Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development is a double -blind peer reviewed international journal. The journal deals with all aspects of Public Health including Community Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology, Occupational Health, Environmental Hazards, Clinical Research including clinical biochemistry and Public Health Laws and covers all medical specialties concerned with research and development for the masses. The journal strongly encourages reports of research carried out within Indian subcontinent and South East Asia. The journal has been assigned International Standards Serial Number (ISSN)Print ISSN: 0976-0245, Online ISSN: 0976-5506. The journal is indexed with Google Scholar, Scili,EBSCOhost (USA),Embase (upto Jan 2025) and many other international databases. This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.
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Association between CTG Parameters One Hour before Delivery and Neonatal Asphyxia
Background: Cardiotocography (CTG) is a vital tool in obstetric practice for real-time fetal monitoring. However, its predictive value in identifying neonatal asphyxia remains underexplored, particularly in the critical hour before delivery. Aim of the Study: This study investigates the association between CTG monitoring in the last hour before delivery and neonatal asphyxia, aiming to evaluate its predictive value. Patients and Methods:This study is a descriptive retrospectivecohort study conducted at Al-Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital between January 2024 and January 2025. The study included 250 pregnant women presented with labourcondition to the mentionedhospital, CTG monitoring was applied continuously. After delivery (whether by vaginal delivery or caesarean section)CTG of last hour before delivery was compared for the neonates who had asphyxia and those without asphyxia. Inclusion criteria were: Term months, no history of taking drug, before delivery that affects the heart rate of the foetus (as magnesium sulphate, narcotics and pain killers), no history of fever, no history of drugs, addition, not smoker, not alcoholic, babies without congenital anomalies. Exclusion criteria: Preterms, mothers with medical disease like diabetes mellitus and hypertension,addiction to smoking and alcohol, mothers taking drugs that affect the heart rate of the focus like (magnesium sulphate, narcotics and pain killers, maternal fever, neonates with congenital anomaly, extremes of reproductive age group and extremes of BMI (<18.5 or ≥ 25 kg/m2). Results: Pathological CTG patterns were observed in 70% of the asphyxia group, compared to 1.6% in the non-asphyxia group. Late decelerations, absent variability, and accelerations were significantly associated with asphyxia. Caesarean delivery was more common in the asphyxia group. The need of NICU admissions further emphasized the poor neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: CTG monitoring in the last hour before delivery shows significant predictive potential for neonatal asphyxia. Specific CTG patterns can guide timely obstetric interventions, which can lead to improve neonatal outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Nutritional Status in Relation to Food Habits and Lifestyles among Adolescent Boys and Girls of Sombaria Village, West Sikkim
Background: Nutritional status is the health status of an individual resulting from the intake and utilisation of nutrients. Adolescence is a nutritionally vulnerable developmental stage, and insufficient dietary intake can lead to delayed sexual maturation and growth. Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the nutritional status in relation to food habits and lifestyles among adolescent boys and girls of Sombaria village, West Sikkim. Methods: Cross-sectional data on 100 adolescent boys and 100 adolescent girls were collected through a random sampling method from Sombaria village. An anthropometric rod and a weighing scale were used to measure height and weight respectively, following the standard technique of Lohman et al. Data on different food habits, exercise, sleeping hours and television time were collected from each subject. The prevalence of underweight and overweight was calculated by using z-scores for BMI for age and sex recommended by the WHO. Results: The present study shows that the prevalence of underweight was found the same between adolescent boys (4.00%) and girls (4.00%). However, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was slightly higher among adolescent boys (13.00%) than girls (11.00%). The study reported the higher prevalence of overweight/obesity in both boys (15.76%) and girls (15.68%) who preferred restaurant foods. Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher than underweight in both sexes in the present study. Underweight was found to be more or less the same in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian adolescent boys and girls. However, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher in both sexes who preferred restaurant foods over home-cooked foods.
Morbidity Pattern and Knowledge on Medication among elderly population at Suraram, India
BACKGROUND: Ageing of the Population is a great human success story.Longevity leads to more numbers of older persons, eventually leading to a continuously growing share of older persons in the population mix.Preparingfor the economic and social shifts associated with this sector of population is essential to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. OBJECTIVES:To assess the magnitude and pattern of morbidity among the elder population and to assess the knowledge on medication among them MATERIALS AND METHODS:A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Community Health Centre (CHC), a field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Malla Reddy Medical College for Women (MRMCW), located in Medchal–Malkajgiri district, Telangana. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS; IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, version 22). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results are presented as absolute numbers and percentages in tabular form. RESULTS:Of the participants, 149 (75%) reported having at least one chronic disease. Demographic variables such as age, religion, and caste showed a statistically significant association with morbidity (p < 0.05). Among participants with comorbidities, only 98 (49%) reported taking medications as prescribed by their physicians. When experiencing illness or adverse effects related to medication, the majority—53 (54%)—did not inform anyone, while 45 (46%) consulted their physician. CONCLUSION:The high morbidity load among elderly in the present study stress the efforts to provide better health care services and ensure that they remain active members of the society. This would help policymakers to strengthen health care services to the elderly population at state and national level to achieve Sustained Development Goals by 20230. This special group should be well informed about the medicines by the attending Physicians/ Pharmacists
Postnatal Exercise and Its Role in Managing Maternal Depression and Anxiety
Background: Two of the most common mental health conditions in the postpartum phase are postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, which frequently impact domestic life, infant attachment, and maternal well-being. According to recent research, non-pharmacologic interventions specifically, structured exercise—are crucial for maintaining maternal mental health. Objective: the main goal of this review is to evaluate how structured postpartum exercise regimens affect women's postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: Postnatal exercise, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and maternal mental health were searched in literature using Pub Med, Scopus, and Google Scholar exhaustively. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials of studies from 2015 to 2025 were included. Discussion: Walking, yoga, stretching, and aerobic training are examples of gentle to moderate physical exercise, which are linked with improvement in mood regulation, balance of cortisol and serotonin levels, self-esteem, and social support. Exercise improves the physical and mental recovery of postpartum women when added to routine care. Conclusions: Exercise after childbirth is an innocuous, valuable, and efficient adjunct therapy for decreasing depression and anxiety among mothers. Systematic exercise is able to improve mother screening outcomes, increase the health of families, and provide long-term recuperation when incorporated into daily postpartum care.
Imagery and Insight: A Qualitative Visual Analysis of Paediatric Cancer Patients’ Drawings on Clinical Research Using the DRAWEP Framework
Background: Paediatric assent and engagement in clinical research pose ethical and developmental challenges, particularly when research concepts are communicated primarily through verbal explanations. Visual methods such as drawing offer an alternative pathway to capture children’s thinking and to better understand their unspoken perspectives. Objective: To explore how paediatric cancer patients conceptualize clinical research and clinical trials through hand-drawn posters, using the Drawing-Based Emotional Processing (DRAWEP) framework supported by AI-assisted qualitative analysis. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study involved secondary analysis of hand-drawn posters created by children during an International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD 2025) awareness activity conducted by a national pediatric oncology non-governmental organization. Posters were anonymized, digitized, and analyzed using the Drawing-Based Emotional Processing (DRAWEP) framework. AI-assisted tools were used to support structured thematic organization, with all interpretations reviewed and validated by human researchers. The DRAWEP framework guided interpretation across the following domains: Description (what is drawn), Reflect (feelings or ideas evoked by the artwork), Analyze (insights into the child’s understanding of research), Wonder (questions arising from the artwork), Evaluate (effectiveness of communication), and Present (summary insight). Results: Six thematic domains emerged, reflecting emotional, relational, and symbolic representations of clinical research. Common themes included hope, trust, process awareness, and compassion. Several posters also revealed misconceptions, particularly the equating of research with a guaranteed cure (therapeutic misconception) and the conflation of clinician and researcher roles. Conclusion: Visual expression through drawing provides a developmentally appropriate window into children’s ethical and emotional perceptions of clinical research. Identifying both understanding and misconceptions through such methods may help inform the development of age-appropriate communication strategies in paediatric research settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rhea Aggarwal, Adarsh Keshari, Khushboo Sharma, Saisha Sehrawat, Haresh Gupta, Abir Aggarwal, Padam Singh, Pooja Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Assessment of Beneficiaries Satisfaction under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in Banda District of Uttar Pradesh
Background: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, launched in 2018, is a government-funded health insurance scheme under Ayushman Bharat, targeting 12 crore poor families (~50 crore beneficiaries). It provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless hospital care in empanelled hospitals (public & private)(1). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the satisfaction level of beneficiaries utilizing AB-PMJAY services in the Banda district of the Bundelkhand region and to identify factors influencing their healthcare experiences. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 AB-PMJAY beneficiaries selected through population proportion sampling from government and private empanelled hospitals. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire covering demographics, healthcare utilization, satisfaction levels, and encountered barriers. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential methods. Results: The study in Banda district reveals that AB-PMJAY effectively serves rural, elderly, and economically vulnerable populations, with 79% from rural areas and 45.33% unemployed. Satisfaction with services was generally high, especially with doctors (72%) and nursing staff (72.3%). Ayushman Mitras had the highest dissatisfaction (7.3%), indicating scope for improvement. Beneficiaries without treatment issues reported greater satisfaction (28.3% extremely satisfied). Positive outcomes strongly influenced satisfaction, while dissatisfaction was higher among those with no improvement. Surgical treatment yielded higher satisfaction despite issues. Interestingly, even those unaware of the scheme reported good experiences, highlighting the impact of service quality on user perception. Conclusion: The study highlights high overall satisfaction under AB-PMJAY but reveals critical areas needing improvement, including procedural simplifications and medication coverage enhancements.
Geographical analysis of Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C patients in the selected two districts of Tripura, India-using GIS
Introduction: In India, Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C viruses pose serious public health risks, especially in the Tripura, North-Eastern state of India, where high infection rates are caused by inadequate healthcare facilities, risky medical procedures, and a lack of awareness. The purpose of this study is to examine the distribution of Hepatitis-B (HBV) and Hepatitis-B (HCV) cases in the South and Gomati districts of Tripura during 2022-2024 in terms of spatial distribution, gender, and age. Both districts’ rural and tribal communities had extremely high rates of HBV and HCV infections. Methods: Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C viruses infected patients in the South Tripura and Gomati Districts of Tripura State are collected from the District Headquarters Government Hospital located in Santir Bazar and Udaipur, The total numbers of Hepatitis-B infected patients from 2022-2024 is 59 and total Number of Hepatitis-C infected patients from 2022-2024 is 25 in South Tripura District. The total number of Hepatitis-B infected patients is 80, and Hepatitis-C is 22 in the Gomati Tripura District during 2022-2024. The total Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C virus infected patients records are exported to the Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) 3.4 Madeira, the Google Earth pro for mapping and are analysed to assess the association between the socio-demographic factors. Results and Discussion: While Gomati district showed higher treatment adherence for HCV, South Tripura had a higher concentration of HBV patients. Geographical clusters and the pattern of HBV and HCV cases are found in random distribution. The age group of 21–40 is the most infected HBV in the South Tripura district; X² = 15.18, p-value = 0.0096; and Gomati Tripura: X² = 14.77, p-value = 0.0114). Age and HCV prevalence, however, neared statistical significance, suggesting changing patterns of transmission (South Tripura: p-value = 0.0737; Gomati district: p-value = 0.0523). Conclusion: The prevalence of both infections is found highest among the young adult age group of 21–30. In 2024, both illnesses had spread into larger age groups, with elderly populations in Gomati experiencing an increase in instances. In order to effective control measures on Hepatitis-B and C virus infection in the Tripura state, the study emphasizes the value of GIS in identifying high-risk villages and thus, increase of infrastructure resource allocation for improving vaccination coverage, especially for the age group of 21-50.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Comparative Study of Diseases Prevalence among Tribal Women in Different Villages of Khowai District, Tripura: A Hospital Data - Using GIS
The both communicable and non-communicable diseases that are interfering with normal biological functions which cause mortality or misery on a physical, psychological, or social level impact. Numerous things might cause it, such as infections, genetic flaws, dietary inadequacies, environmental influences, or even lifestyle decisions. The present study is made to assess the disease’s prevalence among tribal women in different villages of Khowai district in Tripura. The study focuses on understanding the health conditions of tribal women based on the government hospital registry. The mapping of spatial distribution and pattern of women cases is carried outusing GIS (Geographic Information System) the study shows the diffusion of diseases across the district. In order to determine the frequency of the diseases in the district, the side specification of 499 cases were analysed, and the result revealed that the categorization of diseases, such as; fever, stomach discomfort, anaemia, weakness, infections, and respiratory issues, areclassified. The most affected age-group of 21-30, and 41-50 are found in the three villages namely; Kalyanpur, Tulakshikhar, and Champa Hour. The results revealed that a Chi-square value (X²) of 15.03, and p-value ˂ 0.005, and hence, the disease prevalence is statistically high significant with the age groups of21-30 and 41-50, are the most affected susceptible women community in the district. The study also examined variables that may impact disease transmission and healthcare availability, such as temperature, slope, and rainfall. This study emphasises the need for improved healthcare infrastructure, education, and prompt treatment among tribal communities.
Investigating the Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Growth Outcomes of Breastfeeding Among Indian Mother-Infant
Objective: To assess breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among Indian suburban mothers and evaluate their correlation with infant anthropometric outcomes, identifying socioeconomic and behavioral factors associated with growth faltering. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 60 mother-infant dyads in Zahreeabad, Telangana. Data included structured questionnaires on demographics and KAP metrics, plus objective anthropometric measurements compared against age-/sex-matched standards. Descriptive and correlational analyses examined associations between maternal factors and infant growth. Results: Mean maternal age was 27.47±4.24 years; 75% were homemakers(N=45), 60% held Bachelor's degrees or higher (N=36). Early breastfeeding initiation (≤1 hour) occurred in 65%(N=39), with universally positive attitudes. Maternal education is significantly correlated with breastfeeding knowledge (p=0.824), though knowledge scores didn't differ between mothers maintaining versus discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Descriptively, c-section infants showed 2.42 cm greater length deficits than vaginal births. Despite 85% of infants exhibiting stunting and 55% showing weight deficits, 85% of mothers rated growth as "Average" or "Above Average," revealing a critical perception-reality gap. Conclusions: High breastfeeding knowledge and positive attitudes don't prevent growth faltering, with 85% of infants stunted despite strong maternal awareness. Structural barriers—particularly C-sections (85% of delayed initiations) and early complementary feeding (p = .042)—critically impair outcomes. A profound perception gap exists: 85% of mothers rated stunted growth as "Average" or above. Interventions must address clinical barriers and maternal perceptual frameworks, not just knowledge dissemination.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruthika Matapathi, Pavan Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Dementia in Developing countries: A Community-Focused Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Public Health Priorities
Background: Dementia is an emerging public health priority due to rapid population ageing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over 60% of affected individuals reside. In India, national estimates overlook substantial regional and rural–urban variation, and community-based evidence remains limited. Objective: To review evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, methodological approaches, screening tools, and public health response to dementia, with emphasis on community-based studies from LMICs, especially India. Methods: A narrative review of literature published between January 2000 and June 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Community-based epidemiological studies, relevant reviews, and policy documents were included. Hospital-based studies and those focusing exclusively on pharmacological or molecular aspects were excluded. Thirty-seven articles were synthesized thematically. Results: Global dementia prevalence is projected to increase from about 57 million in 2019 to over 150 million by 2050, with the fastest rise in LMICs. In India, prevalence among adults aged ≥60 years ranges from 4.5% to 11% across states, with higher burden influenced by education, lifestyle, and healthcare access. Nearly 45% of dementia cases are attributable to modifiable life-course risk factors. Community-based studies using culturally appropriate screening tools provide more accurate estimates, though methodological challenges persist. Conclusion: Addressing dementia as a public health priority requires strengthening community-based research and integrating prevention, early detection, and care into existing health systems in LMICs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Varalakshmi B, T Suriyakumar, Prahankumar Rajendiran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Study of Breast Cytology Smears Using The International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology
Background: Breast cancer is a major global health burden, especially in low- and middle-income regions where fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC/FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY) remains a widely used diagnostic tool. The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) Yokohama System provides a standardized, evidence-based framework to improve diagnostic consistency in breast cytology. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic utility, accuracy, and risk of malignancy (ROM) of the IAC Yokohama System in categorizing breast FNAC/FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY samples in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A prospective study of 128 FNAC/FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY samples from 120 patients was conducted and categorized according to the IAC Yokohama System. Cyto-histopathological correlation was available for 26 cases. Diagnostic performance indices were calculated using MedCalc. Results: The distribution of cases was: Category 2 (Benign), 78.1%; Category 3 (Atypical), 3.3%; Category 4 (Suspicious), 3.3%; and Category 5 (Malignant), 15.6%. No Category 1 cases were recorded. Fibroadenoma was the most common benign lesion (38.2%). Overall cyto-histopathological concordance was 84.6%. ROM was 0% (Category 2), 66.7% (Category 3), and 100% for Categories 4 and 5. Diagnostic performance showed sensitivity 40.0%, specificity 95.2%, positive predictive value 66.7%, negative predictive value 87.0%, and overall accuracy 84.6%. Conclusion: The IAC Yokohama System enhances the diagnostic reliability of FNAC/FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY for distinguishing benign and malignant breast lesions. However, indeterminate categories (3 and 4) continue to require histopathological confirmation. The system offers significant value in resource-constrained settings, though larger multicentric studies are warranted to refine ROM estimates and strengthen generalizability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shezan Rasool, Rajnish Kumar, Alok Mohan, Anupam Varshney, Zartab Zaki https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Implementation of Pharmacy Services for Cases of Acute Non-Dehydrated Diarrhea in Children in South Tangerang City, Banten, Indonesia
Background Self-medication for minor ailment is a common practice worldwide, including in Indonesia such as when patient seek medication with acute non-dehydration diarrhea but many studies reported that there was still problems in patient knowledge when conducting their self medication. This study aimed to examine the implementation of services provided by Pharmacy staff in South Tangerang City, Banten Province, Indonesia, for pediatric patients with acute non-dehydration diarrhea. Methods This study had a cross-sectional design and the data obtained were described descriptively. Data were collected by interviewing selected pharmacy staff to explore how they responded or provided services to patients who asked for their advice on managing diarrhea. The interview rubric was created by referring to minor ailments service flow, which includes three parameters: the patient assessment, the drug recommendations given, and the information conveyed to patients. The sample were staff from 43 pharmacies in the South Tangerang city area who were randomly selected based on pharmacy data obtained from the local city health office. Conclusion As many as 48.84% of pharmacy staff provided treatment consistent with WHO recommendations. Pharmacy staff need to improve their role in managing acute non-dehydration diarrhea patient.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yardi Saibi, Alysa Prameswary, Vidia Arlaini Anwar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Giant Seborrheic keratosis- A Rare Entity
Background: Seborrheic Keratosis (SK) is most common benign epidermal tumor with distinctive “stuck on” appearance. It appears on the sun-exposed sites with equal sex distribution in middle- and old-aged individuals. Head, neck and trunk are the common sites. They often range in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres.They are usually slow growing, however, clinical changes such as sudden increase in size, color change and ulceration may indicate malignant change.Case Presentation:The purpose of this review is to report a case of an unusually large, seborrheic keratosis on the face, highlighting its clinical and histopathological features.The manifestations pointed towards malignancy and the patient underwent biopsy and complete excision with a favorable outcome. Investigation: Even though they are clinically diagnosed, SK mimickers are well known, with melanoma being the most worrisome. Dermoscopy is used to help with diagnosis when uncertainty arises, as various benign and malignant conditions must be considered in the differential diagnosis due to their morphological diversity.Management: Treatment options include surgical therapy,laser therapy, electrocautery, cryosurgery, shave excisions and laser-assisted removal. Conclusion:Giant SK, an atypical SK is uncommon and can manifest in an unusual way, and histopathological analysis is warranted to look for concomitant malignancy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Simran Mehra, Shweta Grover, Anupam Varshney https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
High-Frequency and Ultrasonic Sound Exposure and Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review with AI Perspectives
Background: Environmental and occupational noise is an established cardiovascular risk factor, but the role of high-frequency (≥8 kHz) and airborne ultrasonic (>20 kHz) sound remains poorly understood. Objective: To systematically review evidence published between 2014 and 2025 on the association of high-frequency/ultrasonic sound exposure with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI), and to evaluate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing exposure assessment and risk prediction. Methods: PubMed/PMC and leading cardiology and environmental health journals were searched for systematic reviews, umbrella reviews, and primary human studies addressing high-frequency or ultrasonic noise in environmental, transportation, or occupational settings. Eligible outcomes included IHD/MI incidence, hospitalizations, mortality, and proximate cardiovascular markers. Data on study quality, risk of bias, and evidence certainty were extracted. Results: Forty-one studies met inclusion criteria (8 systematic reviews, 3 umbrella reviews, 30 primary studies). While reviews consistently linked general environmental noise to IHD/MI risk (RR ~1.08–1.15 per 10 dB increment), few addressed high-frequency or ultrasonic exposures. Occupational and experimental studies suggested acute effects elevated blood pressure, autonomic imbalance, oxidative stress yet long-term associations with IHD/MI remain inconclusive. Environmental studies indicated transient blood pressure changes and sleep disturbance in communities exposed to ultrasonic sources. AI approaches, including deep learning for noise source separation and GIS-based exposure mapping, show promise but are rarely applied to ultrasonic exposures. Conclusions: Current evidence for high-frequency and ultrasonic sound as independent cardiovascular risk factors is limited and low-certainty, though mechanistic findings support biological plausibility via stress-axis activation, vascular dysfunction, and autonomic imbalance. Integration of AI tools into exposure assessment and cardiovascular risk modeling may accelerate progress in this emerging field of environmental cardiology.
Copyright (c) 2026 Junapudi Sunil, Syam Sundar Junapudi, Leena Benjamin K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prevalence of Comorbidities among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases Reporting to a Respiratory Clinic in Western Maharashtra
Background: Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease responsible for millions of deaths each year, with a disproportionately high incidence in developing countries like India. Comorbidities associated with tuberculosis can complicate treatment and increase mortality risk. This study aims to assess the prevalence of comorbidities among pulmonary tuberculosis patients, which could provide insights for improving patient management and reducing mortality. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among 400 diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients.The study was conducted after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of SKNMCGH. Their demographic data and comorbidities were recorded on Excel spreadsheets, which was then analysed using open-Epi software and the Chi-Square test. Results: Out of the 400 pulmonary tuberculosis patients studied, 158 (39.5%) were found to have one or more comorbidities. The incidence of comorbidities increased with age. The most common comorbidity was found to be diabetes affecting 84 (21%) of patients, followed by hypertension, asthma and malnutrition, affecting 17.25%, 14.50% and 11% of patients respectively. There were also various other comorbidities, but none of them affected more than 2% of the patients. Conclusion: A large proportion of tuberculosis patients have comorbidities, which can lead to unsuccessful treatment and an increase in their mortality. Therefore, it is very important to detect and diagnose these comorbidities and control their progression.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tanya Murarka, Col. P.S. Chawla, Shilpa Jain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases: Global and Indian Trends, Risk Factors, and Socioeconomic Implications
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a significant global health challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries. This review examines the rising burden of NCDs, focusing on global and Indian trends, risk factors, and socioeconomic implications. NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, accounted for 74% of global deaths in 2019, up from 56.75% in 1990. In India, NCD-related deaths increased from 35.87% to 64.93% during the same period. Key risk factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and alcohol consumption, alongside metabolic factors such as hypertension and obesity. The economic impact is substantial, with NCDs projected to cost the global economy over US$30 trillion between 2011-2030. The burden of NCDs, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), has also risen significantly. This review underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and control strategies, emphasizing the importance of multi-sectoral approaches and primary healthcare interventions to address this growing epidemic.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Yasir Zubair, Danish Kamal, Ragul Jayaprakasam Sathiyamoorthy, Syed Sohaib Hashmi, Saira Mehnaz, Shafia Shafiq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Relationship Between Depression and Quality of Life Among Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital, West Bengal, India.
Introduction: Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) is a serious and long-lasting mental illness marked by episodes of mania and depression. Even when patients are in remission, depressive symptoms often persist and can greatly reduce their quality of life (QOL). Understanding this relationship is important for improving overall patient care and outcomes. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Psychiatry Department of MCH, Kolkata, from April to December 2024. A total of 180 BPAD patients aged 18–65 years, all in remission, were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF (26 items), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17 items). Analysis was performed using SPSS (2016 version). Results: Residual depression was common: 51% of patients had mild depression, 47.7% moderate, and 1.11% severe. Quality of life scores showed 16.11% with poor QOL, 81.11% with average QOL, and only 2.77% with good QOL. A moderate negative correlation was found between depression and QOL, indicating that greater depression was linked to poorer life quality. Religion, residence, occupation, and medication discontinuation were significantly associated with depression, while age, gender, and occupation influenced QOL. Conclusion: Even during remission, many BPAD patients experience depression that impacts daily living and overall well-being. Addressing socio-demographic factors and ensuring treatment adherence are crucial for improving their quality of life.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mita Basak Mandal , Aparna Ray, Gautam Bandyopadhyay , Saikat Bhattacharya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Carriage of Pathogenic Organisms in Gastrointestinal Tract Among Chandigarh Population
Objectives: To understand the epidemiology of various pathogens, it is imperative to understand the carriage of these pathogens in asymptomatic individuals. This helps in understanding the transmission of disease and thus the control measures. This study was carried out to detect the carriage of various pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and Rotaviruses in stool samples of the healthy population of Chandigarh. Materials and Methods: 500 non-duplicate fecal samples from healthy subjects were collected and processed for isolation of pathogenic bacteria by microbiological culture. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay was performed for Clostridium difficile toxins and Rotavirus antigen detection. Intestinal parasites were detected by wet mount and iodine mount directly, and after the formol-ether concentration technique for parasites. The data were analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel, and the results were summarized as percentages to provide a clear understanding of the distribution and trends in the dataset. Results: Carriage of intestinal pathogens was found to be 44.4% and 55.6% in children and adults, respectively. Carriage of Shigella species, Salmonella species, and Vibrio cholerae was nil in our study, with 2.6% carriage of Clostridium difficile. Rotavirus carriage was 3.6% in children. The carriage of parasites was more in adults than in children. Conclusions: The two main concerns in our study were C.difficile carriage and intestinal parasite carriage in adults. Educating the masses regarding hand hygiene is the most important step in this regard. Regarding parasitic infections, a single dose albendazole in school-going children has resulted in lower carriage in children than adults. The same approach, along with education regarding hygienic practices, can be started in the adult population also.
Copyright (c) 2026 Varsha Gupta, Anku Goel, Meenakshi Singh, Dilawar Singh, Naveen Krishan Goel, Neelam Gulati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Comprehensive Review: Risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of mucormycosis
Background: Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare yet aggressive opportunistic fungal infection primarily caused by molds of the order Mucorales. It predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, including those with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, malignancies, organ transplants, or prolonged corticosteroid use. The COVID-19 pandemic further escalated mucormycosis incidence, particularly in countries like India, due to widespread steroid use and immune suppression. The pathogenesis involves spore inhalation or inoculation, followed by rapid hyphal growth, angioinvasion, tissue necrosis, and dissemination to organs such as the brain and lungs. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion supported by imaging, histopathology, culture, and molecular techniques. Radiological modalities like CT and MRI play crucial roles in early detection and surgical planning. Prompt and aggressive treatment combining antifungal therapy mainly liposomal amphotericin B or posaconazole and surgical debridement is vital for improving outcomes. Conclusion: Despite advancements, mucormycosis remains associated with high morbidity and mortality, necessitating heightened awareness, early intervention, and risk factor control. This review consolidates current insights into the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnostic strategies, and treatment modalities of mucormycosis, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary management to mitigate its severe consequences.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nidhi Joshi, Dimpy Trivedi, Jayesh Beladiya, Anita Mehta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Reliability Of Sofa (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) Score For Predicting Morbidity And Mortality In Acute Pancreatitis In A Tertiary Care Center
INTRODUCTION Severe pancreatitis can cause high mortality, and scorings are essential in assessing and managing it. We used serial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)scores in assessing patients with acute severe pancreatitis to predict severity, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study was a prospective, single-institutional review of 150 consecutive acute severe pancreatitis patients admitted to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital from May 2019 to April 2020. Serial SOFA scores were calculated on admission, on days 2, 7, 14, and 21 of these patients. RESULTS The serial SOFA scores correlated significantly with mortality. Highest SOFA score of 11 and mean SOFA score of more than 8 correlated to mortality of more than 80%. Analyzing the trends in the SOFA score, the mortality rate was around 50% when the score increased, 30% when it remained unchanged, and less than 25 % when it showed a decreasing trend. Mortalitydifferences were better predicted by the first 48 hours SOFA score than in the subsequent 48 hours value. Prolonged hospital stay was associated with late mortality when compared with groups. When comparing other variables, the majority of pancreatitis was caused by alcohol consumption with high mortality observed in patients requiring organ support systems. CONCLUSION Changes in SOFA scores over time predicted the progression of organ failure, and escalating changes in SOFA score on hospital day 1 were subsequently associated with higher mortality rates. In our study, serial assessment of SOFA scores was found to be a cost-effective and easy method for predicting morbidity and mortality in acute pancreatitis patients.
Plasma Urokinase Plasminogen Activator and Pro-Adrenomedullin as Biomarkers in Hypertensive Individuals with Malaria Co-Infection at Nauth, Nnewi, Nigeria
Background: Hypertension (HTN) and malaria remain major causes of comorbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria. The coexistence of these conditions poses a significant double disease burden. Malaria infection may influence hypertension progression, possibly through inflammatory and endothelial pathways. This study aimed to evaluate plasma levels of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), a serine protease involved in fibrinolysis and tissue remodeling, and pro-adrenomedullin (Pro-ADM), a precursor of a vasoactive peptide associated with endothelial function, in hypertensive individuals with and without malaria infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria, and included 90 participants aged 22–79 years. Participants were grouped into 30 hypertensive individuals with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection, 30 hypertensive individuals without malaria, and 30 apparently healthy controls (46 females and 44 males). Five milliliters of venous blood was collected from each participant. Malaria diagnosis was performed using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears. Plasma uPA and Pro-ADM levels were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Exclusion criteria included HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney or liver disease, pregnancy, or other acute infections. Results: Hypertensive individuals with malaria infection had significantly higher mean plasma levels of uPA (7.02±3.57 ng/mL) and Pro-ADM (52.02±27.23 pg/mL) than hypertensive individuals without malaria (2.14±0.52 ng/mL, 20.39±2.34 pg/mL) and healthy controls (2.39±2.48 ng/mL, 21.23±2.51 pg/mL) (p = 0.000 respectively). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.640, p = 0.000) was observed between uPA and Pro-ADM levels in the malaria-infected hypertensive group. Conclusion: The concurrent elevation of uPA and Pro-ADM in hypertensive individuals with Plasmodium falciparum infection may suggest a combined response to endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory stress. These findings point to a potential pathophysiological link between infectious and cardiovascular diseases. However, given the cross-sectional design, causality cannot be established. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to explore these biomarker relationships and their clinical implications in malaria-endemic settings.
Intensity of Microsporidia spores among HIV-infected patients and their Non-HIV-infected counterparts in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.
Background: Microsporidia infection still remains a public health challenge in immuno-compromised subjects particularly in developing countries. Objective: A study was carried out among HIV-infected patients at a University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Nigeria to determine the prevalence and intensity of microsporidiasis. Methods: Seven hundred and fifty stool samples were collected from HIV-infected patients and 375 samples from their non-infected counterparts matched for age, sex and socio-economic variables. Microsporidia species were characterized morphologically, using Chromoptrope 2R staining technique. Pure microsporidia spores were isolated from the stool samples by the Ficoll-Hipaque technique. The size of microsporidial were confirmed by the comparison with the reference specimen (No. UN3373) obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta, USA. Results: The overall prevalence of microsporidia isolates in the stool samples of 750 HIV-infected patients was 42.4%. This infection rate was significantly higher than among the HIV-non-infected subjects (19.2%) (P<0.05). The intensity of microsporidia spores among HIV-infected patients (mean ± SD=176±52.3) was significantly higher than the intensity among the non-infected control group (mean ± SD=23±8.2) (P<0.05). This intensity spores among HIV-infected patients who were on HAART treatment and among those who were not on HAART treatment were similar. In general, the intensity of microsporidia spores by age, sex, marital status, occupation and education was significantly higher among HIV-infected patients than among their HIV-non-infected counterpart (P<0.05). Conclusion: Microsporidiasis is prevalent among immuno-compromised (HIV/AIDS) patients with a very high intensity. Therefore, it is highly desirable that a drug of choice for the treatment of microsporidiasis should be developed. Health education campaigns to promote awareness, prevention and control of microsporidiasis should be mounted.
Investigation of a Gastroenteritis Outbreak among the Students of a Medical College in North Kerala, India
Background: There was an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the campus of a Private Medical College, Wayanad, Kerala in January, 2021. This study was planned to find-out the epidemiological factors responsible for the gastroenteritis outbreak among the students of the College and recommend prevention and control measures. Methods: This study was conducted in a Private Medical College of Wayanad district Kerala in January 2021. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 11 cases and 42 controls. Water samples were collected from different sources in ladies’ hostel new block and canteen. Results: All the cases were from the ladies’ hostel new block and from phase I MBBS. The first case was on 10/01/2021, last on 15/01/2021, with peak in the incidence of cases on 12/1/21 (7 cases). Majority of the cases presented with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain (72.7% each). There was a very strong association between consumption of canteen chutney and sambar and gastroenteritis (OR=11 for both) and both these associations were found to be statistically significant (P=0.02 for both). No statistically significant association was detected between consumption of water from any particular water source and development of gastroenteritis (P>0.15 for all). Water samples from canteen showed the presence of Klebsiella, E coli and Pseudomonas and from Ladies hostel, Pseudomonas. However, Ejikman’s test was negative. Conclusion: All the cases were from ladies’ hostel new block and were from phase I MBBS. The outbreak was a point source single exposure epidemic.Majority of the cases presented with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Consumption of canteen chutney and sambar were found to have a very strong and significant association with gastroenteritis. The organisms were of non-fecal origin.
Socio Demographic and Clinical Profile of Psychiatric Cases Reported at Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana
Mental health disorders are a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 13% of the population. In India, the burden of mental illness is substantial, with a prevalence of around 197.3 million affected individuals. Telangana, a state in southern India, experiences a high incidence of anxiety and depressive disorders. Understanding the socio-demographic and clinical factors contributing to mental illness in these regions is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and intervention strategies. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, including 100 patients attending the psychiatry outpatient department. Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire, assessing socio-demographic factors, clinical details, and stress levels using the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale. The study population consisted of 48 males and 55 females, with a majority (69%) residing in urban areas. The highest prevalence of mental illness was found in individuals aged 31-50 years (51%). Anxiety disorders (26%), depression (15%), alcohol dependence (15%) and schizophrenia affecting (12%), were the most common psychiatric conditions. Socio-demographic factors such as lower educational attainment, unemployment, and lower socio-economic status were associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders. The stress index indicated that 73% of participants were at moderate to high risk for mental health issues, highlighting the significant role of stress in mental illness development. Socio-demographic factors along with high stress levels were found to contribute significantly to the prevalence of mental health disorders in the study population. These findings emphasize the need for targeted mental health interventions addressing these risk factors. Further research is needed to explore the causal relationships and regional variations in psychiatric disorders to inform more effective mental health policies and practices.
Investigating WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Practices and Related Health Risks Among Women in Communities of Dharavi, Mumbai
Access to sufficient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains a persistent challenge in urban slum settlements thus, affecting women’s health and well-being. This pilot study investigates WASH practices among women aged 15–45 in Dharavi, Mumbai—one of Asia’s largest informal settlements—with a keen focus on menstrual hygiene management and the associated risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 women aged 15–45 years using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher’s Exact Test to evaluate associations between menstrual hygiene practices and UTI symptoms. Most women (78%) are still depended on overcrowded community toilets, which lack basic facilities such as water and soap. Disposable sanitary pads were used by 74% of respondents, while 26% still relied on cloth. A significant association was observed between frequency of changing menstrual products and UTI symptoms (χ² = 14.3, p = 0.027; Fisher’s p = 0.011). Avoiding eating to reduce toilet visits was also associated with UTI symptoms (χ² = 4.37, p = 0.037). Choice of menstrual product was linked to age (p = 0.022) and education level (p = 0.006) of the women. However, reduced water intake showed no significant association (p = 0.155). The study highlights the urgent need for raising awareness programs in managing reproductive infections in Dharavi. Affordable sanitary products, safe disposal facilities, and gender-sensitive sanitation policies are critical to reducing health risks and promoting dignity in menstrual hygiene management.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jumana Boty, Kanchan Chitnis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Physical Activity and Its Impact on Sleep Quality and Sleep Hygiene Among Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Sleep plays a critical role in physical health, mental well-being and academic performance, especially among young adults. Physical activity is known to influence sleep outcomes, but the nature of this relationship in medical students remains underexplored. Therefore this study aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity levels, sleep quality and sleep hygiene among physiotherapy students. .Material and Methods: The study was observational in nature involved 73 physiotherapy students aged 18–27 years from University College of physiotherapy were included in the study as per selection criteria. After obtaining informed consent, the students were categorized into Physically Inactive (n=20), Minimally active (n=28) and Very Active (n=25) based on their physical activity levels by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Then the students were assessed for Sleep quality by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Hygiene by Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) scores among the Inactive, Minimally Active and Very Active groups (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis using the Tukey HSD method indicated that the Very Active Group had significantly better PSQI and SHI scores compared to the Inactive Group, while the difference between minimally and Very Active groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that physically active students had significantly better sleep quality and sleep hygiene compared to those who did not engage in physical activity. Promoting an active lifestyle may serve as an effective strategy to enhance sleep and overall well-being among student populations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohit kumar, Sandeep Kumar, Smati Sambyal, Armanjot Singh Walia, Shivam Monga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Lifestyle choices influence the susceptibility towards Essential Hypertension.
Background: Despite provisions of anti-hypertensives and WHO measures, prevalence of hypertension is increasing worldwide, especially in low-& middle-income countries. This indicates a common issue, probably non-affordability of medicines and non-availability of proper health care facilities to larger section of population. This provided two important objectives to the study, first to investigate the basic health parameters of hypertensive and normotensive individuals and second to correlate their lifestyle choices with health parameters to understand the cause and effect. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted through the consecutive recruitment of hypertensive and normotensive individuals between January 2024 to September 2024 at Advanced Cardiac Centre, PGIMER. Data regarding participants lifestyle habits and biochemical parameters were collected using case record forms. Statistical analysis, including intergroup and intragroup comparisons, was performed using Chi-square test, unpaired t-test (Mann-Whitney test), descriptive analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between biochemical parameters and hypertension as predictive variables. Results: A higher proportion of individuals with a sedentary lifestyle were observed in the hypertensive group. Further analysis of normotensive individuals with sedentary lifestyles revealed that 78.5% were vegetarians and only a small fraction reported with alcohol consumption. In contrast, hypertensives with a sedentary habits exhibited higher rates of non-vegetarian food intake (76.2%) and alcohol consumption (71.4%). Conclusion: This study underscores lifestyle modifications as the primary strategy to improve the overall health parameters, to reduce the increasing prevalence of hypertension, as well as reduce drug dependence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Poonam Pandhu, Basant Kumar, Shashi Chaudhary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Doctors suggest mandatory screening policy, increase in IEC programs can control rise in breast cancer
Background: A qualitative study was carried out among doctors in Karnataka to understand their perceptions about breast cancer, its rapid rise and control measures. Methods: 67 doctors from allopathic as well as AYUSH fields answered a qualitative questionnaire related to screening policy in breast cancer, uptake, control measures, treatment costs and health insurance cover. The questionnaires were sent as links to Google Forms. About 300 doctors were contacted but only about 67 doctors answered the questions. Answers were recorded from Google Forms into Excel sheets and subjected to statistical analysis by SPSS program. Results:Among all the participating doctors, 66% of participants suggested making screening of breast cancer a mandatory procedure in the form of clinical breast exams (CBE), self-breast exams (SBE) and mammography. Conclusion: Most doctors feel that screening policies could be made mandatory.They recommend breast cancer to be treated as a public health emergency.
Copyright (c) 2026 Papiya Bhattacharya, Varalakshmi KN, Priyanca Mathur https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Study Protocol: A mixed method study of Development, Validation and Implementation of Pain education module in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder globally, with pain being the most important feature. Pain management is the cornerstone of knee osteoarthritis treatment. This study aims to develop a validated, understandable, and actionable pain education module for patients with Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis in the form of a video in English, Hindi, and Marathi. Methods: The study will be conducted in three phases. The first phase of the study will include the development of the video in English, Hindi and Marathi. Phase 2 of the study will include validation of the video by experts from different specialties, including physiotherapists, Orthopaedic surgeons, pain interventionists, and people from the general population, using rigorous and robust research methods. The validated English, Hindi and Marathi Pain education videos will then be incorporated into the treatment of patients with chronic knee Osteoarthritis in the third phase of the study. This part of the study will be conducted in the form of a randomized controlled trial, (RCT) in which 120 patients with Chronic Knee OA will be included. With 60 patients in each group, the patients in Group 1 will receive pain education via video and the standard plan of care. Patients in Group 2 will receive only the standard of care. The assessment of patients will be performed by an assessor who will be blinded to the treatment allocation groups before and after treatment. The total treatment duration will be 6 weeks. The additional benefit of using the pain education module will be studied at the end of this study. Discussion: The pain education module developed, validated, and tested in this study, if found to be effective, can be used for pain education in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis as a regular treatment protocol. The results of this study may help reduce pain intensity and kinesio phobia and improve function and perception of knee osteoarthritis.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jui V. Bane , Chhaya V. Verma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene practices of rural women from West Bengal in India
Background Sustainable Development Goal targeted equitable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) in women’s life. However, utilization in WaSH still does not reach optimal level in rural sector of India despite huge promotion of policies. Objective To understand water, sanitation and hygiene practices of rural women from the state of West Bengal. Methods The present cross-sectional study involved 252 women [88 from caste (PC women), 53 from tribal (PT women) group of rural part of Purulia; 111 from caste (HC women) group of rural part of Howrah] following purposive sampling technique. A pre-tested schedule was canvassed for collecting data on socio-demographic characteristics, water facilities, usage and associated issues, urination and defecation practices, menstrual health management. Descriptive statistics were performed. A sub-section of the participants was involved in group discussion. Results PC women reported scarcity of drinking water (89.7%), open site urination and defecation practice (97.9%), used clothes as menstrual absorbents (61.1%). PT women reported use of sanitary napkins (90%), could get access of household toilets (99.9%), nearby drinking water source (66.6%); however, 83.7% reported open site urination and defecation practice. HC women used household toilets (42.8%), nearby drinking water source (71.4%); reported habit of washing hands (89.5%) and private parts during menstruation (63.4%) along with frequent changing of menstrual absorbent (52.4%); however, unhygienic disposal of menstrual absorbent was practiced by HC women. Conclusion The study suggests that intervention programs could impart education for uprising knowledge and attitude towards adoption of healthy WaSH practices among rural women.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nivedita Som https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0