bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IJCM_153A: Assessment of cancer awareness and health-seeking behavior among residents of Arang block, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Authors: Markam Geetika , Verma Nirmal , Gupta Shubhra A. , Jaiswal Prashant 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Cancer is one of the major NCDs and is emerging as a major health problem globally with over 10 million new cases and more than 6 million deaths (12% of all deaths) every year. Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in India. There is need to document public awareness about the early warning signs of cancer, its risk factors and health seeking behavior in Arang block of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh.

Objective:
To find out the status of cancer awareness and health-seeking behavior among residents of Arang block, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Methodology:
A cross sectional study was conducted among residents of Arang block of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh during August-October 2023. The study sample size was 288. Face-to-face interview was done through a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered into the Microsoft excel spread sheet and analysis is being done by using statistical software.

Results:
This study showed that nearly 114(40%) in the age group of 21-30 years and majority of the participants belong to low SES 198(68%), awareness of warning signs was low, where pain (43%), swelling or lump (41%), and weight loss (37%) were the most recognized symptoms. The most commonly reported barriers were the following: being too scared (65.6%), worrying about the other things (60.76%) and too busy to go for the treatment (55.9%).

Conclusion:
The study has identified low levels of awareness of cancer warning signs, a wide range of barriers to attendance and a high level of anticipated delay in seeking help for possible cancer symptoms.
IJCM_155A: Socio-demographic profile of patients with Dermatophytoses in tertiary care hospitals in Coastal South India
Authors: Joshi Anadhi , Mithra Prasanna , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Rekha T , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh , Nayak Kashinath , Mudaliyar Kavya V , Tripathi Kriti S , Kondeti Kritin , Dhakshinamoorthy Srinath 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Dermatophytoses or Dermatophytic infections are diseases characterized by the infection of keratinized tissues. This study was done to study the epidemiological profile and factors associated with Dermatophytosis and the awareness towards the same among patients with such infections.

Methodology:
This cross-sectional study was carried out in the tertiary hospitals affiliated with Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data, which was entered and analysed using SPSS version 25. The results were expressed as proportions. To compare the groups, the Chi-square test was used and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Out of the total 118 patients who were included in the study, 57% (n=67) were males. The mean age of the participants was 33.93 years (S.D-12.76). According to our study, among the 118 participants studied, 31% (n=37) of the infected cases belonged to the low-income group (Upper lower), and 63% (n=74) of infected cases belonged to the middle-income group. The study population attributed the occurrence of dermatophytosis to poor skin hygiene (24.5%) followed by occupational exposure (20.1%). A higher proportion, 73% of the patients have increased exposure to water, soil/organic matter, or both. Overall, 90.6% (n=107) were unaware of the complications of the disease and 83.9% (n=99) patients didn’t know of the safety practices followed to prevent it.

Conclusion:
The occurrence of dermatophytosis is the highest among middle and lower socioeconomic strata people. Poor hygiene, contact with patients and reduced immunity are important risk factors for the disease.
IJCM_156A: A Cross-sectional study on the Prevalence of Risk Factors of Breast Cancer and Awareness of Breast Cancer Screening in Women of age group 30 to 70 years in Karamadai Block of Coimbatore Health Unit District
Authors: Divya V , Maheshwari Uma R , Damodaran V 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Breast cancer, the most common malignancy among women globally, recorded over 2.26 million new cases and almost 685,000 deaths in the same year. Evidence indicates breast cancer risk links to both modifiable and non-modifiable lifestyle factors. Promoting education and access to screening programs is crucial for early detection and intervention in breast cancer. This approach ultimately enhances the effectiveness of prevention efforts and reduces complications and mortality of breast cancer.

Objective:
To estimate the prevalence of risk factors of breast cancer and to assess the awareness of breast cancer screening in women of age group 30-70 years in Karamadai Block of Coimbatore Health Unit District.

Methodology:
A cross sectional study was conducted among 150 women in Coimbatore using a semi-structured questionnaire and statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21 version.

Results:
Out of 150 participants, the mean age of subjects was 50 Â± 11 years, with 98% being married women. The prevalence of modifiable and non- modifiable risk factors of breast cancer were found to be 61% and 9% respectively. 54% were aware of government facility-based breast cancer screening. But only 25% had undergone screening for breast cancer. Individuals who underwent breast cancer screening in the last one year found to be aware of breast cancer screening compared to those who did not. (OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.02-3.18).

Conclusion:
Awareness and screening for breast cancer are low among the study participants. Women =30 years of age attending all outpatient departments in any health facility should be educated regarding the importance of screening of breast cancer.
IJCM_157A: Knowledge, attitude and disposal practices of unused and expired medicines among general public in Kundrathur primary health centre area of Madras Medical College.
Authors: Jayabharathi P.C , Sudharshini S 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Unfortunately, not all medications that go in to the hand of the consumers get consumed; large quantities remain unused or expire which is a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Although the National Formulary of India, specifies guidelines for the proper disposal of medicines, yet most of the people are not aware of these guidelines and the importance to follow them. Even though there are many studies exploring the fate of unused and expired drugs, most of them are conducted in healthcare setups like hospitals. There is a need to explore the awareness of disposal practices among General Public.

Objective:
1) To assess the knowledge, attitude and disposal practices of unused and expired medicines. 2) To assess perception regarding measures to be taken to improve awareness for disposal practices of unused and expired medicines.

Methodology:
Community based Cross-sectional study conducted among 230 participants in Kundrathur Primary Health Centre area. Systematic random sampling method was used to select individual household. Data collected through face-face interview using Prevalidated structured questionnaire, entered in Epicollect5 and analyzed in SPSS software.

Results:
A total of 232individuals participated in the study, of which 180(78%) were female,182(80%) were literate, and the participant’s mean age was 42.7±17. It was observed that 43%,91% and 13%of the participants exhibited good knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice. The majority of individuals (78% & 89%) preferred to dispose of unused and expired medicines in the household trash. Most participants said that mass media, including radio, television, and newspapers, might raise awareness.

Conclusion:
This study shows that public awareness and behaviour about the proper disposal of unused and expired drugs need to be improved. The implementation of drug take-back initiatives will enable people to securely return any unused or expired medicines.
IJCM_16A: Calcium supplementation in pregnancy: adherence, determinants and barriers
Authors: Valli Krithika R , Maheswari Uma R 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Calcium intake of 1gram/day in pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-ecclampsia and preterm birth. Universal free calcium supplementation program was started throughout India at considerable cost to the government. Although coverage is high, this program is only effective if there is good adherence among mothers, and this is unknown.

Objectives:
1. To estimate the prevalence of adherence to calcium tablets among mothers attending antenatal clinic at Kundrathur PHC. 2. To identify the determinants and barriers to Calcium tablet adherence.

Methodology:
A cross sectional mixed methods study was conducted among mothers attending antenatal clinic at Kundrathur PHC during November 2023. Mothers with >20 weeks gestation were recruited consecutively. They were interviewed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Barriers to adherence was elicited by freelisting and analysed with Visual Anthropac.

Results:
89 mothers completed the study. The participants had a mean age of 25.29+4.275 years. Majority of mothers were literate, and primi gravida (57.3%). Mean MMAS score was 4.98+1.79(95% CI 4.61, 5.36) out of maximum possible 8. Adherence was low among 69.7%, medium in 23.6% and high in only 6.7%. Only 3.4% mothers were aware of the role of calcium in hypertension. There was a significant association between adherence and level of education (X2 37.422, df 8, p<0.001) and having a support person (OR 11.5 95%CI 2.568, 51.502). Major barriers identified were forgetfulness (S 0.462), big tablets (S 0.205), difficulty in swallowing (S 0.130), timing (S.077), and vomiting (S 0.077).

Conclusion:
Adherence to Calcium supplementation is low among mothers. Educating mothers regarding importance and role of calcium may ensure better results of the program. Forgetfulness is the major barrier, and having a designated support partner in pregnancy, who helps in reminding and giving supplements, can help improve the adherence.
IJCM_163A: A qualitative analysis of awareness regarding type-2 diabetes mellitus among diabetic patients in selected field practice areas of a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru
Authors: Kumar Meera P , Rashmi Anusha , Ummer Farzana 
Published: April 2024

Background:
The prevalence of diabetes is high and growing worldwide, especially in developing countries like India. Over 25 million Indians are prediabetics while an estimated 77 million Indians over the age of 18 have the illness. More than half of the population will have health issues if diabetes is not detected and treated right away. Diabetes awareness, assessment, and practice on an individual basis are essential for early identification and efficient care.

Objective:
To assess the knowledge regarding diabetes among type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients in the field practice areas of a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru and to explore their socio-demographic characteristics.

Methodology:
This is a facility-based, cross-sectional study among a minimum of 40 Type-2 Diabetes mellitus patients from the field practice areas of a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru. Systematic qualitative method of free listing and pile sorting using interview guide is employed to assess the knowledge while a questionnaire is used to assess socio-demographic profile. Free listing analysis of transcribed data is done using Smith’s S or Salience Index while descriptive statistics is used to calculate the mean, standard deviation and the frequencies.

Results:
In this study, we found out that the majority of participants think the general reasons leading on to diagnosis of Diabetes mellitus are either tiredness/body ache or by blood/ doctor check-up and the reason for being diagnosed were mostly perceived to be unknown or due to tension or consumption of sugar/cool drinks. Significant proportion of participants were observed to show adherence to frequent follow-up of monthly once.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, though the considerable portion of Type-2 Diabetes mellitus patients adhere to regular follow-up, the knowledge regarding the reasons leading on to the diagnosis or perceived reason for being diagnosed is still lacking. Prompt initiatives are therefore needed to promote awareness towards diabetes among patients.
IJCM_167A: A cross sectional study on the preparedness and mitigation strategies for the second wave of COVID-19 among health science students in Mangalore
Authors: Rekha T , Noushad Alen Mohammad , Saini Shivam , Gupta Kushal , Parmar Sarthak , Senapati Anshuman , Mishra Barnana , Rai Shivi , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Mithra Prasanna , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh 
Published: April 2024

Background:
The second wave of COVID-19 severely affected the healthcare workforce, including doctors, nurses, public servants, and medical students, even though the system was better prepared than the first wave.

Objectives:
To assess the preparedness and preventive measures of the health science students towards the second wave of COVID-19.

Methodology:
The study has been carried out in Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Mangalore, after getting approval from the institutional ethics committee (IEC) and concerned deans of institutions. The responses to the questionnaires have been taken in for analysis which constitutes three parts. The chi-square test was applied to compare the variables between medical and other health sciences students considering the significant P value less than 0.05.

Results:
The overall readiness regarding the surge in COVID-19 cases in India among our study participants was 99.3% which was highest among AHS students. Many of the students in the study showed passion and were prepared to assist health professionals at Health and Triage centres, with the highest distribution in AHS (97.2%), BDS (87%), and MBBS (85.8%). They believed that adequate protective gear and infection testing were needed for an effective return to the clinical setting.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, the health science student population in the study settings possesses sufficient resources and knowledge to combat the second wave of COVID-19. However, a certain shortcoming remains in the form of laxity toward preventive measures and social exclusion.
IJCM_168A: Cardiovascular disorder risk among the police personnel in Ernakulam District, Kerala, India
Authors: Shaji Shibin M , Aswathy S 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Appropriate assessment and management of cardiovascular risk is vital in reducing the occurrence of fatal and non fatal cardiovascular events like stroke or myocardial infarction in high risk occupational group such as Police personnel. Several studies have reported high prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as hypertension, high blood lipids, physical inactivity, obesity, positive family history etc among police personnel

Objective:
To estimate the 10-year risk of cardiovascular events (fatal or non-fatal) among police personnel in Ernakulam City, Kerala, India

Methodology:
A cross sectional study was carried out among police personnel in various police stations of the district. All the police stations in the district were listed and selected randomly using the MS Excel random number generator. After getting prior permission from the concerned authorities in the Police department, Police personnel above the age of 40 years in Ernakulam city were screened for CVD risk using the WHO – non-laboratory-based CVD risk chart. Data was entered into Microsoft Office Excel and analysed using Jamovi version 2.3.28

Results:
Out of 246 participants studied, the mean age was 48.4 + 3.97. Less than half of the participants (44.3%) were Civil Police Officers (CPO) or Senior Civil Police Officer (SCPO). About a third of the participants (32.1%) were having CVD risk in yellow category (5-<10%), 3.3% in orange category (10-<20%) and majority (64.6%) in green category (<5%). On multivariate analysis, age>50 years (OR – 3.36[1.73,6.5]) and duration of service>20 years (OR – 4.9[2.35,10.23] were the independent determinants of higher CVD risk (yellow and orange category)

Conclusion:
About 35% of the participants belonged to higher risk category (yellow and orange) and duration of service>20 years, age>50 years were the independent determinants
IJCM_17A: Infant and young child feeding practices among Refugees in Gangavalli block of Salem district: cross-sectional study.
Authors: Soundaryalaxmi K , Priya Kumar Caroline 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Refugees often face worse health outcomes due to barriers including language, cultural differences, inaccessibility to health care services. World Health Organization works around the globe to secure the health of refugees & migrants and to achieve universal health coverage through implementation of “Health and Migration Programme” (2020). Children are more vulnerable & easily prone to malnutrition in refugee & migrant population. Infant and Young child feeding practice is a key area to improve child survival and promote healthy growth.

Objectives:
1. To estimate the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding of refugee children under two years of age. 2. To determine the factors influencing the feeding practices of children under 2 years among refugee children.

Methodology:
A Cross-sectional study was conducted among 97 refugee children under two years of age in Gangavalli block of Salem district over period of 1month (September 2023). Data collection was done using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire and statistical analysis done-IBM SPSS Version 21.

Results:
Early initiation of breastfeeding (within 1 hour of birth) was done in 53.6% children (52 out of 97). Only 26.8% children received Exclusive breastfeeding for more than 5 months of age. 64.9% children initiated on complementary feeding around 6-8 months of age. 76.3% children received semi-solid foods/soft foods during weaning. Only 5% children have Minimum Diet Diversity.

Conclusion:
The low rates of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for over 5 months of age highlight a concerning trend. Additionally, the delayed initiation of complementary feeding with minimal diet diversity in majority of children suggests a critical need for targeted interventions to improve and promote appropriate infant and young child feeding practices within this vulnerable population.
IJCM_173A: A Cross-Sectional study to determine the role of social media influencers and online food delivery platforms as a risk factor for obesity among adults in Rural Perambalur
Authors: Christopher Bristly R , Abishek J 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Around 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. The Time spend on social media and other online platforms has remarkably increased and also the prevalence of Noncommunicable disease. The Food related decisions influenced by social media has detrimental effects on the health.

Objectives:
1. To assess the role of social media influencers and online food delivery platforms on BMI among adults of Perambalur 2. To determine the association between social media influencers and online food delivery platforms with obesity

Methodology:
We conducted a cross-sectional study in 399 adults of Perambalur district from March 2023 – May 2023. Consent was obtained. A Semi-structured self-reported questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, second section consist of impact of social media influencers on food consumption and third section consist of questions related to food ordering and online food delivery app usage. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23.

Results:
There is a significant association between people who use food delivery apps in higher frequency and obesity. 53.3% of people who are obese have higher frequency of usage of food delivery apps. There is a significant association between usage of social media and obesity. 21.7% of people who are obese have higher usage of social media.

Conclusion:
The increasing usage of social media and online food delivery platforms has lead to easy access to foods and an increase in prevalence of obesity and other medical complications. So proper recommendations should be made to prevent the younger generations from such diseases.
IJCM_177A: A study of sleep quality and associated factors amongst type II diabetes mellitus patients in a rural hospital in Goa
Authors: Robin Ronald , Silva Vanita Pinto Da 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) often experience a reduced quality of life, primarily attributed to a multitude of clinical effects. Among these effects, sleep disturbances present a significant challenge, as individuals with type 2 DM frequently encounter difficulties in maintaining healthy sleep patterns due to physiological imbalances. However, there is limited published research on this issue in Goa prompting the initiation of this study.

Objectives:
1. To estimate the proportion of poor sleep quality among type II diabetes mellitus patients attending OPD of a rural hospital in Goa 2. To study the factors associated with poor sleep quality among type II diabetes mellitus patients attending OPD of a rural hospital in Goa

Methodology:
A Cross sectional study was conducted among type II diabetes mellitus patients attending OPD of a rural hospital in Goa. A semi structured questionnaire based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to collect data. At a prevalence of poor sleep quality among type II diabetes mellitus patients 12%,95%confidence interval,5% absolute error the sample size was 200.Systematic random sampling was employed and interviews were conducted for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software, with results presented as means, frequencies, percentages, and associations assessed through chi-square test.

Results:
In this study of 200 subjects, the majority were above 55 years old (63%) (p=0.04), and males made up 69.5%(p=0.03) of the population. About 35% had education up to the secondary level, and 54.5% were unemployed. A significant proportion of subjects were married (88.5%) (p=<.05). A significant proportion of subjects had diabetes (21.5%) (p=<0.001) for over 10 years. Half of the subjects (48%) were overweight, while 23% were obese.120 subjects (60%) had a PSQI score ≥5 i.e. they were poor sleepers while 80(40%) had a PSQI score < 5 i.e. they were good sleepers.

Conclusion:
In this study, a high proportion of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were found to have poor quality of sleep. Further, subjects with prolonged duration of diabetes mellitus and other comorbidities had poorer quality of sleep. Thus, its concluded that sleep quality is affected in patients with diabetes mellitus.