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Background The implementation of comprehensive smoke-free laws has been associated with reductions in second-hand smoke exposure at home in several high income countries. There is little information on whether these benefits extend to low income and middle income countries with a growing tobacco-related disease burden such as India. Methods State and individual-level analysis of cross-sectional data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2009/2010. Associations between working in a smoke-free indoor environment and living in a smoke-free home were examined using correlation at the state level, and multivariate logistic regression at the individual level. Results The percentage of respondents employed indoors (outside the home) working in smoke-free environments who lived in a smoke-free home was 64.0% compared with 41.7% of those who worked where smoking occurred. Indian states with higher proportions of smoke-free workplaces had higher proportions of smoke-free homes (rs=0.54, p<0.005). In the individual-level analysis, working in a smoke-free workplace was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of living in a smoke-free home (adjusted OR=2.07; 95% CI 1.64 to 2.52) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions Implementation of smoke-free legislation in India was associated with a higher proportion of adults reporting a smoke-free home. These findings further strengthen the case for accelerated implementation of Article 8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in low and middle income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective methods of preventing healthcare-associated infections. Hand drying is the end point of hand hygiene. Hand drying after hand hygiene is less explored, and the practice varies in different facilities. This explorative study was done to know the various hand-drying methods and practices of healthcare workers in Indian settings. This was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study initiated from a tertiary care setup in Uttarakhand. Healthcare workers over 18 years of age directly involved in patient care were enrolled. A semi-structured questionnaire with both open-ended and close-ended questions was used with snowballing sampling technique. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Out of the eligible 395 respondents, 62.8% were female. The mean age of the respondents was 31.34 ± 8.44 years and average working hours were 8.87 ± 2.97 (range 4-24) hours. Only 72.7% did hand hygiene always before touching a patient. Nurses were more compliant about hand hygiene than doctors (P < 0.0001). A total of 82.8% were aware of appropriate hand-drying methods. Staff in the Intensive care unit Intensive care unit (ICU) setup were more aware of hand drying practices (P = 0.033). A total of 21.8% wiped their hands on their clothing to dry their hands. This was more in staff from paraclinical departments (P = 0.001). A total of 35.7% used handkerchiefs to dry hands. Resident doctors used handkerchiefs more than senior doctors or nursing staff (P = 0.01). A total of 49.9% of respondents spent less than 10 seconds in hand drying. Hand-hygiene knowledge is high among healthcare workers in India, but the knowledge of appropriate hand-drying practices is lacking. There is wide variation in the practice of hand drying. Better hand drying guidelines and incorporating hand drying as the essential endpoint of the hand hygiene ritual are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Population ageing is a demographic transition and burdens every country's health sector. A lack of social security combined with low government health-sector spending has made health-care utilisation difficult among elderly in many developing countries like India. This makes population ageing a global phenomenon for policymakers, researchers and stakeholders to discuss and debate in 21st century. The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioural determinants of health-care utilisation among elderly population in Punjab. Design/methodology/approach: This study examines health-care utilisation among the elderly population in Punjab. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data in the state of Punjab, with a multi-stage stratified random sample of 385 respondents. Logit regression was used to analyse the association between several behavioural factors like age, gender, place of residence, source of livelihood, education and frequency of visits with health-care utilisation among elderly aged 60 and above. Findings: This study revealed that gender, age, place of residence, source of livelihood, education and frequency of visits were significant determinants of health-care utilisation among elderly population. Originality/value: This study directs the need to improve health-care utilisation in a country, reducing inequalities that exist among the elderly population with respect to socio-economic and demographic differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the climate change discourse, a body of scholarship focusing on how people perceive climate change and its impact is increasing. However, in the Indian context, such scholarship is limited. Objective: This paper aims to describe the perceptions of people on climate change and its health impacts, which were captured as part of a larger study. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected 983 households in four districts spread across Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: For 72% of respondents, the perception was not related to climate change per se. Their perceptions were contextual and were based on the anomalies which are observed in the immediate weather conditions. The health impacts of climate change were also not understood at the first place, but with probing 64% of respondents were able to report seasonal diseases. Conclusion: Perceptions of the people regarding climate change are more linked to their own experiences with their local weather conditions rather than the overall concept. This also explains their lack of comprehension about the health impact of climate change, but a sound understanding of seasonal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services (IT and ITES) industry has been the backbone of the Indian economy. The sector is characterized by long working hours, strict deadlines, night shift, constant usage of computers, etc. Hence, the industry and nature of the job are influencing the psychological risk factors of the employees. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychological risk factors (job stressors) of technocrat millennials and critically analyze them from the socio-demographic perspective. METHODS: A single cross-sectional study with snowball sampling was collected from 300 technocrat millennials in Ahmedabad city (India). Job stressors are examined as psychological risk factors. MANOVA and independent-sample t-test has been put to use for establishing the relationship between psychological risk factors and socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: The study highlighted that the experience, current position, size of family, number of children, gender, and family type had an impact on psychological risk factors of technocrat millennials. CONCLUSIONS: The study contributes to the literature on the psychological risk factors and its association with demographic variables, and specifically in Ahmedabad city (India). Income did not have an impact on psychological risk factor; whereas education was the only demographic variable affecting the responsibility for persons. The experience influenced the role overload, role ambiguity, poor peer relations, and intrinsic impoverishment. The study explained each socio-demographic variable's impact on 12 psychological risk factors separately. The result of the paper will give insight to HR managers in the recruitment and selection of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diabetes is a significant public health concern in India, with Kerala being labeled as the diabetes capital of the country. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence, treatment, and management of diabetes to examine the unmet need for care to propose cost-effective strategies. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a geographically defined cohort population in Ernakulam. Sample: This paper presents diabetes data of adults ≥30 years enrolled from the community cohort. The interviews were conducted with 997 participants at their residence. Measurement: Random blood glucose was assessed for each participant using a finger prick test. Results: The overall prevalence of diabetes was 30.1%, of which 4.1% of participants had undiagnosed diabetes. Among those with diabetes, 86.3% were aware of their diagnosis; among those aware, 86.5% were on treatment. Among those on treatment for diabetes, 54% achieved controlled blood sugar. Conclusion: The challenge in diabetes management is controlling the blood glucose levels of people who adhere to treatment. Younger employed females from lower-income quartiles have the highest risk. The study also raises questions about quality and strategies for medication compliance. The findings inspire future research on care needs, policies, and program responses to reduce the diabetes disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental illness disproportionately affects the physical, psychological, and social well-being of prisoners worldwide at a far higher rate than the general population. Depression is one of the common mental illnesses. However, in low- and middle-income countries, relatively little research has been undertaken to assess the prevalence and the factors that contribute to depression among prisoners. Aim: This paper aims to assess the burden and predictors of depression among male inmates in a central jail in Odisha. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among male prisoners in one of the central jails of Odisha. A total of 146 samples were selected using a random sampling method and 105 completed the interview. The socio-demographic characteristics and PHQ-9 scale were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. Result: In the overall study sample, 25.7% of inmates were diagnosed with moderately severe depression, and 27.6% were diagnosed with severe depression. Binary logistic regression showed that higher education, being accused of a crime, and having low social support are all significant predictors of depression in prisoners. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the significance of understanding the role of social support in prison and assisting policymakers in developing policies that make it more inmate-oriented, resulting in increased prisoner mental well-being and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nutrition education plays a significant role in inculcating lifelong healthy dietary behaviours among adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to understand the opinions of parents and teachers regarding nutrition education in private Indian secondary schools. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional, self-administered, paper-based survey comprising both closed- and open-ended questions was completed by 32 teachers and 280 parents who were recruited from five private English-speaking secondary schools in Kolkata, India. Descriptive and cross-tabulation analyses were conducted to compare the responses of teachers and parents. Thematic data analysis informed by template analysis technique was performed to evaluate the qualitative data. Findings: While the curriculum was considered interesting and easy to understand, the gendered nature of the curriculum, excessive rote learning and lack of synchrony between the curriculum and school food services were highlighted as shortcomings of the existing curriculum. The need for the dissemination of food skills either through a compulsory food and nutrition curriculum or through extra-mural activities was expressed by most respondents. Both these ideas were indicative of strong support and motivation for modification in the current curriculum. Practical implications: These findings emphasise the support for a skills-focussed food and nutrition curriculum to inculcate experiential culinary skills and comprehensive nutrition knowledge in Indian adolescents, thus improving their nutritional and health profiles. Originality/value: This is the first cross-sectional survey to investigate the views of parents and teachers about the status of food and nutrition education in private Indian secondary schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present paper aims to understand the fear of falling (FOF) and risk factors associated with FOF in community-dwelling individuals aged over 60 years in Pune, India. Subjects and methods: The study examined a random sample of 351 community-dwelling older adults. Data on demographic characteristics, health conditions, history of falls, and psychological factors were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) was used to measure FOF. Univariate and bivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine associations between various factors and FOF. Results: A high FES-I score was significantly associated with older age, females, unmarried status, education less than 6 years, living alone, unstable balance and gait, hypertension, arthritis, previous falls, self-reported loss of confidence, and depression. Adults older than 70 years of age (odds ratio, OR = 2.411), those with a history of falls (OR = 2.285), those reporting loss of confidence in the past 6 months (OR = 6.766), who had answered yes to the direct question of FOF (OR = 4.632), and had unstable balance (OR = 2.522) were also more likely to have higher FES-I values. Conclusion: A large number of older adults expressed concerns about falling and we also found several factors to be associated with developing FOF, supporting the need for screening. Thus, further research is needed in order to understand the relationship between severity of FOF and actual fall events for developing preventive measures which can be implemented before FOF becomes a problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, twenty-five percent of women who menstruate are unable to utilize sanitary methods, and even among those who have access, there are multiple obstacles to achieving proper menstrual hygiene management. The consequences of inadequate menstrual health may extend to affect a girl's socialisation, empowerment, overall well-being, and even survival. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of unmet menstrual practice needs and its determinants among college going women in Coimbatore district, India. Methodology: A questionnaire based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 3144 college going women from October 2022 to January 2023. Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36) was used to collect data regarding the unmet needs and their mean scores were compared across socio-demographic variables, menstrual knowledge, and the choice of hygiene material. Results: The mean (SD) age of the study population was 19.3 (1.8) years. The prevalence of unmet menstrual practice needs was 62.8% with a mean (SD) MPNS score of 1.8 (0.4). The total MPNS score was low for those currently residing in rural or having a rural hometown. The unmet need was better for those residing in-campus of the educational institute and having educated parents. The socioeconomic class and presence of a personal income also influenced the total MPNS scores significantly (p < 0.05). Menstrual talks with friends before puberty and with friends and family after puberty improved the MPNS scores. Regarding menstrual hygiene methods, modern menstrual methods (MMM), disposable and bio-degradable materials had a lower unmet need. Marital status, freedom to manage expenses, pre-pubertal menstrual talks with family, and total number of family members did not influence the scores of MPNS. Multivariate regression analysis showed that maternal education, menstrual talks with family after puberty, and type of menstrual hygiene method including its disposability were independent predictors of total MPNS scores. Conclusion: Addressing unmet menstrual practice needs among college-going women in Coimbatore district necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing education, access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products, and destigmatization efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a holistic approach that empowers mothers and families with the knowledge, attitude, and resources to alleviate potential challenges during childbirth. Despite its benefits, husbands' participation in maternal care differs significantly between countries and regions. There is a lack of previous studies that look at husbands' responses to birth preparedness and complication readiness in the research area. Thus, the primary goal of this study is to find out how husbands who have wives with infants under 12 months old feel about birth preparation, readiness for problems, and its associated factors. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 30 to July 29, 2022. Simple random sampling was employed to select 499 husbands. An interviewer-administered, structured, and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25, respectively. We used multivariable logistic regression to find statistically significant factors. P-values less than 0.05, 95% confidence intervals, and adjusted odds ratios are used to declare statistical significance. The findings were shown in figures, tables, and text. Results: The study found that 55.9% (95% CI: 51.4 to 61.4%) of husbands responded to birth preparedness and complication readiness. This response was significantly associated with being employed (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.27–5.95), engaging in self-business (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 2.34–12.01), having wives who delivered in health facilities (AOR = 7.1, 95% CI: 3.92–12.86), accompanying wives for antenatal care (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.39–3.56), possessing good knowledge of danger signs during labor (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.08–3.74) and the postnatal period (AOR = 7.1, 95% CI: 3.14–16.01). Interestingly, residents living near a health facility (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.39–0.97) were less likely to respond. Conclusion: The present study found that nearly 6 out of 10 husbands actively responded in terms of birth preparedness and complication readiness. While husbands in this study showed some involvement in birth preparedness and complications, it is good when compared to studies carried out nationally. To improve this, educating husbands by focusing on the danger signs and their role in childbirth is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To improve coverage of key child health community practices, Home Based Infant Care (HBNC+) was implemented with support of Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) in 4 States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha. The innovation aimed at improving coverage of key child health interventions through home visits by community health worker, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA). Aims & Objective: This paper elucidates the results from the assessment of implementation in intervention versus control districts of Rajasthan. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional intervention-control design with a sample size of 3211 mothers of children in age group 0 to 23 months was adopted. Results: 85 percent of the children (aged 3-23 months) received at least one infant care home visit in the intervention districts in comparison to 32 percent in control. Significant improvements were found in terms of exclusive breastfeeding, weighing and Iron Folic Acid (IFA) consumption and availability of ORS and Iron Syrup in intervention districts. 15 percent additional children had weight plotted in growth charts and 24 percent more consumed IFA syrup bi-weekly in intervention districts. Conclusion: Home visits in infancy is a scalable model and can lead to improvement of community child health practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the association between alcohol use and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). A cross-sectional bio-behavioral survey was conducted among 3,880 MSM, recruited using time-location cluster sampling from cruising sites in three Indian states. Nearly three-fifths of the participants reported alcohol use. Among frequent users (40 % of the sample), defined as those who consumed alcohol daily or at least once a week, 66 % were aged 25 years and above, 53 % self-identified as kothi (feminine/receptive), and 63 % consistently used condoms with male paying partners. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that frequent users were more likely to be aged 25 years and above, less likely to self-identify as kothi, and less likely to consistently use condoms with male paying (AOR = 0.7; 95 % CI 0.5-0.9) and male regular (AOR = 0.7; 95 % CI 0.6-0.9) partners. HIV prevention interventions for MSM need to provide tailored information on alcohol use-related sexual risk, especially for MSM in sex work and MSM with male regular partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study measures the prevalence of risk factors among pregnant women and young children aged 12-24 months in a rural community in West Bengal, India. Methods Community health workers (CHWs) enrolled women and children into this 2015 cross-sectional study. Pregnant women were evaluated for underweight, anemia, and abnormal blood pressure. Children were evaluated for underweight, abnormal head and upper arm circumferences, and low scores from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Data were collected on smartphones and tablets or by paper. Results More than half of the 279 women (59.9%) had a risk factor during pregnancy: 48.7% were anemic, 35.1% had low blood pressure, and 7.5% were underweight. Among the 366 children, 59.3% had a risk factor, including 24.0% with low ASQ scores and 49.7% who had abnormal anthropometric measures. Conclusions for Practice Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and young children, needed a greater connection to doctors in this rural community. This study demonstrated the feasibility of CHWs to listen to health concerns and connect underserved populations with health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India is a large and populous country where reliable data on headache disorders are relatively scarce. This study in northern India (Delhi and National Capital Territory Region [NCR], including surrounding districts in the States of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan) continues the series of population-based studies within the Global Campaign against Headache and follows an earlier study, using the same protocol and questionnaire, in the southern State of Karnataka. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Global Campaign's established methodology. Biologically unrelated Indian nationals aged 18–65 years were included through multistage random sampling in both urban and rural areas of NCR. Interviews at unannounced household visits followed the structured Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire in its original English version or in the validated Hindi version. Demographic enquiry was followed by a neutral headache screening question and diagnostic questions based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders edition 3 (ICHD-3), which focused on each respondent's most bothersome headache. Questions about headache yesterday (HY) enabled estimation of 1-day prevalence. A diagnostic algorithm first identified participants reporting headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+), diagnosing probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) in those also reporting acute medication use on ≥ 15 days/month, and "other H15+" in those not. To all others, the algorithm applied ICHD-3 criteria in the order definite migraine, definite tension-type headache (TTH), probable migraine, probable TTH. Definite and probable diagnoses were combined. Results: Adjusted for age, gender and habitation, 1-year prevalences were 26.3% for migraine, 34.1% for TTH, 3.0% for pMOH and 4.5% for other H15+. Female preponderance was seen in all headache types except TTH: migraine 35.7% vs. 15.1% (aOR = 3.3; p < 0.001); pMOH 4.3% vs. 0.7% (aOR = 5.1; p < 0.001); other H15 + 5.9% vs. 2.3% (aOR = 2.5; p = 0.08). One-day prevalence of (any) headache was 12.0%, based on reported HY. One-day prevalence predicted from 1-year prevalence and mean recalled headache frequency over 3 months was slightly lower (10.5%). Conclusions: The prevalences of migraine and TTH in Delhi and NCR substantially exceed global means. They closely match those in the Karnataka study: migraine 25.2%, TTH 35.1%. We argue that these estimates can reasonably be extrapolated to all India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the attitudes of Indian nurses towards the importance of family involvement in nursing care and the association between nurse attitudes and sociodemographic characteristics. Background: Involving the family in the care process is crucial for delivering family‐ and patient‐centred care and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Nevertheless, published literature revealed that the nurses may lack clarity regarding the role of family members in the patient's care, which in turn hinders families' participation in care. Design: Cross‐sectional descriptive study. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study. Methods: A total of 203 Nurses participated in a prospective cross‐sectional study between May 2022 and August 2022. They were recruited through convenience sampling from two tertiary care centres in India. A two‐part questionnaire was used to gather the data; the first section contained questions for gathering sociodemographic information, and the second part contained the standardized FINC‐NA scale. Results: The mean age of the nurses was (28.08 ± 4.722) years, and their median professional experience was 2.5 (1–5.5) years. Nurses' attitude regarding family's importance in patient care was found to be significantly associated (p ≤.05) with education level, marital status, religion and hometown region. Conclusion: In several items Indian nurses have positive attitudes towards family involvement in care but some of the lower scoring items can present opportunities for focused improvement. Continuing development programmes about family‐centered care can constitute important strategies to improve the positive attitudes of nurses towards families in practice. Patient and public contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of the prevalence and attributable burden of headache disorders in India is sparse, with only two recent population-based studies from South and East India. These produced conflicting results. A study in North India is needed. We report the methodology of such a study using, and validating, a Hindi translation of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap, and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire developed by Lifting The Burden (LTB). Almost half of the Indian population speak Hindi or one of its dialects. Methods: The study adopted LTB's standardized protocol for population-based studies in a cross-sectional survey using multistage random sampling conducted in urban Delhi and a surrounding rural area. Trained interviewers visited households unannounced, randomly selected one adult member from each and applied the Hindi version of HARDSHIP in face-to-face interviews. The most bothersome headache reported by participants was classified algorithmically into headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15 +), migraine (including definite and probable) or tension-type headache (including definite and probable). These diagnoses were mutually exclusive. All participants diagnosed with H15 + and a 10% subsample of all others were additionally assessed by headache specialists and classified as above. We estimated the sensitivity and specificity of HARDSHIP diagnoses by comparison with the specialists' diagnoses. Results: From 3,040 eligible households, 2,066 participants were interviewed. The participating proportions were 98.3% in rural areas but 52.9% in urban Delhi. In the validation subsample of 291 participants (149 rural, 142 urban), 61 did not report any headache (seven of those assessed by HARDSHIP, eight by headache specialists and 46 by both) [kappa = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74-0.91]. In the remaining 230 participants who reported headache in the preceding year, sensitivity, specificity and kappa with (95% CI) were 0.73 (0.65-0.79), 0.80 (0.67-0.90) and 0.43 (0.34-0.58) for migraine; 0.71 (0.56-0.83), 0.80 (0.730.85) and 0.43 (0.37-0.62) for TTH and 0.75 (0.47-0.94), 0.93 (0.89-0.96) and 0.46 (0.34-0.58) for H15 + respectively. Conclusion: This study validates the Hindi version of HARDSHIP, finding its performance similar to those of other versions. It can be used to conduct population surveys in other Hindi-speaking regions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Respiratory therapy was introduced to India in 1995. Respiratory therapists RTs) work alongside doctors in hospitals. Of the 993 universities in India, a few have bachelor's or master's programs in respiratory therapy, but no studies have examined the demographics, geographical spread, or skills used by these RTs. This study assessed the demographics and services offered by RTs in India. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study based on a survey administered on paper, by telephone, or online. RTs were selected by convenience sampling from institutional databases and from WhatsApp groups of RTs in India, as well through snowball sampling of co-workers. A link to the online survey was shared on the author's personal social media channels. Of the invited RTs, 465 consented and participated; of those, 237 answered all questions. RESULTS: Of the 237 respondents completing the survey, 73% had bachelor's degree, 16.5% had a master's degree, 4.6% had a diploma, 2.5% had mixed qualifications, 1.7% had post graduate diploma, 0.8% had a certificate, 0.4% had a master of business administration degree, and 0.4% had a PhD degree. Almost all (96.6%) worked as an RT or in a job that required respiratory therapy knowledge. Although individuals may have had multiple job roles, 77.6% worked as a hospital staff RT. The least frequently performed competencies were recommending diagnostic procedures, using evidence-based principles, initiating and conducting patient and family education, and administering home care and pulmonary rehabilitation; the most frequently performed competencies were support oxygenation and ventilation, ensuring infection control, and maintaining a patent airway. CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects were employed in south India and had a bachelor's degree. They worked as staff RTs with a focus on the acute care environment. Pneumonia, asthma, COPD, and ARDS were the most commonly managed diseases. Competencies such as recommending procedures, planning and providing pulmonary rehabilitation, and administering home-based care were the least frequently performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urban slum dwellers face significant challenges, including overcrowded living conditions, inadequate access to basic necessities, and limited socio-economic opportunities, which adversely affect their mental health. Despite the high prevalence of mental health issues in slum populations, there is a dearth of research addressing this aspect of well-being. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the social determinants and predictors of mental health among urban slum dwellers in Rohtak, Haryana, India. Material and Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design to examine mental health status and predictors among urban slum dwellers in District Rohtak, Haryana. Using simple random sampling, 301 subjects from the slum area were selected, ensuring demographic representation. A socio-demographic data sheet, the Modified Kuppuswamy scale, and the Mithila Mental Health Status Inventory were administered. Results: The findings revealed a moderate level of mental health challenges among urban slum dwellers, with age, gender, education, occupation, family income, and socioeconomic status identified as the strongest predictors of mental health (F = 7.69, p < .001), accounting for 29.9% of the variance. The remaining variance is attributed to variables not included in the study. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the social determinants and predictors of mental health among urban slum dwellers in Rohtak, Haryana, India. The findings underscore the significant impact of socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, education, occupation, family income, and socioeconomic status on mental health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco is a public health concern at global and national levels. The state of Gujarat has 28.6% prevalence of tobacco use, 22% in males and 8% in females. Rajkot, the fourth largest and fastest growing city in Gujarat, is not free from the burden of tobacco use. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the patterns of tobacco use and utilization of tobacco cessation services in the city of Rajkot. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted on adult tobacco users attending rural and urban primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Rajkot. At least 16 participants were recruited from all 75 PHCs (a total of 1152) using probability sampling. Study instruments comprised semi-structured proforma, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and readiness to change questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: A total of 1161 participants were included. Smokeless tobacco (n = 967, 83.3%) was preferred over smoking. Mava was the most common smokeless tobacco preparation consumed. The median age of onset was 28 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 22-37), and the median duration of use was 5 years (IQR: 4-10). Males had a significantly greater duration of abstinence (U = 1218.6, P = 0.002), greater readiness to quit (χ² [df] = 35.66 [8], P = 0.001), and anticipated success (χ² [df] = 28.71 [8], P = 0.004) in abstaining. While utilization of tobacco cessation services was poor overall, counseling (32.5%) and nicotine replacement therapy (19%) were the most commonly used. Conclusion: There is a need for in-depth research on tobacco use among smaller communities, upscaling harm reduction services for tobacco use. Prevention and IEC initiatives need to be revamped considering the special needs of female tobacco users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food insecurity is a matter of public health concern as it is associated with adverse health outcomes particularly among vulnerable population. Accessibility and availability of nutritious and culturally appropriate food is paramount to achieve zero hunger. To assess the prevalence of household food insecurity, to estimate the household dietary diversity and its association with household food insecurity. Material and Methods: Using multistage sampling 381 rural households were surveyed. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and House hold Dietary Diversity Scale were used as study instruments. Chi square test was used to compare the two groups and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Prevalence of household insecurity was 33.3% (127) among the surveyed households and 8.1% (31) had severe food insecurity. The mean HFIS score was 6.85 ± 4.82. The household Dietary diversity score was 8.14 ± 1.54 for food secure and 6.51 ± 1.38 for severely food insecure households. There was a statistically significant difference in intake of milk and milk products, fruits, eggs and meat/poultry among food secure and insecure households (P < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Food insecurity was high in rural households and was associated with lower dietary intake of foods from protein group, necessitating a need to reinforce the food security programmes in rural India with focus to enhance protein rich diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: Pottery is defined as clay that has been fashioned into the desired shape and then dried to reduce its water content before being fried or baked to fix its form. The artisans living in traditional societies are normally influenced by their environment as well as by their myths, legends, rituals, ceremonies, festivals, social organization, and cultural norms which are reflected in their creations. The poor environmental conditions and the lack of protective equipment in these pottery workshops are key contributing factors to the development of these occupational diseases. Most pottery industries are small- to medium-scale industries and have longer and irregular working hours, a higher percentage of elderly employees, limited opportunities for health education or health inspection, and insufficient health promotion facilities compared with large companies. These factors are considered to play an important part in the development of occupational diseases and some nonspecific diseases such as psychosomatic, cardiovascular, and locomotor diseases among pottery workers. Traditional pottery making has its unique method of potter-work where it demands prolonged squatting without back support for hours which can develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). AIMS: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) among traditional pottery makers at selected places in Bengaluru. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two rural communities of Bengaluru. One hundred and ten traditional pottery makers were randomly selected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were screened for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, following which the pottery makers who reported low back pain (LBP) were screened for the severity of disability using the Modified Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire (M-OSW). The results obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: The result showed the highest prevalence of MSDs in the lower back, the findings of this study confirmed the work-related stress on traditional pottery makers. In the present study, the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder was found in the lower back, of which had trouble in the last 12 months, 56.36% were having trouble during the last 7 days, and 19.09% were prevented from doing normal activities during the last 12 months. The prevalence of MSDs during the last 12 months revealed that the maximum of them, i.e., 24.54%, were having pain in the lower back. The present study also found MSDs prevalent in the hip joint and knee joint due to the occupational need to complete the work on prolonged squatting. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that prolonged work exposure and awkward work postural demand increase the incidence of MSD among traditional pottery makers in Bengaluru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing profession requires strength and resilience not just physically, but emotionally as well which requires them to adapt in stressful situations that they are often exposed to in their work environment. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of emotional intelligence (EI) and occupational stress (OS) among the nursing professionals from selected tertiary care hospitals in Bangalore, India. Methods: This was a multi-centric, cross-sectional study done among nurses with more than 1year of work experience and they were randomly selected from four tertiary care hospitals in Bangalore. The EI and OS were assessed using the Emotional intelligence scale (EIS) and Occupational Stress Index (OSI). Data was collected, both online and offline, owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The data was analyzed using SPSS v21.0 to calculate the mean, associations, and regression. Results: Out of the total 294, the mean age of the study participants was 27±4.92years. A total of 75 (25.5%) nurses had poor EI and 245 (83.3%) had moderate OSI. None of the participants had high OSI. There was a significant association between the severity grades of EI and OSI (P = 0.010) and a binary logistic regression showed that those staff with high EI had a lesser odd (OR 0.531, 95% CI 0.282-0.999) of developing occupational stress as compared to those with low EI. Conclusion: EI plays a significant role in reversing the effect of one's occupational stress. Thereby, the training curriculum should include skills and measures of resilience to facilitate their EI improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents are at risk of various psychosocial problems, due to pressure from parents, educational agencies, peers, and society. Often, it is not recognized and goes unnoticed. There is an immense need to screen this group for early detection and proper management. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychosocial problems among adolescents and to determine their risk factors. Methodology: The study employed a nonexperimental, exploratory, cross-sectional research design with a quantitative approach. Using a two-stage random sampling technique, a total of 2030 adolescents from 37 schools were chosen. The data collection tool for study participants consisted of three parts: (a) A sociodemographic proforma, (b) a pediatric symptom checklist-youth report, and (c) a checklist for assessing determinants of psychosocial problems. Results: Three hundred five (15.02%) of the 2030 respondents had significant impairment to internalizing problems, 350 (17.24%) to attention deficit problems, and 378 (18.62%) to externalizing problems. Pediatric symptom checklist scores and academic performance showed a moderately positive correlation. There is a significant association between psychosocial problems and adolescent characteristics at a P = 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: Adolescents have a high prevalence of psychosocial problems such as anxiety and attention deficit. Periodic screening, counseling, and referral to psychotherapy can help to lessen the severity of the condition and improve psychosocial well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive-aggressive behaviour, categorised as an immature defense mechanism, has long been studied in researches related to workplace, due to its negative impact on overall work environment and work productivity. It has been deffned as a pattern of passive hostility and an avoidance of direct communication (Schanz, et. al., 2021), and is divided into two types as per research: others-directed, and self-directed. The development of such defense systems are often inffuenced by traumatic or negative experiences in childhood, recent daily stressful events considered as traumatic, and is often regulated by benevolent experiences in childhood and development of adaptive meta-cognitive abilities or functions. This study focuses on clinical psychology trainees, who are dealing with individuals experiencing mental health issues and illnesses. They undergo rigorous and demanding training course which requires them to constantly shift roles: as a student, a researcher, or a therapist; this causes high amounts to stress in them often considered as traumatic in nature. Thus, engaged in mental health care profession, it is important to study the above-mentioned factors in the development, maintenance or regulation of passiveaggressive behavior. Method: Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to select a total of 107 participants from various RCI recognized institutions across India conducting MPhil, PsyD and PD in Clinical Psychology courses across India. Results: Correlation and multiple regression analysis revealed a signiffcant positive correlation and signiffcant prediction between childhood traumatic experiences and recent traumatic experiences with passive aggressive behaviour. Meta-cognition and Benevolent childhood experiences revealed signiffcant negative correlation with passive aggressive behaviour. Gender differences analyzed via Mann Whitney U rank sum test revealed that Male trainees engaged in passive-aggressive behaviour, especially self-directed passive aggressive behaviour more signiffcantly than female trainees. Conclusions: The use of passive-aggressive behaviour was more signiffcantly prevalent in the male clinical psychology trainees than female trainees; and both childhood and recent traumatic experiences were found to be positively inffuencing the same, and benevolent childhood experiences and meta-cognitive functions were found to be regulating the behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim- Metabolic fuel detectors regulate energy balance at peripheral and central levels. The aim of this study is to assess association of serum Orexin levels with Metabolic risk markers in women of reproductive age group. Material And Methods- The study was conducted in campus of King George Medical University (KGMU), Uttar Pradesh Lucknow, INDIA. 150 apparently healthy women of reproductive age group i.e. 20-40 years of age were randomly selected. Fasting serum orexin and Serum insulin levels were measured using ELISA and weight, Body mass index, Fasting blood glucose, Lipid prole and Blood pressure were estimated in women. Result- The results show that Serum orexin levels has signicant positive correlation with fasting blood glucose, weight, BMI and waist circumference along with a weak negative correlation with serum Insulin level. Conclusion- In present study Serum orexin levels signicantly correlate with weight, BMI, Fasting blood glucose and weak negative correlation with serum Insulin levels. serum orexin levels did not correlate with lipid prole of women of reproductive age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the associations between male migration and mobility with HIV among married couples in India. Cross-sectional analyses of a nationally representative household survey conducted across all 29 states of India from 2005 to 2006 via the National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) included a subsample of 27,771 married couples who were tested for HIV as a part of their participation. Both bi-variate and multi-variate analyses were conducted. About 0.5% of the total married couples in the current study included an HIV-infected partner; 0.11% were HIV concordant and 0.38% were HIV serodiscordant couples. Adjusted logistic regression analyses demonstrated that HIV infection in couples (seroconcordant or serodiscordant) was significantly more likely among those couples where the man was migrant but not mobile and those couples where the man was migrant as well as mobile, relative to those couples where the man was neither migrant nor mobile. Male migration increases the risk for HIV among married couples in India, largely in the form of serodiscordance in which men are HIV infected. These findings document the need for not only primary prevention efforts to reduce HIV acquisition among migrant male workers, particularly more mobile migrants, but also efforts are needed to reduce subsequent transmission to their wives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to measure grip strength along with correlates, to inform recommendations to protect students entering the nursing workforce and increase career longevity, as well as health, among working nurses.Participants and Methods: A convenience sample of nursing staff and students (18 to 59 years) at a large teaching hospital (N = 316) participated in a cross-sectional study. A brief survey included sociodemographic questions, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Anthropometric measures included height, weight, waist circumference, and hand grip strength using a Jamar digital dynamometer.Results: Only 22.5% of the participants met Indian normative grip strength parameters by age and gender, and on average had a normal body mass index (M = 22.31, SD 4.15). Grip strength was significantly associated with BMI and waist circumference, which explained 76% of the variance in grip strength.Conclusion: This study provides a baseline measurement of grip strength among Indian nursing staff and students, and documents grip strength among young adults (18– 20 years of age) who were not included in published normative grip strength data among healthy Indian participants. Data from the current study demonstrates that very few participants met normative grip strength, thus indicating the need for strengthening. Variance in grip strength was largely explained by waist circumference, pointing to the importance of nutrition. Interventions are needed to improve physical performance of nursing duties and prevent on-the-job injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing financial risk protection is a key feature of Universal Health Coverage and the path towards health for all. Publicly Funded Health Insurance Schemes (PFHIS) have been considered as one of the pathways to safeguard against financial shocks and potentially reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE). The south Indian state of Kerala has roughly a decade-long experience in implementing PFHIS. To date, there have been very few assessments of the coverage of these schemes and their impact on expenditure. Aiming to fill this gap, we explored the extent of and inequalities in insurance coverage, as well as choice of providers, and median cost of hospitalization in Kerala among insured and uninsured individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in four districts of Kerala as part of a larger health systems research study from July–October 2019. We employed multistage random sampling to collect data from 13,064 individuals covering 3234 households in the catchment area of eight primary health care facilities. We used descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analysis. We evaluated socioeconomic disparities using an absolute measure of inequality—the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and a relative measure—the Relative Concentration Index (RCI). Results: A substantial proportion of our study respondents reported that they were covered by PFHIS (45.8%). Respondents belonging to lowest and middle wealth quintiles of household had significantly greater odds of being covered by insurance than respondents belonging to the richest wealth quintile. The negative magnitude of RCI [-16.8% (95%CI: -25.3, -8.4)] and SII [-21.5% (95%CI: -36.1, -7.0)] suggest a higher concentration of PFHIS coverage among the poor. Median OOPE for hospitalisation at private health facilities was INR 9000 (approx. USD 108.70) among those covered by PFHIS, whereas it was INR 10500 (approx. USD 126.82) at private health facilities among those not covered by insurance. Conclusion: While PFHIS seems to be appropriately targeting poorer populations, among the insured, OOPE for hospitalization persists. Among the uninsured, population subgroups with advantage are spending the greatest amount, raising questions about whether those facing relative disadvantage are forgoing care altogether or seeking care using cheaper, public avenues. Further policy action to more effectively reduce financial burden among left behind eligible populations under PFHIS will be essential to UHC progress in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukoplakia is a white mucosal thickening and perhaps undermining change in the oral mucosa transcendently found in tobacco users. Since the tobacco utilization is extensively higher with the indigenous groups in the Asia Pacific locale, the current examination implicated the prevalence of tobacco consumption and leukoplakial lesions and the relationship between the two. This cross-sectional study was conducted through six tribal hamlets of Chithalayath Forest range at Wayanad district of Kerala, South India. Leukoplakia screening was led by a senior consultant on the basis of a visual investigation and pathological evaluation was not done. An organized questionnaire was utilized to gather data on demographic details and tobacco usage status and frequency. The prevalence of clinical oral lesions among tobacco users and non users was determined using statistical analysis. Clinical oral leukoplakia was diagnosed in 27 (8.5%) subjects among the 317 individuals screened. The prevalence of lesions was considerably higher among tobacco consumers in comparison with non users (11 vs. 3.7%). Also, the tobacco chewers group had a higher percentage of leukoplakia. Another significant finding of this study is that the incidence of provisional leukoplakia was observed to be comparatively high among the most frequent tobacco consumers 15 (65.2%) in comparison with 8 (34.8%) in the frequent and nonfrequent users. Prevalence of abusive habits and clinical oral leukoplakial was substantial among the tribes. The cause and effect relationship and dose-response were also shown to have a significant association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand the distribution and sexual dimorphism of the a-b ridge count. A cross-sectional data was collected on 241 individuals from the 'Bhil' tribal community aged 10-60 years from the block Mount Abu, Rajasthan state of western India. A modified Cumins and Midlo (1961) ink printing method was used to obtain the dermatoglyphic configuration. The a-b ridge count has been evaluated following standard technique of Schaumann and Alter (1976), and the total a-b ridge count (TABC) is classified according to Fang (1950) definition. The result shows that the mean TABC is higher in male (80.7) than female (78.5), but statistically insignificant. The a-b ridge count (ABRC) of the right hand in males is significantly higher than female. This study emphasized that the distribution of palmar ridge quantitatively varies between two sex groups. Unfortunately, there is dearth of information on the sexual variation of a-b ridge count. Notably, most of the studies in India on a-b ridge count was in hospital setting or among the patients. In this article, we studied community dwelling healthy population, which offers a complimentary research perspective for forensic anthropologists and to understand the application of a-b ridge pattern for personal identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of study: Altered biomechanics of knee due to ageing & osteoarthrosis may affect ROM of knee rotations. Aim: 1) To compare ROM of knee rotations in asymptomatic subjects & patients with knee osteoarthrosis. 2) To find out co-relation between knee rotations & knee outcome survey score. Methodology: study design: Cross-Sectional study sample: 50 study setting: Physiotherapy department, Pravara rural hospital, Loni Inclusion Criteria:- Age 50-70 yrs. Gender both males & females Group A - asymptomatic subjects without any low back, hip, knee & ankle pain. Group B - diagnosed osteoarthrosis patients stage III on Kellgren and Lawwrence scale exclusion Criteria: Patient with history of fall and blunt trauma over Back, lower limbs. Patient with chronic and acute low back pain. History of any surgery of lower limb. Patient with any knee joint pathology like osteomyelitis, chondromalacia patellae, bone tumour. Result:. Statistical analysis was done using Unrelated 't' test which showed significant difference (p<0.05) between medial rotation symptomatic & asymptomatic subjects. There is significant co-relation (p<0.05 & r=0.7) between ROM of medial rotation & KOS score, with decrease in medial rotation, KOS score decreases. Conclusion: Medial rotation decreases in osteoarthrosis knee patients as compared to Asymptomatic subjects. Reduced medial rotation causes increase in disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition‐sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions offer a means to improve the dietary quality of rural, undernourished populations. Their effectiveness could be further increased by understanding how household dynamics enable or inhibit the uptake of NSA behaviours. We used a convergent parallel mixed‐methods design to describe the links between household dynamics—specifically intrahousehold power inequalities and intrahousehold cooperation—and dietary quality and to explore whether household dynamics mediated or modified the effects of NSA interventions tested in a cluster‐randomized trial, Upscaling Participatory Action and Videos for Agriculture and Nutrition (UPAVAN). We use quantitative data from cross‐sectional surveys in 148 village clusters at UPAVAN's baseline and 32 months afterwards (endline), and qualitative data from family case studies and focus group discussions with intervention participants and facilitators. We found that households cooperated to grow and buy nutritious foods, and gendered power inequalities were associated with women's dietary quality, but cooperation and women's use of power was inhibited by several interlinked factors. UPAVAN interventions were more successful in more supportive, cooperative households, and in some cases, the interventions increased women's decision‐making power. However, women's decisions to enter into negotiations with family members depended on whether women deemed the practices promoted by UPAVAN interventions to be feasible, as well as women's confidence and previous cultivation success. We conclude that interventions may be more effective if they can elicit cooperation from the whole household. This will require a move towards more family‐centric intervention models that empower women while involving other family members and accounting for the varied ways that families cooperate and negotiate. Key messages: Household cooperation and intrahousehold power inequalities may influence children's and mothers' dietary diversity in rural OdishaThese factors partly determine the effects of nutrition‐sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions tested in Upscaling Participatory Action and Videos for Agriculture and Nutrition, indicating that NSA interventions may be more effective if they include multiple family members.There is wide heterogeneity in household dynamics and the constraints that families face. Further research is needed to identify how interventions can respond to this heterogeneity so that NSA interventions are effective in an inclusive and empowering way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mental health issues were neglected in India. However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had raised the importance of mental health. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of awareness and utilization of the mental health services provided by primary care centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 18 years and above in selected primary health center (PHC) service areas, Karnataka, South India. The sample size was 388. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the participants was 42.7 (±15.37) years and 76% were female. The prevalence of awareness was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] 41.8%–52.0%), and only 1% (95% CI 0.8%–2.6%) had utilized the mental health services through PHCs during COVID-19. About 82% (95% CI 78.0%–85.8%) were willing to avail the mental health services through PHCs. No formal education (adjusted prevalence ratios [APR] = 7.33, 95% CI 1.81–29.60, P = 0.005) and current psychological distress (APR = 2.99, 95% CI 2.08–4.30, P = 0.00) were significantly associated with unwillingness to avail care from PHCs. Conclusion: The awareness and utilization of mental health services through primary care centers were poor in the community. Strategic measures must be implemented through the mental health program to improve the utilization of the services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to test the validity of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) by McSherry et al. (IJNS 39:723–734, 2002) in an Indian context. The study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital with a convenience sample of 200 nurses. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were completed to assess the reliability and validity of the tool. The results of the present study were similar to but differed from the McSherry et al's (IJNS 39:723–734, 2002) study which identified 17 items on the scale. Only 15 items loaded on three factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To identify final‐year undergraduate students and new graduate nurses' behavioural intentions towards medication safety across four countries. Background: Medication errors are a common and avoidable occurrence, being costly for not only patients but also for health systems and society. Design: A multi‐site cross‐sectional study. Methods: A self‐administered survey was distributed to students and new graduate nurses in South Africa, India, Turkey and Australia. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all survey items. Multiple linear regressions were performed to predict behavioural intentions using the three Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs: attitudes, behavioural control and subjective norms. This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines. Results: Data were analysed for 432 students and 576 new graduate nurses. Across all countries, new graduate nurses reported significantly higher scores on all the TPB variables compared with student nurses. Attitudes towards medication management were found significantly and positively related to intention to practice safe medication management for both student and new graduate nurses. Total perceived behavioural control was significantly and negatively related to intention to practice safe medication management for students. Conclusion: Student and new graduate nurses showed favourable attitude, subjective norm, perceived behaviour control and intention in practising medication safety. However, differences in countries require further exploration on the factors influencing attitudes towards medication safety among student nurses and new nurse graduates. Relevance to clinical practice: Understanding student and new graduate nurses' medication administration practices is important to inform strategies aimed at improving patient safety. The findings of this study highlight the need for an internationally coordinated approach to ensure safe medication administration by student and new graduate nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present cross-sectional study was done to acknowledge the level of resilience, its association with quality of life (QoL), community integration, and demographic/injuryrelated variables, and identify the determinants that affect resilience among spinal cord injury individuals living in the community. Methods: The data were collected from 108 participants using the convenience sampling method. A demographic/injury-related questionnaire was used to identify the characteristics of the participants. The CD-RISC10, World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOLBREF), and community integration questionnaire-revised (CIQ-R) were used to measure resilience, QoL, and community integration. Association between resilience and independent variables was examined through Pearson's correlation and Point-Biserial correlation, whereas, univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to identify the influence of the demographic/injury-related factors that contribute to resilience, and independent t-test and ANOVA were employed to identify the determinants that affect resilience. Results: Almost 78% of participants had a moderate-to-high level of resilience. In multivariate analysis, gender, marital status, and profession were found to be statistically significant. Among these predictors, employment had a higher beta value (β=0.684, P=0.026), which signifies its importance in evaluating resilience. Significant associations were established between resilience, QoL domains, community integration, and demographic variables, which included marital status, duration since the injury, and frequency of going out. Discussion: The present research brings attention to the significance of using appropriate interventions, such as vocational rehabilitation support as well as awareness about the injury to help strengthen resilience and reintegration amongst SCI individuals into their communities. A further longitudinal study is recommended to determine predictive factors of the dynamic nature of resilience over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transgender women in India face unique stressors associated with minority experiences, such as experiences of gender transition and participation in sex work. However, the relationship between sex work, transition and mental health outcomes is understudied in this population. Aims: This article aims to examine the association between gender transition status, sex work, family rejection and depressive symptoms among transgender women in India. Methods: Data comes from a cross-sectional epidemiological study with transgender women from three states of India; Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu (N = 1366). Multivariate regressions were used to examine the association between sex work status and gender transition and how gender transition, and sex work are associated with depressive symptoms. Results: 70% of the sample reported being in sex work and over 82% endorsed taking some form of gender transition service. Those who reported being in sex work were significantly more likely to have undergone breast augmentation, hormonal therapy and gender affirming surgery. Those who reported ever being married were less likely to report gender affirming surgery and were more likely to report hormonal therapy. Additionally, being in sex work, undergoing transition, leaving home because of sexual orientation, and being married were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Discussion: Community-led organizations and other service agencies must incorporate intersectional experiences and identities, including sex work and gender transition, in their programs to further social and health justice for transgender women in India. Policy and programmatic implications are discussed. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2021.1939220 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cement dust is a significant source of occupational exposure affecting lung function and respiratory health. A higher burden of respiratory morbidity is known among factory workers involved in cement production. Globally or from India, there are no estimates of this burden from informal workers exposed to cement dust. Objective: To assess difference in lung function and respiratory symptoms among informal workers exposed to cement and those unexposed, using a comparative community based cross-sectional study from purposively selected areas in Delhi, India. Methods: Using a portable spirometer we measured lung function and collected respiratory symptoms from conveniently sampled informal workers (n = 100) exposed to cement dust, 50 indoor informal workers (tailors), and 50 outdoor (vegetable) vendors. Regression analyses were performed to compare respiratory symptom score and lung function parameters, adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, socioeconomic status, and years of occupational exposure. Findings: Exposed workers had significantly lower lung function (PEF = –750 ml/s and –810 ml/s and FEV1/FVC (%) = –3.87 and –2.11) compared to indoor and outdoor groups, with three times higher chronic respiratory symptoms when compared to the unexposed groups. The cement dust exposure was observed to be associated with PEF (mean difference (MD) = –0.75L, 95%CI = –1.36 to –0.15, p = 0.01), %FEV1/FVC (MD = –3.87, 95%CI = –6.77 to –0.96, p = 0.03) and respiratory symptoms (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study generates evidence regarding the respiratory burden of occupational exposure among vulnerable informal workers. There is an urgent need for policy reforms to safeguard health from occupational exposures, especially among informal workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Circumstances requiring medical attention are common at schools. Teachers are often the first individuals to witness and handle situations requiring first aid and medical emergencies. AIM: To determine awareness, attitudes and practices of school teachers and the facilities available at schools with respect to administration of first aid. METHODS: Data were obtained from 146 teachers in nine schools in Mangalore, India, using a self-administered questionnaire. The schools were also inspected for first aid equipment and facilities. RESULTS: Only 69 (47%) teachers had received first aid training previously. Poor and moderate knowledge of first aid was observed among 19 (13%) and 127 (87%) teachers, respectively. Only eight teachers knew the correct procedure for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most teachers 96 (66%) were willing to administer first aid if provided with the required training. A total of 74 teachers reported having practised first aid in response to a situation arising at their school. Wounds (36%) and syncopal attack (23%) were among the commonly encountered situations requiring first aid management at schools. Teachers' confidence level in administering first aid was significantly associated with prior training in first aid (p=0.001). First aid kits were available in only five of the nine schools surveyed. DISCUSSION: The current competency level among teachers in Mangalore to administer first aid is inadequate. Measures need to be taken at schools to ensure initiation of first aid training followed by periodic training for teachers in first aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Indian subcontinent exhibits considerable degree of ethnic heterogeneity in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Given the importance of ethnicity, the present multi-ethnic study was conducted to find out the differences in body composition patterning and its influence on CVD risk variables.. Owing to considerable ethnic heterogeneity among Asian Indians the study was performed to determine the association of variability between body composition and CVD risk factors at the micro-level among different tribes by sex, province, and generation Nine tribes from three different states (provinces) were considered. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, adiposity, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose was measured using standard technique. Body composition was measured using BIA method by means of body fat monitor. Mean differences of the body composition measures were analysed by ANOVA. Stepwise multiple regressions were done with CVD risk variables as dependent and body composition profiles as independent variables to find out the significant predictors. Those were then loaded for principal component factor analyses (PCFA).. Tribal subjects of both sexes and from both younger and older generations in Gujarat had significantly higher percentage body fat, subcutaneous fat-whole body, and subcutaneous fat-trunk as compared to tribal subjects of Odisha, and West Bengal, as well as significantly lower skeletal mass-whole body and skeletal mass-trunk. PCFA showed two components: (i) percentage body fat with muscle mass; and (ii) visceral fat with resting metabolism. These two components cumulatively explained 80–90% of the total variance associated with CVD risk variables, across the nine tribes.. Tribal subjects of Gujarat had higher CVD risks with significantly higher fat mass and lower muscle mass followed by the tribal subjects of Odisha, and West Bengal respectively. The younger generation are equally at risk as their older counterparts. The CVD risks are developing at a much faster rate resulting in a serious public health threat, even in traditional societies. Body composition measures could be considered as a better non-invasive technique for early intervention and proper risk management among the Asian Indians in general and tribal populations in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene is a major problem, particularly for rural female adolescents. Most of the time, appropriate information regarding menstrual issues is lacking due various socio-cultural and communication issues. Objective: The aim of the study is to examine the menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent females in two underdeveloped districts of Karnataka, and to trace the relationship between the practice and changing sociodemographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study with 384 adolescent females from the two backward districts of Karnataka using stratified random sampling technique. Findings: According to the study, 66% respondents use the modern pads, while shyness, cost, and other factors prevent 33% of respondents from using pads. Approximately 20% of respondents identified hygiene as their top reason for using disposable pads, while 31% cited cleanliness. Most of the respondents (50%) dispose sanitary pads in the toilet, whereas 21% dump it with other trash. The use of sanitary pads is strongly correlated with mothers' education, income and family structure. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a critical need for widespread education on menstrual hygiene management in rural parts. There must be arrangements for rural women to have easy access to the affordable pads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coercive control behaviors central to the abuse of power appear more frequent than other types of domestic violence, but little is known about its frequency, features, and consequences for women in India. We aimed to examine the prevalence of domestic coercive control and its association with physical, sexual, and emotional domestic violence in the preceding year and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking. In a cross-sectional survey, we interviewed 4,906 ever-married women aged 18-49 years living in urban informal settlements in Mumbai, India. We developed a 24-item scale of coercive control, assessed physical, sexual, and emotional violence using existing questions, and screened for symptoms of depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD7) questionnaire, and suicidal thinking with questions developed by the World Health Organization. Estimates involved univariable and multivariable logistic regression models and the prediction of marginal effects. The prevalence of domestic coercive control was 71%. In total, 23% of women reported domestic violence in the past 12 months (emotional 19%, physical 13%, sexual 4%). Adjusted models suggested that women exposed to controlling behavior had greater odds of surviving emotional (aOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.7, 2.7), physical (1.4; 1.0, 1.9), and sexual (1.8; 1.1, 3.0) domestic violence in the past 12 months; and higher odds of a positive screen for moderate or severe depression (1.7; 1.3, 2.2), anxiety (2.1; 1.3, 3.1), and suicidal thinking (1.7; 1.2, 2.3), and increased with each additional indicator of coercive control behavior. When women reported 24 indicators of coercive control, the adjusted predicted proportion with moderate or severe depressive symptoms was 60%, anxiety 42%, and suicidal thinking 17%. Inclusion of coercive control in programs to support domestic violence, would broaden our understanding of domestic abuse to resemble most victims experience and improve interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) constitute a significant danger to the nation's public health system, both in terms of morbidity and mortality, as well as the financial burden they inflict. Kerala is undergoing an epidemiologic transition, which has significantly impacted the state's morbidity and mortality figures. For decades, the state has been putting in place myriad programs to reduce the burden of NCDs across population groups. Socioeconomic inequalities in NCD testing have been documented in India, although they are understudied in Kerala. The study aimed to estimate and characterize districtwise socioeconomic inequality in Blood Pressure (BP) and Blood Glucose (BG) testing. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted between July–October 2019 in Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala, India. A total of 6383 participants aged 30 years and above were interviewed using multistage random sampling. Descriptive statistics were derived district-wise. We computed ratios, differences, equiplots, and Erreygers concentration indices for each district to measure socioeconomic inequality in BP and BG testing. Erreygers decomposition techniques were used to estimate the relative contribution of covariates to socioeconomic inequality. Results: There was a significant concentration of BP and BG testing favouring wealthier quintiles in Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The inequality in BP and BG testing was highest in Thiruvananthapuram (0.087 and 0.110), followed by Kollam (0.077 and 0.090), Alappuzha (0.083 and 0.073) and Kasaragod (0.026 and 0.056). Decomposition analysis revealed that wealth quintile and education contributed substantially to socioeconomic inequality in BP and BG testing in all four districts. It was also found that family history of NCDs significantly contributed to observed socioeconomic inequality in BP testing (29, 11, 16, and 27% in Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram, respectively). Similarly, in BG testing, family history of NCDs substantially contributed to observed socioeconomic inequality, explaining 16–17% in Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram respectively of the total inequality. Conclusion: While the magnitude of socioeconomic inequality in NCD risk factor testing did not appear to be very high in four Kerala districts, although levels were statistically significant in three of them. Greater exploration is needed on how education and caste contribute to these inequalities and their relationship to NCD risk factors such as family history. From such analyses, we may be able to identify entry points to mitigate inequalities in testing access, as well as burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the extent of exposure to and use of mobile devices by children (aged 0–60 months) with a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disability. A self-report survey-based design was employed. Questionnaires were administered at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India The study included a convenience sample of 423 children with a neurodevelopmental disability (aged 0–60 months). The self-report survey was administered to the parents of the children. Analyses showed that 92.7% (n = 392) of all respondents have smartphones. 61% (n = 258) of the respondents stated that their children used mobile devices before 2 years of age. 58% (n = 246) of the parents gave children devices while feeding. A statistically significant difference was found in the mobile media usage between groups of children with different diagnoses (p < 0.001). Children diagnosed with ASD appeared to spend the largest amount of time on mobile media (m = 180.44 mins), as compared to children included with other diagnoses. Of the diagnosed children, only 13.4% (n = 57) of parents were informed about the possible negative effects of media use by their paediatricians. The results suggest premature mobile media habits, frequent use and lack of awareness about the effects of mobile media usage among children diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability. We suggest there is a need to update recommendations for caregivers on the use of mobile media by young children with disability. The usage and consequences of mobile media use differ based on the type of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis. Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders often use mobile media as a distraction while engaging in various activities themselves, this information helps identify times at which mobile media might be purposefully used by parents as distractors There is an urgent need for clinical guidelines regarding mobile media usage among young children with neurodevelopmental disorders [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Oncology Nursing Society have proposed a set of standards for safe chemotherapy administration. The state of implementation of these standards in oncologic practices in India is not understood properly. Methods: An anonymized survey was designed that consisted of items from all 37 standards that were described in the 2013 update of the standards. The survey was distributed via e-mail as well as in paper format among oncologists working in various oncology practices in the country. A standard was considered as fully implemented if more than 90% of the items beneath it had the most positive response (Yes/ Always). Results: Responses were obtained from 75 of 114 (65.8%) of the institutions surveyed. Only one institution had fully implemented the standards, whereas only six (8.0%) institutions had implemented more than 90% of the standards fully. The general chemotherapy administration-related domain was implemented fully by the least number of institutions. Although characteristics such as location, funding, and type of institution (teaching or not) failed to influence implementation rates, institutions of respondents who were aware of chemotherapy practice–related standards reported full implementation of a larger number of standards. Lack of national-level guidelines/ policies was identified as the most common difficulty in implementing standards. Conclusion: This survey indicates that there is an urgent need to formulate national-level guidelines for safe chemotherapy administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) refers to numbness, tingling, and burning sensation caused by chemotherapy that can cause impairment in Quality of Life (QoL) of the patients. Study assesses severity, risk factors, and quality of life of patients associated with CIPN. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at day care ward, tertiary care hospital India. Total of 98 patients receiving paclitaxel for ≥4 months were enrolled by convenient sampling. Data regarding demographics and clinical characteristics, CIPN severity, risk factors, and QoL were collected by structured questionnaires. Study revealed that median score of autonomic symptoms was higher than sensory and motor symptoms. Mean score of FACT/GOG-Ntx sub-domain was 99.05 ± 20.87on a scale of 0 to 152. ECOG Performance status, current exercise behavior, and fruit and vegetable intake was found to be significantly (at p <.05) associated with sensory, motor, and autonomic symptom score. Therefore, CIPN was found to have debilitating effect on QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to identify the factors prevalent among health science librarians toward vaccine hesitancy. With the development of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, numerous efforts are being taken to vaccinate people to control the spread of coronavirus. Recent research has shown a high level of vaccine hesitancy among various groups in various fields but no study has been conducted to explore the factors responsible for vaccine hesitancy among library professionals. A cross-sectional online survey of Indian health science librarians was conducted. Data was collected through an online questionnaire designed on Google Forms and analyzed using MS-Excel. Descriptive statistics were used in the study. The majority of respondents (77%) showed a high level of vaccine hesitancy due to issues of safety, negative information, and confusion over vaccines. Measures to increase vaccination uptake and authentic sources with respect to COVID-19 vaccines have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to comprehend the reading habits of faculty members of the higher education sector in India during the lockdown period and a comparative analysis of the reading habits of faculty members prior to the lockdown and during the lockdown. The study used an online survey approach to gather information using a Google form. The study population was composed of teachers from the higher education sectors in India. The study revealed the change and the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown state on faculty members' reading habits in India's higher education sector. An online survey was conducted of the unknown population using WhatsApp received 734 responses. The responses were analyzed by the study's objectives and tested a simple null hypothesis, i.e., "There is no significant change in the reading habits of the faculty members of the higher education sector in India during the lockdown period." The study discovered that faculty members had spent more time for reading, reading habits have considerably increased, a positive impact on reading habits, utilized their lockdown time to satisfy their information needs, the change in reading habits is observable, and there is an inclination towards the utilization of digital and online information. The study would be helpful for librarians, libraries, and information centres to prepare future strategic plans, develop a system for crisis management in libraries, and provide better information services after knowing the opinion of faculty members of higher education. The study is original since no study combining variables such as teachers, higher education sector, India, and reading habits has been undertaken. This study would also guide future studies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social inequities in early child bearing persist among young married people, especially among tribal populations in India. Rural women belonging to tribal groups and those coming from poor households are more likely to give birth before age 18. This paper explores the connection between ethnicity, gender and early fertility intention among young married people in rural India. Methods: The data is drawn from a cross sectional baseline evaluation of an intervention programme in rural India. A sample of 273 married young people was taken. Respondents were selected using systematic random sampling. Logistic Regression was used to assess the effect of being a tribal on early fertility intention and also to determine if covariates associated with early fertility intention differed by tribal status. Qualitative data was analysed using deductive content analysis approach. Results: Bivariate and logistic regression results indicated that young married people from tribal communities had higher odds of planning a child within one year of marriage than non-tribals (OR = 1.47, p-value-0.079). Findings further suggest that early fertility intention among tribals is driven by gender factors and higher education and among non-tribals, higher education and awareness on contraception are key predictors. Among tribals, the odds of planning a child within one year of marriage was strongly associated with inequitable gender norms (OR = 1.94, p-value-0.002). Higher education showed significant positive association with non-tribals (OR = 0.19, p-value-0.014) and positive association with tribals (OR = 0.56, p-value-0.416). Qualitative investigation confirms that fertility desires of young married people are strongly influenced by gender norms especially among tribal populations. Conclusion: Early child bearing was underpinned by complex ethnic factors and gender norms. Preference for early child bearing was seen most among tribal communities. Gender attitudes were a cause of concern especially among tribal groups. These results suggest that efforts to improve early child birth will require changing gender norms related to fertility among tribals as well as social equity issues including higher education among non-tribals and tribals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]