Indian Journal of Community Health
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Knowledge and awareness on Hepatitis B and C Infection among antenatal women attending a government hospital in Delhi: A Cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Pregnant women with chronic Hepatitis B and positive Hepatitis B virus E antigen (HBeAg) have a 90% likelihood of transmitting the hepatitis B virus to their newborns. Vertical transmission is the leading cause of HCV infection in children. Hepatitis B and C lead to chronic disease and are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths. A major challenge to eliminating viral Hepatitis can be a lack of awareness regarding infection. Aims & Objective: To study the level of knowledge and awareness on Hepatitis B and C infection among antenatal women attending a government hospital in Delhi. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in Delhi amongst 422 antenatal women. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. To assess knowledge a composite variable of knowledge score was generated, and the cut-off score of 7/14 was kept. Results: Among the interviewed pregnant women, only 47(11.1%) were aware of either Hepatitis B or both Hepatitis B and C, and among these, only 19.1% had adequate knowledge. Conclusion: Pregnant women showed a low level of awareness, indicating a pressing need for education and awareness campaigns
An Epidemiological Investigation of Cholera Outbreak in a Residential School for differently abled children and adolescents in Central India
Full text linkBackground: Migration, inadequate sanitation, congestion, and disease ignorance make cholera a major public health issue in emerging nations like India. The increase in diarrhea and dehydration cases at an NGO Residential School for differently abled children and adolescents in Indore, M.P., India, demanded quick investigation to avert future morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To investigate diarrhea and dehydration outbreak at an NGO Residential School for differently abled children and adolescents in urban Indore, M.P., India; determine the etiological agents, outbreak’s severity and recommend control strategies. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with pre-defined case definition, followed line-listing and collection of stool, food, and water samples. Symptomatic cases were referred and treated. A comprehensive epidemiological report with recommendations and inclusive action plan was submitted to the district health authorities. Results: Out of 94 suspected cases, 31 tested positive for cholera. Most affected individuals (72.34%) were aged 10–19 years, with an equal male-to-female ratio. The case fatality rate was 4.3%, while attack rate was 32.98%. Contaminated drinking water and poor hygiene were identified as the main causes of the outbreak. Conclusion: Contaminated water and poor hygiene were identified as key factors responsible for cholera outbreak. Water treatment and hygiene education helped control the outbreak. Periodic supervision suggested to prevent future outbreaks
Review of Tobacco Industry Interference in Telangana State, India
Full text linkBackground: Tobacco industry interference (TII) remains a significant barrier to effective tobacco control policies. Telangana, one of India’s major tobacco-producing states, is particularly vulnerable to industry influence. Despite the adoption of Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), industry tactics continue to undermine public health efforts. Aims & Objectives: To document instances of TII in Telangana, analyze industry strategies, and provide evidence-based recommendations to mitigate their impact on tobacco control initiatives. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted from 2019 to 2022, tracking TII incidents using a structured data collection tool. Information was gathered from newspapers, social media, government reports, and stakeholder interviews. Instances were categorized into six subtypes, including political influence, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, and manipulation of public opinion. Results: A total of 13 TII incidents were recorded, with the highest prevalence in 2020. CSR activities accounted for 92.3% of cases, primarily involving ITC Ltd. No official action was taken against these activities, highlighting gaps in enforcement. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for stricter implementation of Article 5.3, increased monitoring of TII, and policy reforms to safeguard public health from industry influence
A Utilization and Challenges of Mobile learning (m-Learning) in Medical Education – Insights from MBBS Students
No full textBackground: The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) competency based medical education (CBME) curriculum places a strong emphasis on lifelong learning and self-directed study. Mobile learning provides the adaptability and accessibility needed to facilitate these learner centred strategies This study explores MBBS students’ usage patterns and challenges associated with Mobile learning. Methodology: A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data .400 MBBS students from different academic phases participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling was used. SPSS software version 22 was used for the analysis. Results :60% of respondents were female, and the majority (66.5%) were between the ages of 21 and 23. 92.5% of students were aware of m-learning apps, and 62.2% of them used them frequently throughout the day. Only 21.5% of respondents said they primarily used mobile for educational purposes, despite 88% agreeing that it had a positive impact on learning. Practical sessions ranked highest among preferred learning methods. Distractions (35.5%), internet dependence (21.5%), and decreased practical exposure (55.2%) were the main challenges faced by MBBS students during m learning. Conclusion: Traditional and hands-on learning approaches continue to be the most popular, despite the fact that m-Learning is well-liked by MBBS students. By combining m-Learning with didactic and practical elements, a blended approach can overcome technological obstacles and maximize educational effectiveness
Commonwealth Declaration for Empowerment of Junior Doctors
Full text linkWe, the representatives of Junior Doctors from National Medical Associations (NMAs) across the Commonwealth, assembled in Chennai, India, during the 27th Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Medical Association – on 9th November 2024, acknowledge the vital contributions of junior doctors in delivering healthcare and the unique challenges they encounter in their early careers.
This Commonwealth Declaration for Junior Doctors reaffirms our unified commitment to the well-being, growth, and resilience of junior doctors, recognizing their critical role as the backbone of healthcare systems. Grounded in the principles of equity, dignity, and empowerment, this Declaration aims to create supportive environments that safeguard the mental and emotional health of junior doctors, foster personal and professional development, and build their leadership capacity.
With this Declaration, we call upon Governments, Health Institutions, and Professional Bodies across the Commonwealth to prioritize initiatives that address workplace violence, foster healthy work environments, and expand career and training opportunities within and beyond borders. We also advocate for strengthening mentorship, promoting research, supporting medical entrepreneurship, and building exchange programs to help junior doctors embrace family medicine, primary healthcare, and community-oriented practices. This collective commitment ensures a nurturing environment for junior doctors that will strengthen healthcare systems and enhance the well-being of communities across the Commonwealth
Women’s Health and Nutritional Security through a Community Health Perspective - A Case Study of Poshan Vatika- Harit se Poshan Project (Plan India)
Full text linkIn India, women\u27s health, nutritional security, and reproductive well-being have emerged as critical areas of concern and attention. Recognizing their significance, a range of stakeholders—including the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and international bodies such as the United Nations—have implemented various initiatives, policy programs, and legislative measures to address these challenges. This paper examines these issues through the lens of the Poshan Vatika – Harit Se Poshan project, which explores the intersections of health, nutrition, and empowerment from gender and community perspectives. As part of this initiative, an NGO conducted an experimental study involving the establishment of kitchen gardens in rural areas, with the objective of evaluating their impact on women\u27s lives. Drawing on the findings of this study, the paper advocates for a collaborative community health perspective to effectively address women\u27s health and nutritional needs while fostering empowerment at the grassroots level. By fostering the cultivation of diverse crops, the kitchen garden approach has not only improved nutritional intake but also supported family-wide benefits. Furthermore, the initiative contributed to sustainability by promoting environmental health through the establishment of approximately 5,000 kitchen gardens, enhancing biomass production, and encouraging the use of organic fertilizers. This holistic approach highlights the potential of community-based interventions in advancing both health and environmental outcomes, while reinforcing the broader goals of gender equality and social empowerment
Assessment of Role of Communication Competence in Dental Students for Acquiring Social Support
No full textBackground: Effective primary care provision requires strong social support, which may be enhanced by communication competence. The study proposes to examine the magnitude of perceived social support and communication competence and the role of communication competence in garnering perceived social support. Aim and objectives: To assess communication competence of dental students and the degree of social support they receive. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Sharad Pawar Dental College, Wardha. Study population comprised 400 students pursuing their Bachelor’s degree (BDS). Perceived social support was measured using a Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The communication competence was assessed by the Self-perceived Communication Competence Scale. Results: Communication competence was the only determinant of perceived social support. For every unit increase in communication competence, the perceived social support increased by 0.018 units. The increase was statistically significant. The model explained 13% variance in the perceived social support, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Social support is crucial for self-esteem, which is moderated by communication competence. This facilitates leadership efficiency and ultimately serves in the making of a five-star doctor. The present study supports the abovementioned findings and underlines the need to work more on building graduate students’ communication competence through foundation courses
Expanding PM-JAY to Senior Citizens: A Progressive Step Towards Holistic Health Coverage
Full text linkIndia’s healthcare landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the recent inclusion of senior citizens under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the government’s flagship health insurance scheme. This expansion is a commendable move toward providing equitable healthcare, recognizing the unique needs of the elderly population, and aligning the country’s healthcare policy with international standards where senior citizens receive universal health protection. For a rapidly aging population, this extension comes as a beacon of hope, marking a major step forward in safeguarding the health of the most vulnerable in society
A Multivariate logistic regression model of Healthcare service utilization in district Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
No full textBackground: To become a developed economy for good health of citizens is of prime importance. As healthcare facilities are getting costlier day by day, people are either avoiding to utilise health care services or they do incur lot of out of pocket expenditure (OOPE). Several independent factors also affect the utilization of healthcare facility by individual. Aim & Objective: The aim of this study was to explore factors significantly influencing healthcare utilization by constructing a predictive model using multivariate logistic regression. Methodology: A cross-sectional empirical study was conducted across urban and rural areas of district Kanpur Nagar using semi structured, pretested questionnaire. A sample of 400 respondents (264 urban and 136 rural) was selected using probability proportion to size, followed by multi stage random sampling. Analysis was done using different statistical tools. Results: Age, education and income were positively associated with dependent variable healthcare utilization while distance to healthcare facility is negatively associated with healthcare utilization. Conclusions: Result of multivariate logistic regression indicates various factors are significantly associated with healthcare utilization. Health insurance coverage to be increased for elderly and low income individuals, while accessibility for healthcare facility to be increased for rural areas
A study on the Prevalence and Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Women diagnosed with Hypertension
No full textIntroduction: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is negatively affected by hypertension, which highlights the significance of efficient disease management. Aim & Objective: This study assessed the Quality of Life in hypertensive women, comparing those with controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure. Methods and Material: The study was designed using the WHO stepwise strategy for NCD surveillance (STEPS) to give prevalence estimates of risk factors for hypertension in three age categories (18-29, 30-44, and 45-69 years). Results: A total of 2160 females were screened for hypertension. 827 (38.27%) were found to be hypertensive, with 27.9% in stage 1 and 10.4% in stage 2 HTN. The MINICHAL score was used to measure HRQOL, and the average scores in the somatic and mental categories were 1.10 ± 2.15 and 4.76 ± 4.84, with an overall average total score of 5.99 ± 6.13. The somatic domain of the MINICHAL scale shows statistically significant positive relationship, with an Exp (B) of 1.101, indicating that for each unit increase in this domain, the odds of the outcome increase by approximately 10.1%. Conclusions: The MINICHAL-based HRQOL assessment showed that ages 45–69 had higher scores, indicating greater risk of adverse health outcomes