Indian Journal of Community Health
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Preparing medical teachers in their role as mentor for medical students
Get PDFIn conclusion, effective mentoring is a key strategy to support the growth and development of future healthcare professionals. Mentors have a key role to play and we must prepare them for this role so that they prioritize mentorship in their work schedule, and accordingly help students to become competent healthcare professionals
Multifaceted Determinants of Breastfeeding Practices in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Get PDFBackground: Breastfeeding is crucial for child health and development, yet its practices and their implications on children\u27s nutritional status vary. Aim & Objectives: This study aimed to explore the determinants of breastfeeding practices and their effects on the nutritional status of children in an Indian population. Methodology: This study is conducted in four villages of Udaipur district, Rajasthan, among 120 mother-child pairs. The data is collected on anthropometric measurements, socio-economic factors, and child health parameters. Results: We found that only 37.5% of children were exclusively breastfed. Significant associations were observed with birth month (P=<0.001) and nearly significant associations with mode of delivery (P=0.06) and undernutrition (P=0.07). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for larger-scale research to further investigate these associations and enhance breastfeeding practices to improve child health outcomes
Burden of overweight and obesity among children studying in schools of Western Rajasthan
Get PDFBackground: Obesity in children has become a public health concern worldwide with a significant rise in recent years. Aim & Objective: This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of overweight and obesity in adolescents studying in school and to determine the risk factors for obesity as well as overweight in this population. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional research was carried out among adolescent children of age group 12-15 years from Jodhpur\u27s rural and urban schools. Methods and Material: The present study included 1864 school children. A well-structured questionnaire was used to gather data, and the researchers measured weight and height with the help of calibrated tools. Index for Body Mass (BMI) and Z-scores were calculated, and the World Health Organization (WHO) standardized gender-specific growth chart was used to classify children as being overweight and obese. Statistical analysis used: The statistical evaluation was conducted utilising SPSS version 23.0. Chi-square analyses were applied to analyse the relationship of independent variables with overweight/obesity status. Variables showing statistical significance at a 5% level were further analysed using multiple logistic regression. Results: It was discovered that the rate of overweight and obesity among Jodhpur schoolchildren was 23.2%, with 22.9% classified as overweight and 0.3% as obese. The analysis revealed that children attending urban and public schools exhibited higher rates of obesity and overweight compared to those in rural and private schools. Conclusions: The study highlights a considerable burden of overweight among children enrolled in schools of Jodhpur, warranting the implementation of sustainable intervention aimed at encouraging physical exercise and a balanced diet
Physical Distancing is Better than Social Distancing”: A Breakdown of the Shift in Society’s Psychology and Behaviour
Get PDFThis study focuses on social and physical distancing narratives during the outbreak of Covid-19 in India. Researchers have attempted to explore the trajectory of discursive practices that define social and physical distancing and its impact on human psychology. Further, the study looks at the communication strategies that have been mediated to create a mediatized reality focused on keeping a safe distance from one another to prevent the spread of the virus that caused self-isolation, compelled quarantine, and worry over health issues like psychological distress, Depression, and mental anxiety. Researchers have incorporated mediation, analyzing the narratives around societal and cultural practices that are integral to societal behavioral patterns. Implementing physical distancing in India happened because many communities understood social distancing along caste lines. Major highlights of the study are that despite the efforts made by the Government, media, and other institutions, discriminatory practices existed
A cross sectional study to assess anemia & its determinants among pregnant women in a rural area of Maharashtra
Get PDFBackground: In India, anaemia prevalence is more than 40% so it is a severe public health problem. National Family Health Survey V indicates that prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women in Maharashtra’s rural areas is 46.5%. As the pregnant women have high prevalence of anaemia, it highlights the need to conduct research to find out the determinants and its preventive measures. Aim: To determine prevalence of anaemia and to assess its determinants amongst pregnant women in a rural area Methods: Three eighty-four pregnant women in a rural area of Thane district were selected for a community based descriptive cross-sectional study. Association between anaemia and variables in the study was established using Pearson‘s Chi- square test. For studying association between anaemia as dependent variable and various determinants as independent variables, binary logistic regression analysis was used. Results: Prevalence of anaemia was found to be 62.5%. 29.2% participants were mildly anaemic, 33.0% were moderately anaemic, 0.3% were severely anaemic and 37.5% were non-anaemic. Occurrence of anaemia was significantly associated with age, religion, gravida status, trimester, gestational age at first ANC visit, no consumption of IFA tablets, no consumption of dark green leafy vegetables and dietary habits. Conclusions: High prevalence of anaemia amongst pregnant women reflects poor utilization of health care services, lack of awareness about adequate dietary patterns and poor nutritional status. Anaemia is still a severe public health issue amongst pregnant women of rural areas
Investigating the Landscape of Injection Practices: A Multi-Level Examination within Surat, Gujarat, India
Get PDFBackground: Unsafe injection practices pose significant risks to both patients and healthcare providers, constituting a critical issue in global healthcare ensuring the safety and appropriateness of injection practices is imperative. Aim & Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the safety of injection practices across various healthcare facilities. Methodology: A Descriptive survey was conducted during March to December-2021. Non random Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select health care facilities. Total 26 healthcare facilities were selected from Government & private sectors. The study areas were OPDs and indoor wards. An observational checklist used to collect data. Data analysis was done using SPSS-28. Results: A comprehensive assessment revealed commendable adherence to injection safety practices. No deficiencies were found in the availability of resources and materials necessary for injection practices in hospitals. However, certain areas for improvement were identified. Interestingly, the practice of using a fresh pair of gloves for injections was unnoticed in 33% of government facilities and 45% of private facilities, suggesting a possible lapse in infection control protocols. Conclusion: While the healthcare facilities of Surat exhibit commendable adherences to certain aspects of injection safety, there remain opportunities for enhancement. Addressing implementing regular training programs for healthcare providers are crucial steps toward optimizing injection safety practices and ensuring the well-being of both patients and providers
My health, my right
Get PDFEven in the twenty-first century, often dubbed the digital age or era of technology, health remains a fundamental aspect of human life. The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that "enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”(1) Despite this, in 2021, over half of the global population, approximately 4.5 billion individuals, were not enjoying full coverage of essential health services.(2) As we celebrated the World Health Day on April 7, 2024 with the theme “My health, my right”, it is crucial to examine the significance of health as an inherent human entitlement, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and the implications of ensuring its fulfilment for individuals and communities
Relationship between academic behavior, perception of body image and self-esteem among medical undergraduate students in North Haryana
Get PDFIntroduction: Body image issues among adolescents are rising in India. The grade of body image has alarming influence on functions in all perspectives of life. Outcome like academic absenteeism are connected with one’s body perception. There is a need to review the perception of self-esteem and body image of medical undergraduates along with their impacts on academic behavior of undergraduates. Methodology: The study involved medical undergraduates and cross-sectional design was used. Questionnaire consisted of Socio demographic profile and 3 scales which includes Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Szuch’s scale and Measurement of Academic Behavior (MAB). Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: 540 MBBS students participated in the study. Positive correlation seen amid self-esteem and body image perception with r=0.5 (p=<0.001). Significant positive correlation was observed among academic behavior and self-esteem as r = 0.0.473 (p=<0.001). Body image dissatisfaction was observed in underweight and overweight undergraduates. (p <0.001). Conclusion: The results concluded that the undergraduates with poor body image satisfaction and low self-esteem were found to be having low level of academic behavior
Effect of health education intervention on personal hygiene Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among food handlers in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi
Get PDFIntroduction: Food is critical determinant of health, nutritional status and longevity of population. Personal hygiene forms an important domain of food safety to prevent food-borne illnesses. Health education intervention is one of the most effective tools to improve personal hygiene practices to ensure that food is suitable for customers with food safety requirements. Material and methods: This before and after interventional study was conducted among 111 food handlers in food establishments in tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Data collection was done using an interview schedule and observational checklist on personal hygiene based on WHO 5 keys and FSSAI guidelines. Health education intervention included health talks using flipchart, audio-visual aids and demonstration. Endline assessment was done 2 months after intervention. Results: Mean scores regarding personal hygiene knowledge before and after the intervention were 2.69 ± 0.90 and 9.64 ± 0.47 (p=0.046), attitudes before and after the intervention were 2.80 ± 1.15 and 5.77 ± 0.41 (p=0.049) and practices before and after the intervention were 3.23 ± 0.74 and 7.21 ± 0.75 (p= 0.007) respectively with statistically significant changes. Conclusions: Personal hygiene practices of food handlers showed remarkable improvement after health education intervention. Thus, education on food safety in medical institutions needs to be meticulously planned and held at periodic intervals to achieve the desired change
Analysing Coverage of Maternal Mental Health in Indian Newspapers: A Content Analysis
Get PDFIssues related to maternal mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis both during and after pregnancy, have attracted international attention. The World Health Organization has documented a notable occurrence, particularly in developing nations. The function of print media in raising awareness about these concerns is vital. This study investigates the extent to which Jaipur\u27s daily newspapers in 2022 address the topic of maternal mental health. The objective is to evaluate how often this issue is covered and the influence it has on women\u27s knowledge and understanding. A descriptive survey study methodology was employed to collect data from 250 women. The data collection process involved purposive sampling and the use of questionnaires. An examination of the content of Rajasthan Patrika and Dainik Bhaskar in July 2022 found that there was no reporting or discussion on maternal mental health. According to surveys, 35% of the participants reported experiencing mental difficulties when they were pregnant, although a majority of 84% did not actively seek medical assistance. Many respondents (90%) expressed the opinion that newspapers should publish articles on this subject. The study finds that there is a notable disparity in media coverage of maternal mental health in Jaipur, indicating a requirement for heightened awareness and focused health communication initiatives