National Journal of Community Medicine

Pandemic Pathways: Exploring Maternal Healthcare Utilization in Lucknow District

2024-12-31T05:22:46+00:00

Background: For all women to have access to respectful and excellent maternity care, it is essential to address the inequities that have an impact on health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic showed significant challenges for countries continue providing essential maternal and neonatal health services. This study aims to assess maternal healthcare service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lucknow district.

Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted by using WHO 30 cluster sampling technique to the participants. Total sample size obtained was 30 clusters in rural and 30 clusters in urban area.

Results: The results showed that 36.7% of urban and 41.0% of rural beneficiaries had poor MCH service utilization (<50%), with a further decline compared to pre-pandemic levels. In urban areas, 37.6% and 38.1% in rural areas used 50%-75% of services. Social class was significantly linked to MCH utilization (p<0.001), emphasizing the need to address disparities and improve access.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted multiple aspects of maternal healthcare, exacerbated by health facility conversions, resource reallocations, and mobility restrictions. Addressing these systemic challenges is critical for ensuring resilient maternal healthcare services in future crises.

Health Promotion Activities Among Older Women: Insights from Pender’s Health Promotion Model

2025-01-21T05:06:34+00:00

Aims: The study examines factors associated with older women's participation in health promotion activities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community care centre to identify healthy activities among older women. Data were collected from 154 participants using questionnaire developed between June 7^th, 2023 and May 13^th, 2024.

Results: The study involved participants with an average age of 68.8 ± 4.2 years, 75.3% of whom were married. Notably, 83.8% reported poor health, and 88.3% had chronic diseases. Strong correlations were found between perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, social support, and activity-related affect with educational level, income, health status, and chronic diseases (F=929.369), while no correlations existed with age and marital status. Additionally, 61.7% rarely engaged in in health promotion activities. Multiple regression analysis revealed health status (β = 1.484) and perceived benefits (β = 0.655) as key predictors of participation, highlighting the influence of demographic factors.

Conclusion: This study highlights factors influencing older women's participation in health promotion activities. Many reported poor health and chronic diseases, with key predictors including health status and perceived benefits. Over half engaged infrequently in wellness activities, indicating a need to address barriers. These findings underscore the importance of tailored health promotion strategies for this demographic.

Non-Auditory Effects of Hospital Noise: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Staff Working in A Tertiary Care Hospital in New Delhi, India

2025-01-28T11:26:57+00:00

Introduction: Hospital noise is associated with non-auditory symptoms such as stress, sleep disturbances, impaired concentration, and headaches among healthcare staff. These are often classified as quality-of-life issues rather than illnesses. This study aims to assess the prevalence of non-auditory effects of noise and their association with hospital noise levels.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 staff members at a 1600-bed tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. Noise levels were recorded at 30 locations, and data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore associations between noise levels and symptoms.

Results: Sleep disturbance was reported by 75.1% of respondents, vocal fatigue by 73.8%, and impaired concentration by 56.7%. Adjusted analysis revealed significantly higher odds of headache (aOR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.44–4.33), impaired concentration (aOR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.35–4.13), tinnitus (aOR=4.55, 95% CI: 2.36–8.77), and fatigue (aOR=3.14, 95% CI: 1.12–8.77) with noise levels >80 A-weighted decibels(dBA).

Conclusions: Non-auditory effects were prevalent in three-fourths of participants, with worse outcomes at noise levels >80 dBA. These findings underscore the need for policies to mitigate hospital noise and protect staff well-being.

Digital Addiction and Its Association with Nutrition-Related Health Behaviors Among Female Secondary School Students

2025-01-21T05:16:47+00:00

Background: Digital addiction is an emerging global concern, particularly among adolescents, due to its detrimental impact on physical, psychological, and nutritional health behaviors. This study aims to examine the relationship between digital addiction and healthy behaviors related to nutrition among female high school students.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Karbala, Iraq, including 368 female students randomly selected from 13 secondary schools. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess digital addiction, diet patterns, and sociodemographic factors. Statistical analyzes included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.

Results: The results revealed that 53.5% of students showed moderate levels of digital addiction (average score: 29.04±5.857), while 73.6% showed moderate nutrition-related health behaviors (average score: 38.44±5.470). A significant negative association was observed between digital addiction and healthy eating behaviors (r = -0.118, p = 0.023). Regression analysis indicated that increased digital addictive behaviors predicted decreased healthy behaviors-related nutrition. Owning digital devices and the time spend on devices were significantly associated with higher levels of digital addiction and poor nutritional practices.

Conclusions: The study highlights the harmful impact of digital addiction on adolescents' dietary behaviors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Schools and communities must implement educational programs that address digital overuse and promote balanced nutrition.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Risk Factors and Morbidities Among Young Adults in Bhubaneswar: A Cross-Sectional Study

2025-01-17T10:34:32+00:00

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a combination of risk factors that increase the possibility of non-communicable diseases.

Methods: In this study, young adults, between the age of 18-35 years, were screened for signs and symptoms of MetS. The prevalence was estimated, various risk factors and morbidities were assessed.

Results: Out of 500 young adults, 69% were students and 30% were having jobs. 68% were sedentary, 6% were addicted to either/or alcohol and smoking. 55% preferred to eat fast food daily. 49% did less than 10 hours of physical activity per week. 47% slept for less than 6 hours and 38% of the young adults spent about 8-12 hours on internet. There is a significant difference in age group, literacy status, life style across the gender. Eating habits, fast food intake, physical activity, duration of sleep, BMI and waist circumference were significant risk factors. Hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol levels, low HDL-C and triglycerides contributed to development of MetS. Non-vegetarian eating habits, weekly fast-food intake, spending 8-12 hours online and sleeping less than 4-6 hours were high risk factors for developing Mets.

Conclusion: High prevalence, 25.4% (127) of MetS was observed among the young adults in this region.

Awareness on Cervical Cancer, Its Screening and HPV Vaccination Among Women of Reproductive Age Group (15-49 Years) in Manipur

2025-02-01T14:50:20+00:00

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer among females in India. Proper knowledge, regular screening and timely vaccination can prevent occurrence of cervical cancer. Aims/Objectives: To assess awareness of cervical cancer and its screening and vaccination among women of reproductive age group in Manipur.Also to determine the association between awareness of cervical cancer and some socio-demographic variables.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) residing in Manipur. Two urban and two rural areas were selected using purposive sampling. Face to face interview method was done using pretested, validated, semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to test for association taking all variables with p <0.1 for model building of the adjusted analysis. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Total number of respondents were 409. More than half (57%) were aware about cervical cancer. None of the respondents got HPV vaccination. Seven respondents had a history of cervical cancer in the family. Majority of them did not know any risk factors (33%) or signs and symptoms (38%) of cervical cancer. Maximum of them (94%) had not undergone screening test. Increasing age of the respondents (AOR: 0.932, 95% C.I. 0.902-0.964) shows a lesser awareness of cervical cancer but being a Christian was found to have increased awareness of cervical cancer (AOR: 4.639, 95%C.I. 2.001-10.753).

Conclusions: Awareness of cervical cancer was found to be poor. Intensified health education and health promotion strategies at the community level about prevention and control of cervical cancer is the need of the hour.

Barriers To Self-Care Behaviors Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients Residing in Rural and Urban Field Practice Areas of Belagavi, India

2025-02-12T11:12:05+00:00

Background: Various studies show that carrying out self-care behaviors has many barriers making overall diabetes self-management difficult. This study analyzed the barriers to self-care behaviors in rural and urban population, which can be used for planning targeted community-based interventions.

Methodology: This community based cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2022 and December 2023 among 346 diabetes patients residing in rural and urban field practice areas of Belagavi using a validated questionnaire. Collected data was entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed in SPSS software.

Results: The mean and standard deviation of the age of the participants was 60.24 ± 12.77 and 55.76 ± 12.72 years in rural and urban area, respectively. Out of 346 participants, 69.9% were females, 84.1% were Hindu, 28.6% had completed primary school, 52.6% were homemaker, 85.5% were married, and 32.9% belonged to Class III socio-economic class. The mean and standard deviation of the total barrier score was 120.32 ± 51.143 and 125.64 ± 48.893 for rural and urban, respectively. The maximum barrier score was for blood glucose monitoring barrier. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient of (-0.386) with p<0.001*** was found out between total barrier scores and self-care behavior scores which indicates negative correlation between total barrier score and self-care levels.

Conclusion: Barriers to self-care behaviors is high in both rural and urban areas. Target-specific counseling and follow-up are needed to remove these barriers, and to have an effective practicing of self-care behaviors.

A Protocol Paper On Nurse-Led Pulmonary Interventional Package on Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life Among Workers of Coal Mines with Respiratory Diseases in Jharkhand, India: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2025-01-23T06:16:52+00:00

Coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD) includes a spectrum of occupational lung diseases affecting coal miners. There is conclusive evidence that comprehensive intervention can reduce dyspnoea, improve exercise performance, and enhance health-related quality of life. Nurse-led interventions have shown great changes in disease burden on the healthcare system. So, a nurse-led pulmonary interventional package on respiratory disorders of coal mine workers can change the health status of coal miners. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led pulmonary intervention package on pulmonary function and quality of life of coal miners with respiratory disorders.

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Occupational health units will be cluster-randomized into intervention and control arms. Coal miners who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited. The estimated sample size is 80(40 in each arm). The Nurse-led pulmonary intervention package comprises of an education session of 10 minutes and exercise training of 20 minutes. to be followed along with regular treatment for 3 months. Primary outcomes include pulmonary function and quality of life. Participants will be assessed at baseline and after the 12^th week of post-intervention. The primary outcomes will be analysed using t test. The significance level will be set at two-sided p <0.05 and all statistical tests will be two-tailed. The study results will provide valuable evidence to inform future identification and evaluation of best approaches to implement nurse-led interventions for coal miners with occupational lung diseases.

Effectiveness of Depression Prevention Programs in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2025-01-21T05:06:42+00:00

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of depression prevention programs in adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Comprised searching and selecting research from electronic sources using predefined criteria, collecting 16 relevant papers, extracting data, and doing a meta-analysis utilizing RevMan version 5. Furthermore, a fixed effect model was utilized to investigate and evaluate the quality of research using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results: The study included 3,311 participants with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.17 (95% CI: -0.24, -0.10). A considerable data difference (I² = 90%, p <0.001) indicates a high degree of variability. Of the total participants, 1,759 youths (53.1%) who attended depression prevention programs reported less depressed symptoms. Subgroup analysis showed that interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) had an impact size of -2.14 to 2.61 (I² = 86%), whereas cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) had an effect value of -0.12 (95% CI: -0.19, -0.04) with an I² of 79%. A funnel plot study discovered that the CBT subset may have undergone publication bias, whereas the IPT subgroup did not.

Conclusion: Antidepressant regimens, especially those that include interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, are beneficial in treating depression in adolescents. However, further research is needed due to the large quantity of data disagreement and probable publishing bias in particular regions.

Effects of the Meteorological Phenomena on the Female Reproductive System – A Narrative Review

2025-01-24T05:42:20+00:00

Introduction: Meteorological conditions affect female reproductive health, although little is known about their biological mechanisms. We undertook a narrative review to fill this gap by analyzing published research on how meteorological factors, including extreme temperatures, humidity, precipitation, pressure, and wind/storm, affect women's reproductive health. This review emphasizes the significance of environmental factors on reproductive health and guides future research.

Methods: We conducted a thorough literature survey on the effects of meteorological factors, systematically searching databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. We scrutinized all the pertinent original articles, book chapters, reports, and news articles, classifying the impacts on gynecology, obstetrics, and cancer.

Results: Meteorological phenomena are susceptible to environmental changes and impact women's gynecological and obstetric health. Our research demonstrates that these meteorological phenomena may lead to gynaecologic effects such as endometriosis and PCOS. Furthermore, it causes hormonal imbalances and potentially disrupts blood flow, which leads to adverse pregnancy conditions such as miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm birth, low birth weight, and other effects like cancer.

Conclusion: Understanding these impacts is critical for developing strategies to mitigate adverse effects on female health and ensure sustainable protection in the face of changing climatic conditions.

The Relationship Between Missed Nursing Care and Teamwork: A Literature Review

2025-01-24T04:45:06+00:00

Background: The prevalence of missed nursing care and its impact on patient safety and healthcare costs is a growing concern, particularly in the context of the shortage of nursing staff. The relationship between missed nursing care and teamwork has implications for patient outcomes and the trustworthiness of healthcare organizations. The purpose was to determine the relationship between missed nursing care and teamwork in hospital settings.

Methods: Literature review utilized databases such as CINAHL, SCOPUS, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Science Direct.

Results: The review showed that teamwork among nurses is associated with lower levels of MNCs. The reasons for missed nursing care are related to labor resources, communication, and material resources. MNC types include discharge planning, patient education, mouth care, ambulation, monitoring of intake and output, turning patients, vital signs assessment, blood sugar monitoring, medication effectiveness assessments, and attendance at interdisciplinary care conferences.

Conclusions: There is a need for targeted interventions and strategies to improve teamwork and reduce missed nursing care in healthcare settings.

Mysterious Virus Nipah: A Comprehensive Review

2025-01-22T04:16:29+00:00

Nipah virus is regarded as one of the most notorious and infectious viruses in the world with high mortality. This narrative literature review aims to offer basic information on the epidemiology, transmission methods, pathophysiology, treatment plan, diagnostic techniques, prevention about Nipah Virus those have been published using the digital repositories such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Results of reviewing relevant articles demonstrated that six hundred fifty (around 700) confirmed human cases of infections due to this virus were reported up until 2023. Between January 4 and February 13, 2023, seven districts in two divisions of Bangladesh (where outbreaks happen almost annually) experienced 73% case fatality rate and in 2024, again Bangladesh faced 100% mortality rate which is alarming issue in concern. The first infection case was recorded in Malaysia in 1998 with a mortality rate of close to 40%. Further outbreaks of the disease have occurred in different countries, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, over two decades later with a mortality rate above 50%. Specially in India, mortality rate reaches to its peak (100%) in two distinct areas in 2007 and 2021. Researchers from around the world are focusing on creating an effective vaccine, advanced diagnostic methods such as CRISPR-based techniques and active therapeutics due to its high pathogenicity in people and the absence of any treatment methods to combat it. Throughout history, viral outbreaks of different frequency and severity have wreaked misery all across the world and the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic provided an example of this type of scenario.

Role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Addressing Depression: A Promising Approach for Sustainable Mental Health

2025-02-05T12:24:25+00:00