Indian Journal of Community Health
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Prevalence and Determinants of Long COVID among the COVID-19 Survivors: A Cross-sectional Study from A Rural Area of Maharashtra
Get PDFBackground: Most patients infected with the COVID-19 virus may experience long-term effects from COVID-19 infection, known as post-COVID or long COVID conditions. Long COVID may last for weeks, months or years and may limit ones day to day activities and needs health care.
Aim & Objective: To study the prevalence and risk factors of long COVID among the COVID-19 survivors of a rural area of Maharashtra.
Methods and Material: A Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in adult subjects residing in Chanai village from Maharashtra who have had a history of COVID-19 and have passed more than 3 months since the diagnosis from May 2022 to June 2022. The interview of the study participants was conducted with the help of a pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire for data collection.
Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010, Open EPI-Info version 3.01 updated on 2013/04/06. Data was presented in tables, graphical format, frequencies and percentages and the statistical association was shown using the chi- square test.
Results: The majority of participants were males (59%), from 19 to 39 years of age group (57%), having fever as presenting symptom (83%), with mild COVID (13%), and required hospitalization (53%). Long COVID was associated with the elderly age group, male sex (27.1%), severe COVID presentation (88.2%) after 12 weeks, and those required intubation (80%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of long COVID was 17.5%. Determinants associated with long COVID were the elderly age group, male sex, severe COVID presentation and who required intubation
Screening of Non-Communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors among Tuberculosis Patients in Delhi: A Mix Method Study
Get PDFBackground: India has the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. It is experiencing an increasing burden of noncommunicablediseases, thereby facing a dual disease burden. Recent evidence shows an association between TB and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, CVD and chronic respiratory infections.Aims and Objectives: To assess the feasibility of screening for NCDs and risk factors for NCDs among patients with TB in DOTS centers of a medical college in Delhi and ascertain challenges for the same among providers and patients.Methodology: It was a mixed-methods study with a quantitative component (cross-sectional study using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and records review) and a qualitative component (descriptive study using interview data).Results: Among the 139 patients screened, ten new cases of hypertension and six new patients were diagnosed with DM. Outof- pocket expenditure for tests was a concern of the patients. Health care providers found the screening tool easy to use but were apprehensive about increased workloadConclusion: The study provide useful visions for incorporating NCDs into routine TB care through DOTS centers under RNTCP/NTEP
Role of Mass media & Academia in Disaster Resilience
Get PDFMass media campaign is an oft-used strategy to raise knowledge and awareness about common health issues among the public. With advancements in technology and an increase in the accessibility of the internet to the citizens, public awareness increases manifold, thus urging better adherence to essential public health measures. (1) Media and communication plays a crucial role in disaster management by disseminating information about the disasters, educating public about disaster, highlighting vulnerable zones, timely warnings and alerts, reporting of disaster events, gathering and transmitting information about affected areas, assisting in rescue and relief operations, disseminating information about public safety, informing and alerting the concern authorities and government officials, assisting volunteers, relief organizations etc.(2)
Knowledge, attitude, practice, and generation of electronic waste (e-waste) among students of health sciences in a private college in Pune
Get PDFBackground: In "the era of information," e-waste is a major threat to solid waste management and public health. E-waste contains dangerous and destructive compounds that may affect the environment and human health if not properly handled. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice on e-waste and to determine e-waste generation rates for two electronic products: computers and cell (mobile) phones among health science students of the Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Pune. Methodology: A web-based and institution-based cross-sectional study of students pursuing different health science courses was conducted. Out of 680 students, 405 were randomly selected, dispersed in six strata, and the Google questionnaire was disseminated using a proportionate probability to size ratio, with 188 participants responding at a 46.41% response rate. Results: Out of 188 respondents, 95 (50.6%) and 77 (41.2%) study subjects knew about the health and environmental risks associated with e-waste. Physical damage caused 126 (67%) of the research participants to replace their electronics. 67% would learn about e-waste management if it were on the course. 66% purchase 1-3 electronics devices every year, while 23% purchase 4-6. Overall e-waste generation rates among the participants were 0.223 units/capita/year for computers and 0.42 units/capita/year for mobile phones. Conclusion: This research reveals a lack of understanding and behaviours related to e-waste among students of health sciences, highlighting the need for health education on e-waste for public health and awareness on safe e-waste disposal, both of which are critical for a risk-free future
Attitudes, patterns and awareness on the use of self-medication and non-doctor prescription methods among undergraduate medical, nursing and physiotherapy students of a tertiary care setting in south Gujarat
Get PDFBackground: According to WHO Self-medication can be defined as the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. Aim & Objective: To assess and improve the level of awareness regarding self-medication non-prescription medicines and over the counter drugs, to assess the prevalence and determinants of self-medication practices among undergraduate students. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study design was used to carry out a study at tertiary care centre. Methods and Material: Sociodemographic characteristics, self-medication knowledge and general questions on self-medication were asked from study participants. Statistical analysis used: SPSS software version 26. Self-medication knowledge was scored and categorized as excellent/good and poor knowledge. Comparison of knowledge scores among medical, nursing and physiotherapy students was done using ANOVA test. Results: The prevalence of OTC drug usage was found out to be 304(79.4%). Highest prevalence was noted amongst medical students i.e., 186(83.4%) followed by nursing and physiotherapy students which were similar at 55(73.3%) and 63(74.4%) respectively. Mean knowledge scores of MBBS, nursing and physiotherapy students showed significant results with F-statistic value of 21.63 (p=0.00). Conclusions: Self-medication happens to be a common practice among medical and paramedical students
Community Alcoholic - A Ticking Bomb
No full textDefinition of Alcohol is ethanol specially when considered intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquor, a drink having ethanol and a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95% ethanol (1). Alcohol is having varying impact on health of people. Short-term effects include motor vehicle accidents, violence, injuries, and risky sexual behavior while long-term effects include carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, gastric ulcer, pancreatitis etc (2). Alcohol consumption is a major Public health Challenge. In India 18.8% males and 1.3% females above age of 15 years were consuming alcohol according to NFHS-5 Survey (3).
In India different states are having different age limits for alcohol purchase and consumption. Although legal age for alcohol consumption in India varies from 18-25 years of age. States like Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland and union territory of Lakshadweep and Manipur has complete ban on sale & purchase of same (4). Although some rules and regulations are there but still many people who are below this age limit they consume it. Alcohol is also one of the habit-forming substances so when control is not there people land up in chronic alcoholism. Reasons for increase in consumption of alcohol is rapid industrialization, nuclear family, staying away from warm family environment, peer pressure, pressure of job and performing well in life, i.e. target setting is there, increase social gatherings and alcohol consumption is considered as symbol of modernization
A Narrative Review on Priorities of Mental Health Issues among Transgenders: “So Near, Yet so Far”
Get PDFIn recent years there is a rapid rise in coming out of sexual and gender minority adults to their family members and society. Unfortunately, studies on unmet health needs of transgenders with a special focus to mental health is under-researched in India. The current paper aimed to explore about the mental health of transgenders and a literature search was done using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for the following medical subject headings (MeSH) key terms “transgender”, “mental Health”, “social stigma”, “LGBT”, “gender dysphoria”, “genderqueer”, “intersex”, “MSM”, “hijra”, “gay”, “lesbian”, “bisexual”, and “homosexual”. Transgender individuals were found to show high rates of mental health concerns. The most common mental health problems that we have shown in this review article are depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, suicidal attempts and bipolar disorders. Transgender people are at more risk for mental health problems than their heterogenous counterparts. The intervention program to eliminate or reduce these problems needs to be planned carefully, considering all the determinants
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Electronic Waste (e-waste) Management Among Users of Electronic Equipments Living in Lucknow City
Get PDFBackground: Contemporary society has led to the increasing use of electronic equipment that is very much responsible for the burden of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste contains very hazardous substance that harms health and environmental conditions. There is no delicate mechanism for the management of e-waste in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh. This study assessed knowledge, practice, and awareness of e-waste management among residents of this city.
Material and methods: The study was conducted amongst users of electronic equipment living in the Lucknow City of Uttar Pradesh. The study was a Cross-sectional descriptive study. Multi-stage random sampling was done for the selection of participants for the study. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was administered in a single setting for all phases. The total optimum sample size is 700 individuals who participated in the study. Data were entered in MS Excel 2016 and descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were calculated, applying the chi-square test for association using R-4.2.1 Statistical software. Aim and objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the management of electronic waste among users of electronic equipment residing in Lucknow city.
Results: Only 37% of users are aware that e-waste adversely affects health. Only 34.3% of users knew that e-waste should be given to the seller or manufacturer for recycling while rest told that it should be stored at home, sold to a scrap dealer, or disposed with normal waste. 87.3% users are not aware about e-waste govt guidelines. In the current study electronic and print media like television, radio and news paper were not found to be source of information for e-waste disposal.
Conclusion: Education regarding the ill effects of e-waste is essential for people and awareness of proper disposal of e-waste is the need of the hour. Electronic and print media as well as companies producing electronic equipment should play a significant role to awaken the respondent about the disposal of e-waste
Gauging the Motivation Level of Health Personnel of a Tertiary Care Hospital in District Dehradun
Get PDFBackground- Healthcare providers serve as the backbone of the healthcare delivery system, and motivating them is crucial for its enhancement, which is often a challenging task. Understanding the motivational factors that keep employees engaged is a pressing concern for leaders and senior personnel. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to assess the motivation levels of healthcare personnel working in a tertiary healthcare institution in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It sought to explore the various factors influencing employee motivation in the healthcare sector. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involved 150 healthcare personnel, and data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Microsoft Excel. Frequency percentages and mean standard deviations were used for categorical and continuous data, respectively. The Chi-Square test and Fischer Exact test were employed to assess relationships between categorical variables. Results: Among the study groups, technicians displayed the highest motivation levels, while doctors exhibited lower motivational indices. Across doctors, nurses, and technicians, "rewards" ranked as the top motivating factor. Health personnel identified monetary support, incentives, promotion, resource improvement, appreciation, feedback, communication, job security, training, teamwork, and effective management as significant motivational factors. Conclusion: Satisfied healthcare workers not only inspire their colleagues but also foster a positive work environment, enhancing the overall functioning of the institution. Employee motivation directly impacts the performance of healthcare organizations. Recognizing non-financial motivators, such as appreciation, teamwork, professional growth, and training, alongside financial incentives, is essential to maintaining a motivated and efficient healthcare workforce
Burden of care on family caregivers of patients of gastrointestinal cancers in a tertiary care institute
Get PDFBackground: Gastrointestinal tract cancers are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally and cause family members to become primary caregivers. Method: The observational cross- sectional study was conducted using a pretested questionnaire and BSFC short form scale on 156 primary family care givers of patients suffering from and seeking treatment for cancer of the gastrointestinal tract from June 2021 to May 2022 in a tertiary care institute. Result: Mean age of family caregiver was 48.6 (4.7) years and the majority were female 111 (71.1 %). Average duration of primary care given was 2.62(1.24) years. 94 (60.2%) family care givers provided > 8hr duration of care. 103 (66%) of the family caregivers suffered from moderate burden, 39 (25%) from heavy burden and only 14 (8.97%) family caregivers considered burden as mild. Significant association was found between >8 hours of caregiving, caregiver having a comorbid illness, treatment outcome and financial distress borne during the course of treatment and burden of caregiving. Conclusion: Burden of caregiving in the family caregivers of cases of gastrointestinal cancer has the capacity to create ripples in the primary life domains of the caregiver and needs to be looked into