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Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is right to receive dignified and respectful care by health care worker and right to freedom from harm. “The relationship between the lack of quality care and adverse maternal outcome has been highlighted globally. RMC include respect for women autonomy, dignity, feelings, privacy choices and freedom from ill-treatment, coercion, consideration for personal preference include option for companionship during maternity care.” To assess the experiences of mothers of infants (42 days- 6 months of age) regarding RMC residing in Dadu Majra colony UT. Chandigarh. This descriptive study was conducted on 133 mother of infants (42 days-6 month of age) residing in one semi urban area of Chandigarh, by using total enumeration sampling technique. The ethical clearance was given by the Ethics committee of NINE, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Tool used for data collection was interview schedule comprised of three parts : 1) Socio demographic profile of participants 2) Obstetrical profile of participants 3) Interview schedule to assess RMC, in the form of Likert scale in which 43 items scored into 5 categories i.e All the times (5). Sometimes (4). Often (3), Rarely (2) and Never (1). Data was collected by interviewing the participants as per interview schedule after taking informed written consent. Data was analysed by SPSS 20 version.Majority of the participants (90.2%) received very good RMC, other 7.3% received RMC and 2.3% received fair RMC. Most of the mothers received very good care in domain of dignified care (91.7%), equitable care (100.0%), highest attainable level of care (78.9%). freedom from harm (89.5%) and informed consent (88%) while the domain of privacy and confidential care 52.6% mothers received good respectful maternity care.Majority of the participant received the very good RMC, only few of the participants reported abusive cares such as yelling by the HCW and the security guards, slapped on the thighs etc.

Quality of life (QoL) is a very contemporary domain of modern health care practices. Though it has no clear or concise definition, its impact of it is huge for an individual living with diabetes mellitus. Yet, the mention of QoL is restricted to majorly four common domains, such as physical, psychological, social, and environmental, which excludes the major areas that lead to poor QoL among diabetic individuals in rural India, such as, indefinite food restriction and seclusion from the family dining menu or isolation from festivals largely focused on food. Work and role limitation in the Indian setting is also a prevalent precursor to poor QoL, for example, the consciousness of frequent bathroom visits due to polyuria, unaffordability of proper storage of insulin in the workplace, and increased absenteeism for doctor visits. The focus on the vague ideas of QoL needs to be changed towards more individualistic, as it is a subjective measure. Nonetheless, the assessment of QoL is non-existent in the treatment protocols of diabetes in rural India, mostly because of the non-availability of specialized institutions, resources, and services. Moreover, as diabetes is a silent disease, the effects of self-care are not immediate, even though, long-term benefits have been proven, leading to poor motivation added to inaccessibility of healthcare services, creating an environment for detrimental quality of life. Thus, an individualist approach toward QoL is warranted along with mandatory evaluation of QoL in every area of the diabetic therapeutic regime.

Introduction and Background: Imposition of lock down during COVID 19 pandemic by Indian Government has brought many changes in the life of people. Objective: To explore the psychosocial impact of lockdown in general population with specific focus upon changes observed in day-to-day activities encompassing spiritual and recreational activities. Methods: The study was conducted on class III and IV employees of a health care Institute selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by administering questionnaire comprising of two parts: a) Socio-demographic profile b) Questions on psycho-social-spiritual aspects and recreational activities adopted by general population during COVID -19 pandemic. Results: The study reported increase in the feeling of sadness, irritability and boredom among people during lockdown and decrease in social and religious activities. Participants reported a significant increase in the frequency of watching movies, Netflix series and other programs on television etc. and the time spent on social media such as WhatsApp, facebook, instagram, tik-tok, etc. The screen time spent by the people was more than 2hrs. Conclusion: There was drastic change in certain variables related to psychological health of people during lockdown.

Introduction: During the closure of schools amidst Covid-19 pandemic, the education system had to switch on to the e-learning/distance learning and home-schooling in order to ensure the continuity of education. It was a big challenge for the parents, children and schools. Aim: To explore the problems and coping strategies regarding e-learning and home-schooling of children among the parents amidst Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Using snow ball technique the parents having school going children and willing to participate in the study were enrolled. Total 138 parents participated and data was collected by google form. Results: Parents had to face various problems such as financial, technical, personal, health and psychosocial problems during home schooling. To cope up with the situation parents had to purchase a new internet plan for better connectivity, cut-off their expenses, borrowed money and gadgets from others, adjusted their duty hours and also trained their children or grandparents for operating the gadgets to facilitate e-classes. They further reported that to cope-up with the indiscipline among children they used to set time limits to use e-gadgets, sometimes scolded them, cut down their privileges and provided positive reinforcement for the acceptable behavior of the children. Conclusion: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the parents had to shift to online mode to ensure continuous education for their children which resulted in many problems for them leading to psychological stress.

AimTo assess the impact of a culturally appropriate and theoretically driven nurse-led tele-counseling intervention to parents of children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) on the adherence to visual therapy advised by the ophthalmologists.DesignA pre-experimental design was used.MethodsParents of children with CVI aged 2–9 years were enroled telephonically during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through the Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic of a tertiary eye care center. Pre-assessment of participants was done telephonically as per the interview schedule. As per the protocol, the trained nurse-delivered tele-counseling intervention two times weekly for the first 2 weeks and weekly for the next 2 weeks via audio and video two-way tele-interaction with parents. A CVI information booklet was shared with parents via WhatsApp interface and individualized visual therapy was reinforced in accordance with the advice of the treating ophthalmologist. It was based on a thorough review of clinical records of the child, such as a detailed CVI questionnaire, history, and findings of clinical examination and neuro-visual behavior of a child. In addition, parents were encouraged to maintain a diary of the daily sessions of visual therapy and share recorded videos of their training exercises which were then evaluated and discussed with the ophthalmologist for any deviation. Outcome measures included adherence to eye activities for 7–8 sessions per day. Data were analyzed by using SPSS statistics for windows, version 20.ResultsOverall, improvement of adherence to visual therapy was observed among children with CVI (p < 0.0001). Nearly half (47.6%) of participants adhered to 3–4 sessions/day and only 28.6% were adherent to the recommended 7–8 sessions/day.ConclusionThe pilot study demonstrated the potential of the nurse-led tele-counseling intervention to supplement the ongoing health treatment of patients in improving the adherence to eye activities among parents of children with CVI.

Introduction and Background:Imposition of lock down during COVID 19 pandemic by Indian Government has brought many changes in the life of people. Objective:To explore the psychosocial impact of lockdown in general population with specific focus upon changes observed in day-to-day activities encompassing spiritual and recreational activities. Methods:The study wasconducted on class III and IV employees of a health care Institute selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by administering questionnaire comprising of two parts: a) Socio-demographic profile b) Questions on psycho-social-spiritual aspects and recreational activities adopted by general population during COVID -19 pandemic. Results:The study reported increase in the feeling of sadness, irritability and boredom among people during lockdown and decrease in social and religious activities. Participants reported a significant increase in the frequency of watching movies, Netflix series and other programs on television etc. and the time spent on social media such as WhatsApp, facebook, instagram, tik-tok, etc.The screen time spent by the people was more than 2hrs. Conclusion:There was drastic change in certain variables related to psychological health of people during lockdown. &nbsp

Introduction: During the closure of schools amidst Covid-19 pandemic, the education system had to switch on to the e-learning/distance learning and home-schooling in order to ensure the continuity of education. It was a big challenge for the parents, children and schools. Aim: To explore the problems and coping strategies regarding e-learning and home-schooling of children among the parents amidst Covid-19 pandemic. Methods:Using snow ball technique the parents having school going children and willing to participate in the study were enrolled. Total 138 parents participated and data was collected by google form. Results:Parents had to face various problems such as financial, technical, personal, health and psychosocial problems during home schooling. To cope up with the situation parents had to purchase a new internet plan for better connectivity, cut-off their expenses, borrowed money and gadgets from others, adjusted their duty hours and also trained their children or grandparents for operating the gadgets to facilitate e-classes. They further reported that to cope-up with the indiscipline among children they used to set time limits to use e-gadgets, sometimes scolded them, cut down their privileges and provided positive reinforcement for the acceptable behavior of the children. Conclusion:During the Covid-19 pandemic, the parents had to shift to online mode to ensure continuous education for their children which resulted in many problems for them leading to psychological stress.

Purpose To assess the prevalence, morbidity and treatment seeking behavior amongst children aged 5–15 years, suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. Methods A cross-sectional survey was done in a semiurban low-income community in Chandigarh, India. Children of age group 5–15 years, having allergic conjunctivitis were identified by systematic random sampling technique. A survey proforma and an interview schedule was used to gather information on socio demographic profile and data pertaining to allergic conjunctivitis and related morbidities among the study subjects. Intensity of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis was also assessed using proforma and an observation checklist. Results A total of 217 subjects were enrolled. Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was 12.22%. Occurrence was more in males (13.44%) than females (10.71%). Itching and frequent eye rubbing were the commonly reported symptoms. Dust (35%) was the most common precipitating factor and perennial conjunctivitis was more common (54.8%). Reported co-morbidities included allergic rhinitis / hay fever (23.9%), dermatitis (9.7%) and asthma (0.5%). Only 44% subjects had sought treatment from a doctor; and barely 11% completed their treatment. Conclusions Allergic conjunctivitis has a high prevalence among children but is frequently overlooked. Inspite of its frequency, treatment seeking behavior is low amongst the affected population. Identification of patients and their appropriate treatment is important to improve the ophthalmic health of the community.

Introduction: Medicine administration forms a major part of the registered nurse’s role. Medicines are prescribed by a physician and dispensed by the pharmacist but responsibility for correct administration rests with the registered nurse. Fatal consequences have been noted following wrong drug, dose, diluent and unsterile technique. The objective of this study was to develop standard operational protocol (SOP) on Intravenous (IV) drug administration and checklist to assess the implementations of the developed SOP.Material and Methods: A methodological research design was adapted to carry out the study. Medicine wards (4-B, 4-C, 5-B and 5-C), Emergency room, PICU at Advanced Paediatric Centre (APC) of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Thirty observations of IV drug administration and 58 bedside nurses working during July- September 2015. A prospective methodological study was performed to generate SOP. Total 17 FGDs were conducted and data was analysed with SPSS (Version-20.0).Results: The Content Validity Index (CVI) of SOP and checklist was 99.77% that means all items in both SOP and checklist are valid. Cronbach’s-alpha was calculated to assess Internal Consistency of checklists. Over-all standardized Cronbach’s alpha was calculated 0.94 that means all items in the checklist are internally consistent and contributing to the total reliability of the checklist. All the nurses felt that SOP is useful.Conclusion: Valid and feasible SOP for drug administration to children through IV route along with valid and reliable checklist was developed. It is recommended to use this document for drug administration for children.

Background: Appropriate and cautious doffing is vital to prevent self-contamination and infection from the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus. In current study satisfaction levels of front-line health care workers regarding doffing assisted by a novel real-time remote audio-visual aided approach was assessed.Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 158 health care workers. The questionnaire was developed and validated to assess the participants’ satisfaction level regarding the instructions being given remotely for doffing through the real-time remote audio-visual aided technique pertaining to the various facilities available for doffing, remote communication for doffing steps, audio-visual technical issues, rectification of the breach in safety and the level of anxiety.Results: The survey received a 79% response rate. 74.6% of the respondents were highly satisfied. 61.9% agreed on the adequacy of doffing space, 70.9% strongly agreed/agreed regarding the availability of adequate equipment, 78.5% strongly agreed/agreed with the instructions. The overall median (IQR) satisfaction score was 9 (8-10).Conclusions: Real-time remote audio-visual aided doffing approach is a simple, technology-aided strategy that is shown to enhance the satisfaction and motivation of the health care workers. This can potentially help in reducing the number of personnel required in directly monitoring doffing leading to freeing up more people to work with the patients while reducing unnecessary exposure. This translates to effective utilisation of resources. The high satisfaction associated with the use of this system boosts the feasibility of its implementation in every tertiary care setup.

To develop standard operational protocol (SOP) on oral drug administration and checklist to assess the implementation of the developed SOP. In this prospective methodological study, SOPs were developed in five phases. In the first phase, the preliminary draft of SOPs and checklists were prepared based on literature review, assessment of current practices and focus group discussion (FGD) with bedside working nurses. In the second phase, content validity was checked with the help of Delphi technique (12 experts). Total four drafts were prepared in stages and necessary modifications were made as per suggestions after each Delphi round. Fourth Delphi round was performed after conducting a pilot study. In the fourth phase, all bedside nurses were trained as per SOPs and asked to practice accordingly and observation of thirty oral drug administrations in children was done to check reliability of checklists for implementation of SOPs. In Phase-V, 7 FGDs were conducted with bedside nurses to assess the effectiveness of SOPs. The Content Validity Index (CVI) of SOP and checklists was 99.77%. Overall standardized Cronbach’s alpha was calculated as 0.94. All the nurses felt that the SOP is useful. Valid and feasible SOP for drug administration to children through oral route along with valid and reliable checklist were developed. It is recommended to use this document for drug administration to children.

To increase the time spent by children on play activities and reduce screen time on daily basis from baseline to 25% over the period of 10 wks in hospital setting of a tertiary care centre, North India. The quality improvement design was chosen and the study was conducted in the pediatric surgery and medicine wards of a tertiary care centre in North India. The participants of the study were children admitted in the medical and surgical wards, their caregivers and health care personnel (both nurses and physicians) working in the respective wards. The study was conducted in three phases: planning, development and implementation phase. In planning phase, the baseline assessment of outcome and process measures was performed and the root cause analysis was done which revealed that there was problem with the procedure and policy. This is why day-to-day play implementation procedure protocol development and implementation was chosen as a change based on Eisenhower’s matrix. In development phase, day-to-day play implementation procedure protocol was developed and was implemented in the units by using PDSA (Plan, Do, Study and Act) model. Three PDSA cycles were conducted. The outcome measures were ‘the time spent by the child on play activities on daily basis’ (calculated by the time spent by child in play/total time the child was awake in a day) and ‘the reduction in screen time’ (calculated by the average time spend by the child on android based phone in a day). The process measures were day-to-day play implementation score, time spent by child on play activities and screen time on daily basis during hospitalization. The data was collected by the team members and the investigator. At the end of all PDSAs, the day-to-day play implementation score and time spent on play activities increased by 50% and 20% respectively and the screen time reduced to 73%. Though the outcome measures were nearly achieved, the continuous efforts are still required to ensure sustainability and future incorporation of play in day-to-day routine of hospital care. This QI initiative helped in increasing the play opportunities and reducing the screen time in wards. Hence, both the process and outcome measure were nearly achieved, whereas sustainability remained an issue.

Background: Non-communicable diseases account for high burden of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Increased burden and need of long-lasting medical care pose adverse financial implications on poor households. It becomes even more difficult in the absence of any financial risk protection (FRP). In that case the families are forced to manage health care expenditures from the money needed for their routine daily expenses thus increasing Out of pocket expenditures. Objective of the study was to assess the morbidity burden, and out of pocket (OOP) expenditure on healthcare; assess the utilization of health care insurance schemes.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of Dhanas Village Chandigarh using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewing the participants as per interview schedule on disease patterns, OOP expenditures, and coping methods used for incurring health care expenses. From total 419 selected families, one adult member from each family was interviewed at their own house setting.Results: A low insurance coverage (20.5%) was reported and among insured 66.2% had availed benefits. The illness rate was found to be 14.2% and hospitalization rate was 3.7%. The endocrinal disorders were most prevalent among the residents. One third (36.5%) of households had faced catastrophic expenditure for outpatient and 10% for the inpatient care. The salary was leading source of expenditure.Conclusions: There is low insurance coverage and high catastrophic expenditure among the households.

Background: The outbreak of COVID 19 led to the closure of all educational institutions worldwide. The teachers and students had to face a number of challenges because of the sudden change in the educational system and to ensure safety of public. To assess the satisfaction of nursing teachers with Web-Based teaching after the shift from traditional teaching to online teaching in the COVID 19 and related restrictionsMethods: An online survey was conducted amongst the teachers working in various nursing colleges in the Northern region of India. Standarized scale, an Online Faculty Satisfaction Survey (OFSS) consisting of 36 questions was used to collect the data through google form. The teachers were provided the online link on their WhatsApp or email to fill-up the questionnaire. One hundred fifty-nine teachers responded back. Ethical aspects were given due considerations.Results: The mean age (years) ±S.D. of the participants was 34±10.1. Maximum (96.2) were females. Majority (93.1) of the teachers were satisfied with online teaching. Only 3.8% teachers were highly satisfied with online teaching. Around 3/4th agreed that they are satisfied with the online environment's flexibility and that the technology for online teaching is reliable. The most liked features/advantages were the ability to take courses even in this global pandemic. The least liked feature/disadvantages were poor connectivity in remote areas, technical problems, unsafe and losing personal information, lack of face-to-face interaction, and difficulty assessing students' response and attention.Conclusions: Most of the teachers were satisfied with online teaching though few reported about connectivity problems. There is a need to develop various institutional mechanisms viz structured training, technical support, and effective online evaluation systems to run the online educational system properly.

Due to upsurge of non-communicable disease (NCD) burden, there is accentuated emphasis on task sharing and shifting NCDs-related health care delivery to non-physician healthcare workers especially nursing personnel and grass root level health professionals. This narrative review summates role of non-physician health workers, highlights various enablers and challenges while engaging them in delivery of NCD services so as to prevent and control various NCDs in India. Pubmed, Google scholar databases were searched using various keywords and Mesh terminologies. In addition, reference lists of selected articles were also screened. It is concluded that with regular update of knowledge, training, and supervision, these workers can efficiently deliver promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative NCD-related healthcare services to needy. While engagement of this workforce in NCDs mitigation is a transforming concept, it also has its own challenges and issues which need to be explored and addressed in order to utilize this human resource to their maximum potential.

Background: The increasing burden of Non communicable diseases calls for added role on the part of health professionals. The female Health workers being the closest to population play an important role in alleviating the problem to great extent. Objective of this study was to assess the Knowledge, and skills of female health workers (FHWs) regarding selected non communicable diseases risk reduction and the client satisfaction with NCD skill services performed by FHWs.Methods: This study was undertaken at selected health centres of Jodhpur. FHWs working at these centres and women receiving health services from FHWs were recruited for the study. Data were collected using predesigned NCD knowledge questionnaire, skill checklist and client satisfaction scale. Method of data collection were paper pencil questionnaire, observation and interview. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated to summarize demographics and key variables.Results: Nearly 24% and 35% of FHWs had average knowledge regarding HTN/ diabetes, breast and cervical cancer respectively. 47% of subjects had good level of knowledge regarding mental health. Most of FHWs (77%) had adequate BP measurement and RBS testing skills. Majority had inadequate breast examination and waist circumference measurement skills. Level of knowledge related to hypertension and diabetes were found to be significantly associated with NCD training of health workers in past (p level=0.03). Nearly 67% of the women were satisfied with the NCD health services provided by FHWs.Conclusions: Overall FHWs had average level of awareness regarding different NCDs’ prevention and control. Routine skills pertaining to NCDs screening methods such as BP and blood glucose measurement were adequate among FHWs. Overall women were satisfied with the NCD related health services provided by FHWs. Being an important concern there is need to plan refresher training programs for these health workers so that their services can be effectively utilized for prevention and control of NCDs.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a vulnerable group who are susceptible to high incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The objective of the study was to assess sexual identity, sexual behavior and self-reported medical and psychosocial issues of MSM in Chandigarh, India.Methods: A total 115 MSM were included in the study from two Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) centres of Chandigarh and were selected using simple random sampling. The interview was conducted in the office of NGOs centre with the help of an interview schedule. Results were analysed using descriptive analysis.Results: Nearly half of the participants (48.7%) self-reported their identity as bisexual and 27.8% of them identified them as Kothi (passive partner). Approximately one third of (33.9%) MSMs reported their first sexual relationship as ‘non-consensual’ and 19.1% reported themselves as a victim of child abuse. Six percent participants reported symptoms of depressed mood, 22.6% of MSMs had suicidal thoughts and 11.3% had tried to attempt suicide at least once. STIs symptoms were reported by 15.6% of the participants in the last three months; while 2.6% were HIV positive.Conclusions: Psychosocial issues and health problems are triggering factors for suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt in the MSM population.

Women are vital elements of society. From ancient period women’s role is confined to family as a home maker. In the modern era many women are working and hence, required to play dual role as working women as well as home maker. The change of role is posing many threats and challenges for the women. The present study is descriptive and comparative in nature. The study was done to assess and compare the personal, family problems and challenges faced by working women and housewives residing in PGIMER Campus, Sec-12, Chandigarh. Total 250 subjects were enrolled i.e.125 housewives and 125 working women by using convenient sampling technique. House to house survey was done to collect the data which comprises of socio-demographic profile, personal, family problems and challenges of housewives and working women, level of depression (Hamilton scale) and level of self esteem (Rosenberg’s scale) and bio-physical profile of subjects. Results revealed that significantly higher percentage of housewives (38.4%) were having chronic illness as compare to working women (21.6%). The quarrel with spouse and crying spells reported significantly higher in working women (95.2%) as compare to housewives (76.0%). Mild depression was experienced by 2.4% of housewives. The study concluded that the housewives were satisfied in terms of relation with family, relatives and utilizing time for leisure activities but there was lack of recognition of their work. Working women were satisfied in terms of freedom to take decisions, their financial conditions and opportunities to go outside the home when required but have more workload and missing their meals.

School children can act as change agent not only for families but for community. The study aimed to assess effectiveness of information package on knowledge and practices of parents/family members of school children studying in Govt. Sr. Sec. School on food hygiene in Dhanas and Daddu Majra Colony, UT, Chandigarh. A non-randomised controlled trial was conducted on 201 school children studying in VIIth standard and their parents/family members. Purposive sampling technique was utilised to enrol 101 in case and 100 participants in control group. Interview schedule for knowledge assessment and observation checklist for assessing the practices of parents/ family members was used. Pre assessment of both the groups was done by a home visit. Experimental group school children were educated on food hygiene as per the protocol. Pre and post-test knowledge of school children on food hygiene was assessed and were asked to disseminate the information to their parents/family members. After 15 days, second time home visit was done to the parents/family members of both the groups for the post assessment of knowledge and practices. Significant improvement in knowledge and practices of parents/family members related to food hygiene was observed. Hence, school children can be an effective tool in health related knowledge dissemination which can further promote healthy practices.

Incidence of congenital hypothyroidism varies across countries and different geographic regions. A retrospective analysis of cord blood thyroid stimulating hormone values, and their subsequent follow-up, was done in a tertiary-care center in Kerala, India. Congenital hypothyroidism was found at the rate of 1 in 244, which is higher than reported incidence from other centers.

Introduction: Medicine administration is a major role played by registered nurses. Medicines are prescribed by the physician and dispensed by the pharmacist but responsibility for meticulous administration rests with the registered nurse. It becomes even more important when drugs are to be administered to children. Drug administration via Intramuscular (IM), Intradermal (ID) and Subcutaneous route is a complex process. Errors are associated with medicine administration. Aim: The objective of this study was to develop Standard Operational Protocol (SOP) for IM, ID and Subcutaneous drug administration and checklist to assess the implementation of the developed SOP. Materials and Methods: A methodological research design adapted to carry out the present study to develop standard operational protocol for IM, ID and subcutaneous drug administration for children, admitted in Advanced Paediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. The study included 58 bedside nurses and 90 observations of medicine administration procedure. Results: The Content Validity Index (CVI) was prepared to assess the validity of content (items) of SOPs and checklists. Over all Cronbach's-alpha values was calculated to assess the internal consistency of Items in SOPs and checklists. CVI of SOP and checklists were 98.51%, 97.83% and 99.03%. Over all Cronbach'salpha values were calculated 0.96, 0.82 and 0.95. All the nurses felt that SOPs are useful. Conclusion: Valid and feasible SOPs for drug administration in children along with valid and reliable checklists were developed. It is recommended to use this document for drug administration in children to prevent any possible error during drug administration to children.

Background Efficacy of burping in lowering colic and regurgitation episodes in healthy term babies lacks evidence in literature. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare efficacy of burping versus no-burping in 71 mother–baby dyads in community setting. Primary outcome was reduction in event rates of colic and regurgitation episodes over 3 months. Results Baseline characteristics were similar in two groups. Difference in incidence rates of colic between the control and burping group was 1.57 episodes/infant/100 weeks [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.63 to 3.76]. There was statistically no significant reduction in colic episodes between burping and non-burping study subjects during 3 months of follow-up (adjusted relative risk 0.64; 95% CI: 0.22–1.86, P-value 0.41). Incidence rate difference of regurgitation episodes/infant/week between burping and control group was 4.36 (95% CI: 4.04 to 4.69) and there was statistically significant increase in burping group (adjusted relative risk 2.05; 95% CI: 1.92–2.18, P-value

Advance preparation for birth during pregnancy is a beneficial step to meet all important needs of women and neonate. Aim of study was to prepare pregnant women for safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care. An operational study was carried out in low income colony Chandigarh. Tools included survey proforma, socio demographic proforma, interview schedule and scoring sheet to assess the preparation of pregnant women for safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care, protocol on safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care was prepared in form of Hindi booklet and flipbook. Total seventy-two pregnant women of third trimester were selected through total enumeration technique and all were interviewed to assess their preparation for four subsequent weeks. In pre interventional assessment all subjects were registered, investigated for all essential laboratory diagnostics, immunized with TT injection, maintaining their personal hygiene, identified the institute for delivery. After implementation of protocol and repeated motivation during follow up visits all subjects were prepared themselves for safe delivery and postnatal and neonatal care. Most difficult aspect of the study was to prepare the subjects to take iron and folic acid tablets regularly, preparing bag for delivery, performing antenatal exercises and plan to adopt family planning methods. It is concluded Regular education and supervision by health care professionals will help the pregnant women to prepare for safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care.

Constipation is a frequent health problem leading to great discomfort to the person and affects his or her quality of life. It is considered to be highly prevalent in the general population, but there is little data supporting the findings. This study was undertaken with an objective to assess the prevalence of constipation and its associated factors among the general population of Dadu Majra Colony, UT, Chandigarh, India. A total of 505 individuals were interviewed through structured questionnaire based on ROME II criteria for constipation. Results revealed that the prevalence of self-reported constipation within the last 1 year was 24.8% whereas 16.8% of participants had constipation according to the Rome II criteria. Most of the subjects (83%) were within the age group of 18-59 years with mean age (years) of 38.64 ± 15.57. Constipation was significantly more frequent in females than in males (20% vs. 13%) and in nonworking population than in working population (20% vs. 12%). Poor dietary habits, lesser fluid intake per day, and lesser physical activity were found to be significant factors leading to the constipation. About 18% of constipated subjects reported physicians' consultation, whereas 8% reported the use of laxatives to relieve their constipation.

To assess the impact of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karayakaram (JSSK) on out-of-pocket expenditure during perinatal period in an urban slum area of Chandigarh, India.Data on out-of-pocket expenditure were collected retrospectively from 425 women who gave birth during June 2010 to June 2012.Out-of-pocket expenditure for delivery decreased from Rs. 5342 to Rs. 3565 between pre and post-intervention period. There was no significant difference in catastrophic health expenditures between pre-JSSK (21.2%) and post-JSSK (15.6%) periods (P=0.15).Strengthening of implementation of JSSK is required to ensure universal access for natal care.

Diarrhea is a major health issue in developing countries with high morbidity and mortality rate among children below 2 years of age. Hygiene practices of mothers are associated with occurrence of diarrhea in children. We carried out an intervention to assess the effectiveness of behaviour change package on the prevention of diarrhoea in children ≤2 years of age. The sample was taken by stratified systemic random sampling technique. A total of 101 mothers, 50 in intervention group and 51 in control group were enrolled for study. In the intervention group mothers were educated on hygienic practices by using flash cards. In the subsequent 5 visits, mothers were reinforced about the hygiene and sanitation practices. These visits were also used to observe practices of mothers and recording diarrheal episodes among children. In the control group, after three months behavioural practices of mothers were observed and diarrheal episodes among children were recorded. Implementation using a package brought a significant improvement in mothers’ practices related to hygiene and sanitation. Diarrhea was 4.3 times higher in control group as compared to intervention group. Behaviour change practices related to hygiene and sanitation of mothers is effective in prevention of acute diarrheal diseases among children below 2 years of age.