Indian Journal of Community Health
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Evaluation of FSH Receptor Gene Polymorphisms among infertile women and its correlation with Ovarian Reserve Markers and fertility outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study from Northern India
No full textBackground: Genetic polymorphisms in the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) gene may influence ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation, but their relevance in infertile women undergoing ovulation induction remains uncertain. Aims & Objectives: To assess the association of FSHR polymorphisms Thr307Ala (rs6165) and Asn680Ser (rs6166) with ovarian reserve markers and fertility outcomes in infertile women undergoing ovulation induction. Methodology: This prospective observational study, conducted from August 2021 to May 2025, included 82 infertile women and 25 fertile controls. All participants underwent Day 2–5 (AMH, FSH, LH, E2), Antral Follicle Count (AFC), and FSHR genotyping using PCR-RFLP. Letrozole was used for ovulation induction for up to four cycles. Results: Genotype and allele distributions for both polymorphisms did not differ significantly between infertile and fertile women. All genotype frequencies conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium except Asn680Ser (rs6166) in controls. Ovarian reserve markers were comparable across genotypes, except for higher AMH in fertile controls with the AA genotype of Thr307Ala (p = 0.017) and significantly higher AFC among infertile women (p = 0.0001). Letrozole-induced ovulation and pregnancy rates (12%). Conclusion: FSHR polymorphisms Thr307Ala and Asn680Ser do not significantly affect ovarian reserve parameters or clinical outcomes in infertile women undergoing ovulation induction, indicating limited predictive value in this setting
A "Use of Mother Child Protection Card in Medical College Setting: Our Experience" : Mother Child Protection Card in Medical College
No full textBackground: The Mother Child Protection Card (MCP Card) is a user friendly, visual tool designed to provide concise, actionable guidance on specific tasks to the community health workers. Aim & Objective: The present study intended to use MCP card for parental empowerment as a sustainable solution for holistic child development and child safety tips in medical college. Settings and Design: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. The study population comprised children between 0-2 years of age. Methods and Material: An informed written consent was obtained from the mothers prior to inclusion in the study. Participants were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and were administered a pre-validated semi structural proforma in vernacular language. Data collected in preformed data collection form was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: The Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card was used for parental counselling and the most common form of affectionate interaction with babies was hugging or skin-to-skin contact (33.2%), emphasizing the crucial role of physical touch in early development. 93.2% of mothers felt more confident in caring for their second baby after using the MCP card compared to their first parenting experience. This tool offers a valuable guidance and practical support, enhancing parenting skills even among experienced mothers by providing targeted knowledge and improved caregiving strategies. Conclusion: The study emphasizes that for MCP cards and HBYC job aids with structured training of frontline health workers and counselling sessions at key maternal-child contact points
Physical Well-being & Health Care Resource Utilization Among the Elderly in Banda District: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFBackground: The global elderly population is rapidly increasing, with numbers projected to rise from 740 million to 2.1 billion by 2050. In India, the elderly population is expected to increase by 56 million from 2021-2031. Uttar Pradesh has one of the largest elderly populations in India, with an estimated 13-15 million individuals aged 60 and above. Aim & Objectives: To assess the physical health status & health seeking behaviour among elderly population. Material & Methods: The study was a community-based, cross-sectional research focused on the elderly population (60+ years) in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, spanning 18 months. The final study included 400 participants, with 200 from rural and 200 from urban areas. A multi-stage random sampling technique was utilized. Semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection after taking the informed consent. Results: Nearly 40% of elderly perceived their health as ‘Negative’. Eye, ENT, and musculoskeletal issues were more prevalent among urban population. In rural population had higher prevalence of gastrointestinal and central nervous system disorders, particularly in females. Majority of elderly contacted government facilities during illness (31.75%), which was slightly more in urban elderly, preferably among males. Elderly who did not utilized facilities during illness was 29.50%, which was highest among rural males (36.44%). Conclusion: Health perceptions were largely negative. Oral health issues were most common, followed by ENT disorders and eye problems. The main reasons for non-utilization of health services was affordability, particularly notable among urban females
Evaluation Of Urban Primary Health Centres Operating Under The Public-Private Partnership Model In The State Of Uttarakhand
Get PDFBackground: The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was launched to improve the health status of the urban poor. Aim: This study assessed the performance of Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) functioning within the PPP healthcare delivery model. Methodology- We evaluated 27 UPHCs facilities based on the indicators like infrastructure as per IPHS / NUHM guidelines, human resources position as per norm, accessibility, utilization of services, client satisfaction, outreach activities, and comparative assessment between UPHCs under different zonal NGOs. Results- All evaluated UPHCs operated in rented buildings, lacking key infrastructure elements like cold chain rooms, AYUSH facility, generator room and separate offices. Human resources were inadequate, with all 2nd Medical Officer positions and 81.5% of LHV roles vacant. Community awareness of services like ANC (56.6%), PNC (51.1%), immunization (65.9%), and non-communicable diseases (63.6%) was notable. The availability of drugs at most UPHCs was not as per the demand placed. The irregular flow of funds restricted the smooth functioning of UPHCs. Conclusion: The study revealed that most community members preferred UPHCs for their health needs. The main challenges that deferred the functioning of the UPHCs were the irregular flow of funds, lack of human resources, and lack of required drugs
Employing reflective writing as a tool to enhance development of critical thinking skills among medical students
Get PDFIn medical education delivery, reflective writing is a process where medical students evaluate their thoughts and personal experiences. Critical thinking helps medical students and clinicians reach a provisional diagnosis, and decide about the management plans. Reflective writing encourages medical students to deeply analyze their clinical and learning experiences, and this entire process is vital for development of critical thinking skills. Acknowledging the need to train medical students in critical thinking, it is the need of the hour that teachers must explore and encourage students to reflect upon their learning experiences and in the process aid in the attainment of learning outcomes
Awareness and utilization of Maternal health programs among mothers in a rural area
No full textBackground: In India MMR is 97 and in Uttar Pradesh is 167 per 1,00,000 live births. The JSY and JSSK are initiatives to reduce maternal and infant mortality. PMMVY provides cash assistance to mothers and ICDS addresses malnutrition in mothers. Objective: To study awareness and utilization of maternal and child health programs and its association by post-mothers. Methods: An observation cross-sectional study in the rural area of Saharanpur using multistage random sampling among 250 mothers. Data collected using predesigned, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done in EPI.info 7.2.5, statistical method for analysis used was frequency, percentage for descriptive statistics and for association chi-square test was used. Results: Among 250 mother’s, level of awareness was highest in NIS (96.4%) and lowest in PMMVY (69.2%). Utilization of ICDS, PMSMA, JSY, JSSK and PMMVY was 84.0%, 92.8%, 81.2%, 53.2% and 47.6% respectively. Association of JSY, JSSK and PMMVY with mode of delivery was found to be significant. Association of IFA tablets consumption and frequency of receiving THR was statistically significant. Conclusions: Awareness and utilization of maternal programs was high. Utilization of JSY, JSSK and PMMVY services were associated with higher chances of normal delivery
COVID-19 vaccination status and willingness for further booster doses among staff and students of a tertiary care institute
No full textBackground
Vaccination remains the mainstay of COVID-19 prevention. While initial vaccine acceptance was high among healthcare workers (HCWs), the emergence of new variants and waning immunity necessitated vaccine boosters. The study aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccination status and willingness for further booster doses among the staff and medical students in a tertiary care institute.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, technicians), ancillary staff, and students. An online semi-structured questionnaire collected information from participants regarding sociodemographic characteristics, history of COVID-19 vaccination, acceptance and uptake of vaccine booster, and reasons for willingness to uptake booster. The Chi-square test assessed the association between sociodemographic variables and booster acceptance.
Results
About 302 people participated in the survey. The mean (S.D.) age of the participants was 28.9 (8.3) years and most of them were females. The majority of them had received the Covishield vaccine (71.5%). Half of them had already received a COVID-19 booster. Seven out of ten participants expressed willingness to receive further booster doses. Type of employment and department were significantly associated with participants\u27 willingness. The perception of the COVID-19 vaccine as an immunity booster was a key motivator. About 15.1% of participants expressed a preference for a nasal booster for its convenience in administration.
Conclusion
The study highlights a high willingness for COVID-19 vaccine boosters among healthcare professionals and medical students. It emphasizes the importance of continuous efforts to promote vaccine boosters, given the crucial role of the medical community in shaping public perception
Mainstreaming Reproductive Mental Health of Women: The Unmet Need of the Hour
No full textBackground: While the existing research is limited, over recent years, there has been growing awareness to understand the mental health of women during menstruation, menopause, and postpartum. Methodology: A woman\u27s distinct reproductive life stages adversely affect her psychological well-being, aggravated by other underlying social, economic, and cultural factors. Drawing upon the analysis of governing laws and women’s reproductive health literature. Results: The existing reproductive health law, educational, and workplace frameworks in India are inadequate for supporting the reproductive mental health of women. Conclusion: It is of critical importance to adopt a holistic approach and call for mainstreaming the reproductive mental health of women through urgent legal and healthcare reforms
Human Rights and the Criminalization of Active Euthanasia
No full textEuthanasia, or self- killing, is the act where an individual, who is suffering from any incurable disorder is killed without pain. There are two kinds of euthanasia i.e., active and passive. Under active euthanasia, an individual is killed directly through injecting lethal substance whereas in passive euthanasia, an individual is killed by withholding life support. In India, the Supreme Court has allowed passive euthanasia under certain circumstances as stated in Aruna Shanbaug case, but active euthanasia is still not allowed. The Court was of the view that ‘right to life’ includes ‘right to die with dignity’ but only under passive euthanasia. This paper analyses the various reasons and theories behind illegality of active euthanasia. Also, the human rights concerns that are related to the allowing of active euthanasia. The doctrinal method of research has been used in making this paper. This research methodology focuses on analysing legal principles, statutes, case laws, and legal doctrines to understand, interpret, and systematize the law. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the ‘right to life’ which is fundamental as well as basic human right. Allowing active euthanasia can lead to violation of this basic right since it involves causing the death through an active human act i.e., injecting lethal substance
Experiences regarding Respectful Maternity Care amongst women living in two Block PHC areas of Assam
Get PDFBackground: High-quality maternity care goes hand-in-hand with respectful treatment, protects women’s basic human rights during childbirth. Respectful care during childbirth embraces principles of ethics and honours women’s dignity, empowers to make informed choices during childbirth. Aim & Objective: To assess the experiences regarding Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) amongst women living in two Block PHC areas of Assam.Methods and Material: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two block PHC areas of two districts of Assam from December 2023 to March 2024. Using multi-stage sampling technique, 300 participants were included and interviewed house-to-house using pre-designed proforma containing seven major domains of RMC Charter. Statistical analysis used: Data analysed in SPSS v25 and descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviations (SD) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables, were used. Results: While over three-fourths of participants received RMC, every participant reported experiencing minimum one form of disrespect during maternity care at facility. Non-confidential care and detention in health facility were the most and least common experienced form of mistreatment respectively (mean score 0.26 and 2 respectively). Teenage pregnancy (3%) seen in this study. Conclusion: Over three-fourths of women reported receiving RMC and non-confidential care was most commonly reported form of mistreatment