Indian Journal of Community Health

Personal life of medical journal editor: Artificial intelligence as almost first author may come to rescue

2023-02-24T18:02:44+00:00

Utopic or dystopic future is on the horizon unless it is already here. Maybe it is utopic for medical journal editors if artificial intelligence (AI) is writing medical research papers submitted to medical journals because in due course of time, AI may evolve to become AI editors and AI peers relieving humans from burning the midnight oil to run medical journals as medical journal editors while seeking human peers for review of submitted articles before editing and publishing as many peer-reviewed articles as humanely and appropriately possible.

Is there any window of opportunity to tackle geriatric malnutrition?

2023-01-28T06:00:25+00:00

India has seen an increase in its greying population in recent years. The elderly population has a lot to contribute to society, but various problems like malnutrition can hinder their activities. India has been taking various nutritional interventions but has mainly focused on women and children, while the elderly have been neglected. Even after taking nutritional programmes to national platforms, the sustainability question hovers in the policymakers' minds. Advanced and novel steps should be taken to ensure the long-term viability of existing programs, which can serve as the foundation for new interventions for the new group. Public health should participate in the new schemes that are currently in place to achieve the other SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), as the SDG 2030 agenda brings different opportunities to act against malnutrition.

Conceptual understanding of Sustainable Health and Linking Nutrition to Sustainable Development Goals

2023-02-27T07:08:19+00:00

Nutrition is a development indicator. It indicates advancement in health, education, employment, women's empowerment, poverty, inequality reduction, and it can help in building peaceful, secure, and stable societies." It is one of the important components which is directly or indirectly related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Multiple factors such as education, economic status, occupation, water, sanitation and hygiene etc are interlinked with nutrition. In this article, we have emphasized the relationship of various SDGs with nutrition. Global and multi-sectorial involvement is required in the battle with malnutrition. Adequately nourished people are more productive and active. By breaking the cycles of hunger and malnutrition we can create a path for achieving SDGs.

Intra-Natal Care Practices in Rural Areas of Gaya district, Bihar

2023-03-04T07:00:37+00:00

Context: Antenatal care (ANC) is an effective tool to reduce both infant and maternal mortality rates mainly by promoting institutional deliveries. In the view of this, Government of India introduced Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) in 2005 and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) in 2011.

Aims: To estimate the proportion of home and institutional deliveries in the district and to assess the impact of JSK and JSSY on institutional deliveries, also to identify the different intranatal care providers.

Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gaya district, Bihar. A total of 657 females of reproductive age group (15-49 years) were included in the study.

Methods and Material: Predesigned, pre tested & semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information on place of delivery, type of delivery, knowledge regarding JSY and JSSK schemes and source of information

Statistical analysis used: Data was entered into excel sheets and analyzed using SPSS version 23 utilizing appropriate statistical methods.

Results: Out of 519 deliveries 63% were institutional and 37% home deliveries. About 91% and 11.4% of respondents were aware of JSY and JSSK scheme respectively. There was a significant association between those who opted for institutional delivery and awareness regarding JSY and JSSK services.

Conclusion: Despite awareness and running of various programmes by the Government the percent of institutional deliveries is still less. Increase in institutional deliveries at primary care level through JSY and JSSK will not only decrease the Out of Pocket expenditure of the population, but also help build faith in the government health facilities.

Influenza outbreak in India: A course ahead

2023-03-22T09:41:33+00:00

“Influenza” is commonly known as “flu” caused by a singlestranded RNA virus. There are four types of Influenza viruses A, B, C and D, of which type A and B are mainly known to cause respiratory tract infection in humans, especially during the winter and post-monsoon season. It is transmitted rapidly through infectious droplets in crowded places, including schools and hospitals.[1] The incubation period of influenza ranges from1 to 4 days with its period of communicability ranges from one day before the onset of symptoms to 7 days after the symptoms begin.[2] It has already caused multiple pandemics in the past, with a recent one in year 2009 was caused by the Influenza subtype A H1N1 variant (pdm09). Millions of deaths have occurred during these pandemics. The vulnerable population like under-five children, elderly people (? 65years of age), pregnant women, and people with comorbidity like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease and immunocompromised conditions (i.e., HIV/ AIDS, malignancy, individuals on chemotherapy or steroid) are at higher risk of developing severe illness due to infection by Influenza viruses.

Challenges of Second-hand Smoke: Are we asking the right questions?

2023-03-15T09:05:11+00:00

Second-hand tobacco smoke as defined by WHO is the smoke emitted by a smoker or released from a burnt cigarette or any tobacco product. It is highly prevalent all over the globe but its serious health implications are often neglected by the public and the scientific community alike. Second hand smoke has everlasting impact on all the major organs of the body especially among the vulnerable population of children, pregnant ladies, people with chronic diseases and senior citizens. Although India started its war against this menace earlier than other counties, all its efforts remain bootless as there is a wide range of lacunaes in its approach and implementation. This review aims to give a big picture of the issue of Second-hand smoking, highlighting its patho-physiological changes in the body, socio-economic impact along with various strategies and the gap that prevent these strategies from finding a favorable result in India. It becomes all the more important to reduce its impact owing to increase in prevalence among youth reducing their vitality, derailing the society and the nation at large. It is recommended that the health authorities approach this health problem with utmost seriousness as a laid-back approach could welcome this silent killer’s known and unknown repercussions.

A Narrative review on priorities of mental health issues among transgenders: “So near, yet so far”

2023-03-07T04:59:55+00:00

In recent years there is a rapid rise in coming out of sexual and gender minority adults to their family members and society. Unfortunately, studies on unmet health needs of transgenders with special focus to mental health is under-researched in India. The current paper aimed to explore about the mental health of transgenders and literature search was done using PubMed, Google scholar, and Scopus databases for the following medical subject headings (MeSH) key terms “transgender,” “mental Health,” “social stigma,” “LGBT”, “gender dysphoria”, “genderqueer”, “intersex”, “MSM”, “hijra”, “gay”, “lesbian”, “bisexual”, and “homosexual”. Transgender individuals were found to show high rates of mental health concerns. Most common mental health problems that we have shown in this review article are depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, suicidal attempts and bipolar disorders. Transgender people are at more risk for mental health problems compared to their heterogenous counterpart. The intervention program to eliminate or reduce these problems need to be planned carefully keeping in mind all the determinants.

Upsurge in Firearm related Mortality among Children and Adolescent in United States: an Alarming Trend

2023-01-28T05:50:40+00:00

Firearm related injuries and deaths are a major public health challenge in the developed countries such as United States (U.S.). It is one of the most common forms of suicide and homicide. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows an alarming increase in firearm related mortality among children and Adolescents which is a cause of concern and requires strict gun licensing regulation in countries like U.S.

A Study of clinico-social profile of animal bite patients attending the antirabies clinic of B R D medical college, Gorakhpur

2022-08-23T06:40:37+00:00

ABSTRACT

Background:

Rabies is one of zoonotic viral disease, estimated to cause 59000 human deaths annually in over 150 countries, of which 20,000 are from India alone; about 40% of which are in children under the age of 15. Rabies though 100% fatal is preventable with post-exposure prophylaxis which includes wound washing, anti-rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin.

Objective:

The objective of the present study was to describe the clinico-social profile of animal bite patients attending the anti-rabies clinic of BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the anti-rabies clinic of Nehru hospital, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur from January 2022 to May 2022. Study participants were interviewed by using a pre-phrased, pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Data regarding socio-demographic and clinical profile of the study participants following animal bite exposure was collected.

Results:

The total number of animal bite victims were 250, in which majority of them were males (76.77%) and highest percentage was of adult population (20-59 years). Maximum number of victims were from rural area (78.70%). 19.35% were working and 39.35% were students. 77.43% were category III bites and in 50.96% cases lower limb was the site of bite and dogs were responsible for 89.67% of the bites. 60.64% victims did not wash the wound properly before reaching the anti-rabies clinic.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that as majority of the animal bite victims were students and majority of victims were unaware about the importance of wound care, therefore a step can be taken to create awareness in various schools.

Key words: Anti-rabies clinic, animal bite, clinico-social profile

Prevalence of Anemia among Adolescent Girls in Rural Area of a District of Maharashtra

2022-12-02T06:37:29+00:00

Introduction: Nutritional anemia is one of India’s major public health problems. Adolescence is a vulnerable period in the human life cycle for the development of nutritional anemia. Anemia in adolescent girls contributes to maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity in future.

Aim and Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls and to study the sociodemographic factors associated with anemia.

Method: It was a community based cross sectional study in 10 villages of a district. 420 adolescent girls were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire, and their anemic status was assessed by hemoglobin estimation. Results were analyzed by using percentage, proportion and Chi-square test, with the help of Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS version 20.0 statistical software.

Result: Mean age of the study sample was 14.01 ± 2.57 years. The majority (64.8%) of the girls were Hindu by religion and belonged to a nuclear family (53.6%). 45.2 % were educated up to high school level. Most of the girls belonged to socioeconomic class IV (46.0%). The prevalence of anemia in this study was found to be 65.7%. The prevalence of mild and moderate anemia among study participants was 32.6 and 29.8%, respectively. A statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of anemia with age group, educational status of both father and mother, and status of attainment of menarche (p<0.05).

Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was very high; therefore, attempts must be made to sensitize adolescents and their parents through health and nutrition education, information, education, and communication (IEC), and appropriate behavioral change communication (BCC) activities.

Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and its Relation with Depression among School-going Adolescents

2022-10-27T11:11:11+00:00

Background: Smartphone addiction among adolescents is an increasingly recognized problem worldwide. It affects the

psychological well-being of an individual.

Aim and objective: The current study aimed to assess smartphone addiction’s prevalence and its relation to depression among adolescents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 school-going adolescents. Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short version (SAS-SV) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction and depression. Data were analyzed using Epi info software for windows (CDC, Atlanta). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of study participants was 14.4 years (SD=1.5 years). The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 23%, while depression was present among 45% of the study participants. Comparatively higher duration of smartphone use was significantly associated with smartphone addiction. Depression was significantly higher among smartphone addicts (77.2%) as compared to their counterparts (35.4%).

Conclusion and Recommendation: The smartphone usage of adolescents, if not monitored, could lead to its addiction and thus increase the risk of depression among them. To prevent smartphone addiction, limiting children’s screen time is recommended. In this regard, parents can play a pivotal role by becoming responsible digital role models for their children.

Perspectives of Teachers at Medical Colleges Across India regarding the Competency based Medical Education Curriculum – A Qualitative, Manual, Theoretical Thematic Content Analysis

2023-01-28T07:17:27+00:00

Background: Competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum has been implemented in India since 2019 with a goal to create an “Indian Medical Graduate” (IMG) possessing requisite knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and responsiveness. Objectives: To explore teachers’ perceptions across India at medical colleges on the newly implemented competency-based medical education curriculum.

Methods: This was a qualitative cross-sectional study conducted among teachers working at medical colleges across India, between February and April 2022 (n = 192). The data collection was done using Google forms online survey platform on teachers’ perception regarding CBME, its specific components, and perceived bottlenecks. We analyzed this qualitative data using manual, theoretical thematic content analysis following the steps endorsed in Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework.

Results: The majority of the teachers (64.1%) have positively responded to the CBME curriculum’s implementation. However, it came with a caution that the curriculum should continuously evolve and adapt to regional demands. The foundation course, early clinical exposure, and the family adoption program were the specific components of CBME curriculum over which the teachers raised concerns. The need for additional teachers in each department (department-specific teacher or faculty per hundred students ratio to be worked out) and the need for enabling faculty preparedness through adequate training was highlighted. Concerns were also raised regarding implementing CBME with teachers without a medical background (especially in preclinical departments).

Conclusion: It is the need of the hour for the curriculum to incorporate a systematic feedback mechanism built into the system, though which such critical appraisals can be meaning collated and acted upon, to ultimately evolve, thereby creating an “Indian Medical Graduate” for the needs of todays’ society.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Electronic Waste (e-waste) Management Among Users of Electronic Equipments living in Lucknow City

2023-03-13T07:02:21+00:00

Background: Contemporary society has led to the increasing use of electronic equipment that is very much responsible for the burden of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste contains very hazardous substance that harms health and environmental conditions. There is no delicate mechanism for the management of e-waste in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh. This study assessed knowledge, practice, and awareness of e-waste management among residents of this city.

Material and methods: The study was conducted amongst consumers of electronic equipment living in the Lucknow City of Uttar Pradesh. The study was a Cross-sectional descriptive study. Multi-stage random sampling was done for the selection of participants for the study. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was administered for all phases in a single setting. The total optimum sample size is 700 individuals who participated in the study. Data were entered in MS Excel 2016 and descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were calculated, applying the chi-square test for association using R-4.2.1 Statistical software.

Aim and objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding management of electronic waste among consumers of electronic equipments residing in Lucknow city

Results: Only 37% consumers are aware that e-waste adversely affects the health. Only 34.3% consumers had knowledge that e- waste should be given to the seller or manufacturer for recycling while rest told that it should be stored at home or sell to scrap dealer or disposed with normal waste. 87.3% consumers are not aware about e-waste govt guidelines. In the current study electronic and print media like television, radio and news paper were not found to be source of information for e-waste disposal.

Conclusion: Education regarding the ill effects of e-waste is essential for people and awareness of proper disposal of e-waste is the need of the hour. Electronic and print media as well as companies producing electronic equipment should play a significant role to awaken the respondent about the disposal of e-waste.

Association of dietary and physical activity patterns and hypertension in Western Rajasthan, 2022

2023-03-15T09:36:12+00:00

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable and major risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and chronic renal(1) failure.1–3 HTN affects about 1 billion people worldwide and it is estimated that by 2025, up to 1.58 billion adults worldwide will suffer from complications of HTN.5 The high prevalence of HTN makes it a significant factor for mortality and morbidity. Adequate management of HTN can effectively reduce the risks of stroke, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease and heart failure. HTN is a major public health problem in India. HTN accounts for 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of all coronary heart disease deaths in India(2).

Behavioral Risk Factors of HBV Infection and its Association with HBs Ag Positivity among Residents of Kaza Sub- division of District Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh

2022-10-29T07:23:23+00:00

Background: Chronic viral hepatitis is a major global public health problem, an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study to evaluate the behavioral risk factors of HBV infection and its association with HBsAg positivity among residents of Kaza sub-division of district Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.

Material & Methods: The study was carried out by the Gastroenterology, Community Medicine, and Microbiology Department at Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla at Kaza, a subdivision of Lahaul & Spiti. The cluster sampling technique was used to get the desired sample size of 4000. Forty clusters were chosen using a probability proportionate to size sampling method, and 100 research participants were added to each cluster using a simple random sampling method. The data was gathered using a pre-tested interview plan. A blood sample of 5ml from each study participant was obtained, and its HBsAg content was examined.

Results: In our study, 2.7% of the interviewed respondents’ parents were positive for hepatitis B and 3.7% reported one positive family member. Injectable drug use was reported by 1.6 (68/4231). Among these users 8.8% (6/68) shared needles with other IDUs in last 12 months and 35.3% (24/68) used a common container to draw up drug solution. Sexual intercourse was reported to be experienced by 15.5 (655/4231) and 12.2% either did not disclose or were children. Out of those who ever experienced sexual/penetrative intercourse 38.3% (251/655) had reported it with someone else other than a spouse. Majority of these had two partners other than a spouse (30.3%; 76/251). Around 30% (195/655) reported of using a condom in their last intercourse. Body piercings or a tattoo from someone who doesn’t sterilize his or her equipment, including local treatment from lamas, was prevalent among 16.3% of the population (689/4231). Acupuncture was taken as a remedy for any medical condition by 9% of participants. Regression analysis also revealed that one infected family member emerged as an independent factor associated with HBsAg positive test after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion: Our study provided much important information concerning hepatitis B risk factors in this tribal group. Health education about behavioral risk factors among this tribal population should be the main intervention that might help limit the spread of these blood-borne infections.

An exploratory study on economic burden & quality of life among road traffic accident victims

2022-10-27T10:02:51+00:00

Background: Road traffic accidents are the sixth leading cause of mortality in India, with a substantial share of physical, psychosocial and economic losses in the productive age group. Objectives: To explore the victims’ and stakeholders’ perception on the economic burden to households and improvement in the quality of life following a road traffic accident. Methods: A qualitative study incorporating in-depth interviews among road traffic accident victims and key informant interviews among stakeholders was conducted from June to August 2019 (3 months) in Puducherry. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected till the point of saturation with a semi-structured interview guide through six in-depth interviews among accident victims and six key informant interviews among stakeholders. Content analysis of the data was performed, and a conceptual framework was developed. Written informed consent from each participant was sought. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee. Results: Four themes were identified: reasons for road traffic accidents, problems faced by the victims, problems faced by the caretaker or family member, and preventive measures for road traffic injuries. Conclusion: Physical, psychological, and financial problems were encountered by the victims, care-takers, and family members after a major road traffic accident. Accident victims felt that support from family members was indispensable in returning to normal life.

A Study on Internet and Gaming addiction, Hikikomori Trait and Insomnia Status among Medical Undergraduates at One of the Cities of Western India

2023-01-28T07:30:58+00:00

Background: College students as a group appear more vulnerable in developing a dependence on Internet.Individuals with hikikomori are frequently reported to have social contact predominantly via the internet. Objectives: To find prevalence of Internet Addiction, Gaming Addiction, Hikikomori Trait andInsomniaamongst medical undergraduates and to study their association with variousdeterminants. Methodology: Present Cross-Sectional study was conducted among first to final year medical students studying at various medical colleges at a western Indian City from February to May 2021.Data collection was done after obtaining ethical permission of Institute. A total of 400students who gave consentwere sent a electronic questionnaire. Results:The mean age of study participants was 20+1.58 years.Internet addiction was present in 189 (47.2%) participants,gaming addiction in128 (32%) students and Hikikomori Trait was found in 98 (24.5%) students.There was a statistically significant association between different grades of insomnia and internet, gaming addiction as well as hikikomori trait (<0.0001) in the present study. Conclusion: Internet addiction was present in almost half of the medical students while gaming addiction was seen in nearly one third of the students. Male gender and hostel stay had a statistically significant association with internet addiction, gaming addiction, insomnia and hikikomori trait.

Prevalence, Socio-cultural Restrictions and Determinants of School Absenteeism During Menstruation Among Adolescent School Girls in Bangalore

2023-01-28T05:56:08+00:00

Introduction: Menstrual related problems are one of the most common problems among adolescent girls and might have an adverse effect on their performance in academic and other activities of daily life.

Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of school absenteeism among adolescent school girls during menstruation.2. To assess the restrictions which are imposed on adolescent school girls during menstruation. 3. To evaluate the various factors associated with school absenteeism during menstruation.

Methods: A study was conducted by carrying out a survey, using a questionnaire and by focus group discussion between October 2019 – January 2020in seven schools of Bangalore city afterobtaining the assent and informed consent signed by their parents.

Result: Themean age of the girls was 14.45 ± 1.71. The proportion of school absenteeism during menstruation was (30.25%). Majority (89.25%) of the students among the school absentees missed one day of school during menstruation. Among the school absentees, pain / discomfort were one of the main reasons for missing the school accounting for (69.42%). (46.25%) of the students were restricted from any kind of religious activities. Pain during menstruation, shame, fear of leakage, lack of toilet or water supply, lack of place to dispose sanitary pads and absence of private place to manage periods were some factors which were associated with school absenteeism during menstruation.

Conclusion: Considerably high school absenteeism among adolescent girls due to menstruation was noted in this study, highlighting the need for improved interventions that reach girls at a young age.

Gender estimation using discriminant analysis of hand dimensions among adult participants

2023-01-28T06:01:29+00:00

Background: The estimation of gender using hand dimensions is crucial role in forensic investigation and legal sciences.

Objectives: In this study, mean score of hand measurements have been derived and linear discriminant analysis has been applied to predict gender from hand dimensions. Independent t-test has been employed to know discrimination between male and female. Accuracy of gender estimation has been derived and checked by ROC curve.

Material & Methods: A sample of 150 participants has been collected for the completion of this study, where 78 males and 72 females were found aged between 18 and 24 years. The breadths and lengths of left and right hands of the participants have been measured. Results: Mean score of length and breadth of left hand of respondents were found 17.69±1.30 and 7.56±1.17 respectively. It was found significantly different in mean score of male and female of the respondents.

Conclusions: Hand dimensions of male were found higher than female. Prediction of number of females and males were 76 and 74 respectively, and its accuracy was observed 0.87. This study as beginner research and further it can be applied for larger sample and would be helpful in prediction of gender discrimination among adults through hand dimensions.

Incidence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight babies at Rural Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Uttar Pradesh

2023-02-20T05:33:25+00:00

Background: Birth weight of an infant is a reliable index of intrauterine growth and also a sensitive predictor of new born chances of survival, growth and long term physical and psychosocial development. Low birth weight has been defined as birth weight <2.5 kg regardless of gestational age. The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in India varies between 25-30% and of which 60-65% are because of intra uterine growth retardation.

Aim & Objective: To determine the incidence and various determinants of low birth weight among babies delivered at rural tertiary care hospital in central Uttar Pradesh.

Methods and Material: Study was conducted at UPUMS, Saifai, Etawah among pregnant women who delivered babies during 1st January, 2018 to 31st December, 2018. Details regarding age of mother, gravida, parity, gestation period, presence of complications, procedure for delivery and birth weight of new born were recorded and analysed using SPSS software (version 23)

Results: A total of 7615 deliveries were conducted (53.2% were males, 46.8% were females). The mean birth weight of babies was 2.65 Kg with S.D ± 0.52. Preterm babies were 32% while 67% were term babies and 23% babies were low birth weight. There was statistically significant association between birth weight of babies and factors like age of mother, parity of mother, gestation period, presence of complications during antenatal period.

Conclusions: Prompt identification of high risk factors, prevention of premature delivery, increasing the use of health services during pregnancy and management of the risk factors would reduce the incidence of low birth weight.

Acceptance of Covid-19 Vaccination Among Health Care Workers in India

2022-10-27T10:53:05+00:00

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 has spread almost all over the world in the last two years including in India. Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19 disease and India has flagged the largest vaccination drive on 16 January 2021. Although public acceptance was varying which can lead to non-acceptance. Aim & Objective: To estimate an acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its associated factors. Settings and Design: An analytical cross-sectional study among health care workers in India. Methods & Material: It was conducted using a validated, self-administrated online survey questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS 23 version. The outcome variable was healthcare workers’ acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total of 450 HCWs participated including 205(45.6%) women and 245(54.4%) men. A total of 270 (60%) subjects will accept vaccines while 33.3% were unwilling to accept and wait for vaccines. Male gender (OR=3.14), being married and experienced (OR=11.49), vaccine effectiveness (OR=6.4), vaccine safety (OR=3.4), and past history (OR=2.28) were significantly associated. On applying logistic regression for associated factors, gender (B= -1.145, S.E.= 0.200, Wald 32.748), being married (B= -1.482, S.E.= 0.216, Wald 46.937), for experienced (B= -0.865, S.E.= 0.200, effectiveness

(B= -1.856, S.E.= 0.245, Wald 57.431), safety (B= -1.224, S.E.= 0.202, Wald 36.633) and past

history (B= -0.357, S.E.= 0.248, Wald 2.071) found significant. Recommendation: Proper information is crucial and healthcare workers’ attitudes about vaccines are an important factor for acceptance and recommendation of the vaccine to the public for population-wide coverage.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine, health-care workers, vaccine acceptability

The Repercussions of Covid 19 Pandemic on prenatal & antenatal care in Bahadarbad block of Dist Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India)

2023-03-14T09:58:02+00:00

Background: The incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality gets reduced if antenatal care (ANC) is provided since it focuses on providing birth preparedness, good health maintenance measures, and awareness regarding pregnancy complications as well as danger signs.

Methodology: The present study was conducted in the selected 10 villages in the Bahadarbad block of Haridwar (Uttarakhand). 479 out of 580 pregnant women (who had visited Antenatal Health Camps), responded to the questionnaire thus, leading to a response rate of 82.8 %. A majority of respondents i.e. 96% (n=461) belonged to the age group 21–30 years.

Result: Out of 461 pregnant women, only 45% visited Antenatal Health Camps and 58% were found anemic. The study also indicated that of the pregnant women who visited Antenatal Health Camps during this period more than 72% of women gave their previous birth in less than two years. Only 15% of women obtained complete ANC (4 Visits) during the study period which was just half of the previous year's coverage (31%) for the same duration. The study found that home deliveries increased significantly during the lockdown period. From April to June 2020, the percentage of home deliveries was 41% while from July to December 2020 it was 24%. Conclusion: The study suggested reduced utilization of ANC services during the pandemic and significant factors were women’s age, residence, educational status, repurposing of maternity health-care services, fear of COVID-19 transmission, and transportation disruptions. Thus, efforts should be taken to enhance maternal health services.

Keywords: Prenatal,covid -9 infections, Antenatal, ANC

Antibody response to SARS-COV-2 vaccination in health care workers of Uttarakhand: A prospective follow-up study.

2023-01-28T07:32:48+00:00

Background and objectives: Countries around the world are now racing to vaccinate people against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The government of India also rolled out its vaccination drive from 16^th January '2021.

Aims: This study is aimed to estimate the antibody response of the COVID-19 vaccine in the form of SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies in vaccinated health care workers.

Methods and material: It was a Prospective follow-up study conducted on healthcare workers

(HCWs) of a Medical college in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Health care workers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 were tested for SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies at regular intervals i.e at 4 weeks after the 1^st dose and then again at 4 weeks after the 2^nd dose. The third sample was taken 6 months after the 2^nd dose.

Results: A total of 302 HCWs were enrolled in the study who gave their samples for IgG antibody estimation after the Covishield vaccine. After 4 weeks of completion of both the doses, 96% HCWs formed SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies whereas 4% didn't. Then after 6 months of follow-up, 14% HCWs have become negative for antibodies and better immunity is seen in people who also got infected with COVID-19 during this time.

Conclusion: This study concludes that the immunity gained after vaccination is waning off in around 6 months and there is a need for a booster dose, especially for people at high risk. The infection control practices still play a crucial role in the prevention of this deadly disease.

Healthcare seeking behaviour of hospitalised COVID-19 patients during second wave in tertiary care hospital of Northern India.

2023-02-11T06:35:35+00:00

Objective: The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues its deadly reign all over the world. Devising effective strategy for detecting and controlling the infection has become ever more critical. Effective prevention and control of pandemic is entirely dependent on human behaviour in terms of practicing preventive and curative measures. During second wave of COVID-19 there is change in people’s perception towards preventive and curative measures. In this viewpoint, we conducted study on healthcare seeking behavior of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: Hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 in the month of March, April and May of 2021 were included in the study. Their attendants/close relatives were contacted telephonically to know about health care seeking behavior of the admitted patients. Verbal consent was taken from attendants before commencement of interview, followed by informing them about the purpose of the interview. Results: Amongst the subjects there were more males than females (67.5% vs 32.4%), age ranged between 18 to 88 with a mean value of 56.61 ± 14.7 years. Self-medication was found to be significantly associated with mortality of study subjects (p=0.03). Conclusion: Elderly people were having higher mortality rate than their younger counterparts. People were hesitant to visit primary care physician after having symptoms of COVID-19.

Vulnerability to mental health problems in Indian population during lockdown amidst COVID 19 pandemic: an alarm not to snooze

2022-12-26T09:12:08+00:00

Background: Lockdown measures are being implemented in several parts of the world to control the spread of novel coronavirus. This unprecedented crisis has significantly affected the lives of people in different ways.

Aim: To understand the experiences and vulnerability to mental health problems during lockdown among Indian population during Covid 19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using an online survey form circulated through various social media platforms from April 12 to May 3, 2020 containing self-reported questionnaires to collect lockdown related experiences and scales to assess anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9). A convenience sampling method was used.

Results: 442 valid responses were received from different states of India. Statistical analysis revealed that one third of the respondents suffered from some form of anxiety and depression during lockdown. Less than 10% of them had severe levels of symptoms. Majority were males in the age group 18-45 years and private sector employees. Delivering essential services was involved with significant anxiety and depression. Availability of food and daily essentials was the most common problem. Difficulty in availing medicines and financial crisis were significant predictors of anxiety and depression. Worsening of interpersonal relationships was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions: The study concluded that experiences during lockdown and associated psychological outcomes are important factors to consider and appropriate preventive measures to be taken in case of any future lockdowns.

Missed and Lost to Follow-Up Cases in HIV Positive Patients and the Impact of Lockdown During Covid-19 pandemic on Adherence to Antiretroviral therapy, at ART center, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.

2023-01-28T06:02:59+00:00

Background: Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for HIV has changed a highly fatal disease to a chronic manageable condition. National technical guidelines by NACO say that an adherence of >95%(optimal) is required for optimal viral load suppression which is a challenge both for the patient and the health system.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the reasons for missed and lost to follow up(LFU) cases and to assess the impact of Covid pandemic on the ART adherence .

Settings and Design: Cross sectional study conducted at ART center, Jhansi

Methods and Material: 357 patients were administered a self-designed questionnaire after taking informed consent to enquire about the reasons for missing doses and LFU and whether they missed treatment during lockdown.

Statistical analysis used: the results were expressed in frequencies and percentages and appropriate statistical tests were applied .

Results: 72% HIV patients had optimal adherence and 6.7% were on second line treatment. Out of 357 patients, 56 had missed treatment and 10 were LFU. The main reasons for missing were ran out of pills, busy with other things and away from home. The number of episodes of missed and LFU increased during the pandemic. The main problems faced were lack of transport(24), fear of catching the disease(7),no money to hire a vehicle(5).

Conclusions: Constant monitoring and handholding of those with suboptimal adherence is required. Travel allowance to such patients and regular counselling will help to ensure adherence. Vocational rehabilitation and awareness programs to reduce stigma and discrimination are long term solutions.