Indian Journal of Community Health
Not a member yet
1720 research outputs found
Sort by
Secondary Analysis of NCD Risk Factors in Northeast India: Insights from the National Cancer Registry Program
Get PDFBackground: The Northeastern Region (NER) of India faces a high cumulative cancer risk, with elevated incidence and mortality rates reported by the National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP). Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) are crucial in providing essential cancer data for the region. Aims: The study aimed to analyze the distribution of major cancer-associated behavioural and metabolic risk factors at the population level. Its purpose was to support PBCRs in developing a cancer risk factor surveillance program. Methodology: This study adapted the National NCD Monitoring Study (NNMS) cross-sectional, multistage cluster random sampling method, tailoring it to the unique cancer profile of 12 PBCR areas across eight NER states. Results: The survey achieved a 97% response rate. Current tobacco use prevalence (smoke or smokeless) was 45.7% (95% CI: 40.7-50.7), higher in men (61.8%) than women (28.0%). Current alcohol use was 22.3% overall, with men (35.2%) and urban areas (28.7%) showing higher prevalence. Insufficient physical activity was reported by 43.7% in urban areas and 52.5% in women. Conclusion: Insights from the study will aid policymakers in addressing the rising cancer burden through multipronged approaches, including behaviour modification and communication campaigns, to develop locally relevant preventive strategies
Pelvic inflammatory disease: clinical feature, risk factors, treatment, and prevention
Get PDFPelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a significant public health concern with severe repercussions for reproductive health, including ectopic pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain, and tubal infertility. This study provides a comprehensive examination of PID, covering its clinical characteristics, risk factors, etiological agents, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventive strategies. PID encompasses a variety of inflammatory disorders of the upper female genital tract caused by pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, vaginal flora, and other bacteria. Despite a decline in PID cases associated with N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis, these pathogens remain substantial contributors. Key risk factors include age under 25, multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, early sexual debut and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or previous PID. Diagnosis relies primarily on clinical evaluation, with symptoms ranging from mild pelvic discomfort to severe abdominal pain, complicating timely diagnosis. Effective treatment involves the use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics. Preventive strategies emphasize early detection and treatment of STIs, adherence to screening guidelines, and measures to prevent recurrent PID episodes. Effective management of PID requires early detection, prompt intervention, and comprehensive preventive measures targeting both initial and recurrent cases. Adherence to STI screening and treatment protocols is crucial in reducing PID incidence and associated complications. Continued research is vital to enhance the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols, thereby improving the quality of life for women affected by PID
Recent advances in community medicine and public health vol. 1
Get PDFThe first volume of Recent Advances in Community Medicine and Public Health (RACMPH) offers a comprehensive exploration of modern public health practices. It is a meticulously organized, multi-authored book that is proposed to be useful for all health and medical sciences practitioners. Though, it helps postgraduates of community medicine, family medicine, community health, PSM, public health and MBBS students from all over the world, its scope is wider because of comprehensive material for all health enthusiasts contextualized in India. The book is divided into 4 sections, with a total of 22 chapters
Assessment of Hybrid Problem Oriented Approach in teaching AETCOM module 4.9 in final MBBS curriculum
Get PDFBackground: AETCOM module 4.9 aims to sensitize students to legal aspects of care including negligence. It is a major public health issue related to patient safety. Aims & Objectives: This study was done to assess the effectiveness of the hybrid problem-oriented approach in teaching this module among phase 3 part-2 MBBS students and its perception among students and faculty. Methodology: Module-based educational prospective interventional study involving final MBBS students and faculty of Pediatrics Department. AETCOM Module was implemented as per NMC (National Medical Commission), India suggestions involving 1 hour of sensitization, 3 hours of self-directed learning 1 hour of role play and interactive lecture, and 1 hour of panel discussion. Pre- and post-test scores of pre-validated MCQs to assess knowledge, case closure, reflections and Likert’s scale for perception were recorded. Results: 115 final MBBS students and 6 faculty of the Department of Pediatrics participated. Significant improvement in post-test score of MCQ (mean 6.2 to 7.2 p<0.0001 on Wilcoxon signed rank test) and score on case closure (n=97, 84.3% scoring >80%) was observed. It was well received by students (n=112, 97.4%- satisfied or very satisfied) and faculty (n=5, 83.3%- very satisfied). They also found it useful (n=4, 66.7%). Majority of students strongly agreed that it enhanced understanding (n=88, 76.5%), it was practical (n=92, 80%), interesting (n=88, 76.5%), interactive (n=91, 79.1%) and promoted learning retention (n=78, 67.8%). Conclusion: A hybrid problem-based approach for teaching AETCOM module 4.9 was found to be effective in imparting knowledge and comprehension and it was well appreciated by students and faculty members
Attitude and Practice of Universal Healthcare Precautions (UHPs) among Healthcare Workers in Healthcare facilities of Jaipur, Rajasthan
Get PDFBackground: Healthcare workers are more prone to occupational illness due to catching infections as they are involved in practices, if they lack the adequate knowledge and attitude to practice and comply with the UHPs Objective:- assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of UHPs among the healthcare workers Method:- descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, internees (both medical and nursing) laboratory technicians including intensive care unit (ICU) technicians, X-ray technicians, etc.. A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was used on 240 participants. Knowledge questionnaire in a true false statement based format; In attitude questionnaire responses were plotted on a 3-point scale i.e. “agree”, “neutral”, and “disagree”; Practice questionnaire was an observation questionnaire filled by us directly. All the results were transferred onto Microsoft excel sheet and evaluated statistically. Results majority 89.16% knew UHPs should be followed by all persons irrespective of their diagnosis and 77.92% were aware that all body fluids are considered infectious. Majority i.e. 91.25% agreed that UHPs are effective. There was a mixed response when asked if they perceived their own risk of HIV/HCV high, 76.25% agreed, 6.67% disagreed while 17.08% were neutral. 74.16% agreed that all body fluids are infectious. We observed 94.58% always while 5% sometimes wore gloves. 21.67% never changed gloves between patients. Recapping of used needles was never done by 55%. Conclusion: UHPs are the keystones for infection control and only complete adherence to them in form of good practice can reduce the risk of transmission of diseases. Major barrier to compliance with UHPs were identified to be shortage of time, heavy workload, non availability of PPEs, discomfort in their use and negligence due to lack of knowledge
Perceived Stress and Its Epidemiological Correlates among First Year Undergraduate Medical Students – An Observational Study
Get PDFIntroduction: Stress is a process where environmental demands exceed an individual’s ability to cope, leading to psychological and biological changes that may increase the risk of illness. In medical training, excessive stress can result in challenges like financial strain, cultural adjustment, depression, reduced concentration, academic dishonesty, and substance abuse. Objectives: This study aims to assess perceived stress levels among undergraduate medical students and correlate them with demographic factors. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year medical students using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Participants reported their thoughts and feelings over the past month, indicating the frequency of stress-related experiences. Observations: Among 158 students, 84.8% reported moderate stress levels, 8.9% had high stress, and 6.3% experienced low stress. No significant associations were found with habits. Conclusion: Medical students face unique stressors, such as adjusting to new environments, language, and demanding curricula, which significantly contribute to increased stress levels
Embracing Salutogenesis in Public Health
Get PDFThe conventional approach to health has long been anchored in the reductionist biomedical model, which primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases. The need for a paradigm change towards a holistic viewpoint that defines health as a dynamic condition of well-being is becoming increasingly apparent as the intricacies of human health continue to surface.
This is where salutogenesis comes into play—a framework that shifts the focus from pathology to health promotion, from risk factors to health assets. Aaron Antonovsky introduced the idea of salutogenesis in the late 1970s. (1,2) Around the same time, the biopsychosocial model was first conceptualised by George Engel, suggesting that it is not simply the biological factors but also the psychosocial aspects that render a sense of wholeness to the medical understanding of health conditions
Determinants of Outcome of Teenage Pregnancy: A Case–Control Study from A Rural Hospital of Maharashtra, India
Get PDFBackground: Adolescent pregnancy is increasing, emerging as a serious problem all over the world and more so in developing countries like India. Teenage girls are physically immature for reproduction and also more vulnerable to complications during child birth. But various contrasting results are found in studies done on teenage mothers. Thus, this study was undertaken to see the outcome of teenage and non-teenage mothers. Aim & Objective: To compare various clinical aspects and perinatal outcomes of teenage pregnancy compared to non -teenage pregnancy. Settings and Design: A case control study was conducted among mothers who have delivered in a tertiary care hospital from a rural Maharashtra. Methods and Material: Interview was conducted about socio clinical aspects and perinatal outcome among 50 teen and 50 non teen mothers. Statistical analysis used: Chi square test was used to assess the level of significance among two groups for various aspects. Results: Anaemia (38%), followed by oligohydramnios (22.8%) the most common clinical problems among teenage mothers. Oligohydramnios and preeclampsia occurred significantly more in teenage mothers (p = 0.02and 0.007) than in non-teenage mothers. Conclusions: The present study shows that anaemia, oligohydramnios, preterm delivery and low birthweight were more prevalent among teenage mothers than among non-teenage mothers
Exploring the Insights: Unraveling the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Diabetics Regarding Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in Hail, Saudi Arabia
Get PDFBackground: Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder causing high blood glucose levels and is a major health concern in Saudi Arabia (SA). Aims & objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of diabetic patients towards diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Hail, SA. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey using an anonymous, structured, validated, and pilot-tested questionnaire was conducted between February and June 2023 from adult diabetic patients in Hail and analyzed using RStudio. Associations between variables were evaluated, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: 280 participants took part in the survey, with 57.0% females and 51.4% aged between 18 to 34 years. Poor knowledge was significantly higher among participants aged 35 to 50 years (92.8%). Negative attitudes were more prevalent in males (37.8% vs 24.7%, p = 0.019) and those with lower income levels (16.7%, 29.5%, and 62.5% among high-, middle-, and low-income groups, respectively, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The study revealed a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes towards diabetes, particularly among lower-income patients. There is a significant relationship between education and good disease control, highlighting the need for improved education and awareness of DM and DR in Hail
Revised Prasad and Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scales for India in 2024: Methods and Updates
Get PDFSocioeconomic scales are vital to public health research to measure associations and impacts on health. BG Prasad classification and the Kuppuswamy scales are two commonly used socio-economic scales for India as they are cost-effective and efficient. While BG Prasad classification is based on per capita family income, Kuppuswamy also measures education and occupation of the family head in addition to monthly family income. Since income is a dynamic entity affected by economic changes such as inflation and cost of consumption, there is a need to update the Prasad and Kuppuswamy classification. This research updates both the classifications as per the latest consumer price index values for January 2024. The research also discussed the steps to update the classifications for future use