Healthline Journal of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, Gujarat Chapter
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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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Item Addiction to Online Video Games among First Year Medical Students of a College located in Western India(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-03) Zala, Darshana; Misra, ShobhaIntroduction: Video gaming has become a popular leisure activity especially among students. This behavior in excess can result in significant impairment in personal, social, educational or other domains of life and can affect routine functioning. Objectives : To estimate the prevalence of addiction to online video games and to identify the association of addiction to online video games with gender among the first year medical students of a college located in western India. Method : A cross sectional study was conducted among 189 first year M.B.B.S students of batch 2019. Young's online gaming addiction scale was utilized. The questionnaire was administered by using Google Form and was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010. st Results : The prevalence of addiction to online video games was 62.43% among1 year medical students. There was no statistically significant association seen between male and female students to addiction of video games. Conclusion: Students to be encouraged of rational use of internet for online video games to protect their physical and mental healthItem Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medication Disposal: A Study on Rural Communities in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-12) Kashyap, Saurabh; MA, Akshata; Agrawal, Anubhav; Singh, Abhishek; Verma, Aman; Gupta, IshIntroduction: The increasing global consumption of medications has led to a significant rise in the improper disposal of unused and expired drugs, posing risks to both human health and the environment. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the understanding, beliefs, and behaviours related to the disposal of such medications within the rural community of Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2024 with 317 participants from rural Sarojini Nagar, including patients and attendants visiting the General and NCD OPD of PHC Sarojininagar, chosen purposively. Participants aged 18 years and above who provided consent were included, while those with cognitive or communication issues were excluded. Participants were interviewed by Junior Residents and Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire to evaluate demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices related to the disposal of unused and expired medications. Results: The study revealed a lack of awareness about proper disposal methods, with 77.3% of participants reporting no prior information on the subject. Only 14.8% were aware of drug take-back policies. A majority (87.9%) recognized the harmful effects of improper disposal, and 93.7% agreed that such practices negatively impact the environment. Despite this, 69.4% of participants reported keeping unused medications at home, and 78.0% disposed of expired medications by throwing them in household trash. Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant gap in knowledge and practices regarding safe drug disposal among rural community of Sarojini Nagar. There is an urgent need for targeted educational programs and the implementation of effective drug take-back systems to mitigate the risks associated with improper disposal. Raising awareness and providing clear guidance on safe disposal methods are crucial steps towards protecting public health and the environment in these communities.Item Assessment and Comparison of Perception of Female Foeticide among the Medical and Nursing Students: A Cross-sectional Study from the Uttarakhand State(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Gujarat Chapter, 2019-01) Bano, Mehar; Arya, Anupama; Awasthi, Sadhana; Rawat, CMSItem Assessment of Adherence to Treatment among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients attending Urban Health Centre, Chennai(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-06) Thirumalaikumar, P; Devi, M; Ilangovan, S; Abhinaya, VIntroduction: Globally, Non communicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of death accounting for 63% of annual deaths. More than 40% of NCD deaths are premature deaths which is mainly due to the complication arising as a result of non- adherence to treatment. Moreover, non-adherence to treatment is a growing challenge in India which blocks the clinical outcomes and paves way for complications. Objective: To assess the treatment adherence among Diabetic and Hypertensive patients and to determine the factors inluencing adherence. Method: Community based, cross sectional study was conducted among 112 patients of diabetes and hypertension diagnosed for more than 1 year, attending NCD clinic of Puliyanthope UHC during Oct-Nov 2020. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire with socio demographic and, treatment details by interviewer. Adherence was assessed using Morisky Adherence Scale (MAS 4). Results: Among patients, 57% were female and mean age was 54 years with Standard Deviation of 4.5 years. About 39% had diabetes, 27% had hypertension and 34% suffered with both. Total of 34% patients were highly adherent and 66% were non adherent to prescribed drugs. About 64% patients monitored their blood sugar once in three months. Female patients had better adherence (51%) to medications than male(38%) but not statistically signiicant. About 34% of patients at least once missed their drugs due to high cost. Adherence was high among those who were aware about complications of drug discontinuation (p = 0.023). Literacy, Socioeconomic status, Number of medicines were not signiicant with treatment adherence (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates high proportion (66%) of non-adherence to treatment among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. Awareness of impact of discontinuation of drugs had a major impact on adherence to treatment. Common reasons behind low adherence were fear of side effects of drugs, forgetfulness and carelessness.Item Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Perimenopausal Women :A Cross-sectional Study in a Rural Area of West Bengal(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-12) Sarkar, Chirasree; Bandyopadhyay, Lina; Das, Ranjan; Banerjee, Ankush; Bag, Noor Islam; Maity, SatyabrataIntroduction :Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of mortality in the world, more so in the perimenopausal age group due to decreased levels of estrogen and diminished ovarian function because of ageing. To find out the magnitude of CVD risk among perimenopausalObjective: women residing in rural Bengal and its associated determinants. A cross-sectional study wasMethod: conducted in a rural area of Barasat block I during April-July 2021 on 150 peri-menopausal women selected by cluster sampling. A pre-designed pretested questionnaire was used for data collection and a 10-year probability of CVD risk was assessed using Framingham Risk Score. Logistic regression analysis was done to find out the associated factors. Intermediate & high CVD risk was present in 28 (18.7%) and 63Results: (42%) participants respectively. Among 150 participants, 62% were hypertensive, 44.7% were diabetic,, 51.3% with borderline high total cholesterol and 76% had low HDL cholesterol. Factors significantly associated with intermediate to high CVD risk were high mental stress [AOR=6.96, 95%CI=2.17-22.31], family history of chronic illness [AOR=14.46, 95% CI=4.26-49.06] and presence of chronic morbidities [AOR=6.84, 95%CI=1.93-24.22]. A significant proportion of perimenopausal women were atConclusion: risk of developing CVD. Thus, awareness campaigns in the community would help in empowering women in maintaining their health through regular screening and timely intervention when deemed necessaryItem Assessment of Delivery of Routine Immunization in Kashmir: A Qualitative Study(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-06) Bashir, Khalid; Qurieshi, Mariya Amin; Kausar, Zeenat; Khan, S. Muhammad SalimIntroduction: Immunization is one of the splendid public health interventions that remarkably reduced child morbidity, mortality, and disability. Despite attaining substantial immunization coverage in Kashmir, assessment of the immunization system is quintessential for sustaining the gains and exploring the gaps. Objective: To assess the gaps in the delivery of routine immunization services in Kashmir Valley. Method: In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with thirty-two (32) important stakeholders, who were purposively selected as they play an active role in the planning and implementation of the Immunization Program and devise strategies at different levels of healthcare delivery. At the state level, SEPIO and SMO were interviewed at the District level, DIO/Deputy CMO was interviewed in all ten (10) districts of Kashmir Valley. From all ten Districts, two Medical-Blocks were selected from each District, and one Block Medical Officer and one Medical Officer were interviewed alternatively from each Medical-Block. Results: The thematic qualitative analysis approach was used and the analysis process generated five themes. Each of these themes included many sub-themes. 1. Factors facilitating the implementation of Routine Immunization (RI), 2. Limitations and deficits related to knowledge, attitude, monitoring, 3. Constraints encountered in the implementation of (RI) program, 4. Difficulties in the implementation of RI revealed by respondents, 5. Transformational steps to bridge gaps in the delivery of Immunization (RI) Conclusion: There were visible deficits related to knowledge, attitude, and monitoring among health professionals. Certain constraints encountered in the implementation of the program were financial constraints in the training of health care professionals and human resources constraints. The study showed the need for transformational steps to bridge gaps in the delivery of the Immunization (RI), which included regular monitoring and review meetings, teamwork and peer learning, training, and improvement in cold chain maintenanceItem Assessment of Empathy among Health Professional Students in a Government Medical College in South India(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-09) R, Bhavani; Simon, Sneha; Ali, Fathima Shoukath; Divyasri, RudrakshalaIntroduction: Doctor-patient relationship is highly influenced by empathy which is a vital quality among medical students. Objective: To assess the empathy level in the medical students and the socio- demographic factors influencing it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the undergraduates of a Government Medical College in Telangana during February 2024. Total of 309 students participated in the study. Data were collected with a semi structured questionnaire and the empathy was assessed with the help of Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Student Version. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic data and Student t test and One-way ANOVA were used for comparing semesters. Results: The mean empathy score in the current study was 100.20 ± 15.23. Final MBBS part I students were more empathic (103.27±13.04) compared to second phase students and interns. Female students and the students who made the independent decision to pursue MBBS had significantly higher empathy scores than the others. The empathy score was not significantly associated with the choice of speciality. Conclusion: The mean empathy score was 100.20 (maximum score – 140) among the medical students in South India. The age, gender and the phase of the students were significantly associated with empathy. There was no relation between the empathy scores and choice of speciality.Item Assessment of Infrastructure and Logistics at Various Facilities ProvidingSterilization Services in Rajkot District(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Gujarat Chapter, 2018-02) Nimavat, Nirav K.; Jahangirporia, Dhara N.; Patel, Umed V.Introduction :The National Population Policy 2000 and the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme Phase II emphasize the importance of achieving population stabilization and attaining the goal of replacement-level fertility. Sterilization services are largely being provided through a network of public and private sector facilities Objective:To assess the infrastructure and logistics at various health facilities of Rajkot District where Sterilization services provided Method:A cross-sectional study was conducted by Community Medicine department, PDU Government Medical College, Rajkot, during February-March 2015. All health facilities of Rajkot district where Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation (Lap TL) camps were organized including 4 Community Health Centers (CHCs), 5 Sub-District Hospital (SDHs) 1 district hospital, and 1 medical college and hospital were selected for the study. A standard checklist was used for infrastructure and logistics available at various facilities. The data entry was done in Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and analysis was done using the same software Results:Majority of places; infrastructure and facilities are available as well as clean.Storage facility for contraceptives was adequate at all the 11 facilities. All the 11(100.0%) facilities have vehicle/ambulance in running condition. At 3(27.27%) facilities there were no boards displaying service timings. Availability of staff as per sanctioned posts was at 3(27.27%) places and various categories of staff for the activities were present at 6(54.55%) facilities Conclusion:Improvement isrequired in displaying of IEC materials and sitting arrangement for beneficiaries.Item Assessment of Knowledge and Preventive Practices on Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Nursing staff at a Tertiary Care Centre at Goa(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-09) V.C., Aswin; Da Silva, Vanita .G. Pinto; Patnaik, Sandeep; Hallur, Apoorva; Tari, Yamesh VidyadharIntroduction: Latent tuberculosis infection presents with no symptoms. All nursing staff who work closely with patients must possess the appropriate knowledge and follow the right preventive practices to avoid latent tuberculosis infection. This study was carried out to assess knowledge and preventive practices on latent TB which will help in making recommendations for the control of TB infection among nursing staffs. Objective: To assess knowledge and preventive practices regarding latent Tuberculosis infection and to assess infection controlpractices among the nursing staff. Method: This was a facility based cross sectional study conducted among nurses who works in Outpatient departments and wards of tertiary care centre. A complete list of the participants was made, and data from all nurses employed in every ward and outpatient department of the hospital was collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. A sample size of 384 nurses was calculated using Cochrane formula with p=50% and simple random sampling was used. Results: Out of 384 nurses, 376 (97.9%) were females and 8 (2.1%) were males. Regarding prevention of latent tuberculosis, 327 (85.1%) nurses answered wearing of mask, followed by regular sterilisation of hospitals which was 281 (73.1%) nurses. Out of 384 nurses, 298 (77.6%) of them wear a mask while dealing with coughing patients. In this, 242 (81.3%) reported usage of a surgical mask while N95 mask is only used by 56 (18.7%) of them. Conclusion: Overall knowledge regarding latent tuberculosis was satisfactory among the nurses. Practice on infection control was not satisfactory.Item Assessment of Knowledge and Skill of Counseling among Counselors of SexuallyTransmitted Disease (STD) Urban Project(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Gujarat Chapter, 2018-01) Chawada, Bansari; Kosambiya, Jayendra kumar; Chaudhari, VipulIntroduction :Counselors in STI clinic have roles of educating and counseling for clients of STI clinic. They can help in prevention of STI by their counseling services among attendees of STI clinic. Current study was done to assess pre defined micro- macro counseling skills and knowledge practice gap among counselors working with STI project of city. Method: Total 25 counselors working at STI clinics of Urban Health Centers were observed and interviewed for their skill assessment. To assess counseling skills, counselors were observed in a session of counseling with real STI patient. Counseling was rated based on the performance of skill ranges from Worst, Very Poor, Poor, Average, Good and Excellent. Counselor then interviewed to assess their knowledge. Result:Majority of the counselors had average and good rate for micro and macro component of counseling. Wide gap of knowledge and practice was noted for use of Information Education and Communication tool and risk assessment. All counselors could mention risk group population for STI/HIV, but only 60% practiced risk assessment in a new diagnosed case of STI. All counselors were able to describe condom as component of STI prevention but 76% actually talked regarding condom in counseling session. Around 92 % of the counselors could introduce investigator's presence during the session to the client. Conclusion:There is definite knowledge practice gap among counselors of the urban project. Counselors were having satisfactory micro – macro skills for counseling, but core component of STI like risk assessment and condom promotion were lacking in practiceItem Assessment of Physicochemical and Microbiological Qualities of Drinking Water in Ahmedabad Slum, India: A Cross-Sectional Study(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-03) Raval, D; Rathod, D; Panchal, R; Ghevariya, J; Patel, K.Introduction: The quality of drinking water is a public health concern, especially in urban slum areas. Drinking water quality and contamination are seriously threatened by the growing slum population and irregular water supply. Objective: To examine the physicochemical and microbiological quality of drinking water in the ield practice area of one of the Tertiary-care hospital in Ahmedabad a part of PG teaching activity Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out for water quality assessment using stratiied random sampling. A total of 139 water samples were collected; samples were collected from different households in different areas of the Asarwa ward of Ahmedabad Corporation. From each ASHA worker's area, according to population of that area, 6 to 10 samples were selected. The samples were analysed using standard methods and compared with WHO and BIS water quality standards. Results: TDS and alkalinity are above permissible levels in 42.4% and 46.7% samples respectively. pH, turbidity, conductivity, total hardness, and magnesium were found altered in a few samples. The mean free residual chlorine was 0.05 mg/L. Microbiological analysis of water samples revealed the presence of coliform in 5 (3.6%) samples. Conclusion: Except for total alkalinity and TDS, most physicochemical parameters of drinking water were acceptable. By storing water, a low level of free residual chlorine can be justiied. A few samples (3.6%) with coliform bacteria indicate water contamination somewhere in the distribution system or at the consumer level.Item 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, NiranjanIntroduction: 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 regularlyItem Assessment of Routine Immunization Program at Selected Urban Health Centres in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-09) Nogas, Jinalben; Desai, Karankumar; Shah, Nandan; Patel, Mitesh; Chauhan, Shivam; Gelot, BhaveshIntroduction: Urban Health Centre is a key place for implementing Routine Immunization program and vaccine storage. The present study evaluated Cold Chain Point (CCP) and logistics related to routine immunization at selected Urban Health Centers (UHCs) in Ahmedabad. Objective: 1. To evaluate the cold chain infrastructure and logistics supporting routine immunization programs at UHC with a focus on assessing the quality and reliability of vaccine storage and handling practices. 2. To assess the knowledge about cold chain among the Vaccine Cold Chain Handlers (VCCHS). Method: In this cross-sectional study, one UHC from each of the seven zones of Ahmedabad city was randomly selected for assessment of Cold Chain management. Knowledge of VCCHs at each UHCs was assessed using semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using Microsoft excel 2019. Results: It was observed that all UHCs were having session plans and logistics estimation. Around 28.5% UHCs were having lack of essential tools, such as Drop Out charts and maps of their catchment areas. Open vials were found without dates and times labelled in 43% of UHCs, and in one UHC, a vaccine vial was found beyond its usable Vaccine vial Monitor (VVM) stage. All the medical officers utilize various strategies to create awareness, with the majority (86%) using interpersonal communication. All Health Care Providers stated Socio-cultural beliefs and fear of side effects as reason for non-utilization of services. Only 42% of Vaccine Cold Chain Handlers (VCCHs) demonstrated complete knowledge about live vaccines. Conclusion: The study highlights certain issues at UHC like maintenance of drop out chart, map of catchment area, training of medical officers on module of immunization, ice-packs arrangment in Deep Freeze, no knowledge of VCCHs about shake test, which indicates lack of efficiency of VCCHs and need of their training.Item Assessment of Satisfaction among Outpatient Department (OPD) Patients Visiting District Hospital of West Gujarat(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Gujarat Chapter, 2018-02) Rathod, Mittal; Makwana, Naresh; Khambhati, Sudha; Kaliya, MehulIntroduction:Selection of an appropriate health care and measurement of its quality is very complex and elusive, yet the tools of its measurement have been improving. It is easier to evaluate the patient's satisfaction towards the service than to evaluate the quality of medical services that they receive. Therefore, a research on patient satisfaction can be an important tool to measure of health system performance and improve the quality of services. Satisfaction manifests itself in the distribution, access and utilization of health services Objective:The main objective of this study is to measure the satisfaction of OPD (Outpatient Department) patients in district hospital, Jamnagar, Gujarat Method:Data were collected from a pre-tested, pre-structured questionnaire from 322 patients, who gave the verbal consent at the end of their O.P.D visit at the health facility, Guru Govind Singh Government Hospital, Jamnagar. The items in the questionnaire referred to particulars of the patients such as age, gender, education, occupation, income, family type etc.; perception of patients towards doctor , paramedical staff, basic amenities and quality of care. The responses were expressed in proportions. The data was tabulated on Microsoft Excel sheet and analyzed using EPI info Results:Although majority of patients were satisfied with the availability of medicines; availability of information on illness, treatment and prevention; doctor's patience, compassion and dedication but most of the patients were not satisfied with the behavior of hospital personnel ;delay in reception of investigation reports ;unhygienic toilets and improper cleanliness of hospital; and lack of availability of drinking water .Item Assessment of Self-Care Practices among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients attending Health Care Centres of Urban Area of Hyderabad, India(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-03) Bala, S; Babu, S; Raj, A; Varghese, A; Aiswarya, S R; Nair, AIntroduction: As per the International Diabetic Federation Atlas, 2021, 3 in 4 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus live in low and middle income countries. This represents a tremendous burden on the healthcare system of these countries. Self-care practices can mitigate the disease burden. Objective To assess the selfcare practices among the type 2 diabetic patients using Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Method: A facility based cross sectional study was undertaken among adults aged 25-60 years using a modiied SDSCA, validated in Indian settings to study the self-care practices in diabetic patients. The modiied domains included practices on dietary modiications, regular physical activity, foot care, regular blood glucose monitoring, drug adherence and addictions. Mean scores of these domains in SDSCA were compared with HbA1c measurements. Statistical tests performed included unpaired t-test and chi-square. Results: Mean age of the patients was 49.60+ 11.13 Years. There were about 117 (54.4%) patients with controlled HbA1c measurements. There was a statistically signiicant association of dietary modiications, regular physical activity, foot care, drug adherence and addictions with controlled HbA1c measurements. (p value=0.05). Conclusion: Self-care practices can signiicantly alter diabetes control and prevent complications. Regular glucose monitoring was lacking in several patients and led to poor glycemic controls. These results can inform clinical practice and patient care for better management of the type 2 diabetes mellitus.Item Assessment of the Time Utilization of the Community Health Officers (CHO) of Bhavnagar District, Gujarat: A Cross-sectional Study(Dr.Viral R.Dave, 2024-09) Prajapati, Kartik B.; Bhalani, Kailesh D.Introduction: To attain "universal health coverage" and "health of all", a new cadre namely Community Health Officer (CHO) was introduced at HWC (Health and Wellness Center). In the community, CHO serves as the initial point of contact and source of information for health-related issues. Objective: To assess the utilization of time of CHO at HWCs, Bhavnagar. Method: Out of 63 CHOs with experience of more than 1 year in Bhavnagar district, 30 CHOs were selected randomly for utilization of time. Each CHO was accompanied during their duty hours for all working days of a week. Time spent by a CHO in different activities was recorded. Data were analyzed by using Epi Info Software. Results: It was observed that on an average, CHOs remained on duty for 93% of their duty hours. Around 29.61% of their actual on-duty-time (per week) was used for the personal work, while 17.34% of their on-duty-time was used in OPD, 14.36 % in COVID-19 related work and 14.13% in administration work. Conclusion: The analysis revealed that CHOs spent 93% of their scheduled duty hours on the job. CHOs spent almost one third of their duty hours for the personal work.Item 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, IsbhaIntroduction: 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 exposureItem Association between Blood Pressure and Cognition among Old Age People(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Gujarat Chapter, 2018-01) Jadav, Pranay; Bavarva, NehaIntroduction :High Blood pressure may lead to memory impairment in old age. Present study had been conducted to know relation between cognition and blood pressure in geriatric people. Method :A cross sectional study was conducted among 600 study participants aged of 60 years or more in villages of Vadodara district. Blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer and cognition was screened through Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results:The overall prevalence of high blood pressure among study participants was 42.7%. Cognitive impairment (MMSE score < 22) was prevalent in 23.5% of study participants. High SBP was significantly associated with low MMSE score even after adjusting potential confounders in multiple linear regression models. Conclusion:-SBP is related to poorer performance on Mini-Mental State Exam in the geriatric population aged 60 years and above in absence of any apparent neurological deficit. Diastolic blood pressure does not find any significant relation between MMSE score.Item Attitude and Practice on Foot Care among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern Part of Tamilnadu, India(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), 2022-06) A. J, Austoria; M, Aazmi; Glannie, A.R.; Varghese, Liji Anna; Ismail, Bismi Mohamed; Xavier, Arun PinchuIntroduction : Diabetic foot has got a high prevalence of 52% among diabetics. The duration of hospital stay and physical disability are likely to cause depression and affects overall quality of life. So it is important for general population, to know about Self Care activities which include foot care practice to avert long term complications and improve quality of life which is likely to be effective in reducing the burden of diabetic foot ulcer. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about foot care among Type 2 DM patients in a Tertiary health care center, Tamil Nadu. Method: A cross-sectional study was done during August and September 2021 among diabetic patients after obtaining consent at a Tertiary Hospital in southern district of Tamil Nadu. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 47.56 ± 9.718 years with 55.9% being male and 44.1% female and the majority (65.6%)of subjects was residing in rural areas. Among the participants, 103 (92.8%) were found to have good attitude towards self-care activities whereas69 (62.2%) respondents practiced proper footcare. Age, gender and education were found to have significant association with the practice of proper foot care. Female gender was found to be an independent predictor for practice of adequate foot care. Conclusion: Regardless of good attitude towards diabetic foot care there is considerable resistance in practicing it.Item Attitude of Media towards Doctor in Public Health Emergencies(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Gujarat Chapter, 2019-01) Chopra, Harivansh