bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing Coverage and Compliance of Mass Drug Administration under Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis Program in Malda District, West Bengal
Authors: Tirkey Louis , Sengupta Debjani , Naskar Subhrajyoti , Ghosh Sarmistha , Hoque Md Naimul , Goswami Moumita , Mandal Nirmal Kumar ` 
Published: October 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background: Malnutrition leads to poor cognitive performance and physical growth in children and is a major component of school health services. Imbalanced nutrition in adolescence can put them at high risk of chronic diseases particularly if combined with adverse lifestyle. Objective: This study was designed to assess and compare the nutritional status of government and private school children of Muzaffarnagar city. Material and Methods: School based, comparative Cross-sectional study. One private and one government school was selected using unistage stratified random sampling. A total of 1960 (980 each from private school and government school) school children of class 6-12 were studied for socio-epidemiological details, dietary habits, and physical activity. Information on education status, occupation, monthly income of their parents was also collected. Required anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: Of 980 children from private school, 90 (9.18%) were underweight,138 (14.08%) were overweight, and 137 (13.97%) were obese. Majority of children from government school were underweight 215 (21.94%) except for 24 (2.45%) overweight children. Conclusion: This study shows the dual nature of nutritional problem, under-nutrition among the lower socioeconomic class of govt. school at one side and worrisome epidemic of obesity among the affluent of private school.
The Transgenic crop debate and food security in India
Authors: Mundle Malay 
Published: October 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion:
Study findings suggest that use of untied fund by VHNSCs is not as perthe guidelines mainly due to limited awareness of guidelines among VHNSC members. Quality training for VHNSC members is the need.