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Anthropometric breast measurements are essential in planning and manipulating reconstructive surgeries of the breast. The current study was aimed to perform anthropometric breast measurements and to assess the brassiere wearing practices of women. Hundred and one women with no known breast morbidities were enrolled by non-proportionate quota sampling after obtaining a written informed consent. Data were collected using an instrument consisting of demographic, clinical, reproductive profile, anthropometric breast measurements record sheet, and questionnaire related to brassiere wearing practices and selection. The average values for age, age at menarche, menopausal age, and BMI were 38 ± 11.04 years, 14.43 ± 1.45 years, 45.16 ± 4.73 years, and 25 ± 4.58 kg/m2, respectively. The median difference in the right and left breast volume was not significant (p = 0.13). Most of the breast measurements of right and left breast were similar except the mean sternal notch length (SNL) [p = 0.01, CI (0.074–0.487)] and mean lateral mammary radius LR [p = 0.04 CI (0.006–0.300)]. Ninety-six (95%) were currently wearing brasseries and 77 (76.2%) had awareness about their size. The results will be valuable to set a reference of breast measurements for Indian women and compare them with other nationalities. The findings will help in planning breast reconstruction surgeries or designing accessories/clothing for females after mastectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to indoor air pollutants released from traditional cookstoves in rural Indian households is a matter of great concern. While there are various studies over several decades focused towards intervention strategies for reducing air pollutants, limited literature exists towards the identification of appropriate methodology for feasible intervention, adoption and usage of improved cookstoves (ICS). In the present study, PM 2.5 and CO microenvironment concentrations are estimated in households using traditional and improved cookstove (NEERDHUR). The reduction in PM 2.5 and CO microenvironment concentrations after the introduction of ICS was found to be 89-94% and 35-57%, respectively. Information-education-communication (IEC) activity was used as a tool to increase the adoption and usage rate in the ICS using households. The cost-benefit analysis was also performed to check the benefits of ICS use, and the benefit-cost ratio was found to be 3 to 4 times. Findings of the study suggest that, although the ICS intervention could significantly improve the indoor air quality, however, it fails to comply with the permissible safe limits; further focus on greener fuels and ventilation characteristics is suggested. The outcomes from the study can help decision-makers, corporate social responsibility fund mobilizers and policymakers for effective policy advocacy to design efforts by promoting clean cooking interventions and linking and mapping these with national missions and flagship programs.