Healthline Journal of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, Gujarat Chapter

Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Girija Kartha
ISSN: 2229-337X (Print), 2320-1525 (Online)

Frequency: Half yearly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://iapsmgc.org/index.php

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Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 100
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    Assessment of Refractive Status of 5-15 Years Old Children Attending Government Schools of Rural Agra
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-03) Yadav, Himanshu Kumar; Sen, Snigdha; Gupta, Preeti; Agrawal, Renu; Singh, Niranjan
    Introduction: In children uncorrected refractive errors have a profound effect on educational and psychosocial development hence it is necessary to estimate the prevalence both at the community and at the school level to aid planning and implementation of refractive error services in children. Objective: To determine the refractive status of 5 to 15 years old children attending government schools of rural areas of district Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. Method: Study conducted on 902 students of age group 5-15 years of randomly selected government schools of Bichpuri Block of district Agra. Children underwent visual acuity assessment and torch light examination, height and weight measurement. Children with VA ?6/9 were further examined and cycloplegic retinoscopy, fundus examination, slit lamp examination and post mydriatic refraction was done. On the basis of values of cycloplegic refraction and post mydriatic refraction, refractive error was classified as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. Statistical Analysis was done by applying Chi square test. Results : Out of 902 children, 125 children (13.86 %) were having refractive error of which 76 were myopic (8.43%), 39 were astigmatic (4.32%) and 10 were hypermetropic (1.11%). There was an increase in the overall prevalence of refractive error with advancing age. There was no significant association of refractive error with gender and nutritional status. Conclusion: Vision screening of school children is very useful for early detection and correction of refractive errors. Screening of the refractive errors in school should be carried out periodically and regularly
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    Assessment of Vitamin D Status in General Population of Kashmir Valley of Indian Subcontinent
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-03) Bhat, Mudasir Ahmad; Khan, Kafeel; Khan, Uzznain; Nazir, Isbha
    Introduction: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is reported to be high throughout the world. Overt Vitamin D deficiency manifests as rickets, birth defects and fractures in children. In adults, its manifestations include osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteoarthritis, chronic muscular pain, increased risk of fractures, several endocrine, cardiovascular, immunological and neurologic disorders, some types of cancers, and depression. Objectives: To assess the Vitamin D status in general population of Kashmir valley by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels. Method: Total 270 healthy volunteers from differing professions (69 men and 201 non-pregnant/non-lactating women, aged 18–65 years), residing in Kashmir valley were selected for this study. The samples were collected in both summer and winter months. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was defined as a Serum 25 (OH) D concentration of < 30 ng/ml. Results: 222 (82.2%) of the subjects studied had Vitamin D deficiency. 45 of the 69 males and 177 of the 201 females were found to be Vitamin D deficient. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranged from 58 % in the farmers group to 93% in the employee group. Vitamin D deficient subjects had a significantly lower mean weekly exposure to sunlight. Conclusion: The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in Kashmir valley is high especially among women. Serum 25(OH) D concentrations are significantly related to sun exposure
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    Dilemmas and Perceptions regarding Medical Education in Hindi medium among Medical Community of Northern India: A Cross Sectional study
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Agarwal, Pankaj Kumar; Khan, Imran Ahmed; Agarwal, Pragya; Gupta, Satish Kumar
    Introduction: The medical curriculum, the medium of instruction and evaluation in India, is primarily English. While it has the advantage of preparing Indian medical graduates to represent and interact globally, it also translates into learning difficulties for a substantial population of Indian medical students. Hindi is the common language of communication among majority of the population in Uttar Pradesh.Madhya Pradesh Government in India has already started the option of pursuing the allopathic graduate medical course in Hindi. There is paucity of data regarding opinion of medical professionals about implementation of Medical Education in Hindi in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states. Objective: To assess the attitude and opinion of medical students and medical professionals towards using Hindi in Medical Education. Method: A cross-st stsectional web-based online survey was conducted between 1 December 2022 and 31 January 2023. Undergraduate medical students, interns, residents and faculty from medical colleges, hospitals of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states (Uttarakhand and Bihar) were contacted to participate in this survey using pretested structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 1606 participants responded and answered the questionnaire and 1575 responses were found complete and used in analysis.Most participants (52.8%) believed that Medical Education in Hindi would attract more students from Hindi backgrounds to join the medical field. Similarly, 58.9% of participants were of the opinion that Medical Education in Hindi would improve communication with patients. However, about half of the participants (49.5%) perceived teaching in Hindi as a hurdle in acquiring higher education. Conclusion: More than half of the participants thought that medical education in Hindi will attract more students from Hindi backgrounds to join the medical field. Similarly, Medical Education in Hindi was perceived to improve communication skills with patients, at least where Hindi is a vernacular language by majority of the participants.
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    Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Planning Methods among Women of Reproductive Age Group attending Primary Health Centres in North-East India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-03) Chelladurai, Chelsia; Keisam, Avinash; Touthang, Jangkholun
    Introduction: Warranting access to modern family planning methods constitutes a basic human right and globally around 270 million women of reproductive age group have an unmet need for contraception. Objective : To estimate the knowledge, misconceptions and practices related to family planning methods among women of reproductive age group attending primary health centre. Method: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in four health centers from January to February 2019 among women of reproductive age group (15-49 years). Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices pertaining to family planning methods were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses like mean, proportions, Chi-square and Multivariable logistic regression were conducted. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study 348 women were enrolled, of which 39.4% had adequate knowledge regarding family planning methods. Most participants had a healthy attitude towards the use of family planning methods and considered them beneficial whereas 59% stated their religious faith and cultural beliefs restricted the use of contraceptives. Unmet need of contraceptives was 60.2% while 39.8% used any one of the modern contraceptive methods. Lower age (AOR-1.26), Primi-parous (AOR-2.76) and women having a lower monthly income (AOR-2.51) were more likely to have an unmet need of contraception. Conclusion: Despite easy accessibility and low cost of the contraceptives, their use was limited. The high proportion of unmet needs mandates the scaling up of activities to increase the awareness regarding modern contraceptives. Additionally, behavioral change communication strategies are in great need for implementation to counter the negative attitudes pertaining to family planning practices.
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    Perceived Stress and Suicidal Ideation among the Farmers: A Cross Sectional Study from the Rural Field Practice Area of a Medical College in Karnataka
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-03) Joshi, Anjana R.; Bant, Dattatraya D.
    Introduction: Psychological Stress and other mental health problems are highly neglected in Indian farming Community. Changing climatic, weather and environmental conditions affected the growth of crops and yield. This has resulted in various stressful conditions faced by the farmers. The psychological stress leads to tensions in the family relationship, variations in their daily life, and poor operational decisions while farming and even may lead to farm accidents, suicides among them. Objectives: To study the Stress levels perceived by the farmers and the factors determining the stress among them and to study the suicidal ideation among farmers in the previous 6 months. Method: A Community based Cross sectional study was carried out in the villages of Kalghatagi taluk, among 324 marginal & small scale farmers of age group 18-60 years, using pretested semi-structured questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic details, occupational characteristics, perceived stress and the reasons for stress. The 4 item Perceived Stress Scale was used for the assessment of Stress levels. Higher Score indicates high levels of Stress. Results: Among 324 farmers, 69.8% of the farmers were males, majority of them belonged to 50-60 years, and most of them were small scale farmers. The mean perceived score was 6.29+4.38 SD. Majority of the farmers reported crop failure (35%) and debt (37%) as the reasons for stress. The major determinants of stress among farmers were crop failure, debt and family problems. Among 324 farmers 25.3% reported suicidal ideation in the previous 6 months. The Mean stress scores were high among those with suicidal ideation (12.69±1.12 SD). Conclusion: The study shows that stress levels were high among farmers and are related to the failure of crops, inability to pay the debts and other factors. The Mental health problems of the farmers should be addressed at early stages to reduce the burden of farmers' suicides. Primary mental health care should be made available to the rural population.
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    Competencies of Indian Medical Graduates in Delivering Effective Tuberculosis care: A Mixed Method Study among Doctors at Chennai, India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Sucharitha, Sree Tirukkovalluri; Manoharan, Aravind; Suganya, Ezhilarasan; Balaji, Sivaram Mahendran
    Introduction: In spite of the various advances in the Tuberculosis (TB) management system in our country, we are still struggling to achieve the End TB strategy. Addressing the health provider difficulties in TB care will definitely be potential tool to control TB. Objective: To assess the competency, challenges and solutions of Indian medical graduates to provide effective Tuberculosis care. Method: It is a mixed methodological study conducted among the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduates practising in various parts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The competency of the Indian medical graduates in delivering TB care was assessed using a content validated e-survey questionnaire disseminated through social media affinity groups and free listing;pile sorting and in-depth interview was done in the qualitative part. Results:The proportion of participants having good, fair and poor competency in providing effective TB care was 35%,19% and 46%, respectively. Various challenges in attaining good competency were enlisted by the participants through free listing, a smaller number of TB patients in private medical college has attained the highest Smith S value followed by other eleven challenges. Based on the pile sorting and in- depth interview various solutions have been suggested, with most of them emphasizing on compulsory TB chest clinic posting followed by others measures. Conclusion: The major reason identified in difficulties in delivering TB care was inadequate exposure in managing TB patients, incomplete knowledge on notification,referral and followup system. These lacunae can be overturned by compulsory posting in TB clinics during internship period, provision of required personal protective equipment (PPE) for doctors and patients in TB wards and outpatient department, mandatory teaching on updates of TB management
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    Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence of Obesity among Second Professional MBBS Students of One of the Medical Colleges of Indore, Madhya Pradesh
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Patel, Sudha; Kushwah, Anjali; More, Sapna; Hetawal, Pallav; Sharma, Ankit; Kharat, Avina
    Introduction: Obesity is a complex multifactorial preventable disease. The problem of obesity is important to discuss because it is closely associated with an increasing risk to many diseases. Objective: To assess the prevalence of obesity among Second MBBS students and find the anthropometric parameters of obesity. Method: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted among 100 second MBBS students. Demographic data and anthropometric measures, such as Height, Weight, Body mass index, Waist circumference, and Waist/Hip ratio of the students were collected. Results: BMI was < 18.5 in 17.34% of male and 28% of female students. Around 18.67% of male and 24% of female students had BMI of more than 25 and where as student shaving BMI of more than 30 were 6.66% and 4% in male and female students, respectively. According to the Waist/Hip ratio,16% male (>0.95) and16% female (>0.86) students were categorized as at risk for obesity (p-value 0.86). Conclusion: Almost half of the male and female students were having normal BMI. More number of female students had BMI lower than normal. Students falling in the category of overweight were higher as compared to obese students. Such students were advised for non- pharmacological measures of weight reduction through proper exercise, consuming a healthy balanced diet, and role of physical activity, so as to maintain proper bodyweight and to prevent future complications of obesity were advised to the students
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    Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in Rural Area of District Sonipat, Haryana, India: A Cross Sectional Community Based Study
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Punia, Anita; Pruthi, Muskaan; Punia, Mehar S; Punia, Anish; Jha, Sanjay K; Rani, Babita
    Introduction: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is an important intervention included by WHO as essential elements of antenatal care package. It is often delivered to pregnant women through their active participation by health care provider during antenatal care or initiated/followed up through visits to the homes of pregnant women by community health workers. Objectives: To determine the knowledge and practice regarding BPCR and to identify factors associated with it among rural pregnant women. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area of Community Medicine Department of a medical teaching institutes. A total of 210 pregnant women who were in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were selected by simple random sampling and interviewed for data collection. Results: Mean age of study subjects was 24.14 + 3.88 years.The highest number of women was in the age group of 20-29 years (84.8%). More than half (57.6%) mothers had observed at least two or more components of BPCR. Maximum number of females had identified facility for delivery (63.8%) followed by transportation (60.9%). Identification of potential blood donor by mothers was low (14.3%). Bleeding was most commonly identified danger symptom in all three phases of child bearing. Knowledge regarding danger signs was significantly associated with birth preparedness. Conclusion: In the present study, practice of all components of BPCR by mothers was very low. Bleeding was the most commonly identified danger symptom during all three phases i.e., pregnancy, child birth and after birth.Knowledge regarding other danger signs was highly inadequate.
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    Internet Addiction and Its Correlates among College Students of Surat City: A Cross Sectional Study
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Mukherjee, Abhishek; Moitra, Mohua; Chaudhari, Vipul; Gupta, Avantika; Patel, Geeta; Kosambiya, J.K.
    Introduction: The number of internet users in 2018 was 4.021 billion, increased 7 percent year-on-year. More than nine-tenths of Indian teens use Internet. Due to social distancing norms put forward due to COVID-19 dependency and availability of Internet usage has increased. Objective: To assess the extent of Internet addiction and determine its predictors among college students of Surat city. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted from March-September 2021 among 400 first- and second-year students selected by systematic random sampling from four colleges selected purposively. Outcome variables were Young's Internet addiction Test and Duke Health Profile Score which were assessed in terms of mean score. Univariate analysis was done, followed by t-test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation to establish associations. Predictors were determined by Binary Logistic Regression. Results: Around one-tenth (12.8%) participants were seen with no Internet addiction, with majority being mild (44.8%) and moderately (36.5%) addicted. Severe addiction was seen in around one out of twenty participants (6.1%). Social networking (32%) and education (34.5%) were the major reasons for use of Internet. Higher pocket money (aOR=4.3), greater monthly internet expenditure (aOR=2.8), ownership of internet enabled mobile phone (aOR=3.9), lying down posture while accessing internet (aOR=4.8) and evening (aOR=2.2) or night time (aOR=8.7) of internet access were significant predictors for Internet addicts. Conclusion: In this study more than four fifth of the college students had Internet Addiction even at young age. Physical, Mental, Social and General health were significantly negatively correlated with internet addiction.
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    Glycemic Control and Its associated Determinants among Type II Diabetic Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital in North India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Gurjar, Soorveer Singh; Mittal, Anshu; Goel, Gauri Shankar; Mittal, Anuj; Ahuja, Anil; Kamboj, Deepmala
    Introduction: Good glycemic control has been defined as achieving a target of fasting plasma glucose level of between 80 and 110 mg/dl, or glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) of <7.0%. Poor glycemic control is highly correlated with chronic conditions related to the damaging effects of hyperglycaemia, resulting in serious complications. To restrict and delay the complications of diabetes mellitus, good glycemic control is essential. Objective: To identify the determinants associated with poor glycemic control among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among 403 confirmed type 2 diabetic patients who attendedone of the tertiary care hospitals of North India over a period of six months (July- December 2021). The collected data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 28. Chi-square test was applied to compare various determinants of glycemic control. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Out of 403 participants, 57.6% had poor glycemic control of diabetic condition. Higher age of participants, illiteracy, being overweight, having positive history of smoking and alcohol, longer duration of diabetes, participants taking both oral and insulin treatment for diabetes, taking medicine irregularly were the significant determinants of poor glycemic control. Conclusion: Higher percentage(57.6%) of poor glycemic control was observed in the study.To improve the glycemic control, efforts should be made towards improving modifiable factors like overweight, smoking, alcohol, regularity of medication etc. Good lifestyle interventions help in control of poor glycemic control.
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    Comparison of Demography, Resource Utilization and Outcomes of COVID 19 patients admitted during First and Second waves at a tertiary care institute in Kanyakumari, South India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Bimalraj, R; Ravishankar, V; Panicker, Priya R; Mohan, AD Arun
    Introduction: The novel Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) affected India, predominantly in two time periods – the first wave from March to December 2020, and the second wave that raged from April to July 2021. Although the time duration of second wave was shorter than the first, the onslaught of the disease was much more severe during the second wave. Objective: To compare the demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted during the first and second pandemic waves. Method: Demographic characteristics, duration of hospitalization, critical unit admission, and mortality data of 137 and 345 COVID-19 positive individuals, from first and second waves respectively, were retrospectively analyzed in a teaching hospital in South India. Descriptive statistics, Independent t test, chi square tests and regression analysis were used for statistical analysis, with significance level prefixed at 5%. Results: Median age of hospitalisation was 46.2 years and 48.39 years during first and second waves respectively, with male preponderance in second wave. There was a statistically significant difference in mean duration of stay (9.04 days v/s 7.53 days), mean Spo2 at admission (98.4% v/s 96.6%), ventilation requirement (1.5% v/s 8.7%), oxygen requirement and ICU care between the two waves.Conclusion: During the second COVID wave, significantly higher hospitalisation rates, intensive care requirements and inpatient mortality was observed. Elevated C Reactive Protein levels, lymphocytopenia, history of diabetes and other co-morbidities were associated with poor outcomes in both waves.
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    A Case Control Study on Risk Factors and Drug Prescription Patterns in Glaucoma at a Tertiary Eye Care Center in a City of Western India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Bharadwaj, Sanket P.; Goswami, Kavisha S.; Shah, Kintu S.; Raval, Reema M.; Shah, Shailjaa N.; Shukla, Aparajita A.; Gowani, Shahnoor K.
    Introduction: Glaucoma is an idiopathic, progressive optic disc neuropathy complicating into irreversible blindness if untreated. Early diagnosis by screening cases from high-risk populations has a pivotal role in managing this major public health problem with high treatment expenditures. Objectives: To identify the various ocular and non ocular risk factors of glaucoma and to identify the drug prescription pattern among glaucoma patients. Method: This was an observational, case-control study including 165 adult Glaucoma patients on treatment as cases and 165 age and sex-matched healthy individuals as controls, all of which were randomly selected from the patients visiting a tertiary eye care center. Various risk factors, drug prescription pattern and symptoms of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 165 adult Glaucoma patients and age and gender matched 165 controls were enrolled. Majority of the patients (41.21%) complained of blurring of vision at the time of study. The Odds ratios for Family history, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Migraine, Sleep apnea and Smoking showed strong association as risk factors for Glaucoma and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p value < 0.05). The mean number of drugs per prescription ± SD was 1.88 ± 0.79. Fixed drug formulations were prescribed in 42.4% patients. All the drugs were prescribed by their brand names and majority of them were in the form of eye drops. Conclusion: Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) was the most common subtype in the study. Age, Family history, Myopia, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Sleep Apnea, Migraine, Corticosteroid usage and Smoking emerged as putative risk factors. In consistence with present guidelines, Prostaglandin analogs were the most prescribed antiglaucoma drugs. The considerable proportion of asymptomatic cases (23%) suggests the need for periodic eye examinations to detect glaucomatous changes at an early stage.
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    Prevalence and Factors Associated With Depression among School Going Adolescents in Bengaluru: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Udayakumar, Divya; NK, Brunda; Livingston, Lovely; Shetty, Shruthi; Chivukula, Satya Kishore
    Introduction: The period of adolescence involves a lot of emotional changes as it is a period of transition to adulthood demanding independence.Adolescents with depression are more likely to have anxiety, disruptive behavior disorder and substance abuse when compared to those who are not depressed. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depression among school going adolescents and to assess the factors associated with depression among them. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school going adolescents aged 13-16 years in the urban field practice area of a Medical College. Depression was assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Total 896 adolescents were included in this study. Single stage cluster sampling method was done in which schools were considered as clusters and students constituted the sampling units. Schools were selected by simple random sampling technique using lottery method. Results: In this study about 45.2% of the adolescents had depressive disorder, out of which mild depression was reported among 22.2% students, 12.4% moderately depressed and 10.6% severe depression. Factors like mother's education, lack of communication by father and mother with their children, lack of needs satisfied by the fathers of the adolescents (61.9%), father's role in adolescents' life (62%) and domestic violence in family (69.7%) were some of the important reasons for developing depression among adolescents. Adolescent whose parents were having conflict (69.2%) were found be depressed when compared to those adolescents whose parents had no conflicts this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of depression was found to be 45.2%. Finding of the study emphasizes the need for creating awareness about the early identification of behavioral changes leading to depression among adolescents by the parents and teachers. It is also important to emphasize to the parents on how their relationship and behavior towards the family affects the mental wellbeing of the adolescents.
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    Relevance of Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) for Procurement of Equipments in a Government Medical College and Hospital in North-East India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Nag, Paulami; Dutta, Samarpita; Saha, Goutam; Das, Arindam
    Introduction: Continuous procurement of various equipments in the hospitals is essential to keep up with global progress of healthcare services. In public sectors, procurement process largely depends on budget sanctions and also by a number of formal procedures and rules which leads to delayed procurement. With this prevalent scenario, the present study was carried out to evaluate the procurement of two major equipments in an apex tertiary care institute using Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). Objective: This study was done to evaluate the procurement of two major equipments using PERT in a tertiary care institute. Method: This study was conducted using Operational Research technique in an apex tertiary care institute i.e., medical college and hospital, in one of the North Eastern states of India. All the procurements related to equipments in that teaching hospital initiated in the financial year 2021 were listed. Out of them, two procurement files were selected by simple random sampling; procurement of Operating Table and Bio Safety cabinet Level – III. Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) was applied to calculate the possible reduction in time in the whole procurement process. Results: The present study showed that procurement of Operating table took 185 days where minimum 8 days could have been saved and procurement of Bio-Safety cabinet Level-III was completed by 702 days where minimum 196 days could have been saved. Conclusion: Application of PERT in this procurement evaluation process can play significant role by calculating critical path and predicting the possible delay.
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    Barriers and Solutions Pertaining to Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Implementation in a Block of West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Approach
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2023-03) Shukla, Vineeta; Ray, Kuntala; Basu, Mausumi
    Introduction: Improvement of maternal health care services will not only put a positive impact on maternal health, but also on the health of the new born. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the proportion of eligible beneficiaries who received the benefits provided by the scheme, to identify the barriers faced by the beneficiaries and health providers related to the scheme and to find possible solutions to overcome the barriers found as suggested by them in a block of West Bengal. Method: A cross-sectional study with sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was conducted in a block of West Bengal from January-December 2021. Quantitative data was collected from the digital portal of PMMVY. All beneficiaries who had their Last Menstrual Period (LMP) on and after 1st March 2020 up to 31st December 2020 were included. To identify the barriers faced and suggest possible solutions, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with the beneficiaries, ANMs and ASHAs and Key-Informant Interviews (KIIs) with the Block Medical Officer and Data Entry Operator. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed in the form of themes, codes and verbatim. Results: Total eligible beneficiaries for the three installments were 1066, 917 and 708 respectively. About 95.5% beneficiaries received the first installment, 93.0% received the second and 98.3% had received the third installment. The broad themes [codes] generated from the FGDs were challenges during antenatal care [ANC refused, home visit preferred, home ANC difficult, lockdown], challenges related to the PMMVY scheme [documents unavailable, incomplete forms, payment issues], possible solutions [prepare pre-requisites beforehand, provide cash]. Widely two main themes emerged from the KIIs: Form related issues and Payment issues. Conclusion: Coverage of PMMVY scheme in the block was satisfactory. However, speeding the payment process and stricter monitoring of the scheme is required
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    Delay in Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer Patients Attending a Tertiary CareHospital in Kashmir: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-12) Qazi, Tanzeela Bashir; Yousuf, Awhad Mueed; Pandit, Mohammad Iqbal; Khan, Muhammad Salim
    Introduction: cancers is associated with a favourable outcome. Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers of gastrointestinal tract. Majority patients visit physicians in developed stages. To evaluate theObjective: reporting pattern of stomach cancer patients living in Kashmir valley in order to determine the median time of delay from the beginning of symptoms to diagnosis. Total 116 proven stomach cancer patientsMethod: were evaluated for the pattern of presentation at endoscopy laboratory of Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh Kashmir from April 2019 to September 2020. In this study, the mean age (SD) of participantsResults: was 60.22 ± (11.90) years. Majority of the participants (69.8%) were males. Cases were predominantly from the rural area (58%).Only 15.5 % of the cases were diagnosed within one month of their symptoms while as 3.4% of the cases had a total delay of more than 12 months. The study found a considerable total delay in the diagnosis of stomach cancer. The mean of the patient delay was 45.6 days. The median total delay was 20 weeks. Since stomach cancer has high mortality and morbidity rates associated, creatingConclusion: awareness among the population and training of physicians regarding timely referral of patients seems important
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    A Cross-Sectional Study on Determinants of Career Choice Preferences amongUndergraduate Medical Students at One of the Medical Colleges of Gujarat, India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-12) Amin, Chikitsa; Kansagra, Dharti; Tanna, Vilpa
    Introduction :Choosing a medical specialty is a life-defining decision for medical students. As medical students progress through medical course, it is observed that their interests in specialties change due to one reason or another. 1.To assess career choices for post-graduation among under graduateObjectives: medical students. 2. To determine the factors influencing the carrier choices of study participants. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among 594 MBBS students of one of the Government Medical Colleges of Gujarat during December 2019 to March 2020. All undergraduate medical students except student from 1 year MBBS was enrolled in the study by purposive sampling. A self-administered pretested,st semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to collect socio-demographic variables, their choice of post- graduation subject and reasons for the same. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation (mean ± SD) and percentage were calculated. Chi square test was applied for statistical analysis. Out of 594Results: participants studied, 375 (63.1%) were males and 219 (36.9%) females. Most preferred specialties were medicine 138(24.7%) and general surgery 60(10.7%)among all students. Obstetrics and Gynaecology 34(75.6%) and Community Medicine 2(59.0%) were preferred by females while General Surgery 51 (85.0%) and Orthopaedics 20 (87.0%) were more preferred by males as a career. This difference proved to be statistically significant(p < 0.05). The distribution by years with different specialties shows statistically significant differences with Medicine, Dermatology, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology and Others. Personal interest was most valued influencing factor among 184 (31.0%) followed by job opportunities 111 (18.7%) and the least popular factor was financial reasons 17 (2.9%). The majority of the studentsConclusion: planned to specialize in clinical fields such as edicine and urgery. Most common factors influenced theirM S choices were personal interests and career opportunities in the preferred fields. Financial reasons or the influence of the role model were least important factor as far as carrier choice of medical undergraduates was concerned.
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    Clients' Perspective for Quality of Services at One of the Urban Primary Health Centres (U-PHC) at Municipal Corporation Area in One of the cities of Western India
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-03) Jani, Dharati; Sharma, Rashmi
    Introduction: Client satisfaction surveys are central to quality improvement at health facility. It helps in identifying areas of low satisfaction and steps to maximize patient satisfaction. Objectives: To assess client satisfaction towards services at Out Patient Department (OPD) of at an U-PHC under Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), identify areas of low satisfaction and suggest feasible remedial measures for improvement. Method: Out of 74 U PHCs under AMC, 1 was selected through simple random sampling. Quality of care was evaluated through client's feedback which was gathered through 10 check points (on structure, process and outcome) developed by state level quality team. Responses of 300 adult (> 18 years) subjects and their mean ± standard deviation scores were calculated. These subjects were selected nd thconsecutively as 25 cases (new cases who came first and were willing) on every 2 and 4 Mondays for 6 months (Sep 2019 – Feb 2020). Results: While availability of drugs was perceived as very satisfying that of investigations was relatively an area of concern. Overall, only 1 client rated the services as average while all rest (99.6%) rated services as very good to excellent. Conclusion: Quality of services at this U PHC was good to excellent and had wider acceptability among its client.
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    A Study of Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Newborns Delivered at Oneof the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Saurashtra Region, Gujarat
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-12) Patel, Harsh; Mehta, Jitesh; Patel, Bela; Ram, Rohitkumar; Parmar, Dipesh
    Introduction :Birth weight is one of the most important criteria for determining neonatal and infant survival and is considered a sensitive index of the nation's health and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines low birth weight (LBW) as “Birth weight less than 2500 grams” regardless of gestational age, the measurement being taken preferably within the first hour of life. 1)ToObjectives : estimate the prevalence of LBW among sample population at tertiary care hospital. 2)To study the distribution of newborns, according to socio-demographic characteristics of the mother and its association with LBW. A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 newborns betweenMethod: December 2020 and November 2021. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. The data were collected from the case file and face-to-face interview. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Prevalence of low birth weight was 29.2%. Majority 271Results: (54.2%) of newborn mothers' age group was between 21 to 25 years. More than half 272 (54.4%) newborns were from mothers who studied up to primary level education and more than three forth 389 (77.8%) were from mothers who were housewives. Majority 293 (58.6%) of newborns were from the urban area, around three forth 382 (76.4%) newborns were Hindu and nearly two fifth 194 (38.8%) newborns belonged to lower middle class. Prevalence of low birth weight was significantly higher in mothers aged >35 andyears ?20 , who were illiterate, doing labour work and belonging to lower socio-economic class.years Conclusion: The prevalence of Low Birth Weight was 29.2% among sample population. Socio-demographic variables like maternal age >35 years 20 years, illiteracy, labour work and lower socio-economic class, ? had shown significant risk for delivering Low Birth Weight babies.
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    Utilization and Satisfaction of Beneficiaries Regarding Take Home Ration Provided At Urban Anganwadis of Ahmedabad, Gujarat
    (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-12) Sisodiya, Ashadevi; Kachhawal, Fatema; Shukla, Aparajita
    Introduction: Nutrition is fundamental to human health and development. The Take Home Ration (THR) program provides fortified rations for 6 months to 3 years normal children and severely underweight children up to 6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating women through Anganwadis (AW). The National Nutrition Missions have targeted to decrease under nutrition by 3% each year. oObjective : T assess the utilization and satisfaction level of beneficiaries regarding THR and to identify challenges faced by AWW related to THR. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 40Aanganwadi Workers ( ) Aanganwadis situated in the urban field practice area of the institute. Interview of all the (40) Anganwadi workers were conducted regarding implementation of THR Program. For assessing the utilization and satisfaction regarding THR, total 200 beneficiaries were selected from five different groups viz; 6 months to 3-year children, severely underweight children up to 6 years, Adolescent girls, Pregnant women and lactating women. Purposive sampling was used for selection of beneficiaries considering availability of beneficiaries at the time of study. Knowledge of AWW regarding THR scheme was good. Out of 200Results: beneficiaries, 97.5% beneficiaries were obtaining THR packets from anganwadis, out of which 66% beneficiaries were using them regularly. Around 36% of beneficiaries weren't satisfied with THR provided to them. Major challenges faced by beneficiaries were: Lack of variety, not possible to make separate food items from THR due to time constraints and lack of knowledge. Utilization of THR amongConclusion: beneficiaries was not satisfactory. Most of the beneficiaries were disappointed with taste of the THR. Beneficiaries strongly recommended for improvement in taste and flavour. Awareness regarding THR scheme was satisfactory among AWW. Biggest challenge faced by AWW was to convince beneficiaries regarding intended benefits of THR and regular usage of the same.