Indian Journal of Community Health
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Role of Structured Counseling and Health Education in Enhancing Awareness and Self-care among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Tertiary Care Setting of Rajasthan, India
No full textBackground: Control of risk factors by lifestyle and dietary modification is an essential part of Diabetes mellitus Type 2 management. The counseling of patients is needed to impart knowledge and to create awareness regarding self-care in diabetes mellitus cases. Health education using awareness material for the diabetes patients enhances self-care and in turn results in glycemic control of diabetes mellitus. Objectives: The study was designed to assess pre- and post-effect of counseling and education material distribution in DM Type 2 patients. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 indoor diabetic patients. Pre and post-intervention evaluation was done by a questionnaire. Intervention was done in form of counseling, online and offline education material distribution. Results: There was an improvement in retention of knowledge and patient satisfaction on post-intervention evaluation. On pre intervention evaluation only 29% patients were able to remember sufficient amount of information given by the doctor and only 52% patients were either satisfied or strongly satisfied. After intervention 98.5% patients were able to remember sufficient amount of information given by the doctor and 100% patients were either satisfied or strongly satisfied. Conclusion: Distribution of online and offline education material with counselling can improve retention of knowledge and patient satisfaction. Education material distribution with counselling should be part of the health care system
Silent Scars: Addressing the Invisible Mental Health Burden of Displaced Populations
No full textMillions of people around the world are impacted by displacement, which frequently leaves unnoticed emotional scars. Internally displaced people and refugees experience trauma, uncertainty, and protracted adversity, which can result in mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Despite the urgency, stigma, a lack of capital, and cultural barriers continue to restrict access to mental health care. From caregiving in unsafe environments to gender-based violence, women bear additional burdens. Compassionate and culturally aware mental health care is crucial. Making this a top priority is essential to assisting displaced people in recovering their health, regaining their dignity, and starting over
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice On Animal Bite, Rabies, and Its Prevention In the Rural Community in Western Uttar Pradesh: A Cross Sectional Study
No full textBackground: Rabies, a fatal zoonotic disease, poses a major public health challenge in rural India, where frequent animal bites and limited preventive measures contribute to high mortality. India reports the highest global rabies-related deaths, particularly among low socio-economic rural populations. Poor awareness, dependence on traditional remedies, and inadequate healthcare response worsen the issue. Aim & Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding animal bites, rabies, and its prevention among rural communities in Western Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages under the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai. A total of 200 randomly selected adult residents were interviewed using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering demographics and KAP related to rabies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Among participants, 87% knew that animal bites can transmit rabies, but only 26% were aware of correct first aid. Post-exposure, 61.5% received the anti-rabies vaccine, while only 38.5% received rabies immunoglobulin. Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness of rabies, significant gaps exist in correct practices and post-exposure care. Strengthening community education and healthcare accessibility is essential to reduce rabies-related morbidity and mortality
Transforming Medical Education: A Need for Mandatory Faculty Development Program for Standardized Implementation of Family Adoption Program Across the Medical Colleges of the Country
Get PDFBackground: Since 2022, all medical schools across the country have included the Family Adoption Program (FAP) in their MBBS curricula as a component of competency-based medical education. Aims & objectives: To achieve uniformity in implementation of FAP across all the medical colleges of the country. Methodology: MBBS students are assigned to five families to form relationships, evaluate health, and improve medical care. The program has been implemented based on input from instructors and regulatory agencies, with NMC recommendations. Results: Since 2021, MBBS students have completed FAP, but variations exist across the country. A mandatory two-day training course is proposed for faculty members to ensure uniformity in implementation of family adoption program (FAP). Conclusion: The efficacy and consistency of the FAP would be improved by standardizing it through faculty training and consistent data reporting.
Civil Registration, Legal Reforms, Public Health, and SDG 16.9: Catalyzing Social Inclusion for Transgender Persons in India
Get PDFCivil registration is a crucial process for documenting vital life events such as births, deaths, and marriages, which form the foundation of an individual\u27s legal identity. For transgender persons in India, this process has historically been fraught with challenges, including systemic discrimination, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of inclusive legal frameworks. This paper examines the evolving landscape of civil registration for transgender individuals, focusing on legislative measures like the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and 2023 amendment to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. By analysing key judicial interventions, such as the NALSA judgment of 2014, and exploring international best practices, this study identifies gaps and proposes actionable recommendations to enhance inclusivity. It highlights the importance of simplifying procedures, raising awareness, and protecting data privacy to ensure that transgender persons can access their right to civil registration without discrimination. The findings underscore the critical role of legal recognition in fostering equality, dignity, and social inclusion for transgender individuals in India
Psychiatric morbidities among youth (11-24 years) and its association with drug abuse: A cross-sectional study from Jammu city of UT of J&K
No full textBackground: Knowledge is still scarce about mental health and psychiatric morbidities among youth with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Epidemiological studies indicate an association between SUDs and psychiatric morbidity. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess burden of psychiatric morbidities among youth and to determine their association with drug use. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among youth (11-24 years) who were attending the OPD in a tertiary care teaching hospital as a patient or an accompanying attendant to the patient. Psychiatric morbidity was measured by means of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: The results revealed that 20% of the youth were drug users. Among drug users, depression, anxiety and stress were present in 18.51% in comparison to 3.24% among non-users. Age, gender, residence, literacy levels and monthly family income were significantly associated with drug abuse (p<0.05). The medical problems commonly reported by surveyed youth included poor eye sight (42.5%), frequent headaches and dental problems (38.29%) and problem in sleeping (27.65%). Conclusion: Results of this study have revealed significant association between psychiatric morbidities and substance use. Among the psychiatric morbidities, anxiety and stress were found to be the most common among drug users
Empowering Change: Addressing the Roots of intergenerational Prostitution in India
No full textIntergenerational caste-based prostitution remains a critical social and public health issue in India. Marginalized communities continue to face systemic exploitation due to socio-economic deprivation, caste-based discrimination, and entrenched cultural practices. Aims & Objectives: The objective of this review is to examine the historical, socio-cultural, and economic factors sustaining intergenerational prostitution in India, to explore its impact on marginalized communities, and to identify potential solutions and public health interventions for meaningful social transformation. Methodology: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, government reports, NGO publications, and policy documents. Literature addressing caste-linked prostitution, socio-economic drivers, and rehabilitation strategies was included. Data were thematically synthesized under categories such as historical marginalization, policy gaps, and intervention strategies. Results: Findings highlight that communities like the Bedia, Perna, Nat, and Banchhada remain trapped in prostitution due to historical oppression, poverty, and lack of education. Colonial-era laws such as the Criminal Tribes Act and practices like the Devadasi system reinforced the cycle. Stigma, health risks, and gender inequality exacerbate vulnerability. Conclusion: Breaking the intergenerational cycle requires a multi-level approach involving legal reforms, access to education, economic empowerment, and community-based interventions to restore dignity and reduce exploitation
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming mental health care by enabling scalable, personalized, and timely interventions across diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This review explores the integration of machine learning, natural language processing, and conversational agents in mental health services between 2020 and 2025. Key applications include digital phenotyping, chatbot-assisted therapy, and clinical decision support systems, each offering new opportunities while raising concerns around equity, ethics, and transparency. Human-centred design and stakeholder engagement are emphasized to enhance usability and trust. The paper also examines ethical challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, lack of clinical validation, and unclear accountability, particularly for underserved populations. Recommendations include robust regulatory frameworks, inclusive development practices, and continuous monitoring to ensure safe and effective deployment. Greater investment in open-access tools and training for clinicians is also advocated to reduce disparities and promote digital inclusion. Future directions call for the development of multimodal AI systems, cross-sector collaboration, and the establishment of field-specific ethical guidelines. While AI holds transformative potential, its success hinges on responsible implementation that complements rather than replaces-human empathy and clinical judgment in mental health care
Assessment of Beliefs, Behaviors and Opinion About Blood Donation in Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh, India : A cross sectional study
No full textBackground: Blood donation is a critical component of modern healthcare, saving millions of lives annually worldwide. Despite its importance, many regions—including rural areas in India—face a chronic shortage of blood supplies. Factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, cultural beliefs, awareness, and motivation all influence the willingness to donate blood. Community-based studies help in understanding population-level perspectives and barriers to voluntary blood donation in specific settings. Aim & Objective: To assess the beliefs, behaviors, and opinions of the public towards blood donation. Settings and Design: In Etawah, this community-based cross-sectional survey conducted between June and August 2022. Material& Method: Technique of random sampling was applied. Employing a semi-structured questionnaire, data has been collected. Result: 87.6% of participants thought that blood donation may save lives, and majority (82.6%) thought it was an essential act. A total of 27.8% of participants were willing to give blood voluntarily, and 35.4% of participants accepted receiving blood from voluntary donors. Conclusion: The participant\u27s motivation, beliefs, and opinions toward blood donation were positive. The majority of them also thought that giving blood may save lives and that it was a significant action
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Antimicrobial Stewardship Between Medical Students and CRRIs
No full textPurpose/Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a significant worldwide health issue, particularly in underdeveloped nations where the abuse of antibiotics and inadequate management exacerbate resistance. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours (KAP) concerning antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) amongst undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study including 518 students from various academic years was conducted from April to July 2024 via a standardised KAP questionnaire. Results: Medical students have robust knowledge of AMS principles but lag in attitude and adherence to practices of antimicrobial prescriptions. Conclusion: The disparities among AMS knowledge and practice underscore the necessity for practical training and curriculum integration to improve stewardship abilities and address AMR