Indian Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine
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Item Cervical Cancer screening in Routine Family planning OPD, its ease & effectivity(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-03) Prasad, N; Atheya, T.Introduction:Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in India. Very few women come specifically for cancerscreening. We worked on an opportunity to screen IUD follow up cases coming in routine family planning OPD for cervical cancers screening.Aim:To do cervical cancer screening by VIA of all IUCD follow up cases coming in family planning OPDin Mahila Chikitsalaya Sanganeri Gate, Jaipur from year 2019 to 2021.Method: It was not a structured study but an attempt to screen routine OPD IUCD follow up cases for pre invasive cervical cancer and share the results. Eighty follow up cases were included.Result showed dysplasia was seen in 1.25% of healthy, asymptomatic and sexually active females coming to family planning OPD which would have otherwise missed. Conclusion:Integration of cancer screening with routine family planning OPD makes it feasible, effective,convenient and allows counselling in conducive environment with high receptivity of client.It is expected to promote rapid uptake of cervical cancer preventive servicesItem A Comparison on effects of Nesting and Sharing teaching methods on Assessment of Phase 3 (Part 1) students in a medical college in RR District, Telangana(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-06) Acharya, J; Acharya, I.Item Exploring the Interplay between Occupational Stress, Social Support, and Work-Life Balance in CRPF Jawans(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Singh, G; Srivastava, M; Srivastava, M; Srivastava, P; Srivastava, P.Introduction:The occupation of defense personnel is highly demanding and strenuous, characterized by long working hours, challenging working conditions, and hierarchical environmentsthat may cause role conflict. Lack of social support can further worsen their work-life balance. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational stress, social support, and work-life balance of Non-Gazetted Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Jawans. Significance/Relevance:Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for the well-being of defense personnel, where occupational stress and lack of social support can impede this balance. However, there is a dearth of literature on the relationship between these factors in defense forces. This study fills this gap in research. Methodology:This cross-sectional study involved 354 Non-Gazetted CRPF Jawans of the 148th battalion in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, India. Stratified random sampling was used, with each company as an individual stratum. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Major Findings:The study found that majority of CRPF Jawans had moderate occupational stress and nearly two-fifth of them faced difficulty in balancing work and personal life. There was a significant association between occupational stress, work-life balance, and social support in Non-Gazetted CRPF Jawans.Conclusions:The study highlights the need for the government to provide better working conditions and social policies to support CRPF Jawans in managing the competing demands of work and family life, and improve their overall well-being.Item Association of intervention with hygiene practices during initiation of Complementary Feeding among infants in rural Varanasi.(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-03) Yadav, A; Shankar, R; Prasad, R; Srivastava, P.Background:Hygiene practices like hand washing before and after food preparation, use of separate utensils to feed infants, clean water access and sanitation, play crucial role in preventing diseases among infants, especially when the complementary foods are introduced to them. It’s important to maintain good hygiene practices, specifically, when caring for infants, to minimize the risk of illnesses like diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, etc. Regular hand washing, proper food handling, clean and safe storage and maintaining a clean environment are essential for preventing infections in infants. Aims & Objectives:The current study was conducted with an objective to assess the association of intervention with hygiene practices during initiation of complementary feedingamong infants in Harahua block, Varanasi.Methodology:The present study was a prospective interventional study conducted in Harahua, Varanasi, from October, 2021 to November, 2022, for which 2 groups, namely intervention group and control group were assigned. In each group, 112 mother-child pairs were enrolled and were followed up every month till the child attained 1 year. An educational intervention for practising exclusive breastfeeding, proper and timely initiation complementary feeding and benefits of following adequate and proper hygiene practices was given to the respondents (mothers) of intervention group. Data was collected from the respondents after receiving written consent from them. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect thedata which included questions related to socio-demographic characteristics, hand washing and hygiene and feeding practices. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The Chi-square test was used for testing association among variables and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Thestudy indicated thatbottle-feeding practice was high in the control group (65.2%), as compared to the intervention group (49.1%). Only 48.2% of the mothers fed their babies with bowl and hands in the intervention group. Regular hand washing practice before preparing food for the baby was observed in 39.3% respondents from the intervention group. 49.1% mothers from control group sometimes used soap to wash their hands. It was revealed from the study that 8.9% respondents always used boiled water to prepare food for their babies, while the percentage of respondents using normal water from both groups was same (48.2%). Conclusion: This study observed that although there was a significant association between hygiene practices and intervention given, still there was a lack of knowledge in following proper and appropriate hygiene routines while preparing food for infants in some of the respondents. To cope up with this challenge, a long term interventions are needed to be strictly followed at the community level.Item Using Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Sector: Mapping the Issues and Challenges in India(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Maurya, AK; Kumar, A.Background: AI refers as intelligent machines working on the basis of human cognitive functions such as learning and problem solving. Scholars of this area have confidence that AI will shape the future of the public health. The fundamental question is how AI could shape the future of public health from personal level to system level. AI comes with huge opportunities and challenges. On one side it is going to transform the health care sector with disease prediction, prevention, personalized treatment plans and remote health care and many more, on the other hand AI introduces a huge challenge which includes privacy, data security and cyber-attack. In this backdrop the present paper tried to identify different challenges which are obstacles in facilitating the safe and effective use of AI in health Care and tried to identify key consideration for integrating AI in health sector.Objective: This paper attempts to highlight the general and peculiar challenges which India faces in the effective implementation of AI in the health sector. Methodology:The Paper is primarily prepared on the basis of doctrinal research which includes primary sources such as the report of NITI Ayog and other Government documents.Item Health Implications of Air Pollution: A Review(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-03) Mehra, R; Setu, Y.There are many air pollutants that are major factors in disease in humans. Among them, Particulate Matter (PM) penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are all considered air pollutants that are harmful to humans. Diseases occurring due to short-term exposure include respiratory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiolitis, and long term effects are lung cancer, cardiovascular events, central nervous system dysfunctions, and cutaneous diseases.Public awareness coupled with a multidisciplinary approach by scientific experts; national and international organizations must address the emergence of this threat and propose sustainable solutions. Global measures, that aim to reduce exposure to air pollutants, are highly needed for the entire environment.Item Sociodemographic and Epidemiological profile of Chronic Wound Patients attended in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India: A Cross-Sectional Study(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Patel, VS; Singh, T; Pratap, A; Kumari, S; Patel, PK.Background:Chronic wounds are persistent skin lesions and are the major health concern worldwideand has significant impact on the health and quality of life that exceed normal healing periods. Managing chronic wounds involves understanding their epidemiological and sociodemographic profiles to manage the patients. Aim:This study aimed to assess the sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics of chronic wound patients to identify factors associated with chronic wounds among patients attending a tertiary care hospital.Methodology: Data were collected from 240 chronic wound patients ranging between aged 20 to 76 years using a pre-tested structured schedule between August 2023 to March 2024. Variables such as age, gender, occupation, socio-economic status, types, sites, number, and recurrences of chronic wound were recorded. Statistical associations were assessed using Fisher’s Exact Probability Test or ?² test. Results: The study revealed a varied sociodemographic profile among chronic wound patients. Significant associations were found between age groups and types of chronic wound. Venous ulcers were prevalent in older adults (40-59 years), while diabetic foot ulcers were more common among the elderly (?60 years). Chronic wound also differed significantly by demographic factors. Observation and Discussion: This study updates the understanding of chronic wound of site and recurrence in eastern Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the need for tailored wound care strategies based on demographic profiles. Addressing these factors can potentially optimize treatment protocol and improve patient and its health. The longitudinal studies are required to explore the survival and economic burden on the patient, family, society, and nation.Item Status of Malaria in India during 2023(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-03) Nath, A.Objective:To find out the distribution of the Malaria problem in India during 2023.Methods:By reviewing the latest document published by India’s National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC). Results:From the 2023 NCVBDC data-set, it is seen that the Malaria problem in India is greatest in Chhattisgarh and least in Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Sikkim and Puducherry. Conclusion:At the present time, focus of Malaria elimination efforts must be put on Chhattisgarh.Item Management of behavioral problems in pediatric chronic illness: A psychosocial perspective(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Upadhyay, A; Singh, P.Item Investigating the Impact of Demographic Variables and Body Mass Index in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Saroj, S; Gupta, K; Rungta, S; Gangwar, A; Kumar, N; Bharti, D.Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract. Objectives:This study aims to analyse the effect of demographic variables such as sex, age and relationship status along with anthropometric variable such as body mass index (BMI) on IBS patients. Methods: This is a prospective observational study in which 245 IBS patients were enrolled using Rome IV criteria from 16thJuly, 2022 to 15thJuly, 2023. Informed consent was taken from all the patients and they were classified based on the stool pattern. IBM-SPSS Version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: In this study the males 161 (65.7%) outnumbered females 84 (34.3%) by almost 2:1 ratio. The mean age of IBS patients was 34.25±11.30 years. Overall, there were 46.1% constipation pre-dominant, 24.5% diarrhoea predominant, 15.5% mixed type and 13.9% unsubtyped IBS patients. In Central North Indian region youngsters (107, 43.7%) are more prone to irritable bowel syndrome and as the age increases the number of IBS patients showed a reduction [?2(3, 245) = 56.176; p<0.001]. Although positive associations were observed, there were no significant correlations reported between sex, age group, relationship status and body mass index with reference to different sub-types of IBS. Conclusion: The study concludes that majority of IBS patients were constipation predominant young males who were married and had normal BMI. Although no significant association was foundwithin the sub-types of IBS, a more comprehensive study with a larger sample size will be more beneficial for generalization of results.Item A study on the prescribing pattern of antibiotics in the Inpatient Department of Pediatric patients(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Harshitha, R; Jagadeesh, K.Aim: A study on the prescribing pattern of antibiotics in the in-patient department of pediatric patients. Objective:The main objective is to evaluate the prescribing pattern of Antibiotics in paediatrics and to assess the rational use of antibiotics. Method: Prospective observational study of Six month’s duration was undertaken. A total number of 92 prescriptions were screened and enrolled for antibiotic study. Patient data relevant to the study was obtained from the prescriptions in direct interview with in-patients under antibiotic therapy and Children between the age group of 1-16 years.Results: A total of 92 paediatric patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. According to our study there were a total of 41boys (44.5%) and 51 girls (55.4%). Among 92 patients, the highest number of patients was in the age group of 6-12 years i.e.43.4% and lowest number was in the age group of 1-3 years i.e.10.8%. In our study, Cephalosporin antibiotics were found to be widely prescribed. Among all these Cephalosporin antibiotics-Ceftriaxone (49%) was the leading antibiotic prescribed followed by Cefixime(13%), Cefotaxime (13%) and least prescribed antibiotic was found to be Nitroimidazole antibiotics-Metronidazole (5.40%). Conclusion:Prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics though has increased demonstrably which may result in development of bacterial resistance, however development of guidelines for antibiotic prescription and regular Prescription audits have to be done periodically to assess rationality and correct, whenever necessary, in order to make better practice to avoid untoward effects.Item Can the Western-Based Psychological Capital Intervention Improve Mental Health in the Indian context? A Pilot Study among Female College Students in Kerala(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) John, B; Menon, P.With growing concerns about female mental health and inadequate services in India, there is a rising need for interventions to build women‘s psychological capabilities and increase well-being. PsyCap interventions (PCI) focusing on Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism (HERO), have shown promise in the West, but remain under explored in India. This study is the first to assess the PCI approach among female undergraduate students in Kerala, India. The quasi-experimental study involved a one-sample pretest-post-test design. Thirty-six female undergraduate students underwent a two-day PCI. Within-group differences in PsyCap, PERMA, and Satisfaction with Life levels were measured pre-intervention and post-intervention.The findings revealed significant increases in PsyCap, Hope, Resilience, and Efficacy and Satisfaction with Life (Subjective Well-being). Optimism and PERMA (psychological well-being) showed no significant change from the pretest to the post-test.The results address the critical need for employing PCI as a non-specialist mental health intervention to build female students‘ psychological capabilities in academic settings.Item Physical Rehabilitation for Tuberculosis: A Review of Literature(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Noor, L; Zutshi, K; Aman, I.Background: Tuberculosis, a deadly infection affecting one-third of the global population, causes 2 million deaths annually. It presents in pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms. Physiotherapy is commonly used for PTB to overcome issues like airway clearance and muscle atrophy. Aim:This study aims to explore the role of physiotherapy in tuberculosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms. Out of 82 selected articles, 44 were reviewed and included in the study. Results: The results show that physical rehabilitation is recommended for both PTB and EPTB, with EPTB cases predominantly prescribed following surgical interventions.Item Assessing Sensory Sensitivity and Behavioural Feeding Problems among children with Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Verma, B; Dey, M; Sehgal, R.Introduction: Developmental disabilities prevalence appears to be significant worldwide. Sensory sensitivity has also been associated with behavioural feeding problems among children with developmental disabilities. Objectives: To assess & seek a relationship between sensory sensitivity & behavioural feeding problems among children with developmental disabilities and to seek an association between sensory sensitivity & behavioural feeding problems among developmentally disabled children with selected factors. Research methodology: The study used a descriptive survey research design including 50 children aged 6 -11 years diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Specific Language Disability and Down syndrome attending Child Guidance Centre OT4 Kids, selected via purposive sampling technique. Down SyndromeData collected through structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, and standardized tools i.e. Parent completed Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire and Behavioural Paediatric Feeding Assessment to assess sensory sensitivity and behavioural feeding problems. Result: Children with developmental disabilities had higher sensory sensitivity scores in cerebral palsy while Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disability and Down syndrome have similar mean scores. The study found a significant positive correlation (p= 0.011) betweenhyposensitivity score and behavior pediatric feeding frequency and (p=0.03) problem score among children with developmental disabilities. Conclusion: Problematic parental feeding strategies along with behavioural feeding problems among children with developmental disabilities are associated with sensory hyper & hypo sensitivities found in these vulnerable populations.Item Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant potential of Ocimum micranthum and Ocimumbasillicum commonly consumed by Human in North India(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Kumar, M; Sharma, SK; Shahista, S; Iqubal, M.Ocimum species is a rapidly growing shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The pharmacological significance of various Ocimum species, such as Ocimum micranthum, Ocimum micranthum, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Ocimum sanctum(green), and Ocimum sanctum(purple), has been well established. In order to determine the presence of phytochemical compounds including Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, Phenols, and Quinones, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was conducted on different extracts of Ocimum leaf powder. The presence of these phytocompounds, which exhibit significant antiradical activity, further confirms the medicinal potential of O. micranthumandO basillicum. These findings validate the traditional use of O. micranthumandO.basillicumin the study area, as the secondary metabolites derived from these plants possess natural antioxidant properties that hold medicinal value for humans.Item Efficacy and Safety of Conventional Synthetic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (csDMARDs) on the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Kumar, S; Pandey, A; Prasad, R; Singh, AK; Yadav, P.Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that can induce a wide range of extra-articular symptoms. CsDMARDs–methotrexate, hydrochloroquine, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine are a few beneficial remedies for RA. DMARDs are a mainstay in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Objective-To assess the efficacy of Conventional Synthetic DMARDson the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Methodology: A total 36 patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis fulfilling the inclusion criteria and having symptoms of RA were enrolled for this Interventional study from OPDof Department of Medicine, SS Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi and were followed for three months.After the completion of the study, 32 patients completed all 3 follow-ups. Result: DMARDs has significantly improved the RA factor, Anti CCP, CRP and ESR values, as median values of these diagnostic tests have reduced over time(RA factor-27.12 to 16.24, Anti CCP-28.26 to 18.86, CRP –7.65 to 4.23 and ESR-34.50 to 23.50). After 3 months treatment with synthetic DMARDs, the mean SGOT, SGPT and Urea level decreased significantly from 36.43 ± 12.92 to 31.93 ± 10.92, 38.74 ± 12.15 to 34.01 ± 10.59 and 39.14 ± 12.34 to 34.51 ± 10.44 respectively. DMARDs was also effective in reducing the pain (joint pain, low back pain and neck pain),as median values of joint pain, low back pain and neck pain have reduced over time(Joint pain-6 to 3, Low Back Pain-6 to 2 and Neck Pain-4.5 to 1). Adverse effects were observed in more than 30% of patients Discussion: The study showed that DMARDs was effective and safe for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis according to the biochemical and clinical pain score finding over -90 day follow up. A long term follows up and histological examination, invasive or non –invasive, is required to give conclusive report.Item Indigenous Approach to One Health Framework: Integration of Sustainable Solution(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Dutt, B; Pandey, RK.Item Prevalence of Smokeless Tobacco Consumption among Auto- Rickshaw Drivers in Chennai City(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) D, PP; K, J.Background: Globally, smokeless tobacco usage as a public health concern was on the rise. In addition to being one of the main causes of chronic diseases, smokeless tobacco is dangerous and a serious carcinogen for users. Aim:The current study aimed to examine the use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) and to focus on the influences of social support among driversof auto-rickshaws who use smokeless tobacco compared to those who do not. Materials and Methods: The study included a sample of 120 male auto-rickshaw drivers from in and around Chennai city, of which 70 were non-users and 50 used smokeless tobacco. An ex-post factor research design and Convenient sampling methodology were employed in this study. In this study, the tools utilized were, the Harmful Substance Use Screening Tool -Hnamte and Sasikala, 2020,Content-Based Media Exposure Scale (C-ME2) –A.H. DenHamer, E.A. Konijn and B.J. Bushman, 2017 and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) -Zimet GD, Dahlem NW, Zimet SG, Farley GK, 1988. The SPSS was used for the data analysis of the variables. To evaluate the data, an independent sample t-test and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation were employed. Results and Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that pro-social media exposure was higher among non-smoking tobacco users than among SLT users. Media coverage and social support forthe use of smokeless tobacco among auto-rickshaw drivers did not correlate. Additionally, there was no difference in the social support and exposure to anti-social media among users and non-users of smokeless tobacco.Item Awareness and proportion of diabetes mellitus among newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients at a tertiary care institution in Eastern India: A cross-sectional study(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-12) Chatterjee, T; Pandey, S; Prasad, SV; Ranjan, A; Nirala, SK; Rai, DK; Kumar, S.Introduction: The worldwide impact of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is significant, with these diseases disproportionately affecting the most at-risk populations, including those living in poverty, malnourished individuals, and the elderly. Methodology:A hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care institution, with a total sample of 194. Convenient sampling was usedfor sample collection. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Diabetes mellitus. All qualitative variables were represented in proportions. Result: Among the newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients, 17% had diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is due to a rise in blood sugar, which was reported by 87.6% of participants. Around half of the participants reported lack of physical activity as both the cause and the risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Willingness to visit the government facility for the treatment of DM was reported among 84%, while only 40.2% are willing to take drugs for DM for life. Conclusion: It was found that 2 out of every 10 newly diagnosed patients had diabetes mellitus. The knowledge regarding the cause of diabetes mellitus due to the increased blood sugar was there. However, there is a gap in the attitude and practice regarding diabetes among all the newly diagnosed patients of tuberculosis. There is an urgent need for the proper implementation of a collaborative framework for diagnosis, treatment, care, and control of tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus.Item Understanding the Interplay of Gender and Lifestyle Practices in Health Status of Children: A Study of Bihar and West Bengal, India(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, 2024-03) Gupta, P; Raj, P.This paper explores the substantial influence of gender on the lifestyle practices of children such as physical activities (PA), dietary habits, and body image concerns in the age group of 6-18 years. The study employed qualitativeapproach like in-depth interview, survey and participant observation to offer comparative analysis between urban and rural areas of Bihar and West Bengal. To ensure an equitable representation across genders and age groups, the research applied purposive sampling techniques for determining study population. Findings suggest that gender significantly shapes participation of children in PA, also influencing their dietary choices and perceptions of body image. Variations are induced by societal expectations, peer interactions and cultural norms. This study emphasizes the imperative of gender-sensitive health promotion initiatives for fostering comprehensive well-being among children. It also holds significance for policy makers, educators and health professionals to enhance the well-being of children in India by incorporating gender-specific considerations in the development of interventions.