bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IJCM_21A: How do under-five children belonging to scheduled tribes compare with the non- tribal children: a secondary data analysis using the Comprehensive National Nutritional Survey (CNNS) 2016-18.
Authors: Pavithra H , Bhargava Madhavi , Dinachandra Konsam 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Scheduled tribes (ST) constitute 8.6% of India’s population. Disproportionate burden of undernutrition is found among these socially disadvantaged population. objectives: To compare the nutritional status of under-5 ST children with children belonging to other castes (non-tribal) using data from Comprehensive National Nutritional Survey (CNNS) 2016-18.

Methodology:
We selected relevant demographic and anthropometric variables from the CNNS dataset and dichotomized it into non-tribal and tribal. World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software was used to calculate the z-scores; weight-for-height (WHZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ). We estimated the proportion of wasting, underweight and stunting in these two sets of children. The mean z-scores between non-tribal and tribal children and that between girls and boys within these subsets were tested using student t-test.

Results:
Valid heights were available in 28,568 non-tribal and 7155 tribal children and the corresponding weights were available in 28144 and 6956 children respectively. The mean (SD) HAZ, an indicator of long-term nutrition, was -1.12 (1.58) in non-tribal children and -1.21 (1.71) in tribal children (p:<0.001) Prevalence of stunting in tribal children (31.6%; 95%CI: 30.6, 32.7) was higher than that in non-tribal (27.1%; 95%CI: 26.6, 27.6). Due to poor heights, wasting was less in tribal children (12.8%; 95%CI: 12, 13.6) compared to the non-tribal (14.5%; 95%CI: 14.1, 15). The non- tribal girls had better mean (SD) WHZ, -0.75 (1.3) and WAZ, -1.17 (1.26) than boys (p=0.01, 0.045 respectively). The heights between the boys and girls were comparable in the non-tribal subset whereas, it was better in tribal girls; mean HAZ being -1.15 (SD:1.69) in girls and -1.27, (SD:1.72) in boys (p<0.0029).

Conclusion:
The under-5 tribal children were significantly shorter than their non-tribal counterparts. Long term nutrition as depicted by heights was similar in boys and girls in non-tribal subset but tribal girls performed better than the boys.
IJCM_212A: Assessment of Effective Vaccine Management in Government Health Facilities of Jammu district
Authors: Chowdhary Nahida , Langer Bhavna , Gupta Rajiv K 
Published: April 2024

Background:
The success of immunization depends highly on the level of cold chain maintenance. For effective implementation and success of the Universal Immunisation Programme, proper maintenance of Cold Chain needs a great focus. In 2010, WHO and UNICEF launched the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) initiative. EVM is a tool which assesses immunization supply chain logistics management.

Objectives:
To evaluate the performance of Immunization supply chain in cold chain points of Government Health Facilities (HF) of Jammu district

Methodology:
A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jammu district of UT of J&K. The assessment was done during November 2021– October 2022 using WHO-UNICEF EVM assessment standalone questionnaire generated on EVM assessor app. Sample size and site selection were done using the WHO EVM site selection tool(v1.7-March 2014). A total of 31 HFs were assessed including Divisional Vaccine Store (SN)

Results:
None of the health facilities reached the WHO recommended overall score of >80%. The criterion scores showed that Facility infrastructure and equipment (E4) and waste management (E9) for District Vaccine Store (LD) was 83% & 86%. Vaccine management (E8) score for SN level & Government Hospital was 88% & 82%. Rest of the CCPs scored less than 80% for all the criteria(E2-E9). The scores of distribution of vaccines and dry goods (E7) were very low for Primary Health Centres (PHC) and Health & Wellness Centres (H&WC) i.e., 39% and 25%. The scores for all the categories(C1-C6) for various CCPs were below 80%. Management criteria scores for supportive supervision(M3) was 0% for all CCP except LD &PHC

Conclusion:
The overall performance of cold chain in Jammu district was below the recommended level. Supportive supervision, provision of safe disposal pits, power backup, micro plan, training of Cold Chain Handlers and provision of vaccine transportation facility can help in effective vaccine management
IJCM_215A: Awareness and practices related to the prevention of urinary tract infections among the women of reproductive age group
Authors: Mithra Prasanna , Aravind Vijay , Nayak Manasa , Khot Nikita , Silviera Annabelle , Prativadi Jeevitha , Adarsh R 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Urinary Tract Infection is one of the most common bacterial infections that affect women globally. UTI is limited to the lower urinary tract system in most women. Escherichia coli is the most common cause of uncomplicated UTIs. Pre-menopausal women are more susceptible to UTI due to behavioural risk factors. Most of the cases are preventable and assessing the awareness among the women about the risk factors and health behaviour modifications is an important step in this direction.

Methodology:
Cross sectional study was conducted in hospitals associated with Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. 188 Women of reproductive age group seeking inpatient, or outpatient healthcare was part of study population. The data was collected using the Interview Schedule which included their demographic details, socioeconomic status, awareness, attitude and practices towards UTI and its prevention. Collected data was entered in SPSS version 16.0 and analysed.

Results:
Of the total 188 participants in the study, 49.5% were housewives, while 20.7% were semi-skilled workers, 17.5% were professionals, and 12.2% were skilled workers. Of the 61 participants who answered 36% pointed out hygiene as a predisposition to UTI, 29% said they thought decreased water intake had a role to play, 16% thought diet could be a risk factor. 9% felt catheterization is also a cause, 8.9% thought body heat was a probable cause, while 11% said there were other causes involved. According to 96.28% of the participants increased uptake of water was a factor that would help prevent UTI. 1.06% of the women said that regular check-up could help prevent UTI but 48.94% did not see it as a preventive factor.

Conclusion:
Population on which the study was conducted does know what UTI is, while a few know of the risk factors and complications. It was also seen that the level of personal healthcare they maintain is satisfactory.
IJCM_218A: Association between school bag weight and trunk strength among children in Mangalore
Authors: Soy Elsa Maria , Rekha T , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Mithra Prasanna , Kumar Nithin , Joshua Abraham M , Mohamed Fida , Sahni Anjali , Venkatachalam Vedant , Arora Gaurav , Gannu Abhishek , Holla Ramesh 
Published: April 2024

Background:
School bags serve as a practical means for students to transport essential academic materials and personal items, including food. The significance of school bag weight has garnered increased attention in recent years due to its potential impact on the musculoskeletal health of school children. Excessive school bag weight has been identified as a significant contributor to various health issues, ranging from neck pain and shoulder discomfort to headaches, general fatigue, decreased muscle strength, and, notably, back injuries among children.

Methods:
The study involved 178 school children in Mangalore, ranging from 10-15 years, for a period of 23 days. School bag weights were measured using calibrated scales, and trunk strength was assessed using a hand held dynamometer. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square test, student’s ‘t’ test and Karl Pearson correlation test were employed to identify any significant relationships between these variables.

Results:
Preliminary findings revealed a positive correlation between school bag weight and trunk strength among the participants. Results indicated that a considerable proportion (83.1%) of students were burdened with an excessive load of bags. The evaluated muscular strength was discovered to be diminished in these individuals, and they experienced symptoms that were interconnected, highlighting the potential impact of school bag weight on the musculoskeletal health of children in Mangalore.

Conclusion:
These findings advocate measures to alleviate the burden on children’s musculoskeletal health. Further research and interventions are warranted to promote a balanced and healthy school environment for the well-being of the younger generation.
IJCM_221A: Assessment of Morbidity Patterns among Bus Drivers in Mangaluru
Authors: Ramesh Priyanka , Ranjan Roshan , SuvethaSri Sai , Menon Arundathi , Sophola Alister , Rekha T , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Mithra Prasanna , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Bus drivers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders manifested through tension, pain and decreased work capacity, due to the lack in postural variations and long working hours.

Objectives:
To study the pattern of morbidities among bus drivers and the factors responsible for the morbidities.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 100 bus drivers from Mangalore City were included. The sample size was calculated considering prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders as 70.7%, with 15% relative precision, and 95% confidence interval. Institutional Ethics Committee permission was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS for windows version 25.0, Armonk, New York, 25.0.

Results:
Among the 100 participants, 42 complained of one or more perceived musculoskeletal morbidity. The most common musculoskeletal problem was lower back pain (29) and knee pain (29), followed by upper back pain (13) and shoulder pain (9). Hip/thigh pain was the least common (1), followed by neck (3) and wrists/hands (3). Out of the 18 bus drivers with coughs, all of them complained of early morning cough. Clinical assessment revealed reduced visual acuity among 32 subjects, 87% of bus drivers were found to have pre-hypertension and 5% had stage 1 hypertension, 37 were obese and 34 were normal.

Conclusion:
Musculoskeletal morbidities were found to be the most common among bus drivers, followed by reduced visual acuity.
IJCM_223A: Assessment of the Tuberculosis Surveillance System in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh, India, 2023
Authors: Chouhan Zakariya , Singh Neeraj , Dzeyie Kevisetuo Anthony 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the leading global causes of death. In 2022, globally 10.6 million TB cases were estimated, 28% from India. Uttar Pradesh (UP) has TB incidence rate of 210 per 100,000 population. Amethi district has a population of 21 lakhs and 10 TB units. We assessed the TB surveillance system in Amethi for its attributes and to provide recommendations for improvement.

Objective:
To describe and evaluate tuberculosis surveillance system in Amethi (UP) Recommendation to strengthen TB surveillance system.

Methodology:
We evaluated the timeliness and completeness of surveillance data of Amethi from the January to June 2023 through the online Nikshay portal. We assessed the timeliness for treatment started within three days of diagnosis and flow of monthly reports at every level. We assessed the data quality by completeness of information of the enrolled patients. We interviewed the Frontline Health Workers (FLW) from each blocks as per their availability during the time of filed visit regarding the knowledge about TB, symptoms, modes of spread and treatment selected.

Results:
Nikshay portal data had 1500 patient entries for Amethi during Jan- June 2023. The median age of the patients was 37 (range:

Conclusion:
The Amethi TB surveillance has a good timeliness and completeness in initiating TB treatment to those diagnosed; however, requires improvement for health workers awareness and reporting in the blocks. We recommended district to conduct yearly capacity building of FLW and conduct monthly review.
IJCM_229A: A Community-based screening programme for oral, breast, and cervical cancer in the rural area of Dakshin Kannada
Authors: Saraswathy M V , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Rekha T , Kumar Nithin , Rao Mithun , Mithra Prasanna , Holla Ramesh 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Karnataka recorded 87304 new cancer cases in the year 2021. Breast, lip and oral cavity, cervix were the top cancer sites amongst all sexes and are preventable. Despite the nation-wide launch of Population-based screening (PBS) in 2016, the reported coverage of individuals who were screened for these three cancers in Dakshin Kannada was 0.4% (NFHS-5). The study introduces on-site screening for oral and breast cancer in the community.

Objectives:
To estimate the proportion of pre-cancerous lesions of oral, breast, and cervical cancer, through community-based screening in adults aged 18 to 65 years, in the catchment area of a medical college in Dakshina Kannada

Methodology:
This observational study was conducted among all persons aged 18 to 65years, residing in the rural catchment area of a medical college in Mangalore taluk of Dakshina Kannada and consenting for the study. Pregnant women and persons with prior diagnosis of oral, breast or cervical cancer were excluded. Two-stage cluster sampling was used to enrol an estimated sample of 1120 beneficiaries. The study comprised of house-to-house survey, cancer awareness sessions, and community-based screening. Screening tests included Oral visual examination, clinical breast examination, iBreast examination (iBE; electronic palpation by ibreast device), and Pap smear tests. Participants who screened positive were referred for diagnostic tests and management.

Results:
The study was completed with survey of 556 households, 3 cancer awareness sessions, and screening of 525 beneficiaries (325 females and 200 males) for oral, breast, and cervical cancer. Three participants screened positive for oral cancer, and one participant for breast cancer, who were referred for management to tertiary care hospital attached to the medical college. 25% of female participants underwent cervical cancer screening, with no one detected with pre-cancerous lesions.

Conclusion:
A combination of house-to-house and camp-based approaches along with awareness sessions results in improved coverage of PBS in the community.
IJCM_233A: Multicentric study to evaluate the effectiveness of AI based Thermal mammography compared with standard screening modalities in suspected breast cancer patients.
Authors: Prabhu Shruti Atul , Singh Uttara 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Machine learning in computer-assisted diagnostics improves sensitivity of image analysis and reduces time and effort for interpretation. Compared to standard mammograms, a thermal scan is easily scalable and is a safer screening tool. We evaluate the performance of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based thermographic screening tool) compared with other standard breast cancer screening modalities

Objectives:
To evaluate the effectiveness of AI based Thermal mammography compared with standard screening modalities in suspected breast cancer patients.

Methodology:
A prospective multicentre study was conducted to assess the non-inferiority of sensitivity of AI based Thermal mammography (Thermalytix) to that of standard modalities in detecting malignancy in subjects who show possible symptoms of suspected breast cancer. Standard screening modalities and Thermalytix were obtained and interpreted independently in a blinded fashion. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to identify the best cut-off point, non-inferiority margin of =10% to demonstrate the non-inferiority.

Results:
We recruited 314 symptomatic women who first underwent a thermal scan, followed by mammogram and/or ultrasound. At Youden’s Index of ROC curve, the test device had a sensitivity of 82.5% (95% CI 73.2 to 91.9) and specificity of 80.5% (95% CI 75.0 to 86.1) as compared with diagnostic mammogram, which had sensitivity of 92% (95% CI 80.7 to 97.8) and specificity of 45.9% (95% CI 34.3 to 57.9). The overall area under the curve (AUC) was 0.845.

Conclusion:
The high AUC in both women under 45 years and above 45 years shows the potential of Thermalytix to be a supplemental diagnostic modality for all ages
IJCM_235A: Extent and pattern of telemedicine usage and perceptions about telemedicine among health care practitioners across the state of Karnataka, A cross sectional study
Authors: Girish B , Gujala Madhavi , Dayananda M , Kumar Manoj H.V 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Telemedicine is a developing technology in the Indian healthcare sector. The success of any new technology depends on factors such as knowledge, perception, and willingness of users and professionals to engage it. Hence this study will be conducted to assess the perceptions and usage of telemedicine by healthcare professionals in Karnataka state of India.

Objectives:
a. To ascertain the extent of telemedicine usage by healthcare professionals in different parts of the state of Karnataka. b. To determine the different models of telemedicine used by healthcare professionals. c. To compare the utilization pattern of telemedicine across various demographic, academic, career and healthcare setting-related parameters of healthcare providers.

Methodology:
Methods: This study will be conducted using a cross-sectional survey design. The survey will be conducted among healthcare professionals in Karnataka, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Results:
In the present study overall usage f telemedicine was 30%. The utilization pattern of telemedicine various widely across various demographic, academic, career and healthcare setting-related parameters of healthcare providers. Different models of telemedicine were used by healthcare professionals in different parts of Karnataka. The utilization pattern of telemedicine is more in urban areas of state. Covid 19 pandemic has a great effect on usage of telemedicine by healthcare professionals.

Conclusion:
In the present study overall usage f telemedicine was 30%. The utilization pattern of telemedicine various widely across various demographic, academic, career and healthcare setting-related parameters of healthcare providers. Different models of telemedicine were used by healthcare professionals in different parts of Karnataka.
IJCM_238A: Level of awareness regarding antimicrobial resistance among residents in a hilly area of Uttarakhand: A cross sectional study
Authors: Chamoli Shefali , Rawat CMS , Goyal Neha 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to public health, it demands a comprehensive understanding and awareness among people. With overuse and misuse of antibiotics, there is increasing need to assess knowledge levels within community to formulate effective interventions. This study aims to detect this knowledge gap and contribute to the efforts in combating AMR.

Objectives:
1. To assess the level of awareness among residents of study area regarding antibiotics, their appropriate use and concept of AMR. 2. To pinpoint specific areas of misunderstanding or misinformation regarding AMR.

Methodology:
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among community members in hilly region of Uttarakhand in October and November 2023. Simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the respondents by home visits. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results:
Mean age of respondents is 33.35 Â±13.8 in years, 44.7% of the respondents believed that sometimes to save time, they can purchase antibiotics from pharmacist without asking a doctor. 37.8% respondents believe that they can share antibiotics with friends or relatives for similar symptoms. There is a clear pattern in terms of age, respondents between 18-34 years of age are more aware regarding AMR as compared to higher age groups.

Conclusion:
More than half of the respondents are unaware regarding antimicrobial resistance and the specific areas of misunderstanding among respondents are that length of antibiotic course and poor sanitation and hygiene determines development of AMR.
IJCM_240A: A cross sectional study to assess the health literacy among adults attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore.
Authors: Jayarajan Vishnu , Jadhav Jyothi , Ranganath TS 
Published: April 2024

Background:
WHO defines health literacy as cognitive and social skills that determine the motivation and ability of people to understand, gain access and use the information to obtain good health. Inadequate health literacy has been linked to increased hospital admissions, poorer physical and mental health, lower use of preventive health services like vaccinations and screening tests. These ultimately lead to higher healthcare costs. This study was conducted to assess health literacy among adults attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore.

Objectives:
To estimate proportion of inadequate health literacy and its associated factors among adults attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore.

Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult attendees (i.e., patients and companions) of outpatient clinics of a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore. Based on a study done by Almaleh. R et al. (P = 34.3%) with 7% absolute precision, the sample size was calculated as 200. A total of 200 adults attending outpatient clinics at the government tertiary care hospital were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire for sociodemographic factors and HLS-EU-Q16 (European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire short version) for assessing health literacy. The data collected was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS 21.0.

Results:
The proportion of inadequate health literacy among study participants was observed to be 38%. Factors like educational status, age, and gender were found to have an association with it. Health literacy was found to be least in lower-educated individuals.

Conclusion:
From the present study, it was found that a large part of adult population had limited health literacy. It should be addressed through proper interventions, like ensuring basic education and health awareness programmes.