Indian Journal of Community Health
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Poor social distancing attitudes and practices may drive community transmission of COVID-19 – A Knowledge Attitude Practice study among the general population of Odisha, India
Get PDFBackground: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the community can determine progress from localized to community transmission of COVID-19 in India. Aims and Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice levels of the general population during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A rapid cross-sectional survey was conducted among hospital visitors of a lead tertiary care hospital. Realtime data collection from 223 respondents was done and analyzed using Stata 12.1 SE. Results: Mean age was 38.2 ±13.5 years, 68.2% were males, mean education was 12.1 ± 3.7 years and 45.3% were gainfully employed. Almost all had heard about CORONA (221, 99.1%). Adequate knowledge was present on: a) mode of spread (48.0%); b) preventive measures (70.9%). Television (77.1%), social media (60.5%) and WhatsApp (44.0%) were sources of information. Positive attitude was seen for: a) wearing a mask (83.9%); b) health-seeking (85%) on presenting with symptoms; c) Self-isolation or home-quarantine (20%). Adequate knowledge towards the mode of spread, symptoms and control measures or positive attitudes for health-seeking were found to positively translate into correct practices (p?0.001). Conclusion: Attitudes and practices of social distancing, self-isolation or home-quarantine were not adequate to prevent the epidemic progress in India
Forecasting the Anti-Rabies Vaccine Demand at Jawaharlal Medical College and Hospital, Ajmer, Rajasthan: A Comparative Analysis based on Time Series Model
Get PDFBackground: In India, high mortality and morbidity rates of human rabies is observed. Hence, a structured surveillance system is yet to be put in place for public health discussion. At the tertiary care hospital and all public health centres, requirement of anti-rabies vaccine is needed in advance to predict the upcoming months coverage so that wastage of vaccine is minimum. Objective: To find a suitable model for forecasting the appropriate stock of anti-rabies vaccines to avoid shortage and over-supply at anti rabies clinic. Methods and Material: This was a record based cross sectional study, conducted at anti rabies clinic of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Ajmer. Data of used anti rabies vaccine was taken from immunization inventory during the period from 2017 to 2020. Time series analysis based on Holt-Winter and Box-Jenkins methods were carried out to predict the need of vaccine. Results: Study series was not stationary and stationarity was observed by taken difference in the observation between two consequent months. Residuals of the series were normally distributed and independent to each other. ARIMA(0, 1, 1) was the best model in comparison to Holt-Winter model for prediction because of low value of model selection criterion. The forecasted value for anti-rabies vaccine was done for the year 2021. Conclusions: The following study concluded that time series can be used as a tool to forecast anti-rabies vaccine coverage and will help the policy makers to formulate appropriate plans and strategies and improve the management of vaccination resources and inventory
A perspective on the widening gap between Covishield vaccine doses in India
Get PDFThe Oxford University-AstraZeneca’s vector-based vaccine called Covishield (ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Vaccine) is being manufactured and distributed by Serum Institute of India (SII). National roll out of this vaccine was in a phased manner starting from 16th January 2021. At present, many states are facing shortage of vaccines. Government of India kept changing its policy on dosing gap of Covishield vaccine based on researches. The latest recommendation citing “real-life evidence” from the UK is to extend the two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks. This reasonable approach will not only a breathing space for the government but also aids in free up doses for a larger number of people to get their first dose of the vaccine
Factors influencing Community Healthcare Worker’s adoption of mobile health technology (mhealth): A case of sangini supportive supervision (sangini) app, Uttar Pradesh, India
Get PDFBackground: Community Health Workers (CHWs) are agents in delivering primary healthcare. mhealth is being used to improve their performance. However, there are little evidences on factors influencing adoption of technology. Henceforth, sangini app was undertaken for analysis. Objective: To investigate factors of adoption of sangini app among users and non-users. Methods & statistical analysis: Constructs from Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Self-Efficacy (SE) were used as tools for study. The study used an experimental study design Kaushambi and Pratapgarh districts of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), India was selected as intervention and control groups respectively. The study sample consisted of CHWs i.e. 90 Sangini and 270 ASHAs. Two sample t test with equal variances and univariate regression analysis was applied. Results: TA and SE were predicators however; individual characters didn’t impact adoption of mhealth. Conclusion: There is need to comprehend factors influencing adoption of mhealth to improve performance of CHWs
Awareness About Mosquito Borne Diseases in Community and Stakeholders in Urban Slums of Agra district
Get PDFBackground: Mosquito borne diseases of public health importance are complex. These diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the knowledge and determinants about MBDs in community and stakeholders among slum dwellers of Agra. Materials and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in urban slums of Agra city. A sample size of 400 participants and 100 stakeholders from Municipal Corporation, health department, community leaders and community representatives were interviewed. Results: Maximum participants were of age group 26-35 years (23.5%) followed by 36-45 years (21.5%), of those 57.25% and 42.75% were men and women respectively. Most of participants (96.75%) did not have any knowledge about types or names of mosquitoes (Aedes, Anopheles and Culex). More than 50% of participants reported that MBDs spreads through bite of infected mosquitoes followed by poor environmental hygiene (34.75%). Almost all stakeholders (98.0%) had knowledge about name of mosquitoes. 80% of stakeholders perceived their responsibility towards MBD prevention and control. Conclusion: Knowledge about mosquito borne diseases ranged from only 3% aware about types of mosquito, around 50% aware of breeding and habitats of mosquitoes with poor knowledge of larvae. Stakeholders had better awareness than community
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward Blood Donation among Undergraduate Medical Students of UPUMS, Saifai
Get PDFBackground: Blood saves millions of life. It cannot be manufactured artificially. Young people are the hope and future of a safe blood supply in the world. So this study was conducted to know the knowledge, awareness and practices among medical students regarding blood donation. Aim & Objective: To study the level of knowledge, attitude and practices about blood donation among undergraduate medical students. To educate the students about blood donation. Settings and Design: The present study was carried out among MBBS students of UPUMS, Saifai. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 452 medical college students. Methods and Material: A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting the necessary information after getting informed consent. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics was used to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Chi square test was applied to examine the association between knowledge level and other independent variables. Results: A questionnaire based survey among 452 medical students (59.5% males & 40.4% females) regarding blood donation revealed that majority knew about age and weight criteria (57.3% & 67.9% respectively). Of all 93% were willing to donate, while 36% had donated previously; out of which 52.7% had donated more than once. There is significant association between blood donation practice with academic year and gender. Conclusions: The study concludes that many of the students did not have adequate knowledge on blood donation but they have positive attitude towards blood donation. There is a need for education and motivation regarding blood donation through regular CMEs, seminars and campaign
A Cross-Sectional Study on Gender Differences and Influence of Social Media Engagement on Breast Cancer Knowledge among Delhi-NCR Population in India
Get PDFBreast cancer is leading cause of death worldwide including India. Low awareness is one factor causing late diagnosis and eventually death in developing countries like India. Social media is being used for breast cancer awareness. This study aimed to investigate relationship between social media engagement and breast cancer knowledge and to examine gender differences. Cross sectional study was conducted in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Pearson’s coefficient correlation test was conducted to examine social media engagement and breast cancer knowledge relationship. Independent t test was applied to find gender differences for social media engagement and breast cancer knowledge. Significant moderate correlation was found between social media engagement and breast cancer knowledge (p<.01). A gender difference was found for social media engagement and breast cancer knowledge (p<.05). Result justified that social media engagement is resulting in breast cancer awareness. Results also confirmed difference between male and female regarding social media engagement and breast cancer knowledge
Does BCG vaccine prevent contract and severity of COVID-19 infection in India? A situational analysis
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has created worldwide emergency with morbidities, mortality and panic. The BCG vaccine, usually given to prevent childhood tuberculosis, surfaced as an option as suggested by some ecological observations. However, some others studies could not establish and explain the protective effects of BCG vaccination against COVID-19 pandemic. India is one country with high BCG vaccination coverage and is among the countries with lowest COVID-19 case fatality rate. Aims and Objectives: We examine the relationship between the BCG coverage and COVID-19 burden in various states/UTs of India. Materials and methods: The information on BCG coverage and morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 was obtained from NFHS and www.covid19India.org respectively. Results: The analysis suggested very weak positive relationship of BCG coverage with cases and deaths due to COVID-19. Moderate positive relationship was observed between BCG coverage and COVID-19 case fatality rate even after adjusting for health system performance. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is against the role of BCG vaccination in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. The positive correlation which is not significant may be spurious and affected by many confounding factors like co-morbid conditions, testing strategies, population level immunity for other viral infections etc. Hence, the states and UTs should not be complacent by the hypothesized role of BCG vaccine in COVID-19 control. Rather, they should continue with the principles of social distancing, contact tracing, treating and surveillance of COVID-19
To assess the adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV positive patients attending ART centres in Haryana and its effect on their quality of life
Get PDFBackground: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is now considered as a manageable chronic illness with the availability of ART. A high level of adherence (>95%) is required for antiretroviral therapy to be effective. It is a syndrome that builds a vacuum in a person affecting his/her quality of life (QOL) as a whole. Aim& Objective: The aim of our study was to determine adherence and its effect on their quality of life among HIV/AIDS patients attending FIART (Facility Integrated Anti-retroviral therapy) clinic. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, 257 HIV positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Facility integrated anti-retroviral therapy centre Ambala Haryana. QOL of patients taking ART was assessed using WHO-QOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: Of 257 participants, 88.3% were found to be adherent, adherent to ART therapy and ambulatory had better QOL (p < 0.05) than their counterparts from other socio-clinical strata. Mean scores of physical (70.89±7.384), psychological (47.37±9.174), social (51.97±11.119) & environmental domains (52.33±9.081), were having highest in patients those who were adherent (adherence rate >95%) to ART therapy. Conclusion: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Haryana India is suboptimal. Intensive adherence counselling should be provided to all patients before initiation of antiretroviral therapy and on every visit to FIART centre
Patient perceptions about virtual clinical consultations during current COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-city survey across India
Get PDFIntroduction: COVID-19 has prevented many patients from accessing health care through traditional face-to-face clinic visits. Consequently, online consultations have gained popularity. Aim: To explore patient perceptions regarding virtual consultations. Methods: A voluntary online survey using a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions was administered to patients across selected cities in India using a social media platform. Responses were used to explore the characteristics of users, perceived advantages and disadvantages of online consultations and patient satisfaction. Results: There were 679 respondents (M 52.4%: F 47.6%) that had consulted doctors online; 91.8% were from 8 major metro cities. Interestingly, over 80% had never sought online consultation before the COVID-19 pandemic. 46% consultations were via videocalls, 26% through WhatsApp and 21% via telephone calls. The main advantages of online consultations cited by patients included a lower risk of infection (78.8%), reduced waiting time (56.8%) and travel time (58.3%). The main disadvantages included a lack of physical examination (73.4%), a perception that this was not as satisfying as a face-to face consultation (37.9%) and difficulty in communication (24.5%). 78.6% patients rated their online consultations as either good or very good. However, given the choice, almost two-thirds felt they would still prefer face-face consultations. Conclusion: High levels of satisfaction from this survey suggests that teleconsultation has the potential to become a complementary method to access clinical care even after restrictions from the pandemic cease. The disadvantages of online consultations could be mitigated through evolving technologies such as digital stethoscopes and improvement in communication tools