegadeesh
Published: October 2022

Background: The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades. As per World Health Organization (WHO) recent estimates, 390 million dengue infections occur per year, of which 96 million manifest clinically. India had reported a total of 1, 57,220 dengue cases and 250 deaths during the year 2017. Maximum number of cases (23,035) and deaths (63) due to Dengue were reported in Tamil Nadu. Dengue cases in Tamil Nadu have risen nearly 10 times and deaths due to the disease 12 times compared with last year. Methods: We adopted an Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models on the data collected from 1997 to 2017. The data has been used to predict the number of cases till December 2025 without any additional intervention. Results: The results also showed an increasing trend in the actual and forecasted numbers of Dengue cases. The appropriate ARIMA (0, 1, 1) model was selected based on Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) values. Conclusions: Hence, to prevent the disease from getting established as an endemic in Tamilnadu, additional interventions with an increase in the intensity of existing interventions and support of the international community along with WHO is essential to stop the epidemic.
A Rural Community based study on Morbidity, Health care Utilization and Health Expenditure in Tarakeswar Block, Hoogly District, West Bengal
Authors: Sadhukhan Sanjoy Kumar
Published: October 2022

Background: Rural community based recent study on morbidity, health care utilization and health expenditure is a rarity in India especially in West Bengal. Objectives: To find out the morbidity pattern, health care utilization and health expenditure in rural area of Tarakeswar block, Hoogly district, West Bengal. Methods: House to house survey of 720 families (total 2759 persons) from rural area of Tarakeswar block, Hoogly district, West Bengal, selected by 30 cluster sampling technique during 2013-14 with help of a predesigned pre-tested schedule by post-graduate students with one month recall. Results: Total 650 persons (23.6%) suffered from 728 monthly episodes (263.8/1000) of illnesses, more acute (147/1000) than chronic (117/1000), significantly more among males (279.9/1000) than females (246/1000). Major types of illnesses were Gastrointestinal (5.8%), cardiovascular (4.9%), respiratory (4.2%) and musculoskeletal (2.3%) including non-specific fevers (2.6%). These were primarily managed by government facilities (71.5%) and govt. doctors (66.1%) of allopathic system (93.4%). Total health expenditure (out of pocket) was 3.1% of their income, with INR 211.3 per acute illness episode and INR 84.6 per chronic illness episode. Treatment was major component both for acute (62%) and chronic (83%) illness expenditures; however, wage loss was considerable for acute illnesses (27%). These expenditures were significantly associated with social class and education (p=0.000...). Health insurance was practically nil (0.51%).Conclusions: There was considerable morbidity and out of pocket expenditure on health by study population. Proper implementation of any health insurance is absolutely essential.
IAPSM WB State Conference - 2018
Authors: Editor Chief
Published: October 2022

IAPSM WB Chapter organized the 34th Annual Conference on 4th and 5th May 2018 at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital. Two Hundred and Thirty Three (233) members and Five (5) non-members (total 238) registered for our conference. Registered delegates included teachers, non-teachers, Post Graduate trainees, members working in national and international organisation and others. Members retired from service also attended the conference. Under-graduate students, nursing staff and administrators attended some of the scientific sessions.Dr. Shobhit Garg , winner of last year completion for IAPSM Research Grant initiated by Prof. Akalanka Bhandari presented his study report before this august gathering.This year thirteen research proposal for Best Research Proposal Grant initiated by Prof. Akalanka Bhandari were submitted. After short listing by reviewing these proposals, three of them were selected for presentation in 34th Annual state conference. Dr. Leena Singh of Calcutta National Medical College was the winner.Total seven paper was submitted for Prof. MM Ganguly memorial award and winner were Dr. Arista Lahiri, Dr. Saumik Chakraborty, Jointly. In Prof Ranadeb Biswas memorial poster competition first prize went to Dr.Saumik Chakraborty , and third prize went to Dr. Tania Pan and Dr. Nivedita Roy Chowdhury respectively.
Practice of self-medication among the adult population in the Municipal Corporation area of Siliguri, West Bengal, India
Authors: Dey Vishal , Biswas Romy
Published: October 2022

Background:

Self-medication is a major public health concern which has increased at the community level, It may lead to delay in diagnosis as well as care seeking. Present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence and pattern of self medication practices among adult population in an urban area of Siliguri Municipal Corporation area of West Bengal.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 adults in urban areas of Siliguri Municipal Corporation area by purposive sampling.

Results:

The prevalence of self-medication among urban adults was found to be 47,2%. More than 50% of the study subjects had symptoms like fever and headache for resorting medication by him. Common drugs were antipyretic or paracetamol (65.4%), antacid (50%), anti-inflammatory (44,2%) or anti-allergic (42.3%). Significant association was found between occupational status (engaged in unskilled work) and self-medication.

Conclusion:

Self-medication practices are a dual sword to manage time, relieve overburdened medical practice and increased resistance of pathogens due to delayed diagnosis etc, Health educational activities should be initiated to encourage common people In order to utilize health care services from government facilities which are now made at a subsidized cost.
Awareness regarding utilization of untied funds among the members of Village Health, Nutrition and Sanitation Committees (VHNSC) in selected villages of Wardha district
Authors: Guha Ishita , Raut Abhishek V , Pawar Ramesh D , Mehendale Ashok M. , Garg Bishan S.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC); an initiative of National Rural Health Mission offers people opportunity to access the basic services: Health, Nutrition and Sanitation at the village level itself. To achieve the desired goal, VHNSC members must have a good knowledge regarding guidelines for utilization of funds. This study tried to assess the knowledge of the members of VHNSC regarding the allocation of fund and utilization of the untied fund as compared to the guidelines.

Methodology:

It is a cross sectional study carried out in 13 villages of Bhidi for a period of 2 months, August 2015 to September 2015. Convenient sampling wasfollowed. All members of VHNSCs who gave consent were included In the study. Data analysis was done in the Epi info version 7.

Results:

ln this present study majority of participants were Anganwadi workers (28.1%) followed by housewives (26.6%), with 85.9% members being female. 92.2% had some knowledge about utilization of fund and 70.3% had correct knowledge about the amount of fund received for VHNSC per annum. According to 71.9% fund was inadequate. 89.1% mentioned that fund utilization was mainly for nutrition purposes (89.1%), followed by referral to higher centre (59.4%), sanitation (39,1%). Main challenges faced were inadequate fund (57.8%), in coordination with President (25%), in coordination between members(23.4%), late receival of funds(12.5%), lack of interest of members(10.9%), no bank account (10.9%) etc. 84.4% members had no training.

Conclusion:

Study findings suggest that use of untied fund by VHNSCs is not as perthe guidelines mainly due to limited awareness of guidelines among VHNSC members. Quality training for VHNSC members is the need.
Occupational Health and Safety Practices at Workplace during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Viramgami Ankit , Pagdhune Avinash , Sarkar Kamalesh , Balachandar Rakesh
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a highly contagious viral respiratory disease has been declared as pandemic due to its global spread across most countries. Social isolation (i.e. physical distancing) and strict embracement of personal hygiene are few demonstrated preventive methods of COVID-19 transmission. All countries, based on the recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO), have adopted lockdown strategy (promoting physical distancing) to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the community including workplaces. In the interest of economic sustenance, many countries have partially relaxed the lockdown policies, to resume selective functioning of factories / organizations / institutes / workplaces. However, in the absence of appropriate occupational health and safety policies, workplaces are a potential threat for COVID-19 transmission & outbreak. The following document reviews the conventional hierarchy of occupational safety and health control measures (i.e. engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE), necessary to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks at workplace, based on the current scientific evidences on COVID-19.
Indirect Cost of Treatment of Tuberculosis: Could It be A Major Cause for Treatment Failure Leading to Emergence of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis?
Authors: Choudhury Emeli Paul , Sarkar Kamalesh , Ojha Umesh Chandra
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) patients often incur huge costs due to TB care and the cost is even higher when itâ€™s an MDR-TB treatment. Despite free TB treatment under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), the indirect cost borne by the patients due to the diagnosis and treatment of TB puts a major economic burden on the patients. This expenditure may affect treatment adherence and might lead to poor outcomes.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a government health facility in Karimganj, Assam with 165 patients from the facility who were at least one month into the treatment. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire on sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and total cost due to TB care was recorded during the interview.Result: Out of 165 study participants, 52.7% belonged to the most productive age group of 19-54 years and 64.2% were male. The median indirect cost was INR 2333.33, which was higher than the direct cost and it contributes 96% of the total median cost. The indirect cost was significantly higher in patients who visited private facility first and patients having hypertension and diabetes. The indirect cost of treatment is significantly higher in MDR-TB patients when compared to non-MDR-TB patients.Conclusion: Even after the provision of free diagnosis and treatment under RNTCP, the indirect cost puts a major financial burden on the patients and their household, however, when it comes to MDR-TB patients, the burden is even bigger.
Assessment of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and its Relation with Nutritional Status of Under Two Children: A Community Based Study at Malda Town, West Bengal
Authors: Chakraborty Aniruddha , Mukhopadhyay Sujishnu , Mallick Nazrul
Published: October 2022

Background:

Correct practices of nutrition remains the cornerstone to combat the problem of under nutrition among the children. Most important of them is propriety of breast feeding. Its initiation within an hour of birth is important for both mother and child as the first breast milk (colostrums) is considered to be highly nutritious and has antibodies that protect the new-born from serious diseases. The study was conducted to assess the IYCF practices among the under two children and the relationship between the aforesaid practices and the nutritional status of the study participants of a district town of West Bengal.

Methods:

It was a community based observational study, cross-sectional in design conducted among children aged less than twenty four months in a district town of West Bengal using cluster sampling method among 390 participants.

Results:

The study revealed that less than half (47.9%) of mothers initiated breast feeding within one hour of birth. Exclusive breast feeding rate at 6 months was 68.3% and 84.3%mothers were continuing breast feeding at two years age of the child. Optimal diversity of food was seen among 30.3% eligible children. The proportion of underweight and stunting was 40.7% and 43.6% respectively and were significantly related to initiation of breast feeding in one hour, adequate food diversity, adequate meal frequency, age adjusted minimum acceptable diet and exposure to bottle feeding.

Conclusion:

The study reiterates that appropriate feeding practices in first two years of life are crucial to attain proper growth of the children in their later life.
iPAD use in Graduate Medical Education: A Pilot study from A Medical College of West Bengal, India
Authors: Mitra Satabdi
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

National Medical Commission (NMC) has stressed upon online and blended learning and has recommended strongly for digital learning in undergraduate medical education.

Aims & Objectives:

to assess the prevalence of usage and perceptions towards technology among medical faculty members in study setting.

Methods:

an Institution-based cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaire was conducted for 3 months among forty-six teaching faculty over pre and para clinical departments of a medical college of West Bengal, who have received induction training and were using iPAD for teaching-learning.

Results:

among total 46 participants, 16 were from pre-clinical and 30 from different para-clinical departments. Though the duration of smartphone usage is more than 2 years by 2/3rd of them, less than % were found to be habituated with computer usage. 31 (67.39%) participants were found to use iPAD 3.01±1.00 hours for personal use and 19 (41.30%) use iPAD for 4.49±2.88 hours for educational purpose. More than 60% of participants recommended iPAD introduction in medical education.

Conclusion:

usage of iPAD among medical teachers has been widely accepted chiefly in acquiring wide range of resources, disseminating knowledge and managing time more effectively. Blended learning with compulsory digital learning is expected to broaden horizon of future medical education.
Integrating Indian Post and National Tuberculosis Elimination Program - A new way ahead
Authors: Garg Kirti , Panwar Anjali , Sharma Nandita , Bahurupi Yogesh , Singh Mahendra , Aggarwal Pradeep
Published: October 2022

COVID-19 and its response have a significant influence on healthcare services throughout the world and are likely to put the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) under immense pressure. Mitigation actions taken by the government to prevent the spread of infection have led to missed diagnoses and a halt in services such as active case finding, contact tracing, and follow-ups. Diagnostic delays have created a gap in the TB care chain, increasing mortality rates and morbidity, and can worsen the disease burden in marginalized communities. Closing these gaps requires intervention at the population and government levels. Integrating the Indian Post with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program will be a milestone in the specimen transport system and will ultimately result in better diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis.