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Background: India experiences a growing aging population and prioritizing the comprehension of respiratory health concerns among the elderly becomes crucial. Those in the elderly demographic residing in urban slums confront notable socioeconomic obstacles and encounter restricted healthcare accessibility, heightening their vulnerability to respiratory illnesses. Therefore, examining respiratory health in this specific urban context provides insights into how living conditions impact the health of vulnerable populations. Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the occurrence of respiratory abnormalities among slum-dwelling elderly women and also to determine the concomitant factors responsible for respiratory abnormalities among them. Material and Methods: The study includes a total of 261 elderly women aged 60 years and above living in slum areas of Kolkata. The standard protocols were followed to collect spirometry and anthropometric data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to satisfy the study objectives. Results: The majority of the participants show forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV0.1) below the predicted level, indicating the presence of mild-to-moderate respiratory abnormality. Chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) was observed in 15.2% of elderly women, significantly higher than the national average. The study identified significant correlations between age and respiratory abnormalities. Factors such as overcrowded living conditions, the absence of a separate kitchen, and the use of certain cooking fuels increased the likelihood of COPD. Body fat percentage was found to be inversely related to FVC, FEV0.1, and COPD. Conclusion: The poor living conditions and a few other associated factors are indicative of developing respiratory problems among elderly individuals. As the global population ages, this study contributes valuable insights for public health strategies, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address the specific challenges faced by elderly women in urban slums in the megacity of Kolkata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two tribal populations, Toto and Bhutia, with a shared ancestry and habitat were selected for a study to estimate prevalence of metabolic syndrome in traditional societies in the sub-Himalayan region and to assess the impact of modernization on the risk to the syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can be a major health problem even in traditional societies, as well as urban cosmopolitan population, suggesting that this syndrome is not necessarily a result of modernization or urbanization.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the possible effect of lifestyle related factors on psychological health among the urban elderly. 269 elderly (male: 148; female: 121) of the middle class urban Bengalee population of Saltlake city, Kolkata participated in this study. Data regarding socio economic profile, health status, and physical activity were collected through pre-tested questionnaires. Nutritional status was assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire and Cohen's perceived stress questionnaire was used for collecting data on perceived stress. The mean GHQ-28 score for male was 7.40 and for female was 8.79 and the difference was statistically significant. Those who reside in extended families had significantly high mean GHQ score than those who live in nuclear families. Significant difference was found between the mean values of GHQ-28 score among the "well nourished" and "not well nourished" female elderly subjects of this study. Significant difference was found in mean values of GHQ-28 score between the elderly with "low stress score" and "high stress score" irrespective of sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social change and development is an important current concern in community level studies, particularly in developing countries. Future health prospects depend increasingly on globalization processes and on the impact of global environmental change. Globalization affects the institutional, economic, social-cultural and ecological determinants of population health. Social support and social networks are important influencing factors for aging adults and also have been shown to exert significant effects on mental health and functioning. Many such networks are intergenerational and are increasingly being seen as arenas to provide opportunities for collective and collaborative knowledge exchange. Although there have been many studies in India on social networks and social support in different communities, comparative studies on the prevalence of social networks and social support between rural and urban elderly and their effect on mental health in West Bengal are virtually lacking. The present cross sectional study is purported to explore the rural-urban difference in the prevalence of social networks and social support and their role in mental health problems (specifically depression and anxiety). The Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ) and Social Network Index (SNI) was used for collection of data on social support and social network, respectively. The study results have shown that the mean score of social support were higher among rural elderly in comparison to their urban counterparts but mean scores of social networks were higher in the case of urban elderly. In both the mental health traits, rural study participants demonstrated significantly higher mean values compared to their urban counterparts. Urbanrural difference was significant in most of the categories of social support, social networks in one hand, and depression, anxiety on the other. Social support and networks play an important role in the mental health of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an obituary for anthropologist Amitabha Basu.

Assessment of physical growth pattern and nutritional status of children and adolescents in communities are important components of measuring social development. The importance of such assessments in the marginalized communities is greater since these are generally at the heavier risk of growth and nutrition deficits. Obviously, the public health agenda should focus on improving such a scenario. Although, there have been many studies in India, on physical growth and nutritional status of children and adolescents in communities at different socioeconomic levels, such studies among the fishing communities in the coastal areas of West Bengal and Orissa are virtually lacking. The present study is purported to examine the pattern of physical growth of children and adolescents as well as to assess their nutritional status, in terms of anthropometric measures, among a marginalized social group, mainly engaged in sea fishing as a vocation. Anthropometric (height and weight) data were collected from 468 individuals of both sexes. The study participants include 257 males and 211 females aged 5+ years to 18+ years inhabiting nine contiguous villages in Digha and its neighbourhood. The results of the study clearly demonstrate that the growth pattern of the children and adolescents of both sexes is relatively slow compared with another fishing community in Andhra Pradesh. The prevalence of malnutrition, as gauged through weight-for-age and height-for-age, is quite high in the study population irrespective of sex. It appears that this marginalized community needs appropriate support in the domains of health and nutrition programmes in an effective manner so that the health of the children and adolescents can be better managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension has emerged as a major health risk among adults and the elderly in India. In spite of sharing similar physical and cultural environments, group level cultural variability and distinct genetic ancestry may result in differences in patterns of hypertension prevalence. Aim: The present study investigates the relationships between socio-economic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables and hypertension in two communities (Rai and Bhutia) of Sikkim. Both groups live in a similar ecological setting and are exposed to forces of modernization of almost equal magnitude. Subjects and methods: The study sample consists of 582 Rais and 315 Bhutias. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, substance uses and other lifestyle variables were collected through relevant pre-tested questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard methods. Three consecutive blood pressure measurements were taken and averaged for analysis. Results: The results of covariance analyses show that ethnicity is not a significant covariate of either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Use of tobacco and alcohol consumption, level of education and activity patterns were found to be significant correlates of hypertension. The diagnostic ability of waist circumference is found to be better than body mass index for assessment of risk of hypertension among the present study populations. Conclusions: Lifestyle factors more than ethnicity and socio-economic factors contribute to the development of hypertension in these populations. Based on the results of this study, we would suggest that a sustainable increase in physical activity and reduction in alcohol consumption would be helpful in the proper management of hypertension for both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the obstetric morbidity and its demographic factors among rural women in Sikkim, India. Among the 199 mothers in 20 villages surveyed, the study reveals that 31% of mothers experienced at least one morbid condition during their live birth. Most of the obstetric problems are experienced by adolescent. Logistic regression analysis determines that the relationship between place of delivery and frequency of ante-partum problems. Pregnant mothers who demand for basic maternity care were identified as a high risk group.

The results of a demographic study of two occupationally distinguishable caste communities inhabiting the neighbouring settlements of Balaramchak and Bamanchak in the Geonkhali region, coastal Midnapore district, West Bengal, are reported. Although there is no significant difference in mortality between the two settlements, fertility is generally higher in Balaramchak than in Bamanchak. Further, fertility seems to have declined over time in both the settlements, with the decline commencing earlier in Bamanchak. Possible explanations for the inter-settlement and temporal differences in terms of occupation and family planning practices, as well as the possible genetic consequences of these differences, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents an anthropological study of the Lepchas, Sherpas, Oraons, and Mahishyas of West Bengal, India in terms of their different food practices. It presents various charts denoting the intake of the food, the nutrients in the food, and demographic characteristics of each group. It desribes the contributions of nutrition to the field of anthropology.

The article presents an obituary for Professor Amitabha Basu.

This is part of a project on the disadvantaged, marginalized, vulnerable/weaker section of the population and their survival strategy. The paper presents the results of a survey carried out during 2006-07 with the objective of throwing light on the life and living conditions of an economically weaker community such as 'fishing community' residing in the coastal area of Bay of Bengal in West Bengal and Orissa, India, in the context of global scenario. Various scientists have conducted quite a large number of studies to ascertain the income and nutritional status of people in rural India. Very few attempts, however, have been made to investigate in detail regarding the living standards of some specific communities, which are very often referred to, as the 'weaker section' of the people. The people belonging to fishing community are, by and large, not only economically weak in terms of earning and availability of work, the majority of them are not able to procure the minimum nourishment. The present study shows that some notable elements of living conditions such as food, shelter, health etc. matters much more than the conventional income or calorie deficiency. Commonly, the social scientists equate poverty with income or calorie deficiency which may not be the case as is evident from this study. We have hinted some measures to be undertaken to ameliorate the sufferings of the fishing community.

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. The prevalence of this syndrome is high among Asians, including Indians, and is rising, particularly with the adoption of a modernized life style. Whether traditional societies in India have a low prevalence and the extent to which a transition to a modern life style contributes to the increase in prevalence are unknown. To examine the role of environmental and genetic factors in metabolic syndrome we conducted a study in two sub-Himalayan tribal populations with shared ancestry (Toto and Bhutia). The Toto live exclusively in a rural area, whereas a section of the Bhutia has adopted a modern life style., Methods: Fasting (12 h) blood samples of Toto (n=258); rural Bhutia (n=75) and urban Bhutia (n=230) were collected, with written informed consent. Lipid profile, blood pressures, body fat and other anthropometric parameters were assessed. Criteria suggested by National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (2001) were used for assessment of metabolic syndrome., Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high (about 30-50%) among the Bhutia, with no significant rural-urban difference. Among the Toto, though the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was low (about 4-9%), their lipid levels were alarmingly adverse (about 37-67% had low HDLcholesterol or high triglyceride levels). There was an additional adverse impact of adoption of urban life-styles (perhaps primarily mediated through dietary changes) on cardiovascular risk factors., Interpretation and Conclusion: Our study suggested that metabolic syndrome and its correlates could be a major health problem even in traditional societies, indicating that this syndrome was not necessarily a result of modernization. Further, our study indicates that genetic factors that adversely affect the levels of such variables have long antiquities in Indian ethnic groups.