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Background: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of violence against women. IPV against adolescents and young adult married women (15–19 years only) is poorly understood and not much researched as compared to their adult counterparts. The present study investigates the changes in multiple forms of IPV and tries to understand its association with different individual factors. Methods: The study used longitudinal data from Understanding the lives of Adolescent and Young Adults study (UDAYA), conducted in 2015-16 (wave 1) and 2018-19 (wave 2). The survey was done in two Indian states namely, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The sample size of the present study was 4,254 married adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. Multiple forms of IPV were the outcome variables of this study. A random effect regression analysis was used to estimate the association of changes in physical, sexual, and emotional violence with decision-making power and mobility restrictions along with other covariates. Results: Findings show that physical and emotional violence have increased from wave 1 to wave 2. Furthermore, married adolescent girls who took decisions alone/with others were less likely to suffer from IPV (β=-0.02; p < 0.05). Adolescent girls who agreed with the perception about wife-beating were more likely to report physical (β = 0.07; p < 0.05), sexual (β = 0.13; p < 0.05), and emotional violence (β = 0.14; p < 0.05). The risk of IPV was significantly more among adolescent girls whose family paid dowry compared to those who did not pay it (β = 0.04; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Interventions against those social norms that harm any female adolescents' status in society and negatively impact their educational attainment should be adopted, simultaneously, with programs that promote gender equality in all aspects of their life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated linkages between multiple socio-economic vulnerabilities with infant and child mortality in India and its specific regions. Data from the National Family Health Survey (2015–16) was used for calculating the key-outcome variables, namely infant mortality and child mortality. The effective sample size for the study was 259,627. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were employed to examine three dimensions of vulnerabilities such as education, wealth, and caste on infant and child mortality. Children born to women with multiple-vulnerabilities were more likely to die than those born to non-vulnerable women. Women who were vulnerable in all the three-dimensions were more likely to have their children die as infants than those who were not vulnerable in any dimensions (predicted probabilities; 0.054 vs 0.026). The predicted probability for child mortality was 0.063 for women who were vulnerable and 0.028 for non-vulnerable women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a common belief that microfinance plays a dual role of poverty alleviation and socioeconomic upliftment of its women participants. However, there are enough researches that negates the positive impact of microfinance loans on spousal violence. Recognized as one of the most predominant social evils, violence against women is not only a violation of their human rights but also an act of exploitation and denial of freedom. In the present study, we have tried to investigate if microfinance loan takers experience more spousal violence as compared to their counterparts by analyzing the National Family Health Survey IV, 2015–16. Our results indicate that 40.8% of women microfinance participants experience spousal violence. Additionally, the likelihood of microfinance participants to experience spousal violence is much higher than the non-microfinance participants (odds ratio = 1.35, p value =.000). Microfinance programs are designed to increase the individual agencies of women participants, which, in turn, reduce the chances of them becoming victims of spousal violence. However, if the credit program participation induces the woman to be a victim of spousal violence together with becoming financially autonomous, then such hidden costs need to be taken into account while evaluating the effectiveness of the gendered policy design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite a significant increase in the skilled birth assisted (SBA) deliveries in India, there are huge gaps in availing maternity care services across social gradients - particularly across states and regions. Therefore, this study applies the spatial-regression model to examine the spatial distribution of SBA across districts of India. Furthermore, the study tries to understand the spatially associated population characteristics that influence the low coverage of SBA across districts of India and its regions.Methods: The study used national representative cross-sectional survey data obtained from the fourth round of National Family Health Survey, conducted in 2015-16. The effective sample size was 259,469 for the analysis. Moran's I statistics and bivariate Local Indicator for Spatial Association maps were used to understand spatial dependence and clustering of deliveries conducted by SBA coverage in districts of India. Ordinary least square, spatial lag and spatial error models were used to examine the correlates of deliveries conducted by SBA.Results: Moran's I value for SBA among women was 0.54, which represents a high spatial auto-correlation of deliveries conducted by SBA over 640 districts of India. There were 145 hotspots for deliveries conducted by SBA among women in India, which includes almost the entire southern part of India. The spatial error model revealed that with a 10% increase in exposure to mass media in a particular district, the deliveries conducted by SBA increased significantly by 2.5%. Interestingly, also with the 10% increase in the four or more antenatal care (ANC) in a particular district, the deliveries conducted by SBA increased significantly by 2.5%. Again, if there was a 10% increase of women with first birth order in a particular district, then the deliveries conducted by SBA significantly increased by 6.1%. If the district experienced an increase of 10% household as female-headed, then the deliveries conducted by SBA significantly increased by 1.4%.Conclusion: The present study highlights the important role of ANC visits, mass media exposure, education, female household headship that augment the use of an SBA for delivery. Attention should be given in promoting regular ANC visits and strengthening women's education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper attempts to understand the reconfiguring of mainstream gender specificities in tribal songs, myths and folklores of the hills of the Northeast. We intend to understand figure of the demonic/liberated/women artists in folklores and songs of tribal communities of the hills. We begin with Mizo women poets Hmuaki, Lianchhiadri, Saikuti, sang memorable folk songs and were required to be silenced since there was a fear that their poetic abilities would surpass the men of the community. The next section will deal with Chhurbura, the greatest male figure in Mizo folklore who doubles as a male nurse besides being a traveler and person of immense wisdom. The gender boundaries grip around these forms of oral narrative in strange and complicated ways. While understanding the politics of Northeast and the effect of imperialism on indigenous language we would move onto discuss Garo Literature and configuration of the woman in their songs and myths. While there is an intense feminization of nature and land according to their myths the creator Tatara Rabuga wanted the earth to be born of a woman, Nostu Nopantu. However, poison also within the same cultural imagination is a woman Kontilognma Amebima and Chengmebima whose body is the repository of poison. The female body which nurtures, heals and rejuvenates is instantly demonized and rendered fearful. The paper negotiates with these imaginings which masculinizes females and feminizes males. In the Lepcha folklores which the paper intends to deal with only peripherally owing to the short time scope demonizes by recording a female Yeti who is very brutal and ugly. Thus, the paper finally attempts to understand and question the nature of the audience and their receptions of such aberrant femininity and through it understands the complex hierarchies existing in within the ethnic tribal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's traditional kinship behavior have undergone certain fundamental changes due to recent development and functioning of Indian society. Of all, the most dominant change is in the form of co-residence of children with their parents in old age. Without familial support, falling or no income and poor health, today, older adults are the most vulnerable population sub-group in the total population. Therefore, by using the India Human Development Survey-II, 2011-12 data we study the relevant association of living arrangement on health status of the older adults. Our results indicate that older adults living alone have significant and strong association with adverse health conditions such as Cataract, Hypertension, and Heart Disease. On the backdrop of health variations of older adults, it is understood that among other socio-economic conditions, living arrangement have serious implications on the health status of the older adults. Thus, we strongly support the notion that older adults with proper family care and support are more likely to be in a better health position as compared to those deprived of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst a rapidly aging population, living alone is considered as a living arrangement with various disadvantages. The study aimed to assess the association between older adults living in one-person-households (OPH) and their socio-economic status along with associated inequalities. The data for the present study was utilized from National Family Health Survey, 2015–16 (n = 146, 657). Descriptive, bivariate along with multivariable analysis was used to fulfil the aim of the present study. For assessing socio-economic differentials in OPH, concentration index along with Wagstaff decomposition analysis was used. It was revealed that poor older adults had a higher proportion of OPH (12.7%) than older adults from the non-poor category (3.8%). The value of concentration index was -0.38 indicating the concentration of OPH among poor older adults. Manipur had the highest value of concentration index (-0.614). The highest percentage of poor OPH among older adults was in Kerala (30.7%) and whereas it was lowest among older adults in Bihar (5.9%). About 33.6% of socio-economic status related-inequality was explained by the marital status of older adults followed by older adults' place of residence (30.9%) and gender (29.3%). Older adults who are poor, women, never married, and living in rural areas need greater attention from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. In addition, policies should be designed by differentiating between older adults who live alone by choice and those who are forced by circumstances to map the vulnerabilities effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Undernutrition is a serious matter of public health concern in India. Existing studies, policies and programs focus on women and children thereby ignoring men in policymaking. This study examines the socio-economic inequality in anaemia levels among men in India and tries to decompose the factors behind it.Methods: The fourth round of National Family Health Survey is used to fulfill the study objectives. The outcome variable of the study is men having anaemia or not. The study uses bivariate and multivariate techniques to identify the factors associated with the outcome variable. Further, concentration index and concentration curve are calculated to measure the socio-economic inequality in anaemia among men in India.Results: The results indicate that majority of the socio-economic related inequality is explained by wealth quintile followed by geographical regions of India, body mass index and educational attainment. The results also emphasize that older men belong to the high-risk groups. Moreover, the likelihood of anaemia is 40% more likely among men who belonged to East region and 25%, 13% and 7 % less likely among those who belonged to Northeast, West and South region compared to those who belonged in the North region of the country.Conclusion: Existing policies on anaemia should include men to achieve an anaemia free India. Individual education and awareness should be encouraged to improve nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diarrhoeal diseases are common among children and older adults. Yet, majority of the scientific studies deal with children, neglecting the other vulnerable and growing proportion of the population–the older adults. Therefore, the present study aims to find rural-urban differentials in the prevalence of diarrhoea among older adults in India and its states. Additionally, the study aims to find the correlates of diarrhoea among older adults in India. The study hypothesizes that there are no differences in the prevalence of diarrhoea in rural and urban areas. Methods: Data for this study was utilized from the recent Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017–18). The present study included eligible respondents aged 60 years and above (N = 31,464). Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis was presented to reveal the preliminary results. In addition, binary logistic regression analysis was used to fulfil the study objectives. Results: About 15% of older adults reported that they suffered from diarrhoea in the last two years. The prevalence of diarrhoea among older adults was found to be highest in Mizoram (33.5 per cent), followed by Chhattisgarh (30.7 per cent) and Bihar (30.2 per cent). There were significant rural-urban differences in the prevalence of diarrhoea among older adults in India (difference: 7.7 per cent). The highest rural-urban differences in the prevalence of diarrhoea were observed among older adults who were 80+ years old (difference: 13.6 per cent), used unimproved toilet facilities (difference: 12.7 per cent), lived in the kutcha house (difference: 10.2 per cent), and those who used unclean source of cooking fuel (difference: 9 per cent). Multivariate results show that the likelihood of diarrhoea was 17 per cent more among older adults who were 80+ years compared to those who belonged to 60–69 years' age group [AOR: 1.17; CI: 1.04–1.32]. Similarly, the older female had higher odds of diarrhoea than their male counterparts [AOR: 1.19; CI: 1.09–1.30]. The risk of diarrhoea had declined with the increase in the educational level of older adults. The likelihood of diarrhoea was significantly 32 per cent more among older adults who used unimproved toilet facilities than those who used improved toilet facilities [AOR: 1.32; CI: 1.21–1.45]. Similarly, older adults who used unimproved drinking water sources had higher odds of diarrhoea than their counterparts [AOR: 1.45; CI: 1.25–1.69]. Moreover, older adults who belonged to urban areas were 22 per cent less likely to suffer from diarrhoea compared to those who belonged to rural areas [AOR: 0.88; CI: 0.80–0.96]. Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that diarrhoea is a major health problem among older adults in India. There is an immediate need to address this public health concern by raising awareness about poor sanitation and unhygienic practices. With the support of the findings of the present study, policy makers can design interventions for reducing the massive burden of diarrhoea among older adults in rural India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure infant health and survival. Inadequate breastfeeding practices, and knowledge among adolescent mothers have led to unprecedented infant and child morbidity and mortality. Given, the high global prevalence of adolescent mothers it is imperative to understand how the knowledge of breastfeeding practices operates among adolescent girls across different socio-economic settings. Materials & methods: Data was carried out from Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey, conducted in 2015–16. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis was done to examine the preliminary results. For analysing the association between the binary outcome variable and other explanatory variables, binary logistic regression method was used. The explanatory variables were educational status of the respondent, media exposure, working status, ever pregnant status (only for married adolescent girls), sex and age of the household head, educational status of the head of the household, caste, religion, wealth index, residence and states. Results: About 42%, 50%, and 42% of married adolescent girls had knowledge of immediate breastfeeding, yellowish milk, and exclusive breastfeeding respectively. The odds of knowledge about immediate breastfeeding [married-AOR: 1.57; CI: 1.09–2.28 and unmarried-AOR: 1.30; CI: 1.08–1.55], yellowish milk feeding [married-AOR: 2.09; CI: 1.46–3.01 and unmarried-AOR: 1.39; CI: 1.17–1.66], and exclusive breastfeeding [married-AOR: 1.74; CI: 1.2–2.52 and unmarried-AOR: 1.46; CI: 1.22–1.76] were significantly more among adolescent girls aged 19 years old compared to 15 years old girls. Adolescent married and unmarried girls with 10 & above years of schooling were 1.82 times [AOR: 1.82; CI: 1.52–2.18] and 2.69 times [AOR: 2.69; CI: 2.08–3.47] more likely to have knowledge about immediate breastfeeding, 1.74 times [AOR: 1.74; CI: 1.45–2.09] and 2.10 times [AOR: 2.10; CI: 1.68–2.62] more likely to have knowledge about yellowish milk feeding, and 3.13 times [AOR: 3.13; CI: 2.6–3.78] and 3.87 times [AOR: 3.87; CI: 2.95–5.08] more likely to have knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding respectively than girls with no schooling. Conclusion: Breastfeeding practices and interpersonal counselling from elders in the household should be encouraged. Ongoing breastfeeding promotion programs of the government should promote high education of adolescent girls. Mass media interventions should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adolescent girls have a higher prevalence of suicidal tendency. • Suicidal tendencies are more among adolescents with moderate to severe symptoms of depression, who consume tobacco, alcohol and who are physically inactive. • Adolescents in the age group 16–19 years, and married girls have more suicidal tendencies. • Adolescents who are engaged in work have more suicidal tendencies. Suicide is a significant public health problem. A rise in the trend of suicide among adolescents, therefore warrants special attention. The present research is undertaken because of the dearth of literature and limited knowledge about prevention of suicide among adolescents in India. By analyzing the data of Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults project survey in two Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the study aimed to understand the risk factors associated with the suicidal tendency among adolescents. The study hypothesized no association of suicidal tendency among adolescents with depressive symptoms, physical activity, and substance use. The bivariate and multivariate results indicate a strong significant and positive association of severe depression, physical inactivity, and substance use among adolescents who have suicidal tendencies. The findings imply that an early detection of depression, awareness about the harmful affect of tobacco and alcohol consumption, and encouragement of adolescents to participate in physical activity will avert adolescents from having suicidal tendencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]