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Background: Hypertension is the leading risk factor in non-communicable diseases and the number is increasing worldwide. Poor adherence has been described as the most important cause of uncontrolled blood pressure. Objective: To assess the treatment adherence of hypertensive patients. Material and methods: The study was conducted in two community sites of Chandigarh. Total of 250 participants diagnosed with hypertension were selected by systematic random sampling. Participants were interviewed as per interview schedule comprises of socio demographic profile, clinical profile, dietary habits, Hillbone High Blood Pressure Compliance Scale. Data was collected from July 2018 till November. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data, where mean, percentage and frequency were used to describe the data. Results: As per the hillbone highblood pressure compliance scale score only 17.6% of the subjects were adherent to the treatment. The main reasons for non adherence were forgetfulness (54.4%), stopped when felt sick (69.6%) and when felt better (59.6%). Only 24.8% had controlled blood pressure. Conclusion: There is very low adherence to treatment among hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We undertook this study involving 200 peri- and postmenopausal women to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis, and in turn increase the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. Setting and Design: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, UT Chandigarh, India, and a clinical study. Materials and Methods: A detailed medical, obstetrical, menstrual, and drug history was recorded in a proforma designated for the study. Height and weight was measured, weight-bearing exercise was assessed, and sunlight exposure per day for each woman was recorded. Food intake was estimated by using the 24-hour dietary recall method, and calcium and vitamin D consumption pattern was assessed. Bone mineral density (BMD) at postero-anterior lumbar spine and dual femurs was assessed by densitometer. Women were classified according to the WHO criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test, multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of low BMD was found in more than half of this population (53%). The mean age in group I (normal BMD) was found to be 50.56 ± 5.74 years as compared to 52.50 ± 5.94 in group II with low BMD (P=0.02). The two groups were similar with respect to parity, education, socioeconomic status, family history of osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy, and thyroid disorders. 46.8% of the women in group I and 33% of the women in group II had low physical activity and there was no statistically significant difference in sunlight exposure between the groups. Parity or the number of children and type of menopause was not seen to have much association with low BMD in our study. Lack of exercise and low calcium diet were significantly associated with low BMD. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, exercise, menopause, and low calcium diet acted as significant predictors of low bone density. Conclusion: The findings from the study suggest the need for large community-based studies so that high-risk population can be picked up and early interventions and other life style changes can be instituted if there is delay in implementing national or international health strategies to tackle this increasing global health problem. Strategies to identify and manage low BMD in the primary care setting need to be established and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Question: What are the health-related problems of the aged and why do they feel lonely? Objective: To study the health-related problems and loneliness among the elderly in different micro-environment groups. Participants: Aged persons of age 65 years and above. Setting: Urban and rural area of Chandigarh. Design: Cross-sectional. Statistical Analysis: t-test and Z test. Results: During the study, it was found that out of the total 361 aged persons of Chandigarh, 311 (86.1%) persons reported one or more health-related complaints, with an average of two illnesses. The illness was higher among the females (59.5%) as compared to males (40.5%). The main health-related problems were disorders of the circulatory system (51.2%), musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (45.7%). It was also found that loneliness was prevalent more in females (72.8%) as compared to males (65.6%). Loneliness was more prevalent among persons who lived alone (92.2%) as compared to those who lived with their spouse (58.9%) or when husband and wife lived with the family (61.4%). It was higher among the widows (85.2%) and widowers (75.8%) who lived with the family as compared to the aged who lived with the spouse (58.9%) and the aged husband and wife who lived with the family (61.4%). Conclusion: Special geriatric services should be started in the hospitals as the majority of the aged have one or more health-related problems. The aged persons should be involved in social activities to avoid loneliness among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents studies on the trends of cause-specific mortality in Chandigarh, India. Some tables are presented that list data about the top causes of deaths in the city. Accordingly, research shows that circulatory system diseases were the leading cause of death with a rate of 34.9%. It says that there is a need to make more health awareness for risk factors of circulatory diseases and standard treatment practices so that the deaths could be prevented.

The article discusses a vulnerability assessment conducted in slums in Chandigarh, India. It defines vulnerability assessment as the systematic analysis of a system to identify those critical infrastructures that may be at risk from an attack and the determination of appropriate measures to reduce that risk. It was determined that 15 slums were highly vulnerable, 21 were moderately vulnerable and 5 had low vulnerability rate. It notes the need for more intense outreach activities in moderate and highly vulnerable areas.

The article reports on the results of a study regarding the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in an urban area of Chandigarh City in India. According to it, the prevalence rate of physician-diagnosed self-reported hypertension in the study population was 32.3% while that for self-reported heart disease was 10.8%.

The article focuses on the implementation of the Chandigarh Healthy Heart Action Programme (CHHAP) in Chandigarh Union Territory in India to control the rising trends of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). It cites the collaboration of CHHAP with stakeholders for the control of tobacco smoking in the city. It cites the prohibition of smoking at public places in Chandigarh beginning on July 15, 2007. It notes the need for public health professional bodies and civil society organizations to work together to replicate the initiative in other Indian cities.