bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XÂY DỰNG HỆ THỐNG CHẨN ĐOÁN VÀ KHUYẾN CÁO TÍCH HỢP ĐỐI VỚI DINH DƯỠNG N, P, K CHO CÂY QUÝT HỒNG (Citrus reticulate Blanco.) TẠI HUYỆN LAI VUNG, TỈNH ĐỒNG THÁP
Authors: Khương Nguyễn Quốc , Ý Lê Thị Như , Hữu Trần Ngọc , Thúc Lê Vĩnh , Mẫn Trần Minh , Nhân Trần Chí , Xuân Lý Ngọc Thanh
Published: June 2022

Nghiên cứu được thực hiện nhằm mục tiêu xây dựng hệ thống chẩn đoán và khuyến cáo tích hợp cho cây quýt hồng dựa trên hàm lượng dưỡng chất N, P, K trong lá. Mẫu lá được thu từ 25 vườn trồng quýt hồng tại huyện Lai Vung, tỉnh Đồng Tháp. Mỗi vườn chọn 10 cây quýt hồng khỏe mạnh, không mang trái và thu 10 lá cây-1 từ cành cấp hai để phân tích hàm lượng N, P và K. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy, hàm lượng dưỡng chất N và K trong lá của nhóm năng suất cao cao hơn nhóm năng suất thấp, nhưng hàm lượng dưỡng chất P trong lá giữa nhóm năng suất cao và nhóm năng suất thấp tương đương nhau. Xây dựng được bộ DRIS chuẩn gồm trung bình, hệ số biến thiên và phương sai để chẩn đoán tình trạng dinh dưỡng N, P, K cho cây quýt hồng, với 3 cặp tỷ lệ dưỡng chất được chọn như tiêu chuẩn DRIS là P/N, K/N và P/K.
Memorial of epidemics
Authors: Neubarth Fernando
Published: June 2022

From the memories of training as a medical student, the report of a patient, an octogenarian woman, black, small, skinny, very lively and communicative. She was happy to tell us, at the instigation of the neurology professor, what had happened to her during the Spanish in Porto Alegre.
Finding the Therapeutic Role of miRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors:   WMO at THQ level hospital Chowk Azam Layyah, Zamir Afifah
Published: June 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with approximately 782,500 new cases and 745,500 deaths occurring in the global during 2012. The main objective of the study is to find the therapeutic role of miRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). This study was conducted using a systematic search on Google scholar, Pubmed and Web of science published until 20th June 2020. The cited references of retrieved articles and previous reviews were also manually checked to identify any additional eligible studies. MiRNAs perform their tumor suppressor functions through downregulating oncogene expression. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs are essential for the regulation of liver development, regeneration, and metabolic functions. It is concluded that deregulation of miRNAs significantly contributes to the development of HCC. miRNAs mainly functions to down regulate the expression of targeted genes. However, they may have other yet unknown functions including the activation of gene transcription.
Quality of Life (QOL) among the Elderly in Rural Dehradun
Authors: Kritika . , Kakkar Rakesh , Aggarwal Pradeep , Semwal Jayanti
Published: June 2022

Background: The assessment of quality of life (QOL) is a particularly important public health tool for the elderly in an era when life expectancy is increasing. Aims & Objectives: To measure Quality of Life among the elderly and identify its determinants. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 elderly residing in rural areas of Dehradun district after taking written informed consent. Multistage random sampling was done, WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire was used to assess the QOL and data were analyzed by SPSS-22. Results: 55.5% subjects were females and the rest were males. Maximum percentage of respondents were in the age group of 66-75 years (46.4%). The mean (±SD) of transformed total QOL score (TTS) was 57.76 (±10.97). The mean score of facet V (death and dying) was the highest (82.58) and the lowest mean score was observed in facet VI, intimacy (44.83). Overall QOL scores were found to be associated with education and financial dependency. Variation was observed between the determinants of QOL facet scores. Conclusion: Quality of life is a multidimensional concept. Education and financial dependency were found to be the possible determinants of QOL. More extensive studies are recommended to identify other factors affecting QOL.
Assessment of undernutrition among children below 5, using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF)
Authors: Gupta Garima , Sharma Arun Kumar , Choudhary Tarun Shankar
Published: June 2022

Background: SDG 2.2 aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Weight for age estimate misses out chronic and acute on chronic malnutrition. An aggregate indicator-the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) can help in addressing this concern. Aim & Objective: To assess the nutritional status of under five children using CIAF and compare it with other indices. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in a resettlement colony of Delhi, between June to July 2015. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard operative procedures. Mothers of the study children were interviewed to obtain relevant information. Z scores were calculated using WHO-ANTHRO software. Nutritional status indicators were determined as per the World Health Organization 2006 child growth standards. Results: A total of 100 under-5 children were assessed. The prevalence of CIAF was 62% in our study. 35% of children were found to be underweight, 25% were wasted and 43% stunted. Mid Upper Arm Circumference detected 58.5% as undernourished. Using weight-for-age criterion for identifying undernourished children led to underestimation of the prevalence by 27%. Conclusion: CIAF can be used to provide a single, aggregated assessment of undernutrition. Use of this tool by field level workers will improve the diagnosis of undernutrition and help in early initiation of treatment.
Effects of Bristle Hardness & Duration of Manual Tooth brushing on Plaque Control
Authors: Sunny . , Agarwal Vipin , Agarwal Sonali , Ranjan Rohit
Published: June 2022

Background: Oral health is an integral part of general health. Poor oral health can have adverse effect on general health hence a good oral health is very essential, which in turn is achieved by good oral hygiene. Even though, the concept of good oral hygiene evolved 5000 years back, it is only in the beginning of 19th century it gained more importance. (1) Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most commonly occurring diseases affecting mankind. Dental plaque is a very important factor in the causation of both the diseases. (2) Aims & Objectives: To evaluate efficacy of four different types of toothbrushes, with difference in duration of brushing along with different bristle hardness in removal of microbial plaque. Material & Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, four groups with 40 subjects used manual toothbrushes with either hard, medium, soft and ultra-soft bristles. On baseline examination, clinical parameter plaque index (Sillness & Loe, 1964) was recorded. Selected subjects were refrained from all kinds of oral hygiene measures for 24 hrs before clinical appointment. On the day of clinical appointment scores of pre and post brushing were recorded in each patient when brushing time was set for 1 minute and same procedure was repeated after a wash off period of 3 days and similar recordings were made with brushing time of 11/2minute. Primary outcome was measured with differences in the plaque index (Sillness & Loe, 1964) compared to baseline. Results: Significant reduction in mean value of plaque score was observed on comparing pre-brushing and post-brushing data in all the subjects irrespective of bristle hardness in both 1 minute and 11/2 minute groups. On increasing time duration from 1 minute to 11/2 minute intergroup comparison revealed that significant correlation exist in mean plaque score reduction in subjects using medium bristle brush, soft bristle brush, ultra-soft bristle brush. However, no significant reduction in plaque score was observed on increasing duration from 1 minute to 11/2 minute in subjects using hard bristle brush. Conclusion: Manual toothbrushes with hard bristles better remove plaque, but may also cause more soft tissue trauma compared to brushes with softer bristles.
Respiratory symptoms and their determinants among adult women in an urban slum area of Delhi
Authors: Arora Shweta , Rasania Sanjeev Kumar , Bachani Damodar , Gandhi Asha , Chhabra Sunil K
Published: June 2022

Background: Globally, respiratory disorders accounted for 7.4% deaths, out of total deaths during the year 2015. Aim & Objective: - To estimate the magnitude of respiratory symptoms and their determinants in adult women of 18-59 years. Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 500 women of 18-59 years in an urban slum of Delhi. Assessment of respiratory symptoms was done using questionnaire and observations on environmental conditions. Results: Overall prevalence of major respiratory symptoms was 24.8% in the study population. Dyspnea, chronic cough, chronic phlegm, wheeze was observed in 14.2%, 5.6%, 2.4% and 2.6% respectively.
Life Time Risk of Maternal Death in districts of Maharashtra State, India: Mathematical Estimation Using Proxy Indicators
Authors: Doke Prakash Prabhakarrao
Published: June 2022

Background: Maternal Mortality Ratio, Maternal Mortality Rate, Life Time Risk of Maternal Death are used to describe maternal mortality. First is most commonly quoted indicator. The Life Time Risk is most comprehensive. Three simple methods of calculations of Life Time Risk are documented. The calculations require Maternal Mortality Ratio and Total Fertility Rate; Maternal Mortality Rate and Reproductive Age Group Span. Reliable district wise data of these indicators is unavailable. Aim & Objectives: To calculate district wise life time risk of maternal deaths. Material & Methods: The proportion of non-institutional deliveries was used as proxy for Maternal Mortality Ratio and the proportion of couples not using any family planning method was used as proxy for the Total Fertility Rate. The correlation and regression equation between estimated Life Time Risk using standard method and using proxies was calculated. District wise Life Time Risk for Maharashtra state was calculated using the regression equation. Results: Good correlation was observed using proxies (r=0.97) and regression equation was: y=0.09+1.71x. For Maharashtra state the estimated of Life Time Risk was found to be 0.14% which exactly matched the estimate using conventional method. Conclusion: Using proxies reliable estimates of Life Time Risk for districts can be calculated.
Incidence of Dogbite in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka: An Epidemiological assessment from 2009 to 2016
Authors: Rao Ramkrishna , Vittaldas Rajesh , Dsouza Jyoshma Preema
Published: June 2022

Background: Animal bites are the main cause of morbidity and death globally. Dog bite cases and rabies are under surveillance under Integrated Disease Surveillance Program in India. Efforts are taken to control dog population and prevent dog bites which are functioning effectively yet needs understanding of the burden of the problem and suitable measures to reduce the burden. Aims and Objective: To understand the incidence dog bite cases from 2009 to 2016 and suggest measures to control the problem. Methods: The cases of dog bite reported to Health facilities in the district were reported to District Surveillance Unit. These cases of dog bite from 2009 to 2016 were included and incidence analysis was done understand the Magnitude of dogbite cases in the District. Results: The article provides an overview of increasing incidence of dogbite cases in Dakshina Kannada from 2009 upto 2016. There is a need to increase effort to control dog population throughout the district and introduce cost-efficient vaccinations. Conclusion: Increasing number of dogs are posing a threat to the community. Majority of the dogs are not supervised, and several are left unvaccinated. The problem needs immediate attention and intersectoral coordination with public involvement
Managing effective reform for Community Medicine subject: Vision to actions
Authors: Kadri Amiruddin
Published: June 2022

Reforming Community Medicine discipline is the felt need amongst fraternities of Community Medicine but making effective change is the greatest challenge. It is uphill task and many big organizations failed in ushering the change without full thought to how to manage reform? With changing demand and role of the subject, Royal Colleges of Physicians of United Kingdom had tried to change Faculty of Public Health to Faculty of Community Medicine and then to Faculty of Public Health Medicine to manage the change but it failed (1). However, we need to learn from them and succeed in managing the change.
Is eating organic a healthy or safer option? Health claims for organic food consumption, food quality and safety – A systematic review
Authors: Ghai Sneha , Sharma Ashok , Dasgupta Pinaki
Published: June 2022

Universally, there has been an increased awareness about the harmful effects of chemical inputs used for production of food on soil composition, environment and human health. This has triggered the consumption level of organic food products. India has witnessed a tremendous growth in domestic as well as export market. The demand is mainly driven by consumer perceptions that organic farming is more sustainable, produces healthy food, pesticide-free and safeguards the environment & biodiversity. Organic food producers also manifests the quality and safety of food. These claims which are perceived and professed as beneficial can only be accepted if they are tested and validated. Therefore, the foremost objective of this review paper is to provide an update on set of studies related to scientific evidence for nutritional composition marking the quality of organic foods vis-à-vis conventional foods and its impact on human health. Secondly, the paper examines the comparison of the sensory quality of the organic food, and thirdly the food safety aspect of organically as compared with conventionally grown foods. Past few controlled studies have proved that there is no such evidence of differences in concentration of various nutrients amongst organic and conventional foods. Furthermore, there are certain issues related to the impact and assessment of these nutrients in organic food which requires some future directives. Owing to the heterogeneity in results observed related to nutritional quality and safety of organic foods, technological aspects together with sensory parameters are the best for future comparative studies. To safeguard the public health and to avoid the difference in sampling and sample results, testing laboratories should also be adhering to uniform standards. Organic food business in India lack standard guidelines for quality, policy framework for domestic and export market. Also, traceability is another factor which should be given prime importance to ensure removal of fraudulent practices.
Psychological health and its associates - A comparative study among migrants and non migrants in a rural area of Northern India.
Authors: Langer Bhavna , Kumari Rashmi , Mahajan Remia , Gupta Rajiv Kumar , Singh Parveen , Choudhary Neha
Published: June 2022

Background: Migration, whether voluntary or forced, entails major adaptations. An elaborate insight into the circumstances helps to induce various interventions in migrants. Aims and Objectives: To elicit the psychological health, lifestyle variables, religiosity, spirituality and coping among migrants and compare it with non migrants in a rural locality. Material and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 404 adults aged 20 years and above. The General Health Questionnaire–12, Religiosity scale by Wilkes, The Daily Spiritual Experience Scale and COPE scale were used as psychometric tools for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS (ver. 20.0). Results: A sample of 137 migrants and 267 non migrants were analysed. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups for occupation and education (p=0.002 & 0.000 resp). The mean scores of the psychological health of migrants (10.58± 6.32) were slightly better than that of non migrants (11.49 ±5.69, p= 0.142). Spirituality scores showed migrants being more inclined towards spiritualism (p=0.016). Young age, religious and spiritual propensity showed a statistically significant correlation with better Psychological health (p=0.036, 0.000&0.013resp). Conclusion: Providing psychosocial assistance to migrant populations focussing on educational, occupational & religious-spiritual issues can reduce vulnerabilities especially for psychological health.
A Cross Sectional Study on Visual Health among Women aged 18-59 years residing in a Slum of Kolkata, West Bengal
Authors: Sembiah Sembagamuthu , Paul Bobby , Dasgupta Aparajita , Biswas Bijit , Ghosh Ayon , M Manjula
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Visual impairment has a silent chronic course which has a significant impact on the quality of life but is often a preventable community problem. Comprehensive assessment of ophthalmic outcomes should include not only the objective measurement but also the subjective perception of vision loss on vision function. Aim: To estimate the proportion of visual impairment and perceived visual functioning and also to find out the factors, if any associated with it, among women aged18-59 years in a slum of Kolkata. Methodology: It was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 153 women aged 18-59 years residing in a slum of Chetla, which is under the urban field practice area of All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health, Kolkata within 3 months of duration (Mar - May 2017). Results: In the present study, 49(32%) study subjects were visually impaired among which 3(2%) were blind. 42.4% of study subjects’ perceived poor visual function. Logistic regression showed aged 40 years and above, below and primary educational level, non-working, who had eye checkup and diabetic had higher odds of visual impairment and perceived poor visual function whereas after adjustment, diabetic status lost its significance. Conclusion: Eye care programmes in our country still have curative approach; it must shift towards preventive approach.
Expanding the role of Medical Colleges in RNTCP towards End TB strategy: Scope and Challenges
Authors: Purty Anil J , Anandan Velavan
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health problem and it has been the leading cause of death due to an infectious agent in the past five years. During the last decade, the global and national efforts have been focused on achieving the targets set by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Stop TB Strategy to reduce the burden of tuberculosis disease. In 2016, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework of goals, targets and indicators were adopted and in line with it End TB Strategy was unanimously endorsed by all WHO member states for the period of 2016 – 2035 (1). Based on these global efforts, India which accounts for about one quarter of world TB cases has formulated the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB elimination 2017-2025 to guide the activities of all stakeholders whose work is relevant to TB elimination in India.
Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk among adults
Authors: Hunain Reem , Reddy T Sravan Kumar , Hande H Manjunath , KN Shivashankar , Saravu Kavitha , Mallya Sneha Deepak
Published: June 2022

Background: Mortality and morbidity due cardiovascular diseases in India is on the rise. Metabolic Syndrome which is a collection of risk factors of metabolic origin, can greatly contribute to its rising burden. Aims & Objectives: The present study was conducted with the objective of estimating the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and 10-year cardiovascular risk among adults. Material & Methods: This hospital-based study included 260 adults aged 20-60 years. Metabolic Syndrome was defined using National Cholesterol Education Program –Adult Treatment Panel -3 criteria. The 10 year cardiovascular risk was estimated using Framingham risk scoring. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the study participants was 38.8%. Age (41-60yrs), male gender and daily consumption of high salt items were positively associated with metabolic syndrome whereas consumption of occasional high sugar items showed an inverse association with metabolic syndrome. According to Framingham Risk Scoring, 14.3% of the participants belonged to intermediate/high risk category. Conclusion: With a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and a considerable proportion of individuals with intermediate to high 10 yr CVD risk, there is a need to design strategies to prevent future cardiovascular events.
Prevalence and Correlates of overweight and obesity among school children in Guwahati city, Assam
Authors: Baruah Chetanjit
Published: June 2022

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Obese children are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis. Aim & Objective: To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity & its correlates among school children of Guwahati city. Materials and Method: School based cross sectional study was done among the students of 8th to 10th standard of Guwahati city, Assam. 465 school children were selected by multistage simple random sampling. Data was collected using a pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 5.4 % & 2.8 %.and it was significantly more among those who were Non-vegetarian, whose breakfast habit were irregular, don’t consume fruits, consume fast food daily, junk food daily, carbonated drinks daily, don’t play outdoor games and use vehicles as mode of transport to school. Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be more among students having modifiable risk factors.
Summary on Adverse Effects of Excess Iron
Authors: Thankachan Prashanth , Kurpad Anura
Published: June 2022

India has made rapid economic progress, however most of this growth has been an inequitable progress leading to less than appreciable to minuscule changes on several health and nutritional status indicators, particularly anemia. prevalence of anemia among young women, pregnant women and children has seen little improvement in the last decade, with a rather small decline between 2005-06 to 2015-16(nfhs-3, nfhs-4). The etiology of anemia is multifactorial and often when high prevalence of anemia is seen, the most likely causal factor is nutritional deficiency of iron. Iron-deficiency anemia is a serious public-health concern not only in India but across most developing countries. It results in increased maternal mortality, morbidity and decreased child survival and is estimated to cause 591,000 perinatal deaths and 115,000 maternal deaths globally (1).
Research Priorities in the field of Anaemia in India
Authors: Sinha Anju , Kulkarni Bharati , Mithra Prasanna , Mahajan Preetam , Upadhyay Ravi , Nair Sree kumar , Sharma R. S.
Published: June 2022

Anaemia is a health problem that caused most disability in India over a decade (2005-2016) according to the Global Burden of Disease study(1).  India has the maximum number of anaemic women and children in the world(2). As per the recent National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16), about 58% children (6-59 months), 53% women (15-49 y) and 23% men were suffering from various degrees of anaemia(3). Aanaemia affects the general health of the total population taking toll for high mortality as well as morbidity and attenuating the optimal expression of the potentials of both physical and mental capacity of our population. Improving nutritional status of the vulnerable sections of the population and reducing anaemia is of paramount importance for improving health and the human capital development in the country(4).
Double burden of malnutrition among mother-child DYADS in urban poor settings in India
Authors: Malik Richa , Puri Seema , Tulsi Adhikari
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Low-and middle-income countries are undergoing nutrition transition wherein presence of under and over-nutrition in the same household is increasing. Aims & Objectives: This study explored the coexistence of under and over-nutrition among mother-child dyads in an urban poor setting in India. Material & Methods: Data was collected from 225 dyads in urban poor settings of Delhi. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist-circumference, hip circumference in mothers and weight, height, MUAC in children) were taken from a random sample of mothers aged >18 years with children aged 3-5 years. Prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting and overweight/obesity were determined in children, while corresponding proportions of underweight and overweight/obesity were determined in mothers, based on BMI and waist circumference. Results: Of the 225 children, 19% were stunted, 12% were underweight, 4.8% were wasted, while 20% were overweight/obese. Among their mothers, 8.4% were underweight, 20% were overweight/obese and 23% had waist circumference > 88cm. A large proportion of overweight and obese mothers (33% and 30% respectively) had stunted, wasted or underweight children. Among the overweight/obese children, 12% had underweight, and 22% had overweight/obese parentage. Among, all dual burden households, the nutritional status of child correlates with that of mother. Conclusion: One-third mother-child dyads revealed the existence of double burden of malnutrition characterized by high prevalence of undernutrition, stunting and wasting in children, and overweight/obesity in mothers within the same household. It is crucial to understand the pathways to this coexistence, and to test effectiveness of context-specific interventions to curb associated future health risks
Compliance to medical advice among patients having non-communicable disease in Jamnagar, Gujarat
Authors: Bhagora Hiren D , Unadkat Sumit V. , Parmar Dipesh V
Published: June 2022

Background: The low compliance by patients with non-communicable diseases to treatment and medical advice is a major therapeutic challenge. WHO study estimates that only 50% of patients suffering from chronic diseases in developed countries follow treatment recommendations. Aims & Objective: To estimate compliance to medical advice among patients with non-communicable diseases and to find out association between various socio-demographic factors and compliance to medical advice. Materials & Methods: It was a community based cross sectional study. Total 450 subjects (225 each from Urban and rural areas of the district) were studied using pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Result: Medicines were taken as prescribed by 71.78% participants. Dose was missed on previous day and once in previous week by 26% and 35.78% participants respectively. Adherence to medical advice was found among 43.33% participants. Proportion of adherence was significantly low among participants more than 50 years of age (38.40%), among males (35.74%), among financially dependent (39.30%) and those having disease since 6years or more (36.92%). Conclusion: Large number of study subjects were found to be non-compliant to medical advice and also the compliance was lower in participants more than 50 years of age, among males and among those who were financially dependent. These risk groups may be targeted through counselling or health education sessions to increase compliance.
Developing Block Wise Composite Health Index in Yavatmal District, Maharashtra State, India: An Analysis of Available Data
Authors: Doke Prakash Prabhakarrao , Naravane Minal , Deshpande Aruna
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Numerous health indicators from different domains and comprehensive systems for describing health of community at state or district level are in vogue. Some sub-district information is also available from Health Management Information System but the numbers of indicators are many. Here composite health index of sub-district level is calculated similar to documented procedure. Objective: To develop block wise composite health index in an average district, Yavatmal district using available data. Methods: We grouped health indicators in following four categories; health outcomes, health system, other determinants and utilization of services. From these categories we selected four, three, two and one indicator respectively. Almost all the information is collected from already available data. There are 16 blocks in Yavatmal district. Block wise information of all indicators was first compiled. The block having best value was given 100 marks and remaining blocks were given proportionately less marks. The block wise total marks were calculated. The total score was converted into index by dividing by 1,000. Results: The composite health index ranged from 0.369 to 0.794. The median was 0.425 and interquartile range was 0.126. Out of ten, nine health indicators had normal distribution. We observed positive correlation between urbanization and composite health index. The Yavatmal block obtained highest composite index 0.794 and was an outlier. Principal component analysis extracted four components which contributed 82.06% to total variance. Conclusion: Using only ten indicators and simple method blocks composite health index can be developed which may be used to compare blocks or even districts.
Augmentation of Human Resources for Health (HRH): A Critical Step for Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India
Authors: Kumar Rajesh
Published: June 2022

In pursuance of the Bhore Committee (1946) recommendations, (1) India had established the norms for health human resources which have been revised several times since then. (2) After the launch of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005, further revision of the norms was done. A second Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) was provided at sub-health centres (SHCs), nurses were deployed in the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) which opted to conduct deliveries, and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) have been organised in most of the villages.(3) However, shortage of human resources for health (HRH), especially in govt. health institutions, still remains a major issue in India as well as in most developing countries. Hence, World Health Assembly has called upon nations to strengthen health workforce.(4)
Sexual Risk Behavior: A Perilous Journey By Unmarried Youth Of District Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Authors: Jain Rajnish , Semwal Jayanti , Vyas Shaili , Srivastava Malini
Published: June 2022

Background: Sexual health is an integral part of overall health and well-being and determination of sexuality of the youth is an important milestone in understanding their behavior, associated risks and outcomes. The declining age at puberty and increasing age at marriage has created a longer growing period in which youth may engage in sexual health risk behaviors. This research focuses attention on estimation and involvement of the most dynamic & valuable segment of a nation’s population towards sexual risk behaviors. Aims & objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence and determinants of sexual health risk behaviors amongst youth in District Dehradun. Material and methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 06 months in rural and urban area of District Dehradun. The study surveyed 1800 male youth aged 15-24 years using a self-administered questionnaire (YRBSS & Big five inventory). After collection, the data was entered using the SPSS software and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Out of 1800 participants, 19% were found to be at risk of sexual health risk behavior and reported having had sex. Out of these 342 at-risk, 43.5% accepted involving in sexual activity even before adulthood, 31% reported having multiple sexual partners and 21.1% accepted not using condoms. Place of residence and personality trait were found to be important determinants of sexual health risk behaviors. Conclusion: Our study documented the high prevalence of sexual risk behavior among male youth of rural and urban area of District Dehradun.
Geriatric depression among the retired elders in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Meenakshi J Raja
Published: June 2022

Background: Retirement makes an impact on the psychological health of elders. Geriatric depression is common among elders and it is a major public health challenge in India. Aims & Objectives: To assess the level of Geriatric depression and its relationship with socio demographic factors. Materials and Methods: 5 retired associations out of 36 associations located in Madurai district were selected by simple random sampling which has the total members of 1934.As the stratum varies in each association, 64 respondents are selected from each association irrespective of the number of samples by adopting stratified disproportionate sampling method on the basis of the Krejice and Morgan (1970) sample table. Socio demographic details were collected with questionnaire and Geriatric depression was assessed with Geriatric Depression rating scale. Results: 28.1 per cent have medium level and 9.1 per cent have high level of Geriatric depression. Female has high level of geriatric depression when compared to male. Conclusion: Socio demographic factors of retired elders have a major impact on Geriatric depression and it has to be dealt as public health issue.
Assessment of Knowledge and Practice to Control Nosocomial Infection, Among the Staff Nurses, Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Authors: Mohapatra Ashisbala , Sarangi Lisa
Published: June 2022

Background: A nosocomial infection is that which is acquired in a hospital or other health care agency upto 48 hours after hospital admission, upto 3 days after discharge, upto 30 days after an operation or was admitted to hospital for other reasons other than the infection. Nurses have the major role to prevent the hospital acquired infection. Appropriate knowledge and practice in preventing nosocomial infection is important in their in their day to day patient care. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice to control nosocomial infection & also to find out the association between knowledge and practice to control nosocomial infection with the selected demographic variables. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in different wards of Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, BBSR. The sample size was 122 and the universal sampling technique was used. After obtaining written informed consent from the study participants, data was collected using two standardized tool. Knowledge was assessed by a scoring key and practice was assessed by likert scale. The association of knowledge and practice with demographic variables was analysed using chi square test. Results: 89.4% of staff nurses were females, 39.3% were in the age group of 31-40 years. and majority (51.6%) were GNM. There was no significant association (p<0.05) found, neither with knowledge nor with practice, with different demographic variables.
Evaluation of Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) -- ‘SABLA’ in Indore District of Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Banseria Ruchita Babulal , Saroshe Satish Suresh , Dixit Sanjay Pushpkumar
Published: June 2022

Background: Recognizing the problems of adolescent girls central government of India launched Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls-SABLA in October 2010 for the empowerment of adolescent girls. Aim & Objective: To evaluate for the bottlenecks in the implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls-SABLA (RGSEAG-SABLA) programme. Material & Methods: A Cross-sectional study done for a period of 12 months using Multi-stage random sampling method. 15 ICDS projects 40 AWCs were randomly selected. Semi structured open-ended questionnaires was used as a study tool to interview health care providers. Observation checklist used for assessment of functioning of scheme at Anganwadi centres. Appropriate statistical test was applied using Epidata software. Results: Most of the girls (90.5%) of district were taking supplementary nutrition provided by the anganwadis. Girls with BMI>18.5 was 45 % in urban area & 42.1% in rural area. Statistically significant difference (0.04) found between rural and urban AWCs with regards to availability of space. Conclusion: The SABLA scheme is based on concept of human resource development which will be helpful in promoting the women empowerment in India.
“Dear Peers! Are You “Free to Learn” For Your Kin?”
Authors: Gupta Deepak
Published: June 2022

I have stories to tell. More than a decade ago and ironically almost a decade after my graduation from medical school, I trained and got certified in basic life support (BLS) skills because I did NOT want to fail my family, my friends and my patients as I had desired to NOT fail my conscience as a physician. I will tell you this that you will never regret honing BLS skills whenever you will see the smiles on the faces of revived and you will never forget when not forgiven – by else and/or by self – for your reluctance in knowing what’s expected from you especially as a physician. Even though my natural desire to hone BLS skills was born in the times when it was NOT mandated, my free will to care for my family, my friends and my patients had always brought me back to BLS training centers for revisiting my skills again and again, years after years. Essentially, I have recognized Brain-Heart-Lungs as the Trinity of Life and hereafter I plead to all my peers irrespective of which stage of career they are in: “Please hone your BLS skills, at least be a Heartsaver®, for your kin so that when your kin, your beloved, needs your help, you don’t delay providing help compared to leaving “To go find one”
Use of mobile phones and television for essential obstetric care among women availing maternal and child health services at a rural maternity hospital in South Karnataka
Authors: Arasu Sakthi , Jain Ashmika , Lakra Sunita , Sophia Antony , Johnson Avita Rose
Published: June 2022

Background: To improve on Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Rates, newer technologies need to be explored to achieve Sustainable Development Goals of 2030. Objectives: To assess the use of mobile phones for essential obstetric care and associated factors among women availing obstetric services at a rural maternity hospital in South Karnataka. Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was done among the women availing obstetric services in Snehalaya Hospital, Solur in Ramnagara District. Results: There were 236 women included in the study, with a mean age 23.3 (3.22) and 11.78 (2.87) mean years of completed education. 99.15% had mobile phones but only 65% among them had their own phone. None of the women received text messages from MCTS (Government MCH Texts). Of the 53.4% women who had smartphone at home, only 42.4% used the smartphone to search for general health information and none of them used their mobile phone to access essential obstetric care. 48.2% watched health related advertisements and promotions on TV. Antenatal care was adequate among the women, but birth preparedness was found to be poor. Conclusion: The rural women in this study had poor utilization of mobile phones in obstetric care despite the presence of smartphones at home.
Assessment of depression and its correlates among college students in Rishikesh Uttarakhand
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Natarajan Kavitha , B Yogesh , Chandra Rishita
Published: June 2022

Background: Depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Objective: To assess the levels of depression and its correlate among college students in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Methodology: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from February 2018 to April 2018 among 126 students of a Government PG College Rishikesh belonging to age 18 -26 years. A pre-validated semi- structured pretested Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was applied for this purpose. Results: Mean age of the participants was 22.84±1.5 years. Overall prevalence of depression among study population was 74.60% among them 4% were severely depressed. 58% of females and 40% males had suicidal ideations. Majority of participants were stressed with the undue peer pressure followed by career pressure. Physical activity for atleast 30 minutes a day for 5 days in a week was found to be significantly (p<0.02, odds ratio 0.20 (0.06-0.7 at 95%CI) beneficial for depression. Conclusion: Depression is prevalent among college going population. Peer pressure, academic stress, career pressure, financial stress in home, undue parental expectations on students are associated with depression among college going students.
Perception regarding child gender preferences among mothers in Dakshina Kannada district: A mixed methods study
Authors: Sathyanath Shreyaswi , Rashmi Anusha , Narasimha Harshitha Hanglur , Kundapur Rashmi , Rai Santhosh , Prabhu Sudhir
Published: June 2022

Background: A reflection on the census 2011 data tells us that gender preference has only been on the rise these past years. Objective: To assess perception regarding gender preference among mothers in Dakshina Kannada district. Materials & Methods: 2 tertiary care centres attached with medical college were selected in Dakshina Kannada district. Quantitative variables were collected using a questionnaire and qualitative component was done through focused group discussion. Results: Child preference was seen among 32.2% of the subjects. Preference for Male child if the first child was a girl was significantly associated with lower education and low income (p<0.05). Conclusion: Son preference is still existent in the society but not universally. It is more so when the first born is a female child.
Knowledge, source and practice of spacing methods of contraception among eligible women of Varanasi slums
Authors: Singh Payal , Mishra` Akash , Mishra Ravindra Nath
Published: June 2022

Background: Still many Indian states observe low spaced births and high fertility above replacement level; mostly contributed by disadvantaged society. Factors influencing are entrenched in ignorance, male child desire and traditional culture to some extent.  

 

Aim and Objectives: To determine knowledge and practice of spacing methods of contraception and the associated socio-demographic variables.

 

Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study

Methods and Material: A community based cross-sectional study; conducted among 590 eligible couples of slum community of Varanasi selected following two stage stratified random sampling. First stage stratification was based on slum size and second stage was caste class group size. .

Statistical analysis used: Knowledge and practice were described in percent and the associated factors were identified by logistic regression. Statistical significance was judged at ? = 0.05.

Results: Overall knowledge of any spacing methods was in only 61.2% women and practice ever in married life was 44.4%, even those who knew the methods ever practice was only 66.2%. Knowledge gained was mostly through husband for condom, health professional for Cu-T and oral pills. In recent years (last 7 years), overall practice of spacing methods was only 30%. Contraception practice was association survival of child (lesser, if child surviving), number of births (higher, if more living born), religion (lesser, if Muslim), type of house (lesser, if living in hut/kachcha houses) and wife educational attainment (lesser, if low education level)

                                                                                      

Conclusion: Eligible couples of slum community need knowledge of contraception as well as motivation to practice spacing methods to reduce higher level of fertility.

 

Keywords: Contraception, spacing methods, fertility
Systematic Evaluation of Published Research Studies Conducted Among Medical Undergraduate Students on Learning Environment in Medical Colleges of India Using the DREEM Inventory Tool
Authors: Sachdeva Sandeep , Dwivedi Nidhi , Taneja Neha
Published: June 2022

Objective: To evaluate original studies conducted among medical undergraduate students to assess education and learning environment in India using DREEM (Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure) tool. Material & Methods: The online search engine PUBMED and Google scholar were utilized to short list original published research studies on learning environment. The eligibility criteria included: study conducted in India upon medical students using DREEM tool; information on sample size, total, and sub-domain DREEM score available. Fourteen original research publications with a total sample size of 4215 medical students were considered. Results: Total DREEM score (range, 0-200) was 119.5 that indicated that there was more positive education environment in selected medical colleges of country. The average score of different sub domains of DREEM also supported the positive environment. Sub-domain DREEM mean scores derived through this analysis was SPL-28.7 (range, 0-48); SPA-28.4 (range, 0-48); SPT-25.8 (range, 0-44); SASP-20.2 (range, 0-32); and SSSP-16.4 (range, 0-28). The scores of all the studies were in the similar range except two. Mean score of most (80%) of the items (40/50) lied between 2 and 3 (range, 0-4) indicating that these areas were ‘neither strong nor weak’ but could be ‘enhanced’. Some aspect of the learning and education environment with average score of less than 2 include inherent challenges of the extensive medical course; the teaching over-emphasizes factual learning (item-25); students are able to memorize all the matter (item-27); and rarely feel bored (item-14) require attention. However, issues like teaching is too teacher centered (item-48); the teachers are authoritarian (item-9); and the teachers get angry in class (item-39) requires sensitization and introspection by the esteem faculty members. Conclusion: Overall students perceived progressive and positive developmental milieu in the learning environment in the selected medical colleges of India.
Quality of Life among Disabled Persons- A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Area of Dehradun District
Authors: Chaudhary Shilpee , Srivastava Ashok Kumar , Vyas Shaili , Sharma Neha
Published: June 2022

Background: Quality of life is a multidimensional concept. Disability has a shattering effect on the quality of life with a predominantly negative effect on “marriage, educational attainment, employment and emotional state” as it jeopardizes personal, family and social life. Assessment of “quality of life” (QOL) in disabled is essential measure to bring “disabled” to core stream of civilization. Aims & Objectives: To assess the “Quality of Life” among disabled and to determine the “association between socio-demographic” factors with the quality of life. Materials & Methods: A “community based Cross-Sectional study” was conducted in rural area of Dehradun district. Multistage random sampling technique was used to enrol 2600 people in age group of 5- 59 years for the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic information while WHO-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the QOL. Results: 61(2.3%) people were found to be disabled. Among those disabled individuals 52.5% were males and 47.5 % were females. In Psychological and Environmental domain, (65.6% & 55.7%) of the study participants respectively were partially satisfied, while 60.7% of the disabled persons were dissatisfied in social domain. However, 68.9 % disabled were satisfied in physical domain. Religion was found to be strong determinant for physical, psychological and environmental domain of QOL (p-value= 0.001, 0.032 and 0.047 respectively). Socio-economic status was also found to be significantly associated with psychological domain (p-value=0.000). Conclusion: Very few individuals were found to be disabled in the present study, but religion was strongly affecting the satisfaction level among disabled. Thus, religious issues should be addressed to improve quality of life among disabled persons and there should be a holistic approach for managing disabled person.