Indian Journal of Community Health
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Editor: Dr Pradeep Aggarwal
ISSN: 0971-7587; (Print)
Frequency: 4 issues a year
Language: English
An Official Publication of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand Chapter
Open Access Peer-reviewed journal
Web site: https://www.iapsmupuk.org/journal/index.php/IJCH/index
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Item Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Health Care Workers in India(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2023-03) Tiwari, N; Goyal, A; Sharma, M; Kumar, D; Yadav, C; Gite, A.Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 has been spread almost all over the world in the last two years, including in India. Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19, and India has flagged the largest vaccination drive on 16 January 2021. Although public acceptance was varying, which can lead to non-acceptance. Aim & Objective: To estimate an acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its associated factors. Settings and Design: An analytical cross-sectional study among health care workers in India Methods & Material: It was conducted using a validated, self-administrated online survey questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS 23 version. The outcome variable was healthcare workers’ acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total of 450 HCWs participated, including 205(45.6%) women and 245(54.4%) men. A total of 270 (60%) subjects will accept vaccines, while 33.3% were unwilling to accept and wait for vaccines. Male gender (OR=3.14), being married and experienced (OR=11.49), vaccine effectiveness (OR=6.4), vaccine safety (OR=3.4), and past history (OR=2.28) were significantly associated. On applying logistic regression for associated factors, gender (B= -1.145, S.E.= 0.200, Wald 32.748), being married (B= -1.482, S.E.= 0.216, Wald 46.937), for experienced (B= -0.865, S.E.= 0.200, effectiveness (B= -1.856, S.E.= 0.245, wald 57.431), Safety (B= -1.224, S.E.= 0.202, Wald 36.633) and past history (B= -0.357, S.E.= 0.248, Wald 2.071) found significant. Recommendation: Proper information is crucial and healthcare workers’ attitudes about vaccines are an important factor for acceptance and recommendation of the vaccine to the public for population-wide coverage.Item Age at natural menopause and factors affecting its onset: A cross-sectional study among postmenopausal females in District Dehradun(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2022-06) Signh, P; Vyas, S; Vallabh, V; Nautiyal, R; Srivastava, A.Background: Menopause has become a popular topic of study as life expectancy rises around the world. The average age at menopause in both developed and developing countries ranges from 45 to 53 years. Factors influencing the extent of ovarian follicle reserve dwindling, such as sociodemographic, menstrual, reproductive, and dietary factors. Aim and Objective: The present study aimed to determine the mean age of menopause and to find out the various factors affecting menopause onset. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study conducted in rural and urban areas of District Dehradun for a period of 1 year starting 1st August 2020 to 31st July 2021. Data were collected using multistage stratified random sampling from 211 cases of natural menopause. Chisquare was applied as statistical test of significance and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to current study, average age menopausal age is 46 years. Variables like sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, reproductive and menstrual factors were found to have a significant relationship with onset of menopause. Conclusion: Menopause, whether it occurs early or late in life, several factors are responsible for deciding its onset. As a result, it is critical to identify the factors influencing the onset of menopause.Item Anaemia and Iron studies among women of reproductive age group: A Cross-sectional survey of a Large Cantonment in Western Maharashtra(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2022-09) Bajaj, S; Shankar, AK; Bajaj, N; Yadav, AK.Background: Anaemia remains a major cause of concern among the women of reproductive age in our country. However, there is a wide variation amongst different socio-economic strata. Aim & Objectives: This study was conducted among women of reproductive age for prevalence of anaemia and its association with certain socio-clinical variables in cantonment. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The information regarding socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements and clinical parameters were taken. Hemogram and iron profile was done by collecting venous blood from the participants. Results: Data was analyzed for 722 participants. There were 140 (20.2% (95% CI: 17.2 – 23.3)) non-pregnant women of reproductive age-group having anemia. Out of these 140, mild, moderate and severe anaemia was seen in 57(40.7%), 77(55%), 06(4.3) respectively. The major factors associated with anaemia were heavy menstruation and higher parity. Amongst these 140, iron deficiency anaemia was diagnosed in 135 (96.7%). Among the 28 pregnant women, eight were anaemic (28.6: 95% CI 19.1-63.9). Conclusion: The results of our study showed lower prevalence of anaemia than national level and majority of these were iron deficiency anaemia, which is amenable to prevention and treatmentItem Analyzing Out of Pocket Health Expenses: An Assessment based on Cross Section Study in Assam(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2019-06) Devi, NBackground: Increasing out of pocket health expenses is one of the major debates among the policy makers during the recent years. Out of pocket (OOP) health expenses above the catastrophic level leads to impoverishment of the rural poor. Aims & Objectives: To analyzes the impact of inpatient care in escalating OOP expenses and identifies the factors associated with catastrophic health expenditure in Assam, India. Material & Methods: The study is based on the household survey conducted during 2014 - 15 in Nagaon and Nalbari districts of Assam. The factors associated with catastrophic health expenditure are estimated using binary logistic regression model. Results: The households are afflicted with a larger burden of healthcare expenditure mainly in case of inpatient care. Due to severe shortage of medical personnel and equipment, residents are compelled to visit private health facilities. Huge costs are borne by the households due to outsourcing of services from government to private sector. Conclusions: Provision of protection from financial risk for health hazards and improvement of quality of health care in government hospitals is imperative to improve the existing situation.Item Antenatal depression and its correlates - a cross-sectional study in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2022-12) Gupta, B; Mangal, A; Thakur, A; Vaghela, JF; Sharma, A.Background- Antenatal depression is affecting 10% pregnant women worldwide with higher prevalence in developing countries. This causes poor maternal and foetal outcome and also affects cognitive development of the child. Aim and objective: To estimate magnitude of antenatal depression and its risk factors. Methodology- A cross-sectional survey was done at the antenatal clinic of community health department catering to an urban resettlement colony, East Delhi. Estimated sample size was 216 (including 10% non-response rate). Pregnant women attending the ANC clinic from October 2019 to February 2020 were enrolled. EPDS questionnaire was used to assess depression during pregnancy. Results-The antenatal depression was found in 11.8% subjects as per EPDS score. Working female and belonging to Muslim religion, past history of abortion, complications in previous pregnancy, financial debt, physical violence and substance use in family showed significant association with antenatal depression. Conclusion –Depression was prevalent among antenatal women and was found to be associated with various risk factors.Item Anti-HBs Antibodies over time in healthcare workers(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2019-03) Sharma, T; Mittal, G; Kalra, C; Agarwal, RK; Rawat, BSBackground: In developing countries including India only 18 % HCWs are vaccinated against HBV. Inspite of all the recommendations, compliance to vaccination remain poor in majority of health care settings. Aims & Objectives: To estimate serum levels of anti-HBs antibodies in healthcare workers and to correlate the values of Anti-HBs level over time in health care workers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Health care workers of tertiary care hospital. Their demographic details and hepatitis B vaccination history was recorded as per performa. Serum samples of all the subjects were tested for Anti-HBs levels by VIDAS-PC equipment. Results: Out of the 294 HCWs enrolled, 84% (247) were fully vaccinated whereas 16%(47) were partially vaccinated. The vaccination rate was highest among nursing staff (74.9%) followed by doctors (13.8%). 3% of doctors and 12.4% of nurses are still at risk of acquiring HBV infection. On anti -HBs titer estimation, 9.7% of the HCWs had anti-HBs titer < 10 mIU/ml while 90.3% had titre > 10 mIU/ml. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Hepatitis B immunization must be made compulsory for hospital staff in every health care setting as well as to check their anti HBs titres.Item Antibody Response to SARS-COV-2 Vaccination in Healthcare Workers of Uttarakhand: A Prospective Follow-up Study(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2023-03) Mittal, G; Singh, R; Mittal, M; Jahoor, S; Bisht, P; Kakati, B.Background: Countries around the world are now racing to vaccinate people against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The Government of India also rolled out its vaccination drive from 16th January ‘2021. Aims: To estimate the antibody response of the COVID-19 vaccine in the form of SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies in vaccinated healthcare workers. Methods: Prospective follow-up was study conducted on healthcare workers (HCWs) of a Medical college in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Healthcare workers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 were tested for SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies at regular intervals i.e at 4 weeks after the 1st dose and then again at 4 weeks after the 2nd dose. The third sample was taken 6 months after the 2nd dose. Results: A total of 302 HCWs were enrolled in the study who gave their samples for IgG antibody estimation after the Covishield vaccine. After 4 weeks of completion of both doses, 96% HCWs formed SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies, whereas 4% didn’t. Then after 6 months of follow-up, 14% HCWs have become negative for antibodies and better immunity is seen in people who also got infected with COVID-19 during this time. Conclusion: This study concludes that the immunity gained after vaccination is waning off in around 6 months and there is a need for a booster dose, especially for people at high risk. The infection control practices still play a crucial role in the prevention of this deadly disease.Item Appropriate Doses of Iron for Treatment of Anemia Amongst Pregnant and Lactating Mothers; Under Five Children; Children in 6-10 Years of Age; Adolescent Girls and Women in Reproductive Age Groups(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2018-04) Krishnapillai, MN; Choudhury, DR; Konapur, AIron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in India. In spite of implementation of a National iron supplementation programme of anemia control, the rate of decline in anemia prevalence has not been satisfactory. To address this issue, a National consultation meeting is being organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 23-24th April 2018, AIIMS, New Delhi. The purpose of the background document is to facilitate the deliberations of the above meeting. In this document, we discuss the latest progress in studies of iron metabolism, bioavailability, requirement and RDA for Indians. Hepcidin is a circulating peptide hormone secreted by the liver that plays a central role in coordinating the use and storage of iron with iron acquisition. Therefore, we considered it important to review and include trials on modulation of hepcidin during iron supplementation. Further, we made an attempt to review iron supplementation trials in Indian pregnant women and children to sequentially assess the basis for fixing iron dosage. Finally, we made an attempt to apply theoretical basis of computation of iron dose for the age/gender and physiological group for treatment of anemia due to iron deficiency. In the light of the role of hepcidin in iron nutrition, we consider it important to characterize the contextual determinants and establish the iron dosage. We believe that the systemic regulation may not allow the body to store adequate amounts of iron from oral doses in short duration of 100 days. Based on the biology of iron it appears that iron homeostasis leading to assimilation of storage of iron is a very slow process and may require practice of contextual food synergy systems to improve iron content (fortified foods) and bioavailability (vitamin C rich fruits) throughout life cycle.Item Are Health Caregivers safe from workplace violence? A cross sectional study on workplace safety from Tertiary Care Hospital of Uttarakhand(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2022-12) Vyas, S; Saini, RS; Semwal, J; Sharma, N; Chaturvedi, M; Ansari, MWF.Background: The prevalence of workplace violence in the healthcare sector is a problem that is frequently ignored and underreported. The performance of healthcare workers who have been the target of violence may suffer, which may have a negative effect on patient satisfaction and health. Aims & Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence of workplace violence (WPV), risk factors for violence against healthcare workers, and their experiencesregarding the same. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted on 157 hospital staff at Tertiary Care Medical College of Uttarakhand. Data was gathered using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire that was modified from the ILO, ICN, WHO, and PSI. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Results: Factors like age, gender, job profile, lesser work experience, night shifts, and fewer staff on duty were found to have a positive association with workplace violence. It was observed that the majority of incidents took place in the ward, and the patient’s relatives were the attacker in most of the cases. It was also seen that the majority of Hospital staff did not get bothered by the incident except by staying super alert while dealing with other patients or their relatives. Conclusion: The study concludes that while caring for patients, Hospital staff are at risk of being victims of aggressive and violent situations. To reduce this problem, strategies like training staff in order to handle such incidents in the future should be brought into practice. Laws should be made stricter & assaulting staff on duty should be made a cognizable offense with serious consequences & heavy penalties. Also, the young budding MBBS students should be trained by incorporating these strategies, laws & policies in the CBME curriculumItem Are We Educating, Our Children, About Hygiene? Are We Talking, With Them, About It?(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2018-09) Gupta, DCancer screening has always focused on screening lone individuals even when sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been traditionally known to require concurrent treatment of all current sexual partners. This shared responsibility towards the sexual partners cannot be limited only to the prevention and treatment of STDs, especially when human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a STD, has been implicated in the etio-pathogenesis of cervical, penile and anal cancers besides other perineal cancers. Consequently, educating Indian population about our personal perineal hygienic practices is of utmost importance to help curtailing the non-“contagious” spread of cancers.Item An assessment and correlation of emotional Intelligence and mental health of medical students(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2022-09) Khan, H; Gupta, R; Mishra, S.Introduction: Emotions like joy, anger, grief, jealousy, love, fear make our life worthwhile. Whatever we do, incites some emotion in us. If we are able to enjoy our emotions, without them having excessive control over us, then we can make ours as well as others’ lives better. Aim of the study was to assess and correlate emotional Intelligence with mental health. Methods: Type of study: Descriptive type of cross sectional study. Sampling: Simple random sampling. Study population: Under graduate students in a private medical college in western Uttar Pradesh. Sample size: 246. Results: The average emotional intelligence score was 26.82 with standard deviation of ±5.80. Average emotional intelligence among males was 27.04(±6.72) and was 26.63(±5.07) among females. Spearman Rank correlation coefficient “r” =0.789, showed highly positive correlation between ranks from both the score. (p=0.0000). Conclusions: The medical students showing higher scores of emotional intelligence are less likely to be mentally stressed.Item Assessment of awareness regarding obstetric and newborn danger signs among pregnant women and recently delivered mothers in urban slums of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2019-03) Chandrakar, T; Verma, N; Gupta, SA; Dhurandhar, DBackground: Knowledge regarding danger signs has been found helpful to reduce delays in seeking, reaching and obtaining care during obstetric emergencies. Aims & Objectives: To assess the awareness regarding obstetric and newborn danger signs among pregnant and recently delivered mothers residing in urban slums of Raipur city. Material & Methods: Observational study was conducted among 160 pregnant and 70 recently delivered women residing in urban slums. The assessment of awareness regarding danger signs was done by adding the marks obtained in various phases. Appropriate statistical tests were applied for any association between knowledge score and socio-demographic variables. Results: Subjects knowing at least one key danger sign during pregnancy, labour, postpartum and newborn period was 54.3%, 51.9%, 7.4%, and 11.3 % respectively. Those with age more than 20 years (p value 0.000), joint family (p value 0.000), educated more than 5 years (p value 0.009), and having married and getting first time pregnant after 20 years (p values 0.001 and 0.022 respectively) were found to have significantly more knowledge about danger signs. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding danger signs should be given at the time of every ANC visit and also at follow up visit after delivery.Item Assessment of Cold Chain System for Routine Immunization of Primary Health centres of the Bhojpur district of Bihar(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2018-06) Pandey, S; Singh, CM; Ranjan, A; Kumar, Y; Kumar, P; Agarwal, NBackground: Immunization is an important among activity in the Public Health Services. The vaccines are highly temperature sensitive and vaccine potency once lost cannot be restored. A well-managed cold chain will increase the efficiency of immunization and reduce vaccine wastage. An assessment of cold chain system for vaccine storage was done in the all PHCs of the study area. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the cold chain practices, with particular reference to assessing the availability of cold chain equipment, vaccine storage practices, monitoring of cold chain in primary health centres (PHCs) of Bhojpur district. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at all the cold chain points of 14 PHCs of Bhojpur district during January to May 2015. A predesigned, pretested checklist was used by the trained investigators during their visits. The information was evaluated on the basis of important components related to the cold chain points. Results: All the PHCs had a dedicated cold chain room with sufficient number of cold chain equipment. Consolidated effective vaccine management score for cold chain points of 8 (57.1%) PHCs were average (60-79%). None of the PHCs have satisfactory score (≥ 80%). Vaccine storage practice and availability of complete RI micro-plan were found satisfactory at 12 (85.7%) PHCs. Maintenance of cold chain equipment were satisfactory at 10 (71%) PHCs. But, temperature monitoring. (5) (35.7%) and waste disposal related to routine immunization 3 (21.4%) PHCs were disappointing. Conclusion: The primary health centres had average performance related to the cold chain system, which is a matter of concern warranting for the cold chain monitoring. We recommend supportive supervision as the key measures in improvement of cold chain system.Item Assessment of coping strategies for stress and depression among adolescents in Udupi taluk, Karnataka(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2019-09) Verma, ABackground: Adolescent is the age between 10-19 years and prone to develop stress and depression. They learn coping strategies to overcome stress and depression which shape their future. Aims & Objectives: To assess the coping strategies adopted by adolescents to overcome stress and depression in Udupi taluk, Karnataka. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents from class 9th to 11th. Two stage stratified random sampling technique was used. Stratification was done into government, aided and private schools in first stage and proportional allocation was done among study participants in second stage. The total sample size was 1058. Brief cope inventory was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Most common coping strategy used were active coping, use of instrumental support, planning and positive reframing. Least used coping strategies were humor, behavior disengagement and substance abuse among adolescents. Age of adolescents, type of school and classes were statistically significant with coping strategies. Conclusion: Commonly used coping strategies were positive ways of coping but still some adolescents used negative coping strategies as well which might have an impact in life or shape them in developing their behavior.Item Assessment of depression and its correlates among college students in Rishikesh Uttarakhand(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2019-06) Kumar, S; Natarajan, K; B, Y; Chandra, RBackground: Depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Objective: To assess the levels of depression and its correlate among college students in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Methodology: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from February 2018 to April 2018 among 126 students of a Government PG College Rishikesh belonging to age 18 -26 years. A pre-validated semi- structured pretested Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was applied for this purpose. Results: Mean age of the participants was 22.84±1.5 years. Overall prevalence of depression among study population was 74.60% among them 4% were severely depressed. 58% of females and 40% males had suicidal ideations. Majority of participants were stressed with the undue peer pressure followed by career pressure. Physical activity for atleast 30 minutes a day for 5 days in a week was found to be significantly (p<0.02, odds ratio 0.20 (0.06-0.7 at 95%CI) beneficial for depression. Conclusion: Depression is prevalent among college going population. Peer pressure, academic stress, career pressure, financial stress in home, undue parental expectations on students are associated with depression among college going students.Item Assessment of Educational Environment of Newly Established Medical College by UG Medical Students: A Mixed Method Study(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2023-06) Srivastava, A; Pathak, S; Singh, U; Bihari, A; Upadhyay, M.Introduction: Educational environment always play a crucial role in the development of students as well as faculty of any institution. In India, there is a continuous increase in the number of medical colleges and the number of MBBS seats, but the quality of education with quantity is questionable. To answer this question, the present study was planned to know the educational environment in a new Medical Institution that ejected its alumni in 2018. Aim: To analyze the educational environment of a newly established Medical College in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional which took six months to complete. This study used the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire, open-ended questions and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study was conducted on MBBS students in Government Medical College, Azamgarh, UP. Results: The batch-wise Global DREEM scores were 169.08 (alumni), 156.23 (interns), 168.76 (2015), 164.16 (2016), 176.23 (2017), 176.94 (2018). This demonstrates that the educational environment is satisfactory in all domains and comes under the 3rd category of the educational environment index. The FGDs showed a positive response in all batches but with high variability in scores, which indicates lack of standardization in Medical Education. The open-ended questions’ responses revealed many merits and demerits about five domains. Conclusion: The variability of DREEM score, FGDs and open ended questions denotes the lack of standardization in the Medical Education system and the scores of the Education Environment Index (all domains) must move from category III (satisfactory) to category IV (excellence).Item Assessment of effectiveness of Cinemeducation as a tool to impart communication skills among the MBBS 1st Professional students(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2022-12) Bartwal, J; Shukla, M.Background: Improvements in healthcare providers’ communication skills have been linked to more effective healthcare delivery, improved patient compliance, better patient and provider satisfaction, and fewer lawsuits. Cinemeducation is a relatively new method of medical education where movies or movie clips are used to stimulate discussions and reflections, which is a part of an active learning process. Hence, the present study was undertaken. Methods: We conducted an educational research, mixed method study among the MBBS 1st Professional students. A pre & post test to assess the knowledge and attitude of the students about the importance of communication skills in doctor-patient relationship. Students wrote the reflection and feedback after watching the movie clip. Quantitative analysis was done using paired t test by SPSS v. 20. Qualitative data analysis was done by two investigators independently. Results: The pre & post test for knowledge was statistically significant while communication skill attitude scale score for both positive & negative was not significant. Conclusion: The student’s knowledge improved significantly after the sessions on communication skills, while negligible change in attitude was observed. Reflective writing by the students shows that cinemeducation can be used as one of the tool for teaching communication skills to the medical students.Item An Assessment of Home-Based Newborn Care Plus Innovation in Six districts of Rajasthan: A Cross Sectional Comparative Analysis(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2019-09) Yonzon, KK; Dehingia, N; Alwadhi, V; Singh, K; Kumar, H; Bhat, AA; Khanna, R; Khera, ABackground: To improve coverage of key child health community practices, Home Based Infant Care (HBNC+) was implemented with support of Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) in 4 States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha. The innovation aimed at improving coverage of key child health interventions through home visits by community health worker, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA). Aims & Objective: This paper elucidates the results from the assessment of implementation in intervention versus control districts of Rajasthan. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional intervention-control design with a sample size of 3211 mothers of children in age group 0 to 23 months was adopted. Results: 85 percent of the children (aged 3-23 months) received at least one infant care home visit in the intervention districts in comparison to 32 percent in control. Significant improvements were found in terms of exclusive breastfeeding, weighing and Iron Folic Acid (IFA) consumption and availability of ORS and Iron Syrup in intervention districts. 15 percent additional children had weight plotted in growth charts and 24 percent more consumed IFA syrup bi-weekly in intervention districts. Conclusion: Home visits in infancy is a scalable model and can lead to improvement of community child health practices.Item Assessment of Knowledge and Practice to Control Nosocomial Infection, Among the Staff Nurses, Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2018-12) Mohapatra, A; Sarangi, LBackground: A nosocomial infection is that which is acquired in a hospital or other health care agency upto 48 hours after hospital admission, upto 3 days after discharge, upto 30 days after an operation or was admitted to hospital for other reasons other than the infection. Nurses have the major role to prevent the hospital acquired infection. Appropriate knowledge and practice in preventing nosocomial infection is important in their in their day to day patient care. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice to control nosocomial infection & also to find out the association between knowledge and practice to control nosocomial infection with the selected demographic variables. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in different wards of Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, BBSR. The sample size was 122 and the universal sampling technique was used. After obtaining written informed consent from the study participants, data was collected using two standardized tool. Knowledge was assessed by a scoring key and practice was assessed by likert scale. The association of knowledge and practice with demographic variables was analysed using chi square test. Results: 89.4% of staff nurses were females, 39.3% were in the age group of 31-40 years. and majority (51.6%) were GNM. There was no significant association (p<0.05) found, neither with knowledge nor with practice, with different demographic variables.Item Assessment of knowledge and skills of nursing staff working in a tertiary care hospital of Western Uttar Pradesh(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2018-03) Kariwala, P; Dixit, AM; Jain, PK; Rani, V; Srivastava, DKBackground: Nurses are the most vital part of the health system. Having adequate knowledge, awareness and desired clinical skills among them can decrease the risk of infection or complications, can shorten the stay of patients in hospital, decrease the morbidity and mortality of patients and decrease the disease burden.Material & Methods- Nursing staff from the wards of a private tertiary care hospital were interviewed for knowledge and observed for skill assessment. Aim & Objective: To assess the knowledge, skills and practices of nursing staff working in a tertiary care hospital. Results: Knowledge of nurses is good regarding routine investigations, universal precautions, work ethics but poor in pharmacovigilance. Nurses are found to be good having skills in patient care, clinical skills but are poor in practice of biomedical waste management and vital monitoring. Nurses are having good communication with patient &doctors but response time on patients’ call is more.Conclusion: Retraining of nursing staff at regular intervals to upgrade their knowledge regarding universal precautions, work ethics, bio medical waste management and improve upon clinical skills should be made mandatory in a hospital setting.