Indian Journal of Community Health
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Monkeypox’s Multisectoral Challenge: Why One Health is the key?
No full textThe global emergence of mpox (Monkeypox), a zoonotic disease attributed to the monkeypox virus (MPXV), presents a considerable public health dilemma, particularly in the context of the ongoing ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. This pathogen, which originated in Central and West Africa and was first documented in human cases in 1970, has proliferated internationally, with the outbreak in 2022 prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The epidemiological profile of mpox indicates notable variations in its distribution, with elevated incidence rates particularly observed among male demographics, notably within the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) communities. The primary mode of transmission is through direct exposure to infected biological fluids, lesions, or mucous membranes, while environmental reservoirs and potential vertical transmission are considered to play a lesser role. Populations deemed vulnerable, including those with immunocompromised states and individuals situated in socioeconomically disadvantaged environments, experience increased susceptibility. Clinical features, such as lymphadenopathy, serve to distinguish mpox from smallpox. Diagnostic techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and advanced deep learning models, provide high levels of accuracy, although rapid antigen testing remains inconsistent in reliability. Current therapeutic interventions encompass tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir, with tecovirimat demonstrating the most substantial efficacy. Severe cases necessitating hospitalization may arise due to complications such as proctitis, secondary infections, or conditions like encephalitis. Adopting a One Health framework, which amalgamates human, animal, and environmental health considerations, is imperative for the timely detection, surveillance, and management of prospective outbreaks. Collaborative initiatives and technological advancements, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), are crucial in refining response strategies and achieving enduring public health objectives
Prevalence of Association of Dietary Habits with Chronic Energy Deficiency in Ethnic Adult Punjabi Population
Get PDFBackground: Food is a basic thing without which, life is impossible. Without proper food, body will not thrive to its optimum potential and Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) is the state, where there is a lack of food intake over a prolonged period of time. Aims & Objectives: To find the association of dietary habits with CED in ethnic Punjabi population. Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional study using simple random sampling technique. Taking the prevalence of CED as 30% in India, the sample size came out to be 336 but, 400 subjects were selected equally from rural and urban areas for convenience. Results: Subjects having lesser calorie intake than RDA, developed CED more 62(82.9%) than meeting RDA 13(17.1%). Subjects who skipped meals had higher CED rates. Pure vegetarians had higher rates of CED 71(93.4%) than non-vegetarians 5(6.6%). People consuming milk or milk products more than once daily developed lesser CED 1(1.3%) than those taking once daily 15(19.7%) and ones taking only once a week 60(79.0%). Conclusion: According to the study, persons with adequate calorie intake, who do not skip meals, take some kind of non-vegetarian food, and consume milk on daily basis have lesser tendency to develop CED
Exploring Breastfeeding Practices and Influencing Factors Among the KOL Tribe in Uttar Pradesh: A Mixed-Methods Study
Get PDFIntroduction: Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health, yet challenges persist in promoting early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, particularly among marginalized communities like the KOL tribe in Uttar Pradesh. This study aimed to understand breastfeeding practices among the KOL tribe and identify factors influencing these practices. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving quantitative data collection through pre-designed questionnaires and qualitative in-depth interviews with KOL tribe mothers. Sampling included random selection, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS for quantitative data and QDA minor lite software for qualitative data. Results: Socioeconomic challenges were prevalent among the KOL tribe, with most women being illiterate and engaged in manual labour. Breastfeeding practices varied, including delayed initiation, reliance on cow/goat milk, and misconceptions about colostrum Health care utilization was limited, with home deliveries common due to family incompliance. Despite challenges, community support for breastfeeding was reported, and mothers felt comfortable breastfeeding in public. Conclusion: The study underscores the influence of socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and limited awareness on breastfeeding practices among the KOL tribe. Targeted interventions focusing on education, community engagement, and improving healthcare access are crucial for promoting optimal breastfeeding practices and improving infant health outcomes in marginalized communities
The Role of Young Doctors\u27 Health Parliament as an effective policy tool in Tackling NCDs: An innovative approach
Get PDFNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly recognized as a severe public health concern threatening the human race, development, and quality of life. In the last three decades, Years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD) has witnessed a significant shift from Communicable diseases towards NCDs and injuries (1). Globally, the economic burden of NCDs is projected to rise to over 13 trillion dollars by the year 2030, and every 10% hike in NCDs is expected to cause a 0.5% decline in global economic growth(2). The poor and disadvantaged population is disproportionately affected by NCDs, contributing to increased health disparities within and between nations (3). In low- and middle-income countries like India, NCDs are expected to diminish their GDP by 1% to 5% annually(3). The novel concept of the Young Doctors\u27 Health Parliament (YDHP) is uniquely positioned to leverage the fresh perspectives and energetic engagement of young medical professionals who are at the forefront of encountering and managing NCDs. This article explores how the Young Doctors\u27 Health Parliament serves as a pivotal mechanism for young doctors to influence health policy, thereby playing a crucial role in mitigating the NCD burden that disproportionately affects their peers and younger generations
Prevalence of Anemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Children of Brick Kiln Workers, Aged Six to 59 Months: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Get PDFBackground: The brick kiln workers migrate with their families, which decreases health service utilization, leading to adverse effects on their children\u27s health. Anemia studies on these children are scarce. Aim and Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anemia and vitamin B12 in children of brick kiln workers. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study enrolled children aged 6–59 months from brick kilns. We took a detailed history and conducted a thorough physical examination. A blood sample was collected to estimate hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular volume, Mean Corpuscular hemoglobin, Red Cell Distribution Width, serum ferritin, and vitamin B12 levels. Results: We assessed 90 children. The study observed that 61.1% of children had anemia (80.4% mild), mostly due to iron deficiency (94.5%). About 25% had vitamin B12 deficiency. All children with anemia were malnourished. Only age below 24 months, birth order ?2, and exclusive breastfeeding less than six months were significantly associated with anemia. There was no significant association between the demographic characteristics and Vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia and B12 deficiency proportion among brick kiln workers’ children in was high. Hence, relevant community interventions to address the problem should be strengthened
Basic Life Support Measures Training among High School Students: an Untapped Workforce
Get PDFBackground: In the wake of recent increasing incidences of out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) even in younger population, training of high school students in basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) measures could help save lives and improve outcomes. So, current study was planned to assess the knowledge and attitude about BLS measures among high school students. Methodology: From the four selected schools of Ludhiana district, 400 students of 9th and 10th class were included in the study after approval from school administration. A preformed questionnaire was introduced to the students followed by an interaction on concept of BLS by the investigators. The data was analysed using percentages, proportion and Chi square test for qualitative variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 400 students, only 128 (31.75%) had heard about BLS/CPR and 30.2% of students had seen someone performing BLS/CPR. Nearly 83% of students did not have any formal training on BLS and 81% felt that their knowledge regarding BLS was insufficient. Approximately 77% students were willing to perform CPR after receiving training and 81% suggested that it should be made part of school curriculum. Higher number of students in the age group of 16-18 years felt the need of BLS training as compared to that in 13-15 years (83.7% vs. 77.6%) and were willing to perform CPR after being trained (82.9% vs. 74.7%). Conclusions: Current knowledge in high school students about BLS is low, yet if given appropriate training, these students have the potential to save lives and moreover, students are willing to learn. So, BLS training should be made part of school curriculum as students are already in the learning phase of their lives and this will immensely benefit the community
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices among respiratory patients on inhalation therapy in a tertiary care hospital
Get PDFBackground: Obstructive airway disease (OAD) causes significant morbidity and healthcare expenses. Smoking cessation, drug therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation reduce morbidity and improve outcomes. However, each strategy requires knowledge, positivity, adherence, compliance, and technique to improve OAD clinical outcomes. Aim and objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of OAD patients and to evaluate their medication adherence in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A north Indian tertiary care hospital conducted this six-month prospective, observational, questionnaire-based investigation. Subjects were asked questions on their disease knowledge, attitude, and drug adherence. Results: 152 patients were analyzed for this study. Here, 80 (51.9%) patients were male and 74(48.1%) were female. Among the subjects, 46.9% (n=72, p=0.0001) have adequate knowledge about their treatment and ailment. Out of the total patients, 71.2% (n=110, p=0.007) have an optimistic attitude towards their treatment, while 42.5% (n=65) of patients adhere to their therapy. Conclusion: OAD patients have low drug adherence. Simplified treatment regimens, self-management education, and provider abilities in patient education, communication, and adherence counseling can solve shortcomings
Socio-demographic determinants and risk factors for Lymphatic Filariasis in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh: A Community based Case-Control Study
Get PDFBackground: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is reported in 345 districts across 20 states and Union territories across India and Banda district in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh continues to experience high LF prevalence. Aims and objectives: to assess the socio-demographic determinants and risk factors for LF in Banda. Materials and methods: This case-control study included 233 LF cases, with equal number of age- and sex-matched controls. A two-stage random sampling method was used and data was collected through face-to-face interviews in the community. Appropriate statistical methods were used and odds ratios were calculated. Results: The study found that male and individuals in the age group of 41-50 years were most commonly affected. Farmers; those using public toilet as well as those who were having animal shelter or water source in-side their houses had higher odds of LF; whereas individuals who were living in a nuclear family or belong to upper & middle socio-economic class; and had a water and solid waste management system in their community had significantly lower odds of LF. Conclusion: Apart from finding differences in key socioeconomic and environmental factors, study emphasizes the need to reduce mosquito breeding sites and improve housing and environmental conditions to combat LF
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN): An Endeavor to reach the unreached for improving Healthcare of Tribals in India
Get PDFOne hundred and four Million tribal people live in India, which accounts for 8.6% of the country’s population. The Union Cabinet on 15th November 2023 approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) aiming to reach out to over twenty-two thousand particularly vulnerable Tribal groups (PVTG) tribal habitats over two hundred districts in India. It focuses on the key elements of improving housing and lifestyle, education status, roads and connectivity, livelihood, and the healthcare sector. As per the report of the Expert Committee on Tribal Health, the tribal population in the country faces a triple burden of diseases, some of which are indirectly addressed in this initiative. Other major concerns like alcohol addiction and animal and snake bites have been left out, which could have gone a long way in mitigating these concerns among the tribal population. This initiative if implemented properly will revolutionize the health situation in the tribal communities across the country
Validation of new invasive digital hemoglobinometer for hemoglobin estimation as point-of-care device among pregnant women in a facility setting India
Get PDFBackground: Anemia poses a significant health challenge for pregnant women (PW), and accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for effective management. Objective: The objective was to assess the diagnostic validity of the new digital hemoglobinometer for hemoglobin against laboratory-based hematology autoanalyzer among PW. Methodology: The study was conducted at a secondary-level healthcare facility among 204 pregnant women to be sampled conveniently, their sociodemographic and iron intake data collected, and hemoglobin levels assessed using a digital hemoglobinometer (Device A) and a hematology analyzer. Specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV, diagnostic accuracy, and method agreement were evaluated via Bland-Altman analysis and Lin\u27s concordance correlation coefficient. Results: The proportion of anemia using the Device A was 64.7% while the hematology analyzer reported a proportion of 52.9%. Device A showed a sensitivity of 97.22%, specificity of 80.30%, and diagnostic accuracy of 86.3%, with substantial agreement indicated by Cohen\u27s kappa coefficient (kappa = 0.72) and the weighted kappa coefficient for different grades of anemia was 0.67. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean difference (bias) of -0.28 (± 0.5) between the two methods, with limits of agreement at -1.24 and 0.68. Lin\u27s concordance correlation coefficient of absolute agreement was 0.91. Conclusion: The DH showed high sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for anemia detection in PW, with substantial agreement with the hematology analyzer. It offers a convenient and rapid alternative for POC hemoglobin estimation in resource-constrained settings