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Objectives: The study aimed to establish the effectiveness of Unani add-on regimen by comparing theduration required for change in disease status from COVID-19 positive asymptomatic / mildto moderate symptomatic patients to asymptomatic negative. Methods: This single-centric, randomized, twin arm, controlled, clinical trial was carried out on a totalnumber of 62 RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 patients. The Intervention group (IG) receivedUnani Regimen (Khameera Marwareed and Unani Joshanda) in addition to the conventional management, while the Control group (CG) received only conventional management. Results: It was observed that 16 (51.6%) patients in Intervention Group and 3 (9.4%) patients incontrol group became negative for COVID-19 at day 7 and remaining 13 out of 15 (93.5%) patients in Intervention Group and 20 out of 28 (74.1%) patients in control group becamenegative for COVID-19 at day 14 .This effect of the Unani Regimen in comparison to thecontrol group was statistically significant (p =0.003). Conclusions: It can be concluded that the change of COVID-19 positive asymptomatic / mild to moderate symptomatic patients to RT-PCR negative was much earlier in the add-on Unani regimen group as compared to control group. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21 No. 04 October’22 Page : 901-911

Background: Patna and peripheral districts (Nalanda and Vaishali) have some dominated area of SC and ST population but the distribution and demographic details of these areas are not properly documented. The main objective of the paper is to analyze the status of the scheduled castes of Patna, with respect to size of the population, sex ratio, literacy level, marital status, occupation and income. Methodology: A pre-tested questionnaire containing information about demographic particulars like caste, age, gender, educational qualification, occupation and monthly income was administered through Mobile health care OPDs under the SCSP. Survey was conducted between the years 2018-2020. These data are shown to be suitable for evaluating the impact of demographic and socio-economic elements on regular health examinations. Result: The analysis of data clearly indicates that there were significant differences with the age group 13-20, 21-30 and >60, caste, with religion of Hindu and Muslim, educational status regarding semi-literate and graduate or above, Mizaj, diet habit and there were no significant differences with respect to gender, religion and addiction behaviour are noticed. By presenting the methods used in this survey and by describing the enquiries mentioned in the dataset, this article aims to promote data-collecting methodologies that can help policy-makers and health communicators derive practical conclusions. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is significant difference in the age group of SC population. While there were no significant differences with respect to gender, religion and addiction behaviour was noticed. Most of the SC population belongs to balghami temperament and most preferred food habit of them is mixed mostly. How to cite this article:Ahmad F, Khatoon S, Ahmad M, Alam MM, Imam H, Parveen S, Nazli T, Raheem A, Goswami A, Alam MI. Socio-demographic and Health Profile of Schedule Castes of Patna, Vaishali and Nalanda Bihar, India. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2021; 7(1): 11-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202102

Introduction: The unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak has now spread to every nook of the world. It has contributed to an enormous adverse impact globally. Persons of every age group are likely to get infected but elderly people or those with comorbidities could develop a more serious illness. Objectives: To describe the clinico-demographic characteristics, various risk factors, and COVID-19 related social stigma among 135 hospitalised patients in north India and to find an association by comparing it with comorbidity. Methods: The present study is an observational analytical study carried out on 135 patients with RT-PCR confirmed cases admitted in a tertiary care hospital India aged between 15-79 years. Data were collected in a validated questionnaire specially designed for COVID-19 by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Result: A total of 135 patients were included (median age, 40 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 54-29; range, 15-79 years]; 62.9% Male). The presenting symptoms at the time of admission were fever (57.0%), cough (43.0%), fatigue (42.2%), and breathlessness (28.1%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (20%), diabetes (14.1%), thyroid disorder (6.7%), cardiovascular diseases (3.7%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4.4%) and 23.7% patients reported having at least one comorbidity. Patients without pre-existing diseases have more social stigma as compared to patients with comorbidities. Twenty eight percent reported use of AYUSH therapies as prophylactic measures. Conclusion: This study describes the clinico-demographic profile, baseline comorbidities, and social stigma associated with COVID-19 patients. Patients having comorbidity have less stigma, however, the family of both the groups were worried and supportive. How to cite this article:Nazli T, Kishore J, Raheem A, Ansari IA, Ghai AS, Heena. Clinico-epidemiological Profile and Social Stigma in Hospitalised RT-PCR Confirmed COVID-19 Cases with and without Comorbidity. Epidem Int 2021;6(1):1-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202101

Introduction: Demography is the statistical and mathematical study of the size composition and spatial distribution of human populations. In this article we focused on some demographic data such as age, gender, education, caste, religion, marital status, occupation, addiction and dietary habits which may help to assess the socio economic and health status of the population. Methods: This is an observational and descriptive study, where data collected using a pretested, predesigned questionnaire/screening form to assess the demographic information i.e. age, gender, education, caste, religion, marital status, occupation, addiction and dietary habits, provided by Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine(CCRUM), Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Delhi. Sample size was not calculated as all the patients who were coming to OPD were included in the study and all patients were assured of confidentiality of the details collected and patients provided data willingly. Inclusion criteria for the study included all the patients of either sex of any age group attending OPDs in five adopted villages, i.e. Kurana, Kalkheda, Bagoniya, Toomda and Dhammarra during July 2019 to March 2020 at SCSP Mobile Healthcare Programme, Clinical Research Unit, Bhopal. Results and Conclusion: Collected and compiled data exhibits that the Scheduled Castes population visited the OPDs belongs to a low socio-economic group and are mainly small farmers and landless labourers. The percentage of the female population who visited the OPDs was more which reveals that due to the excessive burden of work and poor nutritional diet they are more susceptible to have an illness. Literacy level was fair among population with 19.16 % illiterate. Tobacco chewing is seen more prevalent among the participants. Poverty and less availability of food have led to unsatisfactory dietary habit, though literacy is considerable in these villages. How to cite this article:Khan AF, Qaiser A, Fatima Y, Khan AM, Raheem A, Nazli T, Parveen S. Demographic Data for SCSP Mobile Health Care Programme Conducted in the Rural Area of Bhopal District, Madhya Pradesh. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2021;7(1):4-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202101

Introduction: Unpredictable evolution of COVID-19 pandemic has generated uncertainties in minds of people thereby impacting their mental health. Global evidence supports rising trend of symptoms of depression among general population during the pandemic. Material and Method: It was a cross-sectional study conducted between April 15 and May 01, 2020. Data were collected using pre-structured questionnaire that was circulated through a web-based link via messages and mails. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Result: Out of the total 500 telephonic contacts who were sent the survey link, 478 had (95.6%) responded. There were 114 (23.8%), 64 (13.4%), 40 (8.4%) and 29 (6.1%) participants who were classified as having mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression respectively. Female gender, religion, education status, unemployment and professional occupation, income less than Rs. 20000 and more than Rs. 40000, ‘scare for coronavirus infection’ were found to be significantly associated with severity of depression (p

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus has emerged from the city Wuhan, China when cluster of pneumonia cases similar to viral pneumonia appeared, later named as SARS-CoV-2 virus, its symptomatology bears resemblance to Nazla-e-Wabāiya (epidemic influenza) in various treaties of Unani scholars. WHO on January 30, 2020 declared this outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. To date, there are no specific vaccines or medicine for COVID-19 and the treatment is simply symptomatic. Therefore, prompt recognition of positive cases and rapid patient isolation may be needed to contain the disease spread to ensure timely management. Unani System of Medicine aims at preservation of health, management of diseases with a holistic approach. As per Unani classical literature, during epidemics prevention of disease and maintenance of health was achieved by strengthening the Ṭabī’at (Medicatrix Naturae) and modifications in Asbāb Sitta Darūriyya (Six Essential Factors).

Background:Over the last few decades traditional medicine has gained worldwide acceptance. Awareness about Unani medicine has an important role in providing health education, prevention and management of diseases. However, literature search revealed that very few published data enlightening about Unani system of medicine are available. Objectives:To assess the perception, practice and the extent of use of Unani system of medicine among the general public attending National ‘Arogya Fair’ 2017 held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, observational descriptive survey was conducted using pretested, predesigned structured questionnaire to assess the perception and practice regarding Unani system of medicine of sample of 1149 visitors attending the free health clinic at Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) stall in the National ‘Arogya Fair’ held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh between September 8-11, 2017. Result: Out of 1149 subjects 60.05% were males and 39.95% were females with mean age 36.78±10.33 years ranged between 13 to 82 years of age. The awareness level about Unani system of medicine was good, 1016 (88.42%) respondents have heard or were aware of Unani system of medicine, of these respondents, only 480 (41.78%) respondents have taken Unani medicines in the past for various problems, 133 (11.58%)subjects had never heard about Unani system of medicine. Majority of the patients believed that Unani medicine had No side effect or Comparatively safer than others and 31.82% preferred Unani medicine to allopathic medicine. Conclusion:The awareness level regarding Unani medicine was good but the attitude toward and practice of Unani medicine was relatively low. There is a need and scope for health education and promotion to improve the attitude about Unani medicine.

Study Objective: To find the perceptions and behaviours of the general public in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic in India. Design: An online survey was conducted during lockdown period of coronavirus pandemic. Participants: 304 respondents participated in the survey during the lockdown period of 21 days.Main Outcome Measures: Perceptions and behaviours of adult population to coronavirus infections and its prevention. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 38.38±12.34 years. Most of the respondents believed that coronavirus was a contagious infection could be transmitted via direct body contact and droplets and majority 285 (93.8%) of the respondents were aware that coronavirus is a contagious infection. Nonetheless, perceived chance of infection was found by 284 (93.4%) respondents due to public transport, mass gatherings or crowds and through contaminated food or takeaways in only 94 (30.9%). Perceived efficacy of preventive measures was social distancing (77.3%), hand washing (75.3%) and wearing a mask (48%). It is interesting to note that some people were taking multivitamin, Unani immune modulator, homoeopathic and Hydroxychloroquine medicines as prophylaxis. Conclusion: Coronavirus related perceptions and behaviours are crucial for designing preventive measures. Knowledge about the pandemic was high but misconceptions were also existed in the study group which need further improvement of appropriate IEC activities among Indian population. How to cite this article:Nazli T, Heena, Raheem A, Kishore J. Perceptions and Practices of the Adult Population in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in India. Epidem Int 2020; 5(2): 10-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202011

The pandemic of coronavirus has brought public life to a standstill and impacted mental health globally that may result in depression. Objective: To study the proportion of participants feeling depressed. Method: During the nationwide complete shutdown in India, an online survey to assess the feeling of depression was conducted among 500 participants and among them 478 responded. Result: The proportion of respondents feeling depressed was 28%. By using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, the proportion of respondents with depression was found to be 51.6% including mild depression. Conclusion: Feeling depressed during the COVID 19 pandemic is prevalent and should be addressed through mental health program at the community level. How to cite this article:Heena, Nazli T, Grover S, Kishore J. Covid 19 Pandemic and “Feeling Depressed”: An Online Survey. Epidem Int 2020; 5(2): 27-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202014

Background: Students’ academic achievement and learning outcome is influenced by various factors including age, gender, religion, preferences for the future career and family background. Objectives: 1) To study the effect of various factor on academic performances of school adolescents and 2) to find out the association with Socio-Demographic Characteristics among these students. Methods: It was a school based cross sectional study conducted in one of the private schools in Chikballapur, Karnataka. Data from 591 adolescents of classes 6th-10th was collected by a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 4 factors with 76 questions, each relating to different aspects of a child or adolescent’s life and how they felt about those. Data was presented as frequency tables and significant association was established by one-way ANOVA, t-test and multiple linear regression. Result: As age advanced favorable educational factors, mental/emotional factors and social factors decreased significantly but had no effect on health factors. No significant association existed between religion and various domains of health and wellbeing (p>0.05) of the students. Except the educational factors which was higher in females, no other factors were significantly associated with gender. As aggregate percentage in previous examinations increased, the favorable educational factors, health factors and mental/ emotional factors increased significantly but had no effect on social factors. Conclusions: Scores of health and wellbeing of the student were significantly associated with age, gender and preferences for the future subject and academic performances. Knowing these factors may help to undertake corrective measures that improve the academic achievement of school adolescents. How to cite this article:Kishore J, Heena, Anand T, Nazli T, Mandal RK. Academic Performances and Associated Factors Amongst School Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study. Int J HealthCare Edu & Med Inform 2019; 6(2): 10-17.

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of fire cupping versus dry warm fomentation in reducing pain and tenderness in patients with Chronic Neck Pain (CNP) and the secondary objective was to compare the effectiveness of both interventions in improving Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) and Quality of Life (QoL). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 70 patients with CNP were block randomized into two groups; fire Cupping Group (CG) or dry warm Fomentation Group (FG). Response to treatment was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), CROM and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Impact of disease on patient’s QoL was assessed using Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Result: On intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the maximum reduction in pain was achieved in CG than in FG, the mean VAS scores in CG leads to much earlier reduction of pain as compared to FG (p=0.001). The mean CROM in both the groups increased from baseline, though the increase was higher in the CG. A low NDI score signifies less disability, the median percentage NDI score in CG was 12 (0-24) which is lower than FG 18 (0-46.7) and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.0012). In the SF-36, subscale bodily pain, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.0452). Conclusion: Both the regimens are effective in reducing pain and increasing CROM while, earlier reduction in pain occur significantly greater extent with CG. How to cite this article: Raheem A, Nazli T, Saeed A, Alvi R, Kalaivani M. Effectiveness of Fire Cupping (Hijamah Nariya) versus dry warm Fomentation (Takmeed Yabis) in Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomized Control Trial. J Integ Comm Health 2019; 8(1): 21-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2319.9113.201904

Background & objectives: Though Unani medications have been used for centuries to treat psoriasis, there is paucity of published studies which have systematically evaluated their efficacy and safety. This study was conducted to establish non-inferiority of Unani medications (oral UNIM-401 and topical UNIM-403) vs psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) sol in treatment of moderate-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP) in achieving psoriasis area severity index (PASI) 75 at 12 wk and to estimate proportion of patients who relapsed in follow up period of 12 weeks, after having achieved PASI 50. Methods: In this randomized, controlled trial patients with CPP were block randomized to receive either Unani treatment (147 patients) or PUVA sol (140 patients) for 12 weeks. Percentage reduction in PASI was determined in each patient at 12 wk to calculate number of patients who achieved PASI 75 as also to estimate median of percentage reduction in PASI in each group. All patients who achieved PASI 50 at 12 weeks were followed up for another 12 wk to determine proportion of patients who relapsed. Results: Of the 287 patients randomized, 84 of 147 in Unani group and 67 of 140 in PUVA sol group completed 12 weeks of treatment. On intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the response in patients on Unani medication was not inferior to those receiving PUVA sol, in attaining PASI 75 (16.3% in Unani group vs 15.7% in the PUVA sol group). Median of percentage reduction of PASI at 12 wk from baseline in Unani group (68.2%; −60, 100) and PUVA sol group (63%; −15.7, 100) was comparable. Proportion of patients who relapsed at 24 wk was comparable in both groups. However, frequency of clinical side effects was significantly higher (P =0.001) in PUVA sol group (16.4%) compared to Unani group (2%). Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that oral UNIM-401 and topical UNIM-403 were effective and well tolerated therapeutic options in patients with moderate-severe CPP.

Introduction: Unani medicine is one of the most commonly practiced form of traditional system of medicines in India. There is dearth of published data showing the knowledge and practices of general population about Unani treatment modality. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and practices and to determine factors associated with the use of Unani medicine in participants attending Unani Out Patient Department, at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital to assess the knowledge and practices of Unani system of medicine among 365 participants attending the out-patient department between July 2019 to September 2019. Result: Out of 365 subjects 51% were males and 49% were females with mean age 40.15 ± 14.62 years, ranged between 16 to 90 years of age. Of the 365 participants, majority of patients were aware of Unani medicine, 75.1% of the patients came to know about Unani Medicine from sources such as family, friends and neighbours and 73.9% believed that Unani medicine is effective. Although their practices of Unani medicine were limited. Conclusion: OPD attenders had very good awareness about Unani medicine, however, limited practices were observed among them. Therefore, promotion of Unani healthcare through evidence-based practices is required for better acceptability among people. How to cite this article:Nazli T, Kishore J, Khan SA, Heena, Raheem A, Khan AA. Knowledge and Practices of Unani Medicine among Patients Attending OPD at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India. Int J HealthCare Edu & Med Inform 2020; 7(1&2): 10-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.9199.202002

Background – Hyperacidity is one of the most common diseases seen in all ages. Hyperacidity simply means an increased level of acid in the stomach. Unani system of medicine has a treasure of formulations for the treatment of hyperacidity. Methods- Present open labeled,multi-centric, single arm validation was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Unani pharmacopeial drug Jawarish Amla and Habb-e-Papita in Humuzat-e-Meda (Hyperacidity). Patients with symptoms of hyperacidity like retro-sternal burning,epigastric pain with retro-sternal heaviness,acidic brash,anorexia, nausea and vomiting were included. Patients with known duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcer, gastric surgery gastric carcinoma, Crohn's Diseases, Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, cardiac disorders, respiratory ailments, Diabetes Mellitus, pregnant and lactating females were excluded. Unani formulations,Jawarish Amla 10 g and Habb e Papita 2 tablets were given twice daily after meals for 6 weeks. Clinical & haematological parameters were assessed before and after the treatment to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug. Results– No significant changes are observed after 28 days and 84 days during the therapy in the safety profiles of laboratory investigations such as complete haemogram, LFT, KFT. There is significant improvement in the sign and symptoms associated withHumuzat-e-Meda (Hyperacidity). Conclusion- Unani compound formulations Jawarish Amla and Habb-e-Papita are safe and effective in the management ofHumuzat-e-Meda (Hyperacidity).