National Journal of Community Medicine

Permanent URI for this collection

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/149650

Executive Editor: Dr. Prakash Patel

ISSN: 0976-3325(Print)

Frequency: 4 issues a year

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.njcmindia.org/home/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 445

Family Environment and Its Effect on Self Esteem and Adjustment Behaviour among School Children: A Cross Sectional Study from Hubli Taluka, Dharwad, Karnataka
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Sarvar, R; Joshi, A; Bant, DD.
Background: Family environment plays a significant role in socio-emotional and educational adjustment in adolescents. In the present scenario, parents are in hurry to improve their standard of living and they have no time to engage in child-bearing activities. Low self-esteem is creating mental and psycho-social problems such as poor academic achievement, inadequate adjustments among the siblings and peers, impaired social functioning, suicide, and substance abuse among adolescents. Methodology: A School-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents of Hubli taluka. Information was collected by a self-administered questionnaire with components for Systematic assessment of family environment (SAFE), Self-esteem scale, and Adjustment inventory for school students (AISS). Results: Among 600 adolescents, 85.6% of adolescents had Normal self-esteem, 95%of families were competent, however only 1-7% of the students had an excellent adjustment. Emotional and social adjustment was better compared to Educational adjustment. Adjustment behavior and family environment had a positive association. There was a significant difference in the adjustment scores among low self-esteem and normal self-esteem (p<0.001) and also among discordant and competent families. Conclusion: The adjustment behavior depends on a better family environment and normal self-esteem. The Family environment has a positive effect on self-esteem as well as adjustment behavior. School mental health services should be initiated.
Visual Impairment and its causes among elderly women of rural area of Maharashtra
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Patel, S; Sharma, A; Tiwari, R.
Introduction: Visual impairment (VI) is a public health challenge affecting over 285 million people worldwide, including 39 million blinds. The research both from India and other parts of the world has revealed that VI increases with increasing age. It is also estimated that people aged 50?years and older comprise 65% and 82% of the total visually impaired and blind, respectively. The study is conducted to estimate the prevalence of visual impairment and its causes among elderly women of rural areas. Material and Methods: This study is a Community Based Cross-sectional study carried out in the field practice area of the rural health training center of the Department of Community Medicine. All women (n=260) aged 60 years and above in the study area formed the study population were interviewed by the house-to-house survey. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS .17. Results: Total out of 260 women, 212(81.53%) women had visual impairment. Out of 212 visual impairment participants, causes of low vision were 80.18% cataract, 35.37% operated cataract, 10.37% pterygium, and 2.35% any eye injury or infection. Conclusion: Cataract is the main cause of low vision. Pterygium, eye injury, and infection also cause visual impairment.
Prevalence of Psychological Problems among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) V, N; Patel, RG; NB, S.
Background: There is growing evidence that patient care is affected by increasing psychological problems among healthcare workers all around the world. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of psychological problems among health care workers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months. A structured questionnaire that included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Cohen抯 Perceived stress scale were used. Analysis was done using SPSS 21.0 software. Frequency was expressed in percentage and association with factors was tested for significance using Chi square test. p Value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the participants, nurses had the highest scores for psychological problems, followed by doctors and other staffs. According to PHQ-9, 32.4% of participants were found to have depression and 9% of participants had suicidal intentions, 20.3% reported high stress levels and about 70.02% reported moderate stress levels. Conclusion: Compared to senior and experienced faculty, the junior and young faculty had higher proportions of stress, depression. It was found that lower recreational activities, experiencing abuse either verbal or physical from patients/caregivers/senior staff, lack of empathy among co-workers showed higher association with psychological problems among the health care workers.
Covid Vaccine Side Effects and Covid Infection after Vaccination- A Cross Sectional Study in Hubballi, Karnataka
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Andanigoudar, KB; Bant, DD; H, S; U, O.
Introduction: Vaccination against Covid-19 has become the promising strategy in controlling rise in Covid cases. Covishield and Covaxin were the two vaccines initially available in India which have been administered to all those >18years of age. These vaccines exhibit a spectrum of side effects, which may affect vaccination rates. The study was conducted to estimate the frequency of side effects of Covid vaccines in India and their relationship with co-morbidities and prior Covid-19 infection. Methodology: A cross sectional questionnaire-based online survey was conducted for duration of one month among 1800 participants who had received at least one dose of Covid vaccine at KIMS Hospital, Hubballi, Karnataka, selected using systematic random sampling and information about vaccination, comorbidities and covid infection after vaccination was collected. Results: The most common side effects were fever, headache and generalised body ache. The prevalence of infection after complete vaccination with Covishield (4.45%) was higher than Covaxin (1.08%) and difference was statistically significant. The prevalence of side effects and Covid-19 infection after vaccination did not vary with co-morbidities. Conclusion: The side effects reported were not serious and the prevalence was similar in both the vaccines. The prevalence of infection still remains high after vaccination; hence Covid Appropriate Behaviour should be continued.
A Case of Falciparum Malaria Complicated By Patient Negligence
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Saran, S; Gopalakrishnan.
Adolescent Obesity � Emerging Public Health Problem of 21st Century
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Grace, G A; Edward, S; S, G.
Many Countries struggle to tackle the consequences of under nutrition and infectious diseases. At the same time, they are also now showing a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases and their risk factors like obesity and overweight, especially in urban areas. In the present era, it is quite common to find co-existence of under nutrition and obesity within a country, within a community and even within a household. Children living in developing and under-developed countries are more susceptible to poor nutrition during antenatal period, infancy and childhood. On the contrary, children also have easy access to food products with increased salt and fat percentage, decreased levels of micro nutrients and more junk calories. The synergistic effects of high calorie intake and low physical activity lead to increase in prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. This article discusses about the aetiology, epidemiology and determinants of adolescent obesity.
Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression and Self-Care Behaviour during the Covid-19 Pandemic in the General Population
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Gupta, S; Agarwal, N; Patel, PP; Epari, V.
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has affected not only physical health but also devastated mental wellbeing. The government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown limiting movement of the entire 1.3 billion populations. The impact of the pandemic on depression, anxiety and self-care behaviour among the general population was investigated. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was carried out with an anonymous questionnaire using validated instruments. Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to find the role of each variable in determining the relevant scores. Result: The mean age of the 1052 participants was 30.52 (SD � 13.42) years. The mean score of depression and anxiety was 5.96 and 5.27 respectively. Moderate to severe depression was noted among 18.68% and moderate to severe anxiety was noted among 16.1% of the respondents. Gender was a significant predictor of all three (depression, anxiety, and coping) scores, while the civil status predicted both depression and anxiety scores and age predicted only the depression score. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of the surveyed population in our setting has manifested symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gender, civil status and age predicted various scores.
Prevalence of Non-communicable Diseases among Elderly Women
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Patel, S; Sharma, A; Tiwari, R.
Introduction: NCDs are one of the major challenges for public health in the 21st century, not only in terms of human suffering but also the harm to the socio-economic development of the country. As the elderly population is likely to increase in the future, and there is a definite shift in the disease pattern i.e., from communicable to non-communicable, it is high time that the health care system gears itself to growing health needs of the elderly in an optimal and comprehensive manner. To provide aid for effective implementation of NCD program by measuring the prevalence of NCD among elderly women with an objective to assess the prevalence of Non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes) among elderly women has been conducted. Material and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the RHTC, Seloo All women (n=260) aged 60 years and above of six Anganwadi areas were interviewed by the house-to-house survey. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS.17. Results: 33.46% of elderly women belonged to the age group of 60-64 years, 78.85% of the elderly were illiterate. Among all elderly women, 30.38% had hypertension, 7.30% had diabetes, and Ischemic heart disease 1.15% and cancer 0.38% were found in study participants. Conclusion: Our study shows that diabetes and hypertension are more common among elderly women. The occupation had a significant association with diabetes.
Dengue in India: An Overview
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Prajapati, AK; Singh, NP; Jain, PK; Srivastava, DK; Prajapati, R.
Background: Dengue fever has become a major public health concern in our country, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Because there is no definite drug or commercially available vaccine for dengue, prevention is the only option. As a result, early reporting of dengue cases is required in order to implement preventive measures before the disease spreads to epidemic proportions. Therefore, healthcare providers should notify every dengue incident to local authorities in the current format, including the District Health Officer or Chief Medical Officer of district concerned and the Municipal Health Officer of municipality concerned every week (daily during the transmission period). Materials and Methods: The data on dengue (2015-2021 till Oct.) was available at the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and has been used in this paper. Results and discussion: During the last two decades (2000-2009 and 2010-2019), significant geographical spread of the dengue has been experienced in India with the repeated outbreaks, and an 11 fold increase in number of cases. Despite an increase in the incidence of dengue fever, the case fatality rate in India has decreased from 3.3% in 1996 to 0.4% in 2010 to 0.1% in 2019. Early diagnosis and timely referral play a critical role in bringing down Case Fatality Rate (CFR). Conclusion: Dengue is a manifestation arising from the process of increasing vector density and adaptation to human habitation, as well as human lifestyle transformation, unplanned developmental activities exacerbated by climate change.
Determinants of Low Birth Weight in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) Panda, R; Jena, P; Chanania, K; Kar, D.
Introduction: In developing countries like India, low birth weight is a major public health issue. It is a leading cause of disease and mortality in infants. Low birth weight can be avoided by identifying at-risk pregnant women and taking the necessary precautions. Methods: From January to June 2019, a facility based retrospective case control study was conducted among pregnant women who gave birth at the hospitals. The information was gathered from the antenatal care files and the delivery room register and records. SPSS version 24.0 was used to process the data. To find an independent predictor of low birth weight, researchers used binary and multiple bivariate logistic regressions. Result: An aggregate of 450 neonatal birth records were reviewed in this study of which 150 were low birth weight babies and 300 were of normal birth weight. The mean � SD and median [IQR] for birth weight of case group was [2.0�4kg, 2.2[1.8-2.4] kg] and that for control [3.1�4kg, 3.0[2.7-3.3] kg] respectively. Conclusion: Preterm delivery, mothers with hypothyroidism have an increased chance of having low birth weight babies whereas mothers with regular antenatal check-up and mothers with primary and secondary education have a lesser possibility of having low birth weight babies.
The prevalence and related factors of pre?diabetes and diabetes among overweight and obese children in Urban schools
(Medsci Publications, 2022-01) G, K.; J, I.; AN, A.; IMPS, I.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre?diabetes and diabetes among overweight and obese children in urban schools and factors associated with them, in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. Methods: A school based cross?sectional descriptive study was conducted to collect data on socio-demographic information, eating habits and physical activities, using a validated, pre-tested questionnaire. In addition, anthropometric measurements and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test were performed. Multivariate logistic regression analyze was performed to identify the factors associated with glycemic status by using SPSS v23. Results: Out of the 269 children recruited, 59% were obese. Prevalence of pre?diabetes (HbA1c 5.7%�4%) and diabetes (HbA1c ? 6.5%) were 20.1% (95% CI 15.5%�.4%) and 3.3% (95% CI 1.5%�3%) respectively. Multivariate regression shows that having a BMI of ? 27.5Kg/m2 (AOR=2.69), male gender (AOR=2.71) and ethnicity (AOR = 2.58) were found to be significant factors for higher HbA1c (?5.7%). Conclusions: Prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among overweight and obese school children was high and mainly associated with body weight which is a modifiable risk factor. Lifestyle modifications focusing on weight reduction among overweight and obese school children especially boys, need to be carried out.
A Study on Depression among Transgender Residing In Chennai District, Tamil Nadu
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) Prasanth, B, K; K, M; R, U; VM, A.
Introduction: In India, transgender population is one among the stigmatized and discriminated sector who face a lot of psychological problems due to their gender identity and lack of support. The study was done with the major objective to find out the prevalence of depression and the associated factors among transgender people residing in Chennai district. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done among 178 transgender residing in Chennai district selected by snowball sampling method. Patient Health Questionnaire � 9 was used to assess the prevalence of depression and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect details regarding associated factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The prevalence of depression among the present study was found out to be 76.8%. The major factors associated with depression were found to be lack of family and social support, faced violence due to discrimination and involvement is sex work which had a statistically significant association. Conclusion: Outreach camps have to be conducted among transgender population to screen for common mental health problems like depression and provide counseling to them and identify their problems and measures can be taken to address the same.
Covid-19 Morbidity amongst Covishield Vaccinated Vs Non-Vaccinated: A Comparative Study
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) Yadav, V; Kumar, P; Kushal, A; Yadav, R; Anjali, P.
Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic is further spreading its leg in India. Indigenous Covishield vaccination drive was started to protect people from the disease. Objective: This observational cross sectional study was conducted to assess the morbidity and mortality pattern amongst Covishield vaccinated people Vs non-vaccinated patients of covid19. Methodology: This observation study was conducted in a dedicated covid-19 hospital. All RTPCR covid-19 patients were included. The data on vaccination against covid-19 amongst the patients was obtained, and analysed using statistical software. Results: The study population comprised of 155 cases of confirmed covid-19 patients of which 24 (15.48%) were fully vaccinated, however 41 (26.45%) and 90 (58.06%) were partially and non-vaccinated respectively. Fully vaccinated people were protected from development of severe form of disease (X2=9.57, d.f=2, p=0.0083). Mortality was significantly less amongst vaccinated group (X2=4.83, d.f=1, p= 0.028). Conclusion: Patients who are completely vaccinated with Covishield vaccine are protected from development of severe form of diseases and deaths and hence mass vaccination of Indian population to overcome the pandemic is required at the earliest.
Role of BCG and Measles vaccination in protection against COVID-19 infection and severity of the disease: A pilot case-control study
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) Ranjan, A; Kumar, P; Verma, M; Singh, C; Pandey, S; Naik, BN; Nirala, SK; Rao, R.
Background: The role of BCG and MMR/Measles vaccination in reducing the burden of COVID-19 has been based on ecological data mostly. We planned this explorative pilot case-control study to understand the role of vaccination with Bacillus Calmette朑uerin (BCG) and measles administered as part of MMR vaccine on COVID 19. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted in AIIMS Patna during December 2020 and January 2021. A total of 100 COVID-19 patients confirmed by RT-PCR test were taken as cases, and for each case, age and gender-matched SARS-COV-2 negative individual was taken as control. A study tool containing a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used. Results: The unadjusted odds of COVID-19 were found to be significantly higher among BCG vaccinated [1.88(1.03-4.4)] and MMR vaccinated individuals [5.06(2.34-10.90]. BCG vaccine was not found to have an independent effect on COVID-19 after adjusting for tobacco use, MMR vaccination status, unprotected contact with SARS-COV-2 positive patients, and co-morbidities. But Measles vaccine was found to independently increase the risk of COVID-19 [AOR: 4.505(1.8-11.3)]. Conclusion: BCG vaccination status was not found to be an independent predictor of COVID-19. Further studies with large sample size and better study design (cohort, randomized trials) need to be conducted.
Prevalence of Anaemia among Adolescent Girls on Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) and Non WIFS Group in Rural Schools of Mangalore, Karnataka; a Comparative Study
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) Hameed, S; Muskan, GM; K, C; KG, K.
Background: Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme is an initiative to decrease the burden of anaemia among adolescents studying in Government schools. Objective: To assess the difference in prevalence of anaemia among Government school-going adolescents girls on WIFS as compared to private school girls not on WIFS. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls, 7th to 10th standard in Government schools (on WIFS) and private schools (not on WIFS). The sample size in each group was 104, selected by multi-stage sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire, clinical examination and haemoglobin estimation. Chi-square test and Unpaired t test used to compare the categorical and continuous variables respectively. Results: The prevalence of anaemia among the school children in government schools was 51% and in the private schools it was 64.4%. The mean haemoglobin was 11.77 � 1.41 and 11.34 � 1.49 in government and private school girls, respectively, which was statistically significant (p=0.013). Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia among the government school girls was lesser as compared to the private schools girls, suggesting the role of WIFS in the reduction of prevalence of anemia. WIFS programme may be extended to private schools as well.
A Study on Effect of Mobile Phone among College Students in Chennai
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) Edward, S; Edward, V; Mahim
Background: Smart phones have become an integral part of our life, especially among the younger population. Due to its overuse, the effects caused by mobile phones and electromagnetic field also show an increasing trend. Hence this study was conducted to assess the ill effects of mobile phone use among the college students in Chennai. Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among college students, Chennai, from May 2019 to June 2019. Males and Females between 17 to 23 years of age were included in the study. A total of 125 students selected by convenient sampling technique were included in the study. The study was conducted using a questionnaire, covering particulars related to mobile phone usage and its ill effects on them. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Results: Proportion of participants with different ill effects includes pimples (18.4%), sleep disturbances (16%), loss of interest in studies (15.2%), fatigue (11.2%), headache (9.6%), restlessness (8.8%), and redness of eye (6.4%), irritability (6.4%), dizziness (4.8%), thumb pain (3.2%) and earache (1.6%). Conclusion: Students needs to be educated regarding the health problems owing to the over usage of mobile phones and large-scale studies are needed to assess the extent of the problem.
Exploring the Pathway towards Depression among Working Married Women � A Qualitative Study Done In Urban Area of Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) Ramesh, K; R, U; VM, A; RJ, C; V, N.
Introduction: Globally, around 264 million people suffer from depression according to World Health Organization (WHO). As per the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), in the year 2015-2016, one in 20 people over the age of 18 years have ever had depression in India amounting to 45 million persons with depression in the year 2015. This study aimed to find out the self-perceived reasons of depression among married working women residing in an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This is a qualitative study done on married working urban women above 18 years of age visiting an UHTC of a private medical college at Anakaputhur. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess whether they have depression. Data was collected by in-depth interviews, and it was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Based on the responses obtained from the participants the following themes and subthemes are formed like Workplace factors, Factors related to family, social factors and Mental Health seeking behaviour. Among the workplace factors job satisfaction, long working hours and relationship with peers were common reasons elicited. Conclusion: Most of these problems could be overcome only if the society changes their mentality about women and practice gender equality and social justice.
Prevalence of Violence against Health Care Personnel in a Tertiary Care Centre, Hubballi, India
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) HR, S; Nekar, MS; Bant, DD.
Background: The sudden outburst of events in different parts of country like Dhule, Dharwad, Chennai and Jaipur led to the need of conducting a survey about violence against health care personnel. Health care personnel are at high risk of being victims of verbal and physical violence, its effect on them and their views on causes for sudden increase in such events. Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire regarding their experience with violence against health care personnel was prepared. Data was collected for two months 朚ay and June 2017. Sample size of 200 was calculated which included doctors, nursing staff and group D workers from KIMS Hubballi and analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: 99.5% were aware of increasing violent events.76% of them have experienced violence of which, Verbal abuse- 92.10% being the highest form, emotional abuse -17.76% and physical violence 6.58%. The common place of violence was the emergency department -62.09% during daily working hours. 92.10% have reported that patient attenders caused violence. Conclusion: Verbal and emotional abuse against health care workers has significantly amplified which is deteriorating physician patient relationship. Violence against health care personnel is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with more safety measures at the hospital.
Level of Independence and the Mental Status of the Visually Challenged High School Students in Chennai
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) Edward, S; Edward, V; V, K.
Background: The purpose of this study is to measure the number of visually impaired students who are capable of doing and managing their own work and also to evaluate their state of mind due to their impairment. The study is also to bring awareness about the rehabilitation centres and special training on mobility for the children. Objective: To find out the level of independence and the mental status of visually challenged students. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Sixty visually impaired students were included in the study by random sampling method. Male students from class 9th to 12th standard were evaluated. Data relevant to the study are gathered by interview schedule method and questionnaire was designed for the study beforehand. Result: It is evident from the current study that 83.3% of the impaired have not been trained to walk independently. Almost 78.3% of the students are not even aware of the rehabilitation centres. However, about 98.3% of students are independent in grooming and washing & also taking care of their personal work. As per the survey, only 26.6 % of students are feeling isolated, whereas, the balance 73.4% students feel very comfortable while dealing with sighted students. About 96.6% feel very happy and satisfied as they get enough support from their parents.
Review Locked- Down of Intimacy, Sexuality and Relationship during Covid Pandemic: Short Review
(Medsci Publications, 2022-02) kumar, M; Rohilla, KR; Singh, A; kumari, A; Sharma, R.
The Covid pandemic brought a hard time for sexual and reproductive health. Lockdown and covid restrictions made it difficult to maintain healthy sexual life and relationship. Although Covid is not a sexually transmitted disease and but can get a transfer into others by close contact with suspected or confirmed positive partners. Sexual health is essential for couples to maintain trust, intimacy, and love in their relationships. Reportedly sexual practices of couples changed accordingly to avoid any possible risk of transfer of deadly Covid infection. This paper is a review of studies published during past two years of pandemic. Even when people showing high levels of resilience, the negative aspects of pandemic and lockdown could affect their quality of sexual life. We are witnessing a century抯 crisis where the whole world is under threat of rapidly spreading the new infection COVID -19 and the overall global impact of this new pandemic is yet uncertain.

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