bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study on Risk Factors of Bronchial Asthma Among Children Attending Pediatric Outpatient Department of B. S. Medical College, Bankura
Authors: Mukherjee Sourav , Mandal Nirmal Kumar 
Published: October 2022

Background: As a part of short-term research studentship program (STS) of Indian council of Medical Research, the study was conducted under Department of Community Medicine, B S Medical College, Bankura Objectives: To find out risk & triggering factors associated with the development of bronchial asthma in pediatric patients Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted at Pediatric out-patient department of B.S. Medical College and Hospital, Bankura, West Bengal on childhood bronchial asthma. Fifty children suffering from asthma were selected from asthma clinic and age and sex matched control in 1:2 ratio with cases were selected form within the children attending Pediatric OPD with diseases other than asthma. Results: Family history, passive smoking and factory near residence were found to be associated significantly with increased risk of asthma. Triggering factors like preceding infections, exercise, certain food items, cold, dust and smoke were found to induce an episode of asthma. Conclusion: Avoidance of tobacco smoke, dust, exposure to cold,and certain offending food items will be of great help to reduce the prevalence and severity of bronchial asthma for Pediatric population.
A Study on Complaince Pattern of Tuberculosis Patients Under DOTS in A District of West Bengal
Authors: Bisoi Sukamal , Chatterjee Dipankar , Haldar Dibakar , Dhar Gautam , Ray Samir Kumar , Sinha Abhik 
Published: October 2022

Background: DOTS is a comprehensive strategy for tuberculosis control based largely on Indian research and it now recognized worldwide. Still non-compliance to DOTS remains a major public health challenge. Aims: To know the compliance of DOTS therapy in tuberculosis patients in Howrah district of West Bengal and to find out the factors responsible for non-compliance. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine socio-demographic and treatment related risk factors in relation to non-compliance of patients under DOTS in Howrah district of West Bengal. Altogether 141 patients registered in 2nd quarter(1st April to 30th June2007) in Domjure TU were interviewed by home visit after their completion of intensive phase of treatment. Results: 63.8% patients were compliant with treatment. Non-compliance was significantly higher among 25-54 years age group(51.4%) and in male(46%) patients. Literate patients, patients of upper and lower middle socio-economic class and those were actually supervised during swallowing of drugs were found more compliant with the treatment. Conclusion: Proper supervision of DOT providers with adequate counseling of patients and their close relatives might help to treatment compliance.
Community Based Study on Reproductive Tract Infection in a District of West Bengal â€“ An Appraisal
Authors: Haldar Anima , Saha Tushar Kanti , Baur Baijayanti , Ray Samir Kumar , Chatterjee Sita 
Published: October 2022

Background:Reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases represent a major public health problem in developing countries. As reported from different community based studies conducted in India, the range of self reported morbidity vary from 39- 84%. Majority of the women bear the problems silently without seeking advice and treatment. Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of RTIs morbidity among married women and identify different socio-environmental factors associated with it. Materials & Methods: A Community Based Cross â€“ Sectional study was carried out in Howrah district of West Bengal during May 2009 to August 2009 to reveal the prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infection and its Social correlates. The respondents were 2000 currently married women (15-49yrs) selected by stratified multistage random sampling. House to house visit and data collection was done by faculty members of Community Medicine of different Medical colleges of W.B. using predesigned & pretested schedule. Result: The prevalence of RTI was 9.9% and was higher in 24-29 yrs age group. RTI was indirectly proportional to literacy status. Prevalence of RTI was significantly higher among those who did not use sanitary napkin or clean sundried domestic cloths. The occurrence of RTI was lower among those who used to practice barrier method of Contraception whereas it was higher among Cu-T users. Majority of symptomatic complained about vaginal discharge (44.7%). Conclusion: To prevent RTI morbidities, use of clean sundried domestic cloths, barrier method of contraception and awareness about small family norm are to be recommended through intervention in future.
Passive Euthanasia/ Physician Assisted Suicide-Whither Indian Judicial System?
Authors: Biswas Soumi , Mundle Malay 
Published: October 2022

Passive euthanasia has now been made legal in India.1 On 7 March 2011 the Supreme Court of India legalised passive euthanasia by means of the withdrawal of life support to patients in a permanent vegetative state. The decision was made as part of the verdict in a case involving Aruna Shanbaug, who has been in a vegetative state for 37 years at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Aruna had been a nurse working at the KEM Hospital in Mumbai on 27 November 1973 when she was strangled and sodomized by Sohanlal Walmiki, a sweeper. During the attack she was strangled with a chain, and the deprivation of oxygen had left her in a vegetative state ever since. She had been treated at KEM since the incident and was kept alive by feeding tube. On behalf of Aruna, her friend Pinki Virani, a social activist, filed a petition in the Supreme Court arguing that the "continued existence of Aruna is in violation of her right to live in dignity". The Supreme Court made its decision on 7 March 2011.
Clinical and Socio Demographic Profile of Arsenicosis Patients in West Bengal. An Observational Study
Authors: Mazumder D N Guha , Majumdar Kunal K , Ghosh Aloke , Ghosh Nilima , Saha Chandan , Nandy Ashoke 
Published: October 2022

Background: Various clinical features are reported in arsenicosis cases in different case and cross sectional studies. The current study examines the specificity of these features in arsenicosis cases compared to arsenic exposed and unexposed controls. Methods: A stratified multi-stage design was adopted for selection of participants in two districts of West Bengal. The three cohorts consisted of 108 arsenicosis cases and 100 each of arsenic exposed and unexposed controls. Socio demographic characteristics and clinical features were recorded in field study. Water samples taken by the participants and their urine and hair samples were estimated for arsenic. Results: Mean peak arsenic level in drinking water was 259.53 Â± 161.49 Î¼g/L and 259.53 Â± 161.49 Î¼g/L (p>0.05) among arsenicosis cases and arsenic exposed controls respectively while it was below detection limit in unexposed controls. There was no difference in arsenic level in urine and hair among the former group. Significantly higher number of arsenicosis cases was found among poor farmers and agricultural laborers. There was no difference in BMI and smoking habit among the three cohorts. Chronic lung Disease was present in 40.74% of arsenicosis cases compared to 8% exposed (p0.001) and 5% unexposed (p<0.001) controls. Peripheral neuritis was observed only in two arsenicosis cases. Further, significant number of these cases had weakness and hypertension compared to controls. Conclusion: Poor people are predominantly affected due to arsenicosis in West Bengal. Skin lesions and chronic lung disease are the major causes of morbidity in these people.
Assessment of Nutrition, Morbidity & Immunization Status of Children (24 to 59 months) attending a Rural Medical College Hospital of West Bengal
Authors: Basu Mausumi , Sarkar Tarun Kumar , Chaudhury Gagori , Barua Jayanta , Mandal Ranjana , Ghosh Debkumar , Das Palash 
Published: October 2022

Background: Nearly half of Indiaâ€™s children - 43% are underweight, 45% are stunted and 20% are wasted;26.3 million cases of ARI were reported in 2011 with an incidence rate of 2179 per lakh population; 10.6 million cases of diarrhoea with 1293 deaths were reported in 2011; fully immunized coverage in the age-group of 12-23 month old children was 61%.. This study was conducted to assess the morbidity profile, under nutrition and immunization status of 24 to 59 months old children in a medical college hospital of West Bengal. Methods: An Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 450 children of 24 â€“ 59 months, attended Paediatric Out Patient Department and Immunization Clinic of Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, from July to September 2013 using a predesigned pretested schedule. Results: the prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting was 42.44%, 20.22% and 51.78% respectively. Boys suffered more than girls in all three indicators. Acute Respiratory Infections (54.22%) and diarrhea (52.66%) were the common morbidities; 79.33% were fully immunized; 14.67% were partially immunized and 6% were unimmunized. Conclusion: The problem of under-nutrition, common morbidities and low immunization amongst pre-school children needs to be addressed through comprehensive preventive, promotive, curative and social measures.
Risk Factors Of Young Age Hypertension : A Case Control Study
Authors: Parvathy R S , Joy Nirma , Sorna P N , Nujum Zinia T 
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to assess the risk factors of primary hypertension in age group of 15 -40 years at Medical college hospital Trivandrum. METHODS: A Case control study was done to compare hypertensives and non hypertensives in the age group of 15-40 years. Cases were those attending the medicine OP department in the age group of 15 â€“ 40 years and having a BP of more than 140/90 mm of mercury on two successive readings. Those in this age group with BP < 140/90 mm of mercury were taken as controls. 50 cases and 100 controls were identified. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Factors associated with hypertension in this age group by bivariable analysis included family history (OR-3.63, p- 0.0002), current smoking habit(OR-4.92, p- 0.004), smokeless tobacco user (OR-5.3, p- 0.01), Current drinker (OR-3.8,p-0.002). After multivariable analysis using logistic regression, family history was found to be an independent risk factor for hypertension in the young. CONCLUSION: Early screening for detection of hypertension among young people with family history & appropriate management are important needs of the hour.
Critical Appraisal of Mass DEC Compliance in a District of West Bengal
Authors: Haldar Anima , Ray Samir Kumar , Jha Sankar Nath , Dasgupta Urmila , Roy Ramaprasad , Saha Tushar Kanti 
Published: October 2022

Background & Objectives: As a part of Revised Filaria control strategy, MDA programme was implemented in Murshidabad district from 29th - 31st December 2008. A cross sectional study was carried out to assess drug compliance after Mass Drug Administration of DEC and the factors responsible for poor compliance among the population of Murshidabad district of West Bengal during Jan 2009. Materials & methods: Total study unit were 120 families covering 3 villages and one municipality ward area (30 families from each area). Results: Out of 601 family members, 571 were eligible for Mass drug administration (6 pregnant women and < 2 years age groups (24) were excluded). Drug distribution rate was 91.8%.Overall drug compliance was 42.3%.Total number of defaulters was 330 (57.7%). Non compliance was highest (75.5%) in urban area. Defaulters were more among male than female. Factors responsible for defaulters were no motivation (24.7%), drugs not supplied (22.5%) ,absence at home (13.5%),no faith (10.1%), fear of side effects (10.1%) and others (Forgotten, lack of prior IEC etc), illness, wrong information were 7.8%, 7.3%, 3.9% respectively. Majority has no side effects, only dizziness (3.3%), headache (1.7%), vomiting and others (4.1%) were experienced by the people after consumption of drugs. On an average 40% families were aware about ELF & transmission of disease. Only 43.7% of community members were informed about MDA by Health Workers prior to the implementation of MDA programme.
WORLD POPULATION DAY 2015: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN INDIA
Authors: Misra Raghunath 
Published: October 2022

At the beginning of Christian era, nearly 2000 years ago, world population was estimated to be around 250 million and by the year 2014 that has been more than 7.2 billion. It is expected to reach 8 billion by 20251 China comes first in the list of the most populated country of the world, India comes at the second place and the United States of America gets the third place on World Population Day 2015.In the last 200 years the world population has increased sevenfold. Here's how that happened and what the results are, according to the United Nations Population Fund "This dramatic growth has been driven largely by increasing numbers of people surviving to reproductive age, and has been accompanied by major changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization and accelerating migration. These trends will have far-reaching implications for generations to come." UNFPA 2World Population Day: World Population Day is a special event being celebrated all over the world annually on 11th of July. It was exalted by the interest of the public when the global population became five billion on 11th of July in the year 1987and first started in the year 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme to increase the awareness of the people towards the worldwide population growth and related issues.
A Study on Menstrual Hygiene and Dysmenorrhea of Adolescent Girls in a Rural Population of West Bengal
Authors: Lalbiaknungi Linda , Roy Sima , Paul Avijit , Dukpa Rinchen 
Published: October 2022

Background: Learning about hygiene during menstruation is a vital aspect of health education for adolescent girls, as patterns that are developed in adolescence are likely to persist into adult life. Studies related to these aspects among the rural population are still scanty. With this in view this study was undertaken. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, its severity and practice of menstrual hygiene among the adolescent girls. Methods: A rural hospital based cross sectional study. 86 adolescent girls, attending the Adolescent Clinic during the study period, were included in the study and data was collected by interview method using a pre designed semi structured schedule. Analysis was done using MS Excel 2010 and Epi Info 7. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most of the girls were student (56.9%) and belonged to poor socio-economic group (69.7%) . 61.2% girls attained menarche at 14 years and 48.3% experienced dysmenorrhoea and the pain is mild in nature (40.4%). 61.6% were aware about menstruation before menarche and the informant were mothers (60.4%). 41.8% girls used sanitary pads and discarded (63.9%) thereafter. Conclusion: Health communication regarding menstruation and other issues of reproductive health is recommended.
BMI, Physical Activity and Diabetes- A Case Control Study in a Rural Area of Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu.
Authors: Venkatachalam J , Muthukumar T , Muthu Rajesh E , Singh Zile 
Published: October 2022

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between physical activity, BMI and diabetes mellitus in a study population. METHODS: A community based case control study to associate BMI, physical activity, and diabetes was conducted in the rural area of Chunampet, Cheyyurtaluk of Kancheepuram district in Tamilnadu, which is under PIMS field practicing area, Rural Health Training Centre under Department of Community Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, and Chunampet. Study participants: Adult population aged 35 - 50 years of age. Sample size: 150 cases and 150 controls. Definition of cases: Known diabetics and persons with FBS> 126 mg/dl or PPBS>200mg/dl. Definition of controls: Persons who are not a known a case of Diabetes and with FBS<126 and PPBS<200. Exclusion criteria: Critically ill person and Persons with other co morbidities. Questionnaire: A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Details regarding their duration of disease, physical activity are collected by house to house survey. Pulse, blood pressure, height in cms, weight in kgs is recorded. Revised BMI Scale was used to grade overweight and obesity. Intensity of physical activity was graded using British Heart Association grading system. Results: The study was conducted with 150 Diabetics (Cases) and 150 Non-Diabetics (Controls). Among the 150 Diabetics (Cases), 124 were males and 26 females. And, among the 150 Non-Diabetics (Controls), 124 were males and 26 were females. Cases and controls are matched for sex and age (+/- 5 years). No physical activity was positively associated with diabetes (OR= 1.9, CI= 1.3-4.8, p value<0.05). Overweight (OR=1.7, CI=0.8-2.7, p value<0.05) and obese person (OR=2.9, CI= 1.8-4.1) had higher risk for diabetes. Conclusion: The following factors (sedentary life style, obesity) were found to associated with diabetes mellitus and found to be statistically significant (p<0.05)
Perceptions and practices related to organ donation among a rural population of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Mani Geetha , Danasekaran Raja , Annadurai Kalaivani 
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Organ transplantation is the ultimate treatment of choice to save patients with end-organ damage. But the scarcity of organs from live or deceased donors remains an important barrier to the successful utilization of this measure in India. Our study intends to identify the perceptions and practices related to organ donation in a rural population of Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: This study was conducted among 100 participants from 100 households chosen by simple random sampling in a rural area of Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu, between February and March 2014. A pre-tested, semi-structured schedule was applied to the participants and the responses were summarised. Results: The response rate was 100%. Though all participants had heard about organ donation, only 86% were aware of the complete meaning. The awareness on organs which could be donated, related legislation was less than adequate. Ninety-seven percent participants opined that organ donation should be promoted and 71% were willing to consider organ donation in future. None of the participants have registered themselves as organ donors or have voiced their willingness to their close families. Conclusion: Our study population had basic awareness about organ donation and reasonably positive attitudes with regard to its promotion and willingness to donate in future. But there is a need to plan appropriate health education campaigns to equip them with accurate knowledge to enhance their attitudes and translate them into positive behaviour.
Empowerment and engagement of SHG women against HIV/AIDS in India: an interventional study
Authors: Gupta Manoj Kumar , Sengupta Angan , Visnegarwala Fehmida 
Published: October 2022

Background: Lack of access to information and education makes women more susceptible to acquire HIV/AIDS. Self-help groups (SHGs) are seen as instruments for empowering women in the community. Realizing this, it was hypothesized that if the strategy to train SHG women brings significant improvement in the knowledge of study population about HIV/AIDS; then this strategy may be a financially sustainable and practicable method in rural India.Objective: Empower and engage the SHG women against HIV/AIDS by creating awareness and sustaining interest through lesson plans in the IEC material.Methods: This was a 'Multi-centric Action Research Demonstration Study'. As an intervention, series of workshops were conducted with the help of pre-developed IEC material. 400 households (200 from each intervention and control sites) of SHG women were interviewed for baseline and end line each.Results: The planned intervention could make significant changes in level of awareness of the respondents about HIV/AIDS in terms of mode of spread, prevention and control measures and places to get tested for HIV/AIDS. This was also found effective to reduce the misconceptions regarding transmission of HIV/AIDS in the study area, thus in turn reducing the stigma attached with the disease.Conclusion: The awareness level about HIV/AIDS in rural areas among SHG women was very low and there is an urgent need and scope for development and implementation of effective interventions strategy to train local community worker which in turn can bring improvement in the knowledge of community by providing the information in culturally acceptable manner.
44th IAPSM National Conference Science City, Kolkata :10-12 February, 2017
Authors: Editor Chief 
Published: October 2022

Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, West Bengal Chapter will organise 44th Annual National Conference at Science City, Kolkata on 10-12 February, 2017.Theme of the conference is : â€œBuilding Partnership towards Sustainable Developmentâ€. It emphasizes revitalized Partnership in a spirit of solidarity to ensure Sustainable Development . Kolkata, with its rich Bengali cultural tradition, welcomes you to â€œIAPSMCON 2017â€ in the pleasant climes of February, 2017
Current perception about Leprosy among family members of leprosy patients: A comparative study between high prevalent & low prevalent districts of West Bengal
Authors: Mandal N K , Saha G 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: With a sustained effort, India achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy in December, 2005 (PR-0.95/10,000). Since 2001, MDT services in India were integrated with the general health services, thus posing various operational challenges in programme management. With a view to maximize the effectiveness of health education programme, it needs to assess current status of perception and practices of the family members taking care of the patients of the most stigmatized disease so as to adopt appropriate changes accordingly. Aim(s)/Objective(s): To assess perception & attitude about leprosy among family members in both high & low endemic districts. Materials and Method: 25% of leprosy patients getting MDT in 25% blocks of 3 high prevalent & all patients in 25% blocks in 3 low prevalent districts of West Bengal, were initially selected by multi-stage random sampling technique, then family members taking care of the patients, were interviewed. Statistical Analysis: Proportions in respect of different attributes calculated & chi-square used as a test of significance. Results: Total 246 family members of the leprosy patients, 143 from high prevalent & 103 from low prevalent districts were interviewed. 95.5% & 60.1% of family members respectively have heard about leprosy & MDT. Correct knowledge about cause (38.5% vs 32% ), clinical presentation, curability (90% vs 84.5%), infectiousness of the disease(59.4% vs 31%), complication (67.1% vs 52.4%) were found more among family members of high prevalent districts than low prevalent one. 13.59% & 4.2% family members in high & low prevalent districts had belief that leprosy occurred as a result of divine curse. Discrimination towards leprosy patients were found more in low prevalent than high prevalent districts. Conclusions: Knowledge & attitude towards leprosy were found to be better among family members in high prevalent as compared to that of low prevalent districts.