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Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease of epidemic proportions and has emerged as a major healthcare problem. Compliance to medication plays a crucial role in achieving success in medical treatment and preventing complications. Objective: To assess the treatment compliance among the study participants and explore its perceived barriers and facilitators. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) among 308 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who were selected through systematic random sampling. Qualitative data was collected though in-depth interviews and were analysed by manual content analysis Results: Out of the 308 study participants 47% were found to have high treatment compliance and 20% and 35% were found to have medium and low compliance, respectively. On binomial logistic regression, age, duration since diagnosis, family support and current treatment regimen were found to be significantly associated with treatment compliance. Multiple facilitators of compliance could be identified of which, self-awareness of disease, fear of complications and family support were most pronounced. Whereas inability to purchase the medicines, forgetfulness, and lack of satisfaction with health services, were among the identified barriers of treatment compliance. Conclusion: High Compliance to diabetes medication was found among 47% of the study participants. Tailored interventions against the perceived barriers are necessary to promote compliance and improve glycemic control.

Introduction: Psychological distress among older adults in India is a concerning issue due to the aging population, the unique challenges they face, and limited access to mental health resources. Understanding and addressing this concern are crucial for promoting better mental health and overall quality of life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress among older adults in selected subcenters of Budge Budge II block, West Bengal; and to find out the factors associated with psychological distress among the study participants. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 persons aged ≥60 years from different subcenters of the Budge Budge II block selected by multistage random sampling from May 2023 to July 2023 by face-to-face interview using a predesigned, pretested, structured schedule comprising the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Multivariable binary logistic regression was done to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with psychological distress. Results: In this study among 180 elderly individuals, the mean age was 67 (±6.34) years, with 65.5% in the 60–69 age group. Nearly two-thirds (70.5%) had no psychological distress, while 18.9%, 5%, and 5.6% had mild, moderate, and severe distress, respectively. Participants who were belonging to the age group 70–79 years [aOR (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 3.31 (1.27–8.63)], widowed or separated (aOR [95% CI] = 3.53 [1.33–9.31]), functionally dependent (aOR [95% CI]) = (8.89 [1.49–53.23]), and economically dependent (aOR [95% CI] = 7.81 [3.21–19.03]) were statistically significant covariates of psychological distress. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of the elderly were suffering from psychological distress. Preventive measures for psychological disorders should be integrated into public health at the local level by providing specialist outpatient services to diagnose and treat common psychological disorders at the primary health center level.

Introduction: : Geriatric population are most vulnerable population, they suffer from various physical illness, mental issues, inancial crisis etc. WHO report showed that the world's population of people aged 60 years and older will be doubled by 2050 (2.1 billion). According to census 2011report, India has 10.1% elderly population and West Bengal has 11.3%. The purpose of the study is to assess the level of awareness on social security& other government schemes, its utilization and to explore the barrier of utilization. Method: An explanatory sequential mixed methods observational study, cross-sectional in design was conductedin Budge-Budge II block of West Bengal among 150elderly population (≥ 60 years) selected by 30 cluster random sampling from March-May 2023 using a pre-designed, pre-tested, structured schedule by face-toface interview. Quantitative data was analysed by SPSS v25.0, and binary logistic regression was performed. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically with IDI guide. Results: Out of 150 elderly, mean age group of the study population was 67.5±4.24 years, 53% were male, and 87% of the study population had awareness on old age pension scheme. However, 83% showed bad utilization. Socioeconomic status [AOR 5.27 (1.98- 13.97)],current employment status [AOR 6.48 (1.12-37.30)] economic dependency [AOR 7.59 (1.71-33.79)] had statistically signiicant higher odds of adequate awareness in the multivariable model. Current employment status, economic dependency showed signiicant association with good utilization and socio demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Majority of the study population were between 65 to 70 years and were aware of old age pension scheme. Old age pension scheme was maximally utilized schemes.

Introduction: Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) has a negative impact on Quality of life (QoL) of People Living with HIV (PLHIV)which can increase the risk of slipping into poverty. Objectives: Primary Objective of this study was to estimate the burden of OOPE in seeking health care among HIV patients attending the Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centre of a tertiary care hospital; and secondary objectives were to assess their QoL, to identify the association of socio-demographic characteristics with the OOPE & QoL and to find out the correlation between OOPE and QoL. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 patients attending ART centre of a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata using a pre-designed, pre-tested, structured schedule. Multivariable binary logistic regression was done to identify the association of their socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profile with the OOPE and QoL. Results: About 41.4% of the study population rated their QoL as neither poor nor good, 18.9% as ‘good’. All the participants reported OOPE; 20.7% in the form of direct health expenditure. Participants belonging to the age group 18-39 years, residing in a joint family, had family member infected with HIV and had associated co-morbidity were statistically significant covariates of direct health expenditure; whereas participants belonging to the age group ≥40 years, living in a joint family, involved in an unskilled occupation, and belonging to middle and lower middle were statistically significant covariates of poor QoL. Conclusion: OOPE was experienced by all participants. As per the study findings Qol was neither poor nor good among participants. With increase in OOPE, the QoL worsened.