Indian Journal of Community Health
Not a member yet
1720 research outputs found
Sort by
Awareness about Community Management of Hyperglycemia during Pregnancy among Medical Undergraduates in Western Uttarakhand
Get PDFBackground: All women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) require optimal care. With western Uttarakhand alone recording a HIP prevalence of 9.7%, the successful implementation of HIP guidelines pan-India at primary healthcare level becomes paramount. Aim and objective: The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the baseline awareness of medical undergraduates regarding HIP management protocols assuming higher their knowledge better the successful implementation of these guidelines within the community. Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out among 309 medical undergraduates at a private teaching institute in Uttarakhand. Data was collected using a self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire. Based on individual knowledge scores, participants were subdivided into: good (score?24), moderate (score 12-24), and poor (score<12) knowledge categories. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Most subjects (92.2%) reported reading Indian textbooks on obstetrics; despite this, only 3.6% of subjects had good awareness of the protocols. Sub-domain analysis showed while 90.0% of respondents had a fair understanding of the disease basics, more than two-thirds lagged in recollecting its standard diagnostic and management protocols including the role of health workers. Conclusion: Most medical undergraduates have overall poor-to-moderate awareness of HIP management especially the diagnostic and management protocols including the role of health workers
Study of functionality of Mahila Arogya Samitis in Strengthening Health Systems under National Urban Health Mission, Indore city, Madhya Pradesh
Get PDFIntroduction: Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS) is one of the key interventions under National Urban Health Mission aimed at improving the reach and utilization of health services among vulnerable and marginalized population in urban areas. Objectives: The study was done to assess the functioning of Mahila Arogya Samiti in Indore city which included the no. of households covered by MAS, there reason behind joining MAS, awareness of role and responsibilities of MAS among its members, awareness and utilization of untied funds. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using a pretested structured Questionnaire to interview health care workers involved in Mahila Arogya Samiti like Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs), AWWs, Anganwadi Helpers(AWH), Chairperson and other MAS members maintaining their confidentiality. Results: 18(64.3%) ASHA, 15(57.7%) AWW(Anganwadi worker) said that MAS covers greater than 200 households. 91(41.72%) MAS members joined MAS because they were told by ASHA to do so. Majority of Chairperson 17(60.71%) roles and responsibility include ensuring regular monthly meetings of MAS, supporting ASHA in her functions. Conclusion: MAS was present and functional in most of the areas covered, there was little proactive participation of all the MAS members
Strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Systems in India: An Investment Case for Governance, Public Health, and Socio-economic Development
Get PDFCivil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems are essential for ensuring the accurate documentation of vital events, which is critical for effective governance, public health management, and socio-economic development. In India, despite advancements such as Aadhaar, significant gaps remain in CRVS coverage, especially in rural and tribal areas. This paper presents review of existing system as investment case for strengthening CRVS systems in India, highlighting the public health, governance, social, and economic benefits. A robust CRVS system would enhance health data quality, reduce inefficiencies in social protection programs, promote legal identity and social inclusion, and generate significant economic returns. Drawing from global best practices and case studies, this paper demonstrates the long-term benefits and return on investment of CRVS, emphasizing its role in helping India achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16.9 (legal identity for all). Key recommendations include expanding infrastructure, leveraging digital technologies, and integrating CRVS with existing health and social protection systems
A study on perception of care and treatment in HIV positive patients at ART centre
Get PDFBackground: HIV-related stigma is a major social challenge for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). It can forsake the programmes related to HIV due to compromise in early diagnosis & treatment. It is necessary to understand the perceptions of HIV about care and treatment in PLHA in order to work towards a more patient-centred care. Aim & Objective: To explore the perception of care & treatment along with the other life experiences in PLHA. Methodology: This is Qualitative exploratory study prepared by study of semi-structured in-depth interviews of different individuals through thematic analysis, at the Antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre of Nehru hospital, BRD medical college Gorakhpur. Result: Themes emerged are: 1)Negative reactions to HIV positive results; 2)Social support was highly valued by PLHA in improving their quality of life; 3)PLHA experiences various stigma throughout their life; 4)Health staff behaviour was good but they felt the need of better arrangements for their treatment; 5)Refusal by Private Hospitals to treat HIV cases. Conclusion: Awareness campaigns & regular counselling of the individual shall be effective for PLHA on a routine basis. A better & hustle-free medical infrastructure shall be very beneficial & it is necessary to sensitize the private hospitals to treat the HIV patients in a positive manner
Quality of Life, Treatment Seeking Pathways and Out of Pocket Expenditure of parents with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in South Delhi
Get PDFBackground: Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder requiring continuous preventive, curative and rehabilitative management of child. Taking care of these children leads to parents face various challenges. Lack of awareness, associated stigma, misdiagnosis, inappropriate management impacts parents\u27 lives in various aspects. Objectives: To assess quality of life of the parents of ASD children, find out various treatment-seeking pathways adopted by them, and estimate out-of-pocket expenditure for childcare. Methodology: Cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted for assessment of quality of life of parents (WHO-QOL BREF), out-of-pocket expenditure, treatment-seeking pathways opted by parents for ASD management. Results: Quality of life of parents were found to be affected in various domains, however psychological domain was most influenced. Age of parents had an impact on social domain. Delays in the identification of symptoms, confirmation of diagnosis, Lack of availability of treatment services, and non-integration of rehabilitative services were major loopholes in the treatment seeking. The median out-of-pocket expenditure was 16% of monthly family income. Conclusion & recommendation: Community awareness, medical fraternity sensitization, integration of all services for management and rehabilitation are keys towards better quality of life for parents. Financial support through health programs, NGOs, or insurance is a much-needed reform to reduce catastrophic health expenditure
A Study of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Patients Attending Suraksha Clinic & Targeted Intervention Clinics In Nainital District: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Get PDFBackground: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a global health threat, particularly among vulnerable populations. Aligned with the National AIDS Control Program, this study focuses on estimating the prevalence of STIs in India, targeting Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and Trichomonas vaginalis. The aim is to identify gaps, understand factors influencing STI screening, and propose improvements. Objectives: Uncover barriers in STI screening, diagnosis, and management at Suraksha and targeted intervention clinics. Identify socio-demographic factors associated with screening barriers. Methodology: Sample unit: Patients at Suraksha and TI clinics. Sample size: 577 participants, including community-surveyed and health camp attendees. Sampling design: Complete enumeration. Cross-sectional survey in specified Haldwani and Nainital clinics. Results: Age group 20-40 exhibits higher symptomatic individuals, underscoring the need for screening in young and middle-aged adults. Only 55% of positive cases sought treatment, citing stigma, mild symptoms, and unawareness. Health workers, especially spouses, play a crucial role in testing and counseling. Delayed presentation at health facilities due to long waiting times, mild symptoms, lack of awareness, and distance. Conclusions: While the program succeeds in various aspects, infrastructure improvement, heightened awareness, and addressing stigma are crucial. Recommendations include more staff, wider service publicity, and better availability of essential resources
Effect of Health Education on the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among Adolescent School Girls of a City in Western Maharashtra
Get PDFBackground: Human papillomavirus vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer and is especially recommended for girls above nine years of age. Understanding the level of awareness and attitude of the target population towards the HPV vaccine is imperative to create awareness where necessary. Aim and Objectives: To assess the baseline knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours concerning HPV vaccine among adolescent school girls in urban area, and to investigate the impact of health education on these parameters. Study design: Quasi-experimental Study setting: Secondary school in Pune city Target population: Adolescent girls Methods and Material: Calculated sample size was 200. A school was chosen randomly. All the willing female students from 8th-10th standards were enrolled. Awareness about HPV infection and vaccination, attitude and practices were assessed at the baseline and two weeks after the health education intervention, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Initially, only 2.5% had heard about the HPV vaccine and none had received it. Following health education, the proportion of students who correctly answered the questions regarding the HPV vaccine, diseases prevented and who can take the vaccine increased significantly by 94%, 71.5% and 72% respectively. Positive attitude regarding the risk of HPV infection and age for vaccination improved significantly by 78.5% and 48% respectively. Vaccine seeking behaviour improved significantly by 17.5%. Conclusions: Adolescent school girls had poor baseline knowledge and attitude regarding the HPV vaccine and health education significantly improved the same
Assessment of Risk of Type 2 Diabetes using Indian Diabetes Risk Score: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Marathwada region of Maharashtra
Get PDFBackground: Diabetes mellitus is one of the non-communicable diseases which have become a major global health problem whose prevalence is increasing worldwide and will reach to 12.2% (783 million) by 2045. The risk of diabetes escalates with increase in the number of risk factors and their duration as well. The Indian Diabetic Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple, low cost, feasible tool for mass screening programme for diabetes at the community level. Hence the present study was carried out to assess the level of risk of developing type 2 diabetes using IDRS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 380 participants aged 20 years and above during the period of July 2018 to June 2019 in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre of IIMSR Medical College in Jalna, Maharashtra. A semi-structured interview schedule consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, risk factor profile and Indian Diabetes Risk Score was used. Data was analysed by using appropriate statistical test whenever necessary. Results: In our study, 52% are moderately at risk and 2% are at high risk for developing diabetes mellitus. About 62.1% participants belonged to nuclear family, 42.6% had family history of diabetes mellitus, 76.3% carried out moderate physical activity and 50.3% were overweight / obese. Family history of diabetes, lack of physical activity and overweight / obesity were found to be potential risk factors for developing diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: More than half i.e. 52% of the study subjects were at risk of having diabetes, hence screening is of utmost importance so that interventions can be initiated at an early stage
Biased and unwarranted Political view in Lancet Journal
Get PDFIndia is the largest democratic country and currently celebrating the festivity of the election. We observed that the editorial by Lancet published about India’s election: Why Data and Transparency Matter (1). After reading the editorial, the most important question came to the mind of Indian readers: Is there any hidden agenda in the editorial team of Lancet Journal? Why did the Lancet choose to deal with the subject of data and transparency at the time of the election in India? Close examination of this editorial’s references, particularly the second one, confirmed the hunch of readers that the comprehension is significantly biased as it is based on a media report and the editor has used his position in a scientific journal to interfere in the affairs of a sovereign nation. It is totally unacceptable and undone of scientific temperament. Through this letter, our team is conveying the feelings of the people of the largest democratic and secular country. We would not pick the Lancet as our first source of information on this issue. Secondly, the journal cannot afford to become politicized by allowing only one point of view to be expressed. How will we know the editor hasn\u27t rejected papers simply because their findings disagree with your politics
Educational Introspections of Medical Students Post Disability Competencies Training: A Qualitative Study
Get PDFBackground: Despite the substantial presence of persons with disabilities (PWD) in the population, they face many barriers in healthcare. Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) is increasingly used to address these gaps. Aims and Objective: This study assesses the impact of disability competencies training on medical students\u27 attitudes towards PWD. It aims to explore new perspectives, identify attitudinal shifts, evaluate training effectiveness, and promote solution-oriented learning. Materials and Methods: Five Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with 8 participants each, a series of themes related to the understanding of disability and empathy were explored. The participants, who had undergone training in disability competencies. The FGDs were facilitated by trained moderators and analysed employing thematic analysis and generating tree maps. Results: Key themes evolved from the students\u27 new perspectives towards PWD, which included Inclusion and Responsibility, Empathy and Understanding, Managing patients with disabilities, Equity and rights, and Acceptance. Themes also emerged regarding the impact of training, revealing an Attitudinal Shift, Engagement and Interaction, Personal Impact, and Solution-Oriented Learning. Conclusion: Disability competency training significantly transforms medical students\u27 attitudes, fostering a more inclusive, empathetic approach in healthcare. This shift is crucial for integrating disability competencies into medical education, especially in developing countrie