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The article presents an overview of the 73rd Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS) on January 20- 23, 2022 in Visakhapatnam, India.

This article discusses a brief history of 'modern' social work in India before 1936. I present how abstract conceptions of scientifically informed and organized social work practice were brewing in colonial India, along with attempts to assemble or organize it. I use these accounts to further present certain nuances on the modalities of imported social work knowledge that dominated social work education in India after 1936. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides two abstracts from different studies. It also includes The first study explores the emergence of creative skills in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on the neural basis and the role of brain regions in creativity. The second study compares the efficacy of ultrasound-guided median nerve hydro dissection and best medical therapy in treating mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, assessing various parameters and outcomes in the patient groups.

The article focuses on analyzing the knowledge levels of palliative care among physiotherapy healthcare professionals in India, revealing a lack of practical application and awareness, suggesting the need for measures to improve their skills and raise awareness on palliative care. It aims to find out the factors responsible for the delayed presentation of cancer patients to a tertiary center in India.

The article focuses on exploring the role and implications of the spiritual component in Indian palliative cancer care, revealing how spirituality influences well-being and healing through various factors and potential interventions, acting as an analgesic, fostering psychosocial support.

Background: Occupational stress is a change in one's physical or mental state in response to workplace that pose an appraised challenge or threat to that employee and it is common to each and every organization at various levels of hierarchy. The healthcare professionals are no exception to this. Thus this study was done to determine the work related stress among healthcare professionals in Goa, India. Objective: To determine the occupational stress factors of healthcare professionals in Goa, using the questionnaire of Occupational stress index scale. Study Design: A cross sectional quantitative study design was chosen for the study. Methods: The nonprobability convenient sampling method was adopted to recruit the health care professionals practicing in Goa. Results: Healthcare professionals (n=40) practicing in Goa, aged above 20 years, both males and females were included in the study. According to the findings, 38% of participants were highly stressed, and 32% were moderately stressed. The factors significantly contributing to occupational stress were found to be role overload (mean=20.55), role conflict (mean=14.84), unreasonable group and political pressure (mean =13.67), strenuous working conditions (mean=13.2), under participation (mean =11.5) and role ambiguity (mean=11.4). Conclusion: The study concludes that the healthcare professionals in Goa, have significant work related stress and is mainly due to the the brain. Principal targets of this therapy are the motor thalamus (Vo & Vim) and the Globus Pallidus Interna (GPi), two areas of the brain involved in movement. RF procedures continue to play a role even in patients for whom DBS is the ideal surgery but is contraindicated or who would have difficulty maintaining the DBS device. This is also very cost-effective and in well selected cases, the results are excellent. role overload, role conflict, unreasonable group and political pressure, strenuous working conditions, under participation and role ambiguity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the highlights of the International Conference of Cardiovascular Sciences-2020 (ICCS-2020) in New Delhi, India in February. Topics include translational research for cardiovascular injuries on battlefields, medical devices for cardiac care, and clinical cardiology cases. Speakers include N. S, Dhalla and Pawan K. Singal of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Sandhya Sitasawad of the National Centre for Cell Science.

Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in India was declared, all scientific conferences and related activities have been conducted in online formats (1). The ACS(I) [Association of Cutaneous Surgeons (India)] conducted its Annual National Conference called ACSICON-2021 for over 1150 delegates in mid-2021 in a hybrid mode. ACS(I) was one of the first organizations to embrace the hybrid conferencing strategy in the post-COVID-19 era in India. However, while meeting feedback and testimonials are typically gathered, there is very little public data documenting conference attendees' viewpoints. The goal of this research study was to look at the viewpoints of medical conference attendees (such as physicians and medical professionals) on hybrid conferencing as a future trend, the danger of infectivity and transmissibility of COVID-19 during and after the event, the effectiveness of stringent safety protocols and vaccination in preventing the disease and thereby assess the feasibility of hybrid conference as the most convenient mode of learning interaction in the current COVID-19 era and also Post COVID-19 era. Materials and Methods: The physical attendees were surveyed post-ACSICON 2021 conference online, using a mixed-methods technique. Attendees were given a 16-point questionnaire using Google Forms that covered subjects including the COVID-19 preventive procedure, immunization status, infection rates during and after the conference, and overall satisfaction with the hybrid conference. A total of 231 people were sent the survey questionnaire. Results: Only 0.4% (n = 1) of the participants reported being infected by COVID-19 virus after the conference. 86% (n = 198) of the respondents also felt that all the necessary precautions were taken during the ACSICON 2021conference. Most of the respondents (82%, n = 189) rated the hybrid conference interaction to be more satisfying than an online conference. An overwhelming majority of the respondents (92%, n = 209) found hybrid conferences to be a safer option than regular conference. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic's scope has forced a paradigm change in medical practice and research (1). ACSICON 2021 is an example of how, with careful organization, strict implementation of meticulous preventive procedures, and strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocol, medical conferences may be held without danger of infection and its transmission. Given the pace with which vaccinations are being administered, a new reality in which technology and live networking intersect via hybrid conferences will result in a more engaging and adaptable medical conference experience. In the long run, this can bring about a significant shift in the conduct of scientific meetings to best suit delegates' needs and conveniences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world, particularly in the past decade was shaped by events that exposed the drastic inequalities in modern-day societies. The social scientists and policy makers have looked at the interactions between these inequalities and health/illness. These interactions play a key role in the prevention, precipitation and treatment outcomes of mental health problems. The relevance of social determinants are often shaped by public policies that is a reflection of prevailing political ideologies. Adding to the problem is also a chronic underfunding in mental health creating a mental health treatment gap. Tackling these inequalities and understanding these social determinants, particularly in mental health and illness, will be key in the years ahead. The article will look to explore the social determinants, especially in the context of mental illness, in this unequal world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The informed netizen of today is in a state of information overload. With 785 million broadband subscribers and an urban and rural teledensity of 138% and 60%, respectively [1], India is already the second-largest online digital market. Today, in theory, medical journals and textbooks can be accessed by anyone, anytime, anywhere, and at affordable rates. Fifty odd years ago, when the authors entered medical school, the use of computers in medical education was unknown in India, as in other parts of the world. It was in this milieu, thirty-seven years ago, that eleven young Madras (Chennai)- based doctors decided to make medical literature easily accessible, particularly to clinicians in suburban and rural India. The aim was to make relevant, affordable reprints easily available to the practitioner at their place of work or study. Photocopying and using the postal service was the chosen, and indeed the only available, mode of operation. This article will outline the methodology used, trials and tribulations faced, and persistence displayed. At that time, the processes deployed appeared relevant and truly innovative. Over the ensuing years, developments in information technology made the services redundant. Extensive, even revolutionary, changes such as universal digitization and availability of a costeffective Internet radically changed how medical literature could be accessed in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the upcoming 75th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society in Kochi, India, from January 18 to 21, 2024, highlighting the Scientific Session organized by the committees and the inclusion of various sessions featuring renowned speakers.

Background: In India, the number of occupational therapy practitioners currently working in mental health settings is lower than most other specialities. The attitudes of students influence their interest in any field and their desire for working in it. The attitudes of undergraduate occupational therapy students towards mental health and psychiatry are examined, and the influence of attitudes on future career choices is explored. Objectives: To examine the attitudes of Indian undergraduate occupational therapy students towards mental health and psychiatry, and to explore the differences in attitudes across different years of study, gender, resulting from personal experiences, and educational coursework, and to examine if the attitudes influence future career choices. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey Method: Permission was obtained from heads of institutions of 14 occupational therapy colleges and the survey link was sent. In order to obtain a representative sample, the link was also shared on social groups. The purpose of the study, voluntary participation and confidentiality were explained on the landing page. The subsequent sections consisted of the demographic questionnaire, the Attitudes towards Psychiatry (ATP-30) Questionnaire and the Career Preferences Questionnaire. A total of Four Hundred and Two responses were obtained within the stipulated period. Statistical analysis was performed, and the odds ratio using logistic regression and Pearson correlation were determined. Results: Gender and contact with persons with mental illness were significant predictors of positive attitudes towards psychiatry. Females are 5.387 times more likely to have positive attitudes towards psychiatry. (OR=5.387, 95% CI 2.101 to 13.814, P=0.000). Furthermore, those in contact with persons with mental illness are 2.883 times more likely to have positive attitudes towards psychiatry. (OR=2.883, 95% CI 1.076 to 7.724, P=0.035). Moderately high positive correlations existed between attitudes towards psychiatry and career preference in psychiatry. Conclusions: Overall, positive attitudes were found. Significant correlations were seen across the domains of the ATP-30 and career preference in psychiatry. Female students are five times more likely to have positive attitudes than male students. Those in contact with persons with mental illness were almost thrice more likely to have positive attitudes than those without any contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rehabilitation care is vital for patients having debilitating illness. There is a need to deepen the reflection on post corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications, assess the role of occupational therapists in the healthcare system in India, and develop guidelines to form standards of safety and ethical practice of occupational therapy in post COVID-19 rehabilitation. Objectives: The study aimed to conduct a survey to assess the role of Occupational therapy practice in post COVID-19 rehabilitation among occupational therapy professionals in India. Study Design: Cross sectional survey study design was used. Methods: A survey was conducted amongst occupational therapists practicing in India having a minimum work experience of 2 years and more. Selection of the participants was as per the inclusion criteria. Administration of online survey through Google Forms was done on the identified subjects. Prior to administration of the survey, the healthcare professionals were overviewed about the purpose of the study and prior consent was taken, following which the Google Forms link were sent to them. Data collection and interpretation of the obtained data was done. Results: One hundred and two (n=102) occupational therapists (mean= 34.52, 1± 9.73) participated in the study. 77.5 % indicated tiredness/fatigue as the major problem faced by post covid-19 patients. 82.4% suggested occupational therapy functional assessment as a major assessment tool. Occupational therapy approaches to intervention: In ICU/ Acute post covid-19 patients: 83.3% mentioned relaxation techniques, following discharge: 77.5% mentioned advice on management of breathlessness, fatigue, out-patient settings: 80.4% said to encourage engagement in meaningful occupations, physical activity, relaxation to promote well-being and reduce symptoms of mental health. Expected occupational therapy role in view of post COVID-19 rehabilitation: 79.4% have suggested remedial services and restorative care. Conclusion: The study concludes there is future expected occupational therapy role in the management and long-term rehabilitation of post covid-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children's time spent in front of screens continues to increase. Parents, health care professionals, educators, and researchers are concerned about this pervasive sedentary behaviour affecting young people's well-being. Increased screen time has also been positively associated with sleep problems, unfavourable behavioural conduct and lower fitness. The escalated duration of screen exposure; delay in bedtime and rise time causes more disruption in sleep behavior. This is also associated with an increased risk of learning and behavioural problems. There has been many attempts to study the relation between children's sleep duration and behavior with screen time. Hence, this study is to find an association between screen time and changes in sleep behaviours and behaviours. Objective: To study the associations of screen time with sleep behaviours and behaviours in typically developing school going children. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey design. Methods: Online Questionnaires based survey was conducted to understand the correlation between screen time, sleep behaviours and behaviours in typically developing school going children age 6 to 16 years. The questionnaires included in the survey were Screen Q, Children Sleep Habit Questionnaire and Corner's Scale. These questionnaires were administered on 74 parents of typically developing children who were well versed in English language and use of Smartphone. Consent was taken from the parents. Questionnaires were sent through email or WhatsApp messages as Google forms to 74 parents, out of which 55 responses were received. Total 51 responses were included in the study which was analyzed to find association of screen time with sleep behaviours and behaviours in typically developing children. Results: The average time spent on screen by typically developing children per week was 17.54 hrs. The average scores obtained on Children Sleep Habit Questionnaire was 57.82. The Pearson's Correlation(r) value was found to be -0.108284 between the associations of screen time with sleep behaviours. The Pearson correlation(r) between screen-time with inattention was 0.223920, with hyperactivity was 0.063886, with defiance was -0.028944, with peer relations was 0.044821, and with executive functions was 0.704613. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no correlation between screen time use and sleep behaviours and also between screen time with behaviours like inattention, hyperactivity, defiance and peer relations. There seem to be moderate correlation between screen-time with executive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The progression of handwriting abilities is a necessary component for success in school for every child. Children spend 31%-60% of their school day writing by hand and performing other fine motor tasks. Difficulties in these skills can adversely affect academic achievement, and the ramifications for academic performance have been thoroughly documented. (1) According to research, in handwriting, cognitive processes and perceptual motor processes continuously interact with each other. If a child is having deficiency in both cognitive and perceptual function child is likely to have following difficulties such as poor quality or slow speed, difficulties in copying text, difficulties in formation of letters etc. (2) Objectives: To compare Handwriting speed of Indian children with different medium of their education (Vernacular vs. non-vernacular). Study Design: Analytical observational study Methods: A sample of 200 children both males and females were included in the study using convenience sampling method. Inclusion criteria- Ability to write in English, Children who were studying in English medium school or non-English medium (vernacular) school. Either gender. Age group: 6 to 9 years. Exclusion criteria: Children with: Any developmental disability with or without associated structural abnormality in child's hand which is used for writing. Independent sample t- test was done to compare the mean raw score of each group. All selected subject's record forms best responses will be evaluated using ETCH-M (The Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting). There was a significant difference with statistical value of P< 0.001. Results: In this study, an independent sample t test shows that there is a significant difference in speed in Lower Case Letter (P=0.00), Upper Case Letter (P=0.00), Numeral writing (P=0.00), Far point copying (P=0.01), and sentence composition (P=0.00) between English and non- English medium students. There is no significant difference in between the groups in near point copying (P=0.12). Conclusion: In this study, children found difficulty in near point copying as they were slow in speed both reading and writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an overview of the 73rd Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS) on January 20- 23, 2022 in Visakhapatnam, India.