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Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) is the process in which individuals take the initiative and learning environment involves all other aspects of the institute. Good SDL ability is the foundation of lifelong learning. Students’ perception of the educational environment plays a subtle role in learning and contributes to learning input and students’ achievement. Self- directed learning is integral to public health teaching Objectives: To assess the perceptions of learning environment and self- directed learning readiness and the association between the two among public health students Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2023 in a public health institute in Kolkata. A total of 102 participants across five courses were selected by Census method and their self-directed learning readiness (SDLRS) and perceptions of learning environment were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS, version 16. Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Ethics Committee of AIIH&PH, Kolkata. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 26.7 years and 64.7% of the study participants were from MBBS background. The median academic hours was 18 hours per week and around 37.3% of the participants were studying in the institute for less than 6 months and 20.6% for more than 24 months. There was significant positive correlation between SDLRS and Learning Environment (Spearman’s rho=0.281, p=0.004). SDLRS and perceptions of Learning environment improved with increase in duration of studying. Age(p=0.015) and prior academic qualification(p=0.016) were significantly associated with SDLRS. Conclusion: SDLRS is associated with positive Learning Environment. SDL ability can be improved by changing the learning environment to include new student-centered teaching methods. The duration of studying in the institute is also an important driver to inculcate self directed learning ability among the participants.

Background: Brick-kiln workers’ children face elevated malnutrition risk from limited healthcare, poor facilities, poverty, infections, nutritional deficits, and awareness gaps, complicating intervention efforts due to their migratory work. Objectives: 1. To assess the nutritional status of under-5 children in brick kilns of a rural area of Hooghly district, West Bengal 2. To find out the factors associated with the nutritional status of the study participants. Methodology: A setting based cross-sectional study was conducted with simple two-stage cluster sampling in selected brick kilns of a rural area of Singur, Hooghly district, West Bengal from June to December 2023 among 162 participants. Participants were interviewed after obtaining informed consent about socio demography, Immunisation, WASH practices (WHO/ UNICEF JMP), dietary diversity (IDDS) and Household Food insecurity (HFIAS). Quantitative analysis was done using SPSS v16. Thematic analysis was done for qualitative strand and is still under process. Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Ethics Committee of AIIH&PH, Kolkata. Results: One-third of the children were more than 2 years old while male: female ratio was 1:1. 60% caregivers were illiterate. Stunting, underweight and Wasting was found to be 64%, 45%, 26% respectively. WASH practices were found inadequate for water practices (20%), sanitary practices (41%) & hygiene (50%). Still one-fourth of the participants were not fully immunised. Food diversity was absent in half of the participants while two-third participants were found to be food insecure. Maternal malnutrition, unimproved sanitary & hygiene practices, incomplete immunization, dietary diversity and household food insecurity were found to be significant (p value

Background: People Living with HIV face not just a health challenge but also the burden of stigma-discrimination. The impact isn’t just physical; it takes a toll on their mental health. Many internalize this stigma, feeling shame about their condition. It Is crucial to address these issues not only for those directly affected but also to build a society that is compassionate and understanding, supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS rather than marginalizing them. Objective: To determine the level of stigma-discrimination faced by PLHIV visiting the ART center of a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata including the factors associated with it. The second objective is to explore their sense of grip on the disease among them. Methodology: This descriptive method study was conducted in November 2023 among 120 PLHIV (Selected by systematic random sampling) visiting the ART center of the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata after getting permission from IEC & NACO. Qualitative data was collected via IDI & KII. Quantitative data were analyzed using MS Excel, SPSS v. 16, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Manual thematic analysis applied for qualitative data. Results: Among 120 participants 45.8% of the participants faced more stigma & discrimination in comparison to others. There was a statistically significant difference in the level of stigma & discrimination based on their age group (p-value 0.033), type of family (p-value 0.014), Addiction status (p-value 0.037), co-morbidities (p-value 0.011), viral load (p-value 0.033). On exploring sense of grip on disease majority of the participants were shown to have a compliant profile. Conclusion: The levels of stigma- discrimination were associated with their behavioral & disease characteristics. Thus, raising awareness is essential to combat stigma and enhance sense of grip on the disease.

Background: Mental health is a major public health concern worldwide. Studies showed that women are impacted at a higher rate than men. There is definite scarcity of studies in public health domain, which reflect the mental health and its correlates among rural women specially in relation to their working status. Objectives: Present study envisages to assess and compare the mental health status of working and non-working adult rural women and find out the factors associated with the mental health status of the study participants. Methodology: A community based; cross-sectional study was done between August 2023 to November 2023 in a rural area of Hooghly district. The sample consists of 394 women (197 working women and 197 non-working women) were selected using Multistage random sampling from 3 villages. Using the predesigned, pretested interview schedule and self-reporting questionnaire, all relevant information was collected. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 16 version. Institutional Ethics Committee clearance was obtained. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 37 (± 10.09) years. Most of them belonged to socio-economic class IV. Majority of them were currently married. Around 22.33% of working women and 28.40% of non- working women had poor mental health. The factors associated with poor mental health among working women were work place atmosphere (p

Background: Seed processing workers are exposed to dust particles generated during the processing of seeds, which can have adverse effects on their respiratory health. Aim: to estimate the prevalence and patterns of respiratory morbidity among seed processing workers in Hooghly district, West Bengal, India, and to explore their use of respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted in 5 seed processing plants from December 2022 to February 2023. A sample size of 129 workers was selected using probability proportionate to population size to select seed processing plants and simple random sampling to select workers at selected plants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational profile, substance use patterns, respiratory PPE use, and respiratory symptoms were collected through structured interviews. Spirometry was performed with a hand held tabletop spirometer (RMS Helios 401) to assess respiratory function. Results: 52.7% of participants reported at least one chronic respiratory symptom, while 17.1% had evident respiratory morbidity based on spirometry results, with most having restrictive patterns (10.1%). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that factors associated with respiratory morbidity included increasing work years of exposure [1.10 (1.02 1.18)], irregular use of respiratory PPE [4.36 (1.22 15.57)], and primary or below education level [6.09 (1.38 26.98)]. Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and morbidity among seed processing workers. It emphasizes the importance of implementing effective respiratory protection measures and raising awareness about occupational lung diseases in this industry. Further research and interventions are needed to improve the respiratory health and well being of seed processing workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Domestic violence is a deeply entrenched issue in Indian society, with global implications, especially for women's physical and mental health. Healthcare providers play important role in early identification and support of the victims. Medical interns, the future generation of Health care professionals, often acting as primary caregivers are uniquely positioned and expected to recognize and assist victims. This study aims to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and readiness to manage domestic violence and its associating factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 medical interns at a Medical college and hospital in West Bengal, India, from December 2022 to February 2023. Simple random sampling was done. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, Medical Intern Readiness to manage domestic violence scale (MIREDS), validated after adoption from Physician Readiness to manage Intimate partner violence scale (PREMIS). Ethical approval was obtained, and participants gave informed written consent for inclusion. Satisfactory threshold was determined to be more than 50 percent. Data analysis was performed using MS Excel and SPSS software, including descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level of p less than 0.05, along with logistic regression analysis. Results: Only 45.2% of medical interns demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, 54.8% had a satisfactory attitude. Most interns (91.7%) exhibited poor practice in dealing with domestic violence cases, only 31.2% considered themselves ready to manage domestic violence cases. Interns who attend more patients was found to have better attitude. Positive associations were found between knowledge, attitude, and readiness to manage domestic violence cases among doctors. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of medical interns demonstrated inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practice and inadequate readiness to manage domestic violence. Comprehensive training and education with cultural sensitivity training along with more practical exposures are in need to address this issue properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, more than 40% of pregnant women experience acute obstetric problems and a large burden of it is shared by India. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) strategy is used to addresses these problems by encouraging women and communities to effectively plan for births, deal with birth emergencies. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the status of birth preparedness and complication readiness and to find out the factors associated with inadequate BPCR among pregnant woman in a rural area of West Bengal. Methodology: Institution based, observational study with cross‑sectional design was conducted from January 2019 to September 2020 among pregnant women, attending antenatal care clinics in Singur block, Hooghly district West Bengal. Sample size was 272. Participants were chosen by systematic random sampling. Response rate was 94.5% (257). Data were collected using a predesigned pretested schedule and analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 2016 and SPSS version 16.0. Results: Overall, 60.3% mothers had inadequate BPCR. 66.1% mothers had poor BPCR knowledge and 72.8% mothers had poor BPCR practice. In multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of maternal morbidity [AOR = 2.03 (1.14 –3.62), P value = 0.16], ≤4 No. of ANC visits [AOR = 10.96 (4.82–22.9), P value = 0.001], first trimester USG [OR = 12.53 (5.8–24.5), P value = 0.001] showed significance with inadequate BPCR. Conclusion: Glimpse of BPCR is seen in government programmes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK). Yet a big void exists among Indian pregnant women’s knowledge and practice of BPCR. Thus, there is a need to include BPCR in health care system to improve outcomes for pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stress, a natural response to difficult situations is causally linked to morbidity leading to cognitive decline. A good sleep, required for somatic well-being and memory consolidation, is very essential. Hence this study proposed to study the effect of stress on sleep hygiene among 15 to 18 years students of a school in an urban area of Burdwan, West Bengal. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the burden of perceived stress, determine sleep hygiene by assessment of excessive daytime sleepiness and find out effect of stress on sleep hygiene. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted in a school, chosen by purposive sampling among 99 students aged 15 to 18 years from December, 2022 to February, 2023. Information was collected by using self-administered structured questionnaire. Stress was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale and sleep hygiene was assessed using Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents and association between them was determined. Results: Out of 99 students, 53.5% were males and 46.4% were females. The mean age was 16. As per PSS scale 67.9% of male and 67.4% of female adolescent students were found to be moderate to severely stressed. Around 71% of students below class 10 were moderate to severely stressed. Prevalence of poor sleep hygiene was around 19.2% in total. Although association between PSS and ESS-CHAD was not of statistical significance which might be due to the small sample size, a positive correlation between stress and sleep disturbances was established from the findings. Conclusion: Prevalence of stress was quite high among the participants. Poor sleep hygiene was prevalent and it increased with increase in stress. Early identification and management of stress through school-based health programs is required for adolescents for better academic performance and overall wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vulnerability of older adults during disasters stems from health-related dependencies, socioeconomic inequities, and neglect. Addressing their distinct needs in disaster conditions is imperative. Their health requirements include physical, psychological, functional, and nutritional aspects. Along with that, their socio-cultural needs involve considerations for cultural attachments, communication preferences, and potential neglect in post-disaster financial support. Strategies to address this issue encompass community needs assessment, family-based response plans, and effective communication methods. In the impact phase, shelters must cater to nutritional needs and provide gender-segregated facilities. The recovery phase emphasizes restoring normalcy and social security for older adults, raising awareness of post-disaster risks. Engaging older adults in community response leverages their valuable contributions. A forward-looking approach involves community awareness, inclusive planning, cultural sensitivity, and government support for a comprehensive response to older adults' unique needs in disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribal population is vulnerable to all inequities of the society and less penetrated by the service providers. Breastfeeding, 0--23 months old children is important for their development and is boon for their health. Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of optimal breastfeeding practices (OBFs) and elicit its predictors. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the tribal area of Sunderbans, West Bengal, among mothers having children 0--23 months of age, from May 2021 to September 2021. Participants were selected by the cluster sampling technique. OBFs were assessed by initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth, exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months of age, and continuation of breastfeeding along with complementary feed till 23 months of age. Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale was administered to assess attitude toward breastfeeding. Statistical analysis was done using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 24.8 ± 4.1 years. Early initiation of breastfeeding was done by 76.5% of the participants, but continuation beyond 6 months of age by 70.9%. OBFs were shown by 25.5% of the participants, which has a significant association with the knowledge about the breastfeeding practices (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52--3.01) and maternal education (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.17--12.17). Conclusion: This study showed that only one-fourth of the participants have OBFs. This situation must be addressed with imparting proper knowledge about the importance of breastfeeding. Support group of women in the community should be formulated to aid mothers in continuation of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy, an altered physiological state, is specifically vulnerable to psychological distress (PD), more so during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This can impart detrimental consequences to both mother and child. This study assessed the magnitude of PD and associated factors among pregnant women in rural West Bengal. The proportion of pregnant women with COVID-19 symptomatology and its relationship with PD was also determined. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 130 pregnant women availing antenatal care in health centers during August–October 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) was used to assess PD and a "Perception on COVID-19 Pandemic" (PCP) Scale was used to assess the perception of the COVID-19 pandemic (Cronbach's alpha = 0.75). Statistical analyses were done in SPSS Inc., SPSS for Windows, Chicago, USA. Results: The proportion of study participants with PD was 49.2%. Unsatisfactory antenatal care (AOR = 19.4, CI = 2.5-152.7), COVID-19 case within family/neighborhood (AOR = 6.3, CI = 1.2-34.9), strenuous spousal relationship (AOR = 7.3, CI = 1.1-50), increasing score in perceived susceptibility domain of PCP Scale (AOR = 1.3, CI = 1.1-1.6), and decreased daily sleep duration (AOR = 2.8, CI = 1.6-4.9) were found to be associated with PD. 38.5% of participants reported COVID-19 related symptoms. Conclusion: The magnitude of PD among pregnant women in the study area is high. Thus, proper counseling of pregnant mothers during antenatal visits by public health nursing personnel to alleviate fears about the pandemic would go a long way to reduce the negative impact of PD on mother and child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A woman’s multifaceted feelings, knowledge, and perceptions of their intimate relations greatly influence their contraceptive behavior. In addition, women empowerment has been increasingly recognized as a key factor in family planning and reproductive health outcomes. This study aimed to assess modern contraceptive usage and its determinants among currently married women of reproductive-age (WRA) in rural Bengal. Materials and Methods: This mixed-method study was conducted in a rural area of Hooghly District, West Bengal from April to September 2021. The quantitative strand of the study was conducted by interviewing 210 currently married WRA. The qualitative strand was conducted via focussed group discussions among husbands/mothers-in-law and in-depth interviews with healthcare workers. SPSS software was utilized for quantitative data analysis and factors associated with contraceptive usage were analyzed using logistic regression models. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Result: Currently 114 (54.8%) study participants were using modern contraceptive methods. Education (aOR=7.65, 95% CI=1.85-31.67), empowerment through freedom from family domination (aOR=5.56, 95% CI=1.30-23.66), attitude on contraception (aOR=4.67, 95% CI=1.26-17.19), and family planning counselling (aOR=4.41, 95% CI=1.12-17.33) were found to be significantly associated with modern contraceptive usage. Lack of couple counselling, family support, and knowledge gap was identified as the major barriers to contraceptive usage. Conclusion: Since a woman’s decision-making ability significantly affects their sexual and reproductive health outcomes, effective measures should be undertaken to empower them by creating awareness regarding their rights and freedom to make strategic life choices. Couple counselling should be prioritized to enhance male involvement and eliminate perceived barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Multimorbidity is considered as a priority for global health research. It is defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic health conditions in an individual. It is increasingly being recognized as a major concern for primary care physicians due to its huge impact on individual, family, and societal level. Aim: The aim of this study was to find the quantum of gender-related inequalities and determinants of multimorbidity among the elderly people in a rural part of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out among 246 elderly people (60 years and above) in a community setting from Oct 2017 to Sep 2018. Logistic regression analysis was done to find out the predictors of multimorbidity. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 16.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc.). Results: Approximately 82% of the study subjects were suffering from multi-morbidity with a significant difference between males (80.9%) and females (88.5%). In binary logistics, people of both the genders aged >70 years, who had less than primary level education, had more than three children, whose source of income was from their children (sons/daughters), were dependent on others for daily routine were at high risk of being multimorbid; whereas depression was a significant predictor of multimorbidity in females and not in males. In multivariable analysis, age remained the only significant predictor for both the gender and for females; depression remained significant after adjusting with significant variables in binary logistics. Conclusion: Morbidity screening at each visit, individual as well as family counseling and lifestyle modifications help to cope with the rising burden of multimorbidity at the primary care level. More insight into the epidemiology of multi-morbidity is necessary to take steps to prevent it, lower its burden and align health-care services as per needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]