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Background: Dexterity is an essential skill in individuals to actively participate in activities of daily living skills and benefits quality of life. Impairments in the sensorimotor control of hands influence the quality of life of people with diabetic neuropathy. An intervention such as sensory reeducation training is necessary to build their dexterity performance thus it will have considerable changes in their activities of daily living. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the effectiveness of sensory reeducation on dexterity skills in people with diabetic neuropathy. Study Design: This was a quasi-experimental study design. Methods: Thirty people with diabetic neuropathy with impairment in dexterity performance were selected based on a convenient sampling method. The experimental group (n = 15) received the sensory reeducation intervention for 30 sessions for each of 45 min, whereas the control group received conventional occupational therapy for the same time period. The standardized Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, Moberg s pickup test, and diabetes-39 were used as outcome measures. Results: The study resulted that sensory reeducation therapy had a significant impact on dexterity performance and quality of life when compared to conventional therapy (P < 0.005). Conclusion: S ensory reeducation was effective among people with diabetic neuropathy on dexterity skills and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum anxiety is excessive worrying that occurs after childbirth. As an occupational therapist, it is key note that along with neonatal health mothers' health should be preserved in the postpartum period. Postpartum anxiety has a negative effect on feeding, bonding, etc. It is very important for an occupational therapist to look after performance areas of mothers that affect in postpartum period in their activities of daily living. Objective: This study was conducted to clarify how performance areas of mothers are affected who are diagnosed with postpartum anxiety. Study Design: A concept of study was carried, using cross-sectional quantitative study design method. Methods: After selecting the concept of postpartum anxiety and how it is affecting performance areas in motherhood. Once the population was selected using the Canadian Occupational Performance MEasure (COPM) scale, performance areas were measured and semi-structured interviews were taken to understand better. After that statistical analysis was done to see the main top areas which are majorly and commonly affected. Moreover, semi-structured discussion is formed on their performance levels and satisfaction level through interviews. The literature was found using research databases including CINAHL, PubMed, OT Search, and SCOPUS. Results: Through the conceptual analysis of postpartum anxiety and its effect on the performance areas of mothers, data were obtained on the importance of performance areas for mothers. The results were formed using statistical analysis to know which all areas are majorly affected. It is seen that 90.4%of participants have been given importance to performance areas such as cleaning, transfer outdoor, laundry, shopping, bathing travel, and managing finances and rated 10 out of 10 on the scale COPM. However, 60%of those participants were found on low-performance areas. Moreover, satisfaction scores for performing those tasks are quietly seen on the lower side. Sixty percentage of participants scored 4 on the scale of 10 for satisfaction and 40%of participants were given an average of 6 out of 10 on the scale. Conclusion: The results led to understand that the performance areas of mothers are largely affected who are diagnosed with postpartum anxiety. Research helped to understand the various factors that are affecting performance areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-efficacy is an important factor which can influence the breastfeeding process whereas breastfeeding a sick baby further complicates the outcomes. Although breastfeeding education traditionally belongs to lactation or nursing professionals, the emphasis on correct breastfeeding practice and breastfeeding self-efficacy is generally overlooked postdischarge of mother. Being part of transdisciplinary team, it would be a challenging role for occupational therapists to provide breastfeeding education to postpartum mothers to promote uninterrupted breastfeeding. Objectives: The study aimed to explore and enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers of sick babies by occupational therapy intervention. Study Design: An experimental approach with pretest and posttest control group design was applied in this study. Methods: Total sample of 50 mothers of sick babies from Puducherry were selected based on criteria and allotted in intervention and control groups (25 in each group) by consecutive sampling. Mothers in the intervention group were given different modes of breastfeeding education. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale--SF was used as an outcome measure for pre and on 7th, 14th, and 30th day postintervention. Results: The breastfeeding self-efficacy measured before the intervention shows that 68% of mothers were not confident and 24% were slightly confident (n = 50). There was no significant difference in breastfeeding self-efficacy between the two groups in the pretest. In the posttest, the breastfeeding self-efficacy of the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group. Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that occupational therapists play an important role to provide breastfeeding education which can improve maternal self-efficacy for better breastfeeding practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical neck pain is one of the common issues faced among office works. It can lead to absenteeism and even disability and also affects their productivity due to physical injuries/pain, and this can potentially have a negative influence on the financial productivity and efficiency of the employer. Hence, this study is conducted to determine the effect of ergonomic intervention in mechanical neck pain and to improve the quality of life for office workers. Objectives: (1) To identify the level of mechanical neck pain in office workers. (2) To determine the effect of ergonomic intervention in office workers. (3) To identify any correlation between ergonomics and mechanical neck. Study Design: This study was a quasi-experimental design. Methods: The participants (N = 30) were selected based on selection criteria. The experimental group received the ergonomic intervention and McKenzie neck exercises along with conventional occupational therapy in their workplace and the control group received no treatment (placebo group). A total of 18 sessions were conducted for 45 min each session. Outcome measures were assessed by Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Results: The study resulted that there is a significant change in the experimental group versus the control group of NDI scores as 95% confidence interval (CI): 15.6000 ± 0.972 (±6.2%) (14.628--16.572) versus 95%CI: 18.4667 ± 1.337 (±7.2%) (17.130--19.804) and P = 0.0048 and in the experimental group versus a control group of ROSA scores as 95%CI: 6.1333 ± 0.737 (±12.0%) (5.396--6.871) versus 95%CI: 6.4660 ± 0.501 (±7.8%) (5.965--6.967) and P = 0.65994. The R-value of 0.429 suggests that there is a low positive correlation between the NDI and ROSA scores. It reviled that ergonomic intervention with exercises had a significant impact on mechanical neck pain for the office worker. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that ergonomic intervention can be given to office workers to reduce mechanical neck pain and to have long-term effectiveness in mechanical neck pain, the therapist must not only focus on McKenzie neck exercises along with conventional occupational therapy but also should focus on ergonomic modifications in their workplace environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main role of a sports science team is injury prevention, performance enhancement, and proper rehabilitation of an athlete. With the increasing global importance to sports and fitness, there is an increase in participation and level of competition. Increasing the level of competition puts an athlete into a tremendous level of physical and mental stress which if not managed properly leads to injury. Evidence suggests that if an athlete is following a scientific routine in terms of sports training, conditioning, nutrition, and psychology; injuries can be predicted and prevented up to a certain extent. Injury prediction model is formed based on the functional assessments of strength, power, psychomotor, and neuromuscular qualities within a particular sporting event. The role of occupational therapy (OT) in sports is vast and goes beyond the treatment of injury and rehabilitation to a much broader role which includes providing assistance with musculoskeletal maintenance and recovery, injury prevention strategies, and supportive rehabilitation. Occupational therapists must have a sound knowledge of the biomechanics of injuries, an understanding of the kinetic chain, the working of different slings in the body, and the intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors responsible for the injury. In this workshop, we shall discuss injury assessment, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement of athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.