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Introduction and aim. India, accounting for approximately 26% of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden with a significant proportion of 0.11 million (6%) pediatric TB cases. The goal of this systematic review paper is to provide a thorough analysis of the TB epidemic in India, including information on the severity of the illness and challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment, the risk factors for transmission and progression of the disease, and the advancements and difficulties encountered in efforts to control at community level. Material and methods. The terms "Tuberculosis in India," "Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis," "Tuberculosis and Associated Co-morbidities," "Diagnosis of Tuberculosis," "Prevention of Tuberculosis," and "Treatment of Tuberculosis", keywords were used to search in number of international electronic databases, including "Google Scholar," "PubMed," and "DOAJ." Analysis of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment of TB are significantly complicated by co-morbid condition such includes alcoholism, diabetes, HIV, undernutrition, diabetes and HIV. In addition, there may be treatment delays, and the extra-pulmonary or drug-resistant TB due to ignorance, misunderstandings, and lack of education among TB patients, and medical professionals, which ultimately increases morbidity and mortality. Conclusion. Poverty, undernutrition, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and co-morbidities, which frequently complicate TB diagnosis and treatment, must be addressed in addition to the critical need to prioritize TB research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The index-finger and ring-finger ratio (2D:4D) is a potential biomarker that reflects prenatal hormonal exposure and thus has a long-term impact on reproductive health. The present study aims to determine the relationship between the 2D:4D (representing the prenatal hormonal environment, i.e., early androgen exposure) and early or delayed age at menarche among women in Sikkim, India. A total of one hundred nineteen Sherpa tribal women, ages 18-49, from the Soreng district of Sikkim, India, were included in the study using a stratified random sampling method. To calculate the 2D:4D ratio, the lengths of the index and ring fingers (2D and 4D) were measured using standard procedures. The category-wise mean comparison revealed that women with a more feminine 2D:4D ratio (in both left and right hand) had significantly earlier age at menarche (in years) compared to women with a more masculine 2D:4D ratio. The linear regression analysis revealed that the left 2D:4D was significantly related to menarche age. There is an association between the 2D:4D and menarche age, indicating a link between women's reproduction patterns and the influence of the prenatal hormonal environment as an important factor in attaining an early or delayed menarcheal age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and heterogeneous disorder among women in their reproductive years worldwide. The fact that the determinants of PCOS have been associated with the nature of the environment, lifestyle factors, and physical activity suggests that variations could exist in the prevalence in different ethnic and geographical settings due to dietary practices, lifestyle factors, and physical activity. The objectives of the present study are to determine the prevalence of PCOS and related symptoms among the Bodo tribal community in Assam, Northeast India. The relevant data were collected through self-administered structured schedules and interviews. The prevalence of PCOS was observed to be 8.0% among Bodo women population in urban areas. The irregularity of the menstrual cycle was one of the most prevalent symptoms of PCOS, in association with several dermatological manifestations like hirsutism, acne, and baldness. However, physical activity and lifestyle were observed to play a significant role. The present study determined that PCOS, lifestyle adaptation, and urban habitat were found to have associations among the Bodo women community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), a challenging health condition to treat, poses serious problems for public health in India. Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, limited access to healthcare and insufficient diagnostic tools all increase vulnerability. Comorbidities also make it more difficult to treat TB and promote the development of DR-TB. Objectives: The primary goal of this review study was to focus particularly on the DRTB epidemic in India. Our understanding of DR-TB will be expanded as a result of this study, which will also make it easier to develop focused interventions and public health regulations to deal with this problem. Methods: A meticulous systematic literature review was carried out using a wide range of electronic databases from around the world, including reputable sources. Results: The prevalence of DR-TB is rising over time. The main factors contributing to the disease's rising prevalence are genetic changes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the appearance of comorbidities in TB patients. In contrast, these elements impair immunity, increase the likelihood of side effects from treatment, and promote the spread of DR-TB. Conclusion: To address the problems brought on by DR-TB, the TB epidemic necessitates a thorough, multi-sectoral approach. Initiatives for targeted public health education and awareness are essential to lowering the prevalence of DR-TB and improving general health outcomes in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim. Endometriosis is a complex condition in which endometrium, tissue that resembles the uterine lining, develops outside the uterus. It is considered to be a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory gynecological disorder having multi-factorial origins. This review paper aims to consolidate recent information on ethnic differences, endometriosis risks, and the disease's etiology in the global context. Material and methods. A systematic search was performed using a variety of international electronic databases, including "PubMed" and "DOAJ", using the terms endometriosis, endometriosis and infertility, endometriosis and cancer, and treatment of endometriosis. Analysis of the literature. Endometriosis can appear anywhere in the body, including the umbilicus, the cecum and ileum of the digestive tract, the breast, the lungs, and the genitourinary organs. It is typically clinically asymptomatic with no obvious clinical manifestation and expensive treatment, which makes the diagnosis late. There is a complex interplay between socioeconomic status, family history, societal beliefs and laws, personal habits, reproductive and gynaecological conditions, and environmental influences in the development of endometriosis. Conclusion. Women with endometriosis should be given more attention, and specific resources in the healthcare system should be utilized to provide more efficient multidisciplinary healthcare and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy is the most crucial thing for every mother. Providing appropriate health-care services during pregnancy by skilled health care professionals is important for healthy childbirth and better maternal health outcomes. Despite Antenatal care services being free at the Public Hospital in Sikkim, many pregnant women are reluctant to get ANC services because of many socio-economic and demographic factors. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify various socio-economic and demographic determinants affecting ANC services utilization among rural women of South Sikkim, India. Methods: The community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 reproductive-aged (15-49 years) women residing in South Sikkim, India. The data on various socio-economic and demographic determinants associated with utilization of antenatal care services were collected by adopting a pre-structured schedule interview method by household visits. Results: A total of 73.4% reported that they have utilized the ANC services among women in South Sikkim. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that several socio-economic and demographic variables of age, age at marriage, age at pregnancy, marital status, family income, education, education of husband, occupation of husband parity and family income were significantly associated with ANC visits (p<0.05), except women's occupation and religion (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is an urgent need to inform pregnant women and their families about the importance of ANC services to enhance effective utilization and improve the overall health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder adversely affecting fertility and reproductive health with diverse clinical manifestations in women. Aim: The objectives of the present study are to determine and compare the prevalence of PCOS between rural and urban Assamese women in Guwahati, Assam. Methods: A total of 150 (75 rural; 75 urban) Assamese women aged 18-35 years have been collected at Pratiksha Hospital, Guwahati, Assam. The relevant data were collected through selfadministered pre-structured and interview methods. Results: Higher prevalence of PCOS was found in the urban areas living in nuclear families in comparison to rural areas. Recent weight gain and obesity with a higher prevalence of oligomenorrhea were found to be higher among the urban participants. An excess androgen activity evidenced by increased hirsutism was higher in the urban areas as compared to rural areas in association with increased levels of serum insulin. Conclusion: A long-term personalized management program is required for effectively treating individuals with PCOS which may help in regulating the symptoms and various other metabolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menopausal health refers to the various biological, physiological, and psychological changes and imbalances that occur as a result of the severity of symptoms. However, low oestrogen production causes various changes and declinations in women, which manifest as menopausal symptoms. Objectives: Present study determines the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and associations between socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle variables among postmenopausal women in Assam, Northeast India. Methods: The study was undertaken on 300 postmenopausal women using stratified random sampling. A pre-structured interview schedule was used to collect relevant data on socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle variables, as well as menopausal symptoms and related self-reported diseases, through a household survey and interview methods. Results: The mean age of menopausal women was found to be 47.08±2.38 years. Change in sexual desire (96.33%), profuse sweating with hot flush (61.67%), hot flush (60.00%), pain during sexual intercourse (46.33%), difficulties sleeping (37.00%), and lack of energy (39.67%) were the most common menopausal symptoms. There were significant associations recorded between various menopausal symptoms and age, education, first pregnancy age, age at menarche, family size, family type, parity, age at menopause, physical weakness, family income, and house condition (p <0.05). Conclusion: Menopausal symptoms were found to be more prevalent, and to reduce the population's health-related threat, more awareness, knowledge dissemination, and assistance are required, particularly among rural women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribal population (8.6%) is vulnerable to neonatal mortality and morbidity in India. Birth weight is an important decisive factor for most neonatal survival and postnatal development. The present study aims to compare the prevalence and associations of certain socio-economic, demographic, and lifestyle variables with low birth weight (LBW) among tribal and non-tribal populations in India. The present investigation utilized retrospective data of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015-16) among tribal (N=26635) and non-tribal (N=142162) populations in India. Birth weight variation of the newborn was categorized into LBW (<2500 gm) and NBW (=2500 gm). ANOVA, chi-square (X2) analysis, and binary logistic regression (BLR) were applied using SPSS (version 16.0). The prevalence of LBW was higher in non-tribal (17.2%) than tribal (13.5%), and the population-specific birth weight was significantly higher in tribal than non-tribal population (p<0.01). Higher tribal population concentration (47.0%) areas has a lower (7.4%) prevalence of LBW in the northeast zone, whereas greater non-tribal population concentration (27.1%) areas was found higher in the central zone (19.2%). The BLR analysis showed that rural habitat, lower educational attainment, lack of own sanitary toilet facility, a lower wealth index, absence of electricity, high pollutant fuel exposure, Hindu and Muslim religion, elevated maternal age at first birth, maternal anemia as well as home delivery of newborn have greater odds for LBW (p<0.05). In India, tribal populations are vulnerable and marginalised; their birth weight is significantly higher than that of non-tribals, and they have a lower prevalence of LBW and higher female birth rates. Mother's socioeconomic status and perceptions towards hygiene and better lifestyles acquired by educational upliftment positively affect the birth weight of the newborn in both the tribal and non-tribal population in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ridge patterns on the palms, fingers, toes, and soles stay constant and are distinct to each individual. Dermatoglyphics is the study of these ridges, which has many applications in medical science, biological anthropology, genetics, pharmaceuticals, dentistry, evolution, genetics and forensic science. Historically, the study of dermatoglyphics began in the 1600s, with Cummins and Midlo coining the name 'Dermatoglyphics'. These patterns are crucial in the identification of numerous disorders, both genetically and clinically. Thus, the widespread use of dermatoglyphics have shown to be a unique and important instrument for dental research, personal identification, paternity issues, demographic studies, population variations and the detection of numerous ailments and genetic diseases. The purpose of the present paper is to better understand the history of dermatoglyphics and its applications in anthropological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High rate of maternal mortality in developing and less developed countries is a serious public health concern which is still prevalent although several initiatives have been taken by elite public health organizations worldwide. The present review deals with the current situation of maternal mortality worldwide and associated health risk indicators/factors contributing to the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menopause is both a biological and a neuro-endrocrine transition in a woman's life. This shift in hormonal levels has an impact on women's physical and mental health. Menopausal women have a higher rate of morbidity and life dissatisfaction, such as mental and neurological disorders. It's difficult to tell the difference between the effects of aging, estrogen deficiency, and social and environmental stress on women's health. Cognitive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, type II diabetes, and lifestyle diseases are all major health complications and comorbidities that menopausal women face. Dysphoric disorders, mood disturbances, cognitive complaints, insomnia, and other mental illnesses are common among them. Menopause has an impact on women's reproductive lives, and menopausal women are more likely to develop breast and reproductive cancer. In adult women, menopause is one of the risk factors for such cancers. Good nutrition, adequate sleep, physical activity, mental health, and a stress-free lifestyle can all aid women in overcoming this stage. The current review study's objectives are to gain a better understanding of menopause and its relationship to ageing, as well as the impact of menopause on women's psychological and reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data based on family health and nutrition in India are reported by the national surveys of the country. The National Family Health Survey 3 (NFHS-3) and 4 (NFHS-4) released the report of 2005-06 and 2015-16. The NFHS-5 also released the data set for 22 states and union territories for the year 2019-20 very recently. Anaemia is among the major public health challenges which affect the vulnerable segments of the population which includes children and women. The men are also affected by the deficiency of anaemia but to a lesser extent. The present paper compares the NFHS-3 and NFHS-4 reports for the prevalence of anaemia among children belonging to 6-59 months and adults across 29 states. The study also discussed various factors, causes and consequences which serve as an important determinant for the occurrence of anaemia. The interventions by the government in relation to anaemia were also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fertility is the physiological ability to have children or to produce offspring whereas; mortality means death of any member of the population. In demographic study which is basically the study of any population, fertility rate and mortality rate are considered to be important determinants alongside migration which is the settlement pattern of people from one place of origin to another. Objectives: The objective of the present cross-sectional investigation is to analyze the association of socio- economic factors with fertility and mortality among the Lepcha tribal population of North Sikkim, India. Methods: For the present investigation, data was collected from 110 married women aged 18- 60 years from different villages of Dzongu, North Sikkim. Data on fertility and mortality information were obtained from each married woman along with their spouses. Results: The mean age at marriage and age at first child birth were observed to be higher and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Live births and surviving children with respect to education of women is statistically significant, with values for live births (F= 5.088, p<0.01) and surviving children (F=4.040, p<0.05). The number of mothers with infant mortality was observed to be higher in the low-income group (1.29±0.18). Results indicated that 81% from the low-income group have not opted for family planning, but 44.4 % have reported the use of contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The study indicates that socio-economic, socio-cultural and biological factors have an impact on fertility and mortality and has led to its decrease among the Lepcha tribal population of North Sikkim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is an alternative anthropometric measurement to assess undernutrition but a universally accepted cut-off is yet to be established. The objectives of the present study are to determine whether the proposed sex-specific global cut-offs are suitable across several tribes in India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among nine tribal populations in India (1046 males, 1087 females). Weight, height and MUAC values were obtained, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The BMI cut-off (<18.5 kg/m2) was used to determine chronic energy deficiency (CED). The ROC Curve analyses of binomial logistic regression for MUAC versus CED revealed optimal cut-off point of MUAC as 23.8 cm (in males) and 21.8 cm (in females). MUAC cut-offs were similar in females, relative to males, in all tribes. Males with MUAC<24cm and females with MUAC<22 encompassed significantly higher numbers of CED than those with MUAC≥24 and ≥22 cm, respectively (χ2-value males: 254.9, p<0.001; females: 493.60, p<0.01). A single cut off point of MUAC may not be universally applicable for diverse populations and both sexes as well. It seemed that there is no alternative than to undertake further validation studies in various populations before using the MUAC cut off to identify undernourished or CED condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are clusters of evidence of gender-based violence (GBV) have been happening across the world for more than a year or so due to the effects of restricted movement of people due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It turns out that women specially Health Care Workers (HCWs) per se are being victimised owing to 'paradoxical effects' on account of intermittent lockdown culminated into encountering Intimate Partner violence (IPV). In this article, the authors elucidate a comprehensive picture of both GBV and IPV of countries irrespective of Global North and South through a medical sociological analysis of woman HCWs and other innocents women in the household domain by evidenced based interpreting the publication history, retrieved from the PUBMED, and Google search engine between 1930 and early 2021, covering a large number of developed and developing countries. The article also critically analyses the pattern of violence-specific digitised rescue system including building temporary shelters for rescued victims with the support of the respective government agents and NGOs. This present comprehensive picture of both GBV and IPV in workstation and household level can assist restructuring the fruitful dialogue amongst the policy makers around the world to re-programme the gender norms for the benefit of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menopause is an important part of a woman's reproductive life, most of them spend the last third of their life-time after their reproductive period ends, and can cause different awkward side effects. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of menopause symptoms includes hot flashes, body ache, irritability, hypertension, difficulty in sleeping, joint pain and vaginal dryness were observed to be prominent symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an attempt to explore the Small-Scale Tea Economies in North-East India. Of late, it is seen that most of the tribes in the North-East have engaged into tea cultivation. As per the Tea Board of India (2019), there are 110,422 Small Tea Growers (STGs) spread over 47 districts in the region. The 'Arsla Organic Tea Growers and Producers Cooperative' model was innovated by Khasi Tribes of Meghalaya way back in 2013 with an objective to improve their scale of operation into processing and marketing. In 2020, a global pandemic affected their production and marketing channel due to their inexperience in the tea industry and particularly marketing. The Sub-Regional Office (SRO) of Tea Board of India has also found unsatisfactory to strengthen their extension services to the Cooperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical development of the inter-relationship between sex determination and hand dimensions is important in the identification of mutilated and skeletal remains found in several mass disasters and fatal assault cases. The primary aim of the study was to determine sex from hand dimensions (HL: hand length and HB: hand breadth) of adult Rajbanshi individuals. Data for the present study were obtained from 400 (200 males; 200 females) unrelated adult (aged 20-60 years) Rajbanshi individuals. The data was statistically analyzed using statistical tests such as descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA. Binary Logistic Regression was employed to develop predictive sex models. We found that the mean values of HL and HB of both hands were higher in males compared to females. Statistically significant sex differences were found in hand lengths only. Bilateral differences in HL and HB were found to be statistically significant in both sexes. Predictive sex models were found to be significant (p<0.05) and bear reliable accuracies for both sexes separately as well as combinedly. It could be inferred that hand dimensions can identify sex with reasonable accuracy. However, hand length appeared to be the most reliable sex discriminator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compares knowledge, awareness and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS between 645 urban and 499 rural women aged between 20-45 years belonging to Rajbanshi ethnic population of North Bengal, India using multi-stage random sampling method. Data related to knowledge, awareness and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS was recorded using a pre-structured questionnaire and open-ended interviews. Data were statistically analysed using chi-square analysis, regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 16.0) and R (version 4.0.0). Results of PCA analysis showed that significant differences existed in the knowledge, awareness and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS between the rural and urban women (p<0.05). Comprehensive knowledge, awareness and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS were significantly higher among urban women, as compared to rural. Efforts are required by the local bodies, non-governmental agencies and the government to create awareness towards HIV/AIDS, especially among the rural population. The comprehensive knowledge gap and misconception must be eradicated in order to reduce the relative risks of disease transmission in community or population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reproductive health implies to have maintained reproductive capabilities to reproduce the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the associations of early age at marriage, early childbearing, use of contraceptive methods and reproductive health consequences among Mishing tribal women. Methods: The community-based cross-sectional investigation was carried out among 1056 Mishing tribal women aged between 15-45 years residing in Lakhimpur district, Assam. The data on family planning, contraceptive use, duration of pregnancy, total conceptions, total number of live births, miscarriage, abortion (induced) and complication related to reproductive system were obtained using pre-structured schedule and interview method by household visits. Results: More than half of the Mishing women were encountering with various reproductive health related complications, where 54.45%, 12.25% and 5.87% of women were experienced miscarriage, abortion and still birth, respectively. BLR analysis showed that early marriage (e.g., <15 years and 16-20 years), family planning methods, oral contraceptive use and reproductive complications were found to have significant association with miscarriages (p<0.05). The higher risk associations were found in age at first child (≤18 years), oral contraceptive use and reproductive complications with stillbirths (p<0.05). Similarly, risk of induced abortion was observed to be higher with oral contraceptive use, family planning method and

Menarche and menopause are two major components of a woman's reproductive life. Ages at menarche and menopause vary widely between and within populations and are influenced by various factors, both genetic and environmental. The present community-based cross-sectional investigation aimed to assess the association between ages at menarche and natural menopause among women belonging to the indigenous Rajbanshi population of North Bengal, India. The investigation was carried out from January 2015 to May 2015 among 510 Rajbanshi women aged between 45 and 55 years residing in the district of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. A structured schedule was used to collect data on ages at menarche and natural menopause, marital status, parity, education, age of first and last pregnancies, duration of breastfeeding, nature of occupation, health status, smoking and monthly family income. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were recorded and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. The statistical analyses, which included descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression (BLR), were done using SPSS. The women's mean age of menarche and median age of natural menopause were 12.52 years and 50 years, respectively. The BLR analysis indicated that education, age at first pregnancy had significant effects on the age at natural menopause among women who experienced menarche at <12 years of age (p<0.05). In the case of women who attained menarche at ≥12 years of age, marital status, age at last pregnancy, parity, education, duration of breastfeeding, smoking, occupation, monthly income and BMI had a greater influence on age at natural menopause. There appears to be an indirect association between age at menarche and age at natural menopause, along with different predictor variables, among the Rajbanshi women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is the developmental period through which children grow into adults. Adolescents are the future generations of any country and their physical growth and nutritional needs are important for overall development of a society. The present cross-sectional investigation was undertaken to determine anthropometric characteristics of rural Bengali adolescent girls residing in North Bengal, India. The present investigation has observed that the adolescent girls exhibited low rates of physical growth when compared with the standard growth reference population but higher than those reported for other rural adolescent girls from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the deadliest causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Menopause is the permanent cessation of menses results in permanent amenorrhea. Menopause causes a vast change in women's life e.g., physiological and psychological changes. Menopause is not the cause for cancer but it's a factor to cancer as age increases. The dual burden of cancer and menopause hampers many women globally. There are various other risk factors e.g., obesity, high BMI, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, age at menopause etc can raise the probability of malignant disease. Some of these risks factor can be changed, whereas some cannot. Among all the reproductive organ cancers, breast cancer is the most common, followed cervical cancer and other cancers in developing countries. Women who attain late menopause after the age of 55 years are more prone to reproductive and other cancers (e.g., uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer). In developing countries, women lack basic knowledge which tends to make them more vulnerable to dangerous diseases. Cancer is a major concern over there. Early screening, proper diagnosis and medication are effective measure to control cancer. This review study is in contrast to menopause and its association to recent trends in cancer in a global scenario. It describes current burden, prevalence, prevention, early diagnosis of cancer globally and theoretical analysis of female reproductive cancer among menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM) is a recent phenomenon in the nutritional situation among populations belonging to the low-middle-income countries. Socio-economic, demographic factors with adoption of western lifestyle, unhealthy diets and physical inactivities are the main cause of DBM. The study aims to evaluate the socio-economic and demographic determinants among school-going children belonging to the Rajbanshi population of North Bengal, India. Prevalence of dual burden of undernutrition and overweight were among tha Rajbanshi adolescents children 9-14 years. The DBM has associations with sex/gender, age, birth order and house type. Higher associations were seen among higher age groups and those living in pakka houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is an important decisive factor for most of the neonatal deaths, hence, Birth Weight (BW) is essential to identify immediately after birth for neonate survival and post-natal growth. The proper neonatal care and logistics are not available in every situation, especially in noninstitutional or home deliveries bear's difficulties to identify the relative risks of intra-uterine growth retardations and/or of newborns LBW. Aim: To identify the surrogate anthropometric measurements of Birth length (BL) and Head circumference (HC) as a proxy measure of newborns LBW and determine the operational cutoff points among the Bengali Hindu population of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 495 newborn BW data were collected from the hospital records from August 2016 to March 2017. Data were collected among Bengali Hindu mothers completed full gestational periods and delivered a normal singleton newborn. The data comprises of BW, BL and HC which were recorded using standard anthropometric procedures. The data were analysed in terms of descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, linear and Binary logistic regression (BLR) and AUC-ROC analysis using SPSS (version, 16.0). Results: Out of 495 newborns included mean BW and LBW were 2.72±0.44 kg and 27.10%, respectively. The BW was correlated with BL (r=0.791) than HC (r=0.757) (p<0.001). Linear and BLR analysis showed that BL and HC exhibited significant influences on newborns BW (p<0.01). ROC-AUC analyses of BL (AUC=0.89, 95% CI 0.86-0.92) and HC (AUC=0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.94) showed optimal surrogate indicators with LBW (p<0.01). The optimal cut-points for BL and HC to identify LBW newborns were <46.5 cm and <32.5 cm, respectively. Conclusion: BL is the best suitable anthropometric measure followed by HC to predict LBW newborns. These proxies anthropometric indicators would help to identify the relative risks LBW and neonates requiring intervention in field situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undernutrition is considered to be a serious public health problem in most of the developing countries. Globally, the anthropometric measures are widely used to estimate the magnitude of undernutrition in children. The Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) provides the overall magnitude of undernutrition as an aggregate single measure over the conventional anthropometric indices and helps in identification of single or double or multiple anthropometric failures in preschool children. The present investigation assesses the age-sex specific prevalence of undernutrition using both conventional anthropometric measures and CIAF among Sonowal Kachari tribal preschool children of Assam, India. This cross-sectional investigation was carried out among 362 (162 boys and 190 girls) Sonowal Kachari tribal children younger than 5 years of flood affected regions of Lakhimpur district of Assam, India. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were measured using standard procedures. Age-sex specific Z-score value of weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height were calculated by using WHO-Anthro, v. 3.2.2. A child Z-score <−2.00 of any anthropometric indices was considered to be undernourished and the standard CIAF classification was used to calculate the prevalence of undernutrition. The overall prevalence of wasting, underweight, stunting and CIAF was observed to be 11.6%, 22.9%, 36.2%, and 48.6%, respectively. The sex-specific prevalence of wasting (15.8% vs. 6.9%), underweight (30.5% vs. 14.5%) and stunting (42.1% vs. 29.6%) observed to be significantly higher among girls than boys (p<0.05). The girls (61.05%) were found to be more affected than boys (34.9%) by CIAF (p<0.01). The present investigation reported higher magnitude of undernutrition using CIAF over conventional anthropometric measures, hence the CIAF is relatively better indicator that reflects higher magnitude of undernourishment as compared to any conventional anthropometric indices in children. This research investigation has also reinforced the importance of appropriate intervention programme and strategies needed to reduce the prevalence of undernutrition in childhood and in population as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Estimation of stature is an important parameter in the personal identification from human remains such as hand, foot and limbs in forensic examination in the field of Forensic Anthropology. Aim: To understand the relationship between stature and hand dimensions among indigenous Karbi tribal population of Assam, Northeast India. Materials and Methods: The present community based crosssectional investigation was carried out among 300 (150 males and 150 females) adults of Karbi population of age group 20-50 years of Karbi Anglong, Assam, India. Anthropometric measurements of stature, Hand Length (HL) and Hand Breadth (HB) were collected using standard anthropometric procedures. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and regression analysis were applied using SPSS (version, 17.0). Results: The results indicated that female individuals exhibit significantly smaller stature and hand dimensions than their male counterparts (p<0.05). Using ANOVA, there were statistically significant differences in stature, HL and HB (p<0.05) between sexes. The bilateral difference was found to be statistically significant in HL and HB (p<0.05), but the difference found was not significant in HL among females (p>0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that anthropometric measures of stature are positively correlated with LHL, RHL, LHB and RHB (p<0.01). The results showed that the sex-specific regression equations in linear and multiple linear equations showed significant coefficient correlation with stature and LHL, RHL, LHB and RHB (p<0.01). The mean differences between the actual and estimated stature using derived equations of hand dimensions were observed to be statistically not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present study has successfully reported the possible relationships and estimation of stature from the HL and HB. Similar studies are also recommended for ethnic/population specific equation and/or utilise and validation of equations to estimate the stature from HL and HB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percent of body fat (PBF), fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) are useful indicators for the assessment of body composition. The present study was conducted among 1351 children (boys: 660; girls: 691) aged 5-12 years residing in West Bengal, Eastern-India. The children were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, triceps skinfold (TSF) and sub-scapular skinfold (SSF) were recorded using standard procedures. The PBF, PBF-for-age z-score (PBFZ) and body mass index (BMI) were subsequently calculated. Body composition was assessed using FM, FFM, fat mass index (FMI) and fat free mass index (FFMI). Age-specific mean values of FM ranged from 2.12-4.00 kg (boys) and 2.16-4.40 kg (girls). Age-specific mean values of FFM ranged from 14.45-23.93 kg (boys) and 14.01-23.03 kg (girls). Sex-specific mean differences between sexes were statistically significant in weight, height, TSF, SSF, PBF, PBFAZ, FM, FFM, FMI and FFMI (p<0.05), except in BMI (p>0.05). These results are important for future investigations in clinical and epidemiological settings so as to accurately identify the risk of lower or higher adiposity and body composition using PBF, FM and FFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper arm anthropometry has a potential role to provide useful estimations of body composition and nutritional status. Aims of the present cross-sectional study were to assess body composition and nutritional status of rural school-going children using upper arm anthropometric measures such as upper arm muscle area-by-height (UAMAH) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) for-height. The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1281 children of West Bengal, India (boys 619, girls 662) aged 5-12 years and selected using a stratified random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, MUAC and triceps skinfold (TSF) were recorded. Body composition and nutritional status were assessed using upper arm muscle area (UMA), upper arm fat area (UFA), UAMAH and MUAC-forheight. Age-sex-specific overall adiposity in TSF, UFA, arm fat index and upper-arm fat area estimates were higher among girls than boys (p<0.01), but UMA and upper-arm muscle area estimates were observed to be higher among boys than girls (p<0.05). High prevalence of undernutrition was found among both boys (53.15%) and girls (41.69%) using UAMAH (p<0.01). The overall prevalence of low MUAC-forheight was higher among boys (28.59%) than girls (25.68%) (p>0.05). Upper arm anthropometric measures, UAMAH and MUAC-for-height are useful for assessment of body composition and nutritional status among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of stunting (low height-for-age) is a key indicator of long-term chronic undernutrition which reflects an anthropometric failure to reach linear growth potentials due to prolonged food deprivation and/or disease or illness during the early stage of life. The present study assesses the prevalence and socio-economic and demographic correlates of stunting among adolescents of the North-east India. This cross-sectional study was undertaken among 1,818 (830 boys; 988 girls) adolescents (aged 10-18 years) belonging to ethnically heterogeneous populations of Karbi Anglong district of Assam, using stratified random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were recorded using standard procedures. Socio-economic and demographic variables were obtained using pre-structured schedule. The age-sex specific L, M and S reference values were used to calculate height-for-age Z-score (HAZ). According to WHO, HAZ found to be <−2SD was classified as stunting. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, chi-square analyses, binary and step-wise multiple logistic regression analysis in SPSS (version, 17.0). The prevalence of stunting was observed to be significantly higher among boys (48.4%) than girls (37.8%) (p<0.01). Age-sex specific prevalence was found to be higher among boys than girls aged 14-18 years and contrary were observed among girls aged 10-14 years (p>0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that several socio-economic and demographic variables were significantly associated with stunting (p<0.05). The step-wise multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sex (boys), age groups (13-15 years and 16-18 years), father's occupation (cultivator) and Rupees ≤5000 household income was significantly associated with stunting (p<0.05). Appropriate nutritional intervention programmes and dissemination of knowledge at population level related to undernutrition are necessary to ameliorate their nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neck circumference (NC) is an anthropometric measurement of differentiating body fat distributions and a marker of upper subcutaneous adiposity. The present study highlights the association and importance of NC as a suitable proxy screening measure of overweight/obesity as compared to the conventional anthropometric variables used among Indian adults. The present community based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 1169 Karbi adults (males: 625; females: 544) residing in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, Northeast India, who were selected through a multistage stratified random sampling method. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and NC were recorded using standard procedures. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated and prevalence of overweight/obesity was assessed using standard cut-offs. The prevalence of obesity using BMI (=25.00 kg m-2) was 15.52% and 15.26% among males and females, respectively (p=0.05).The prevalence of obesity using NC was observed to be significantly higher among males (48.80%) than females (19.12%) (p<0.01). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that NC predicted obesity over the conventional anthropometric variables with reasonable accuracy (p<0.01). The ROC-AUC analysis showed a relatively greater significant association between BMI, WC and HC and NC for obesity (p<0.01). Thus, NC appears to be a potentially simple, easyto- use screening measure for predicting obesity among adults. Further studies are required to validate its use for screening of obesity among other ethnic populations in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Forensic anthropology involves the identification of human remains for medico-legal purposes. Estimation of sex is an essential element of medico-legal investigations when identification of unknown dismembered remains is involved. Aim: The present study was conducted with an aim to estimate sex from index and ring finger lengths of adult individuals belonging to an indigenous population of eastern India. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 unrelated adult individuals (18-60 years) from the Rajbanshi population (males: 250, females: 250) took part in the study. A total of 400 (males: 200, 200 female) participants were randomly used to develop sex estimation models using Binary Logistic Regression Analysis (BLR). A separate group of 200 adults (18-60 years) from the Karbi tribal population (males 100, females 100) were included to validate the results obtained on the Rajbanshi population. The univarate and bivariate models derived on the study group (n=400) were tested on hold-out sample of Rajbanshi participants (n=100) and the other test population of the Karbi (n=200) participants. Results: The results indicate that Index Finger Length (IFL) and Ring Finger Length (RFL) of both hands were significantly longer in males as compared to females. The ring finger was longer than the index finger in both sexes. The study successfully highlights the existence of sex differences in IFL and RFL (p<0.05). No sex differences were however, observed for the index and ring finger ratio. The predictive accuracy of IFL and RFL in sex estimation ranged between 70%-75% (in the hold out sample from the Rajbanshi population) and 60-66% (in the test sample from the Karbi population). A Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis was performed to test the predictive accuracy after predicting the probability of IFL and RFL in sex estimation. The predicted probabilities using ROC analysis were observed to be higher on the left side and in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The study concludes that sex estimation from index and ring finger lengths could be of utility when more reliable means of sex estimation are not available during medico-legal investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are the accumulation of high body adiposity, which can have detrimental health effects and contribute to the development of numerous preventable noncommunicable diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effect of socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults belonging to the Rengma- Naga population of North-east India. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 826 Rengma-Naga individuals (males: 422; females: 404) aged 20-49 years from the Karbi Anglong District of Assam, using a two-stage stratified random sampling. The socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle variables were recorded using structured schedules. Height and weight were recorded and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using standard procedures and equation. The WHO (2000) cut-off points were utilized to assess the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥23.00-24.99 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥25.00 kg/m²). The data were analysed using ANOVA, chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression analysis using SPSS (version 17.0). RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 32.57% (males: 39.34%; females: 25.50%) and 10.77% (males: 9.95%; females: 11.63%), respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that age groups (e.g., 40-49 years), education (≥9th standard), part-time occupation and monthly income (≥Rs.10000) were significantly associated with overweight and obesity (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Age, education occupation and income appear to have higher associations with overweight and obesity among adults. Suitable healthcare strategies and intervention programmes are needed for combating such prevalence in population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition is a global public health problem that causes premature morbidity and ill-health conditions and has long-lasting physiological effects in children. The present study assesses the prevalence of wasting [low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)-for-age] among children and to determine the association of wasting with different socio-economic and socio-demographic variables. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1222 pre-school children (boys: 589; girls: 633), aged 1-5 years, in Darjeeling district, North Bengal, India, using multistage stratified random sampling method. The MUAC was measured using the standard anthropometric procedure. Low MUAC-for-age was assessed by comparing with a standard age-sex-specific reference population (WHO, 1995). Children with MUAC value were found to be the z-scores <-3SD, and <-2 SD were considered to be severely and moderately wasted, respectively. The socio-economic and socio-demographic variables were recorded using structured schedule methods. The data were statistically analyzed based on descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and logistic regression using SPSS (version, 17.0). RESULTS: The age-specific mean MUAC ranged from 126.1-142.5 mm (boys) and 126.9-136.4 mm (girls). The prevalence of wasting was very high (boys: 62.3%; girls: 63.3%) (p>0.05). The logistic regression analysis observed that age, gender, birth order, area (rural), maternal education, household income and mothers' age were significantly associated with the prevalence of wasting (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Using MUAC-for-age, a high prevalence of wasting was observed among the children. Birth order, maternal education and maternal occupation were important determinants of wasting. There is an urgent requirement of nutritional intervention programmes to ameliorate the nutritional status of the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The composition of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are now considered to be important indicators of body composition. Aim: This cross-sectional study determines the body composition using FM and FFM among children. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted among 1248 children (619 boys; 629 girls) aged 5-12 years and belonging to the Bengalee Muslim population of West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, triceps and sub-scapular skin-folds were recorded and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Body composition was assessed using FM and FFM. Results: The age-specific mean values of FM and FFM ranged from 1.93-3.07 kg (boys) and 1.91-3.62 kg (girls) and from 14.69-23.44 kg (boys) and 14.18-22.87 kg (girls), respectively. Statistically significant sex differences were observed in FM and FFM ( p < 0.05). Age- and sex-specific smooth percentile curves were derived for BMI, FM and FFM using the L, M and S modelling approach for further evaluation of body composition. Conclusion: These findings are important for future investigations in the field and in epidemiological and clinical settings so as to accurately identify risk of lower or higher adiposity and body composition using FM and FFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present cross-sectional study evaluates the utility of the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) over conventional nutritional indices for nutritional assessment. It also assesses the impact of various socio-economic and demographic factors on the CIAF. Subjects and methods: Height, weight, age, socio-economic and demographic data were recorded from 3444 children (1682 boys; 1762 girls) aged 1-12 years and residing in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. The conventional anthropometric indices and CIAF were compared with the NCHS reference data to assess prevalence of under-nutrition. A multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the impact of different socio-economic and demographic variables on the CIAF. Results: Prevalence of under-nutrition was observed to be 21.5% (wasting), 43.3% (stunting) and 52.0% (underweight). This increased to 63.6% using the CIAF. The multinomial logistic regression odds showed that children suffering from double and multiple failures were significantly associated with the socio-economic and demographic variables. Conclusion: The CIAF provides more precision in identifying the nutritionally vulnerable segment of the population. The disaggregation of CIAF has an adequate potential to enhance the efficacy of a nutritional intervention programme by identifying double or multiple failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper arm muscle area (UMA) and upper arm fat area (UFA) were introduced for assessment of child nutritional status. Aim: This cross-sectional study assesses child nutritional status using UMA and UFA. It also evaluates the suitability of upper arm muscle area by height (UAMAH) for assessing child under-nutrition with respect to stunting and wasting. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted among 1248 children (619 boys; 629 girls) aged 5-12 years belonging to the Bengalee Muslim Population of West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skin-fold were recorded. Nutritional status was assessed using UMA, UFA and UAMAH. Percentile curves were derived using the least median square method. Results: Mean age specific values of UMA, UFA and UAMAH of boys and girls were markedly below the 5th percentile. Using UAMAH, a very high proportion of children (boys, 91.28%; girls, 88.55%) were found to be under-nourished. Prevalence of stunting (boys, 39.74%; girls, 41.49%) and wasting (boys, 19.55%; girls, 15.74%) were also found to be high. Conclusion: The combination of UMA, UFA, UAMAH and conventional nutritional indices appear to be useful for assessment of child under-nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatoglyphic print comparisons can be utilized to establish personal identification in forensic cases. The northern part of the state of West Bengal, India, is the home to many ethnic populations. Two such populations are the Rajbanshi and the Mech. Palm prints were collected from 192 adult Rajbanshi (105 men and 87 women) and 100 adult Mech (50 men and 50 women) individuals for print comparison using the standard ink and roll print method. The dermatoglyphic variables studied were mainline formulae, termination of mainline, positional variation of axial triradii, and true pattern of hypothenar and thenar configuration area. There were differences between the Rajbanshi and Mech individuals with respect to these dermatoglyphic variables. The uses of these variables appear to be limited only to ethnic identification, not personal identification. The present investigation further highlights the racial affinity, sex, and bilateral differences among Rajbanshi individuals using dermatoglyphic palmar variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present cross-sectional study examines the association of maternal nutritional status, body composition and socio-economic status with newborn low birth weight (LBW). It was conducted on 503 mothers and their singleton newborns in an urban hospital in Siliguri, West Bengal, India. The maternal anthropometric measurements (weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold), socio-economic variables (education, household income, occupation and birth order) and newborn birth weight were recorded. The average birth weight was 2.746 (±0.40) kg and 17.30% of the newborns had LBW. The multinomial regression analysis showed maternal age, height, weight nutritional status, birth order and household income to have significant associations with newborn LBW. The receiver operating characteristic curve–area under curve analysis showed maternal weight and mid-upper arm circumference to be the best surrogate measures of LBW. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: In India, children show a high incidence of undernutrition and constitute a highly susceptible group. Aim: The present cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence of undernutrition among school-going children belonging to three communities in the same geographical and ecological habitat. Subjects and methods: A total of 906 boys and 964 girls in the age group of 5–12 years and belonging to the Rajbanshi, Tea-labourer and Bengalee Muslim communities residing in North Bengal, India were included. Height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-height were used to evaluate their nutritional status and these were compared with the NCHS reference data. The statistical methods used included chi-square and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: There were wide variations in stunting, underweight and wasting among the children of the three ethnic communities. Significant gender differences were observed between and within the communities. Children from Tea-labourer and Bengali Muslim were more affected in comparison to the Rajbanshi. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that gender, ethnic community and number of siblings are significantly associated with undernutrition. Family size does not seem to be associated with undernutrition. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of undernutrition among the children. Urgent nutritional intervention is necessary to ameliorate their nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of child undernutrition is high around the world, particularly alarming in the developing countries. This cross-sectional investigation has been undertaken among rural primary school-going children residing in Phansidewa block of Darjeeling district. The study sample was 2111 children (1028 boys; 1083 girls) aged 5–12 years. Height, weight was taken and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The recent international cut-off of BMI of Cole et al. was used to assess the prevalence of thinness. The overall mean BMI among boys and girls were 14.01 ± 1.57 kg m−2 and 14.17 ± 1.87 kg m−2 respectively (p < 0.05). A very high prevalence was observed in overall thinness (71.11% boys; 67.77% girls, p > 0.05) in the different grades of thinness. Child undernutrition (thinness) is a major underlying problem in Indian rural children, especially in rural West Bengal, where appropriate nutritional intervention strategies are necessary to improve their nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]