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Gender equality had been targeted under Millennium Development Goals 2015 as Goal 3, whose primary focus was women's education. It was further reinforced under the ambit of Sustainable Development Goal 5 as again gender equality and women empowerment, whose timeline is by 2030. The review article essays the journey of this very pertinent theme, from abeyance to gaining prominence, and the associated societal variations. Gender equity now is the finer version, which is accepted and received well too, and this inclusiveness has urged us to add disability inclusion into our context of discussion. These issues are always challenges that crop up in the path of development and evolution. Hence, it is very essential that deliberations are conducted to get an insight into the deviations at the regional as well as rural areas in terms of addressing these issues. With appreciable improvement in health-related targets, these issues are coming to the fore, as barriers to sustainable improvements. Hence, developing strategies for gender equity and disability inclusion are likely to play vital roles in the overall goal of Health For All (HFA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is a proven fact that women are affected by poor mental health predominantly in the postnatal period. This is authenticated by the use of a validated and tested Edinburg Postnatal Depression scale (EPNS), which is a simple tool to measure depression among women after delivery by posing 10 questions and this is also validated in Odia language. Odisha has made laudable progress in delivering Maternal and Child Health care to women even in tribal-dominated districts through its robust Comprehensive Obstetrics care network restricting home delivery almost to a mere 4%-5% and reducing maternal deaths by 60%-70% as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). As a part of an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) extramural project to enhance contraceptive acceptance among males in districts that had a total fertility rate (TFR) higher than 3, a qualitative objective to measure mean postnatal depression in the early postpartum period (who are also the target to advocate contraceptive acceptance) was undertaken. A secondary objective was to compare family care vs. facility care as greater attributing factors for higher EPNS scores. Materials and Methods: Due to time constraints, the study was done on a fast-track mode wherein two villages each from the sampled blocks of Koraput and Boudh (with one of the highest birth rates) were selected. All women in villages who had a baby aged between 1 and 6 months, were the sampling frame and only those were selected who consented. A questionnaire was used that elicited information on familial sociodemographic details and also facility-based antenatal care (ANC) and postdelivery services that were availed for the last-born child. General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) scores were used as an independent variable and a proxy measure of cumulative familial stress. Descriptives and log regression were used to measure the odds of family vs. facility-based services. Results: A total of 98 women, 50 from Boudh and 48 from Koraput, participated in the study. Koraput's mean EPNS scores were 6 points higher than Boudh indicating much higher postnatal poor mental health. Log models showed that there was no difference between facility-based care in both districts as both reported 96%-97.3% institutional delivery, with out-of-pocket expenditure (OOP) being less than 520 Indian rupees on average and nearly 100% reported receipt of iron folic acid and calcium as well as streamlined Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) services. However, the odds of men's participation in Family planning was 2.77 times less in Koraput (SD = 2.582), fourth birth order 1.33 odds, and female gender 5.66 odds higher for the district as a result of which GHQ 12 score mean was 21.00 (CI: 19.18-22.82) hinting very high psychological stress as compared with Boudh where the mean was 17 (CI: 14.59-19.41). Conclusion: This clearly indicates that a robust healthcare delivery alone will not be able to address the holistic health of women in the childbearing age group. Familial stressors compound poor mental health and hence counseling of the family as a whole is necessary to achieve sound mental health in women in the postnatal period. The spousal role is emerging as a strong determinant, especially in terms of nonacceptance or casual approach to contraceptive use. Interestingly, a skewed gender bias is noted for the female child, which is also a contributor to postnatal depression (PND) in both districts, though a bigger sample would be needed to statistically prove it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pentavalent vaccines (DTP-HepB-Hib) have been introduced in many countries in their routine public immunization programmes to protect against diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), pertussis (P), hepatitis B (Hep B) and Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) diseases. This study compared the safety and immunogenicity of a new formulation of a whole-cell Bordetella pertussis (wP) based pentavalent vaccine (DTwP-HepB-Hib). The new formulation was developed using well-characterized hepatitis B and pertussis whole cell vaccine components. Methods: This was a phase III, observer-blind, randomized, non-inferiority, multi-center study conducted in India among 460 infants who were followed up for safety and immunogenicity for 28 days after administration of three doses of either investigational or licensed comparator formulations at 6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks of age. Results: The investigational formulation of DTwP-HepB-Hib vaccine was non-inferior to the licensed formulation in terms of hepatitis B seroprotection rate (% of subjects with HepB antibodies ≥10mIU/mL were 99.1% versus 99.0%, respectively, corresponding to a difference of 0.1% (95% CI, -2.47 to 2.68)) and pertussis immune responses (adjusted geometric mean concentrations of antibodies for anti-PT were 76.7 EU/mL versus 63.3 EU/mL, with a ratio of aGMTs of 1.21 (95% CI, 0.89–1.64), and for anti-FIM were 1079 EU/mL versus 1129 EU/mL, with a ratio of aGMTs of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.73–1.24), respectively). The immune responses to other valences (D, T, and Hib) in the two formulations were also similar. The safety profile of both formulations was found to be similar and were well tolerated. Conclusions: The investigational DTwP-HepB-Hib vaccine formulation was immunogenic and well-tolerated when administered as three dose primary series in infants. Clinical trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry India number: CTRI/2018/12/016692. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orphan children are vulnerable group in the society due to lack of affection, care love, emotional attachment and phycological support from parents which leads depression, malnutrition. There is decreased immunity due to malnutrition which leads to infections. Hence the present study was done with an objective to assess morbidity profile and to estimate the prevalence of depression among the children residing in the orphanages Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 selected Orphanages and 210 children residing in those orphanages selected by the simple random sampling method. Data was collected by interview method using pretested semi structured schedule. Results: Prevalence of Depression was 38.6 % and it was more among girls compared to boys and the difference is statistically significant. The major morbidities observed were dental caries 55.2 %, underweight 55.2 %, stunting 53.2 %, and pallor 20.5 %Conclusion: Depression, malnutrition and dental caries were the major health problems among the children in the orphanages and needs to be addressed and regular monitoring of nutritional status and improving the oral hygiene by health education and regular counselling will help to cope up with depression and other health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a global issue that draws the attention of all healthcare experts in the veterinary and medical fields. Of various factors, indiscriminate and unregulated antibiotic usage in the animals reared for food production, especially in cows and buffaloes suffering from mastitis, contribute significantly to the rising incidence of resistant bacteria. A literature survey reveals the spread of resistant strains of mastitis-causing bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, to humans. In addition, antibiotic residues detected in milk samples against all major groups of antibiotics are likely to enter the human body through the food chain and aggravate the condition. The cumulative effects of ABR have emerged as a silent killer. The benefits of systematic surveillance on ABR in India are yet to be available. Here is an attempt to understand the ABR burden in India associated with bovine milk and its mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is associated with deficits in cognitive functioning of children. However, no comprehensive multicentric study has been conducted in India to explore the role of multiple MD in cognition of children and adolescents. The present study aimed to explore association of MD with level of general intelligence and specific cognitive functions, in urban school-going children and adolescents across ten cities of India. Method: Cross-sectional multicentric study, enrolled participants aged 6–16 years. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, folate, vitamin A, D and B12. Colored Progressive Matrices / Standard Progressive Matrices (CPM/SPM), Coding, Digit Span and Arithmetic tests were used for the assessment of cognitive functions of participants. Height and weight measures were collected along with socio-economic status. Results: From April-2019 to February-2020, 2428 participants were recruited from 60 schools. No MD was found in 7.0% (134/1918), any one MD in 23.8% (457/1918) and ≥ 2 MD in 69.2% (1327/1918) participants. In presence of ≥ 2 MD, adjusted odds ratio (OR) for borderline or dull normal in CPM/SPM was 1.63, (95% CI: 1.05–2.52), coding was 1.66 (95% CI: 1.02–2.71), digit span was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.06–2.25) and arithmetic was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.17–2.53), controlling for gender, socioeconomic status and anthropometric indicators. Conclusion: Since ≥ 2 MD were found in more than 2/3rd of participants and was associated with impairment in cognitive function, attempts must be made to ameliorate them on priority in school going children in India. Trial registration number: CTRI/2019/02/017783. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate nutrition is necessary during childhood and early adolescence for adequate growth and development. Hence, the objective of the study was to assess the association between dietary intake and blood levels of minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium) and vitamins (folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and vitamin D) in urban school going children aged 6–16 years in India, in a multicentric cross-sectional study. Participants were enrolled from randomly selected schools in ten cities. Three-day food intake data was collected using a 24-h dietary recall method. The intake was dichotomised into adequate and inadequate. Blood samples were collected to assess levels of micronutrients. From April 2019 to February 2020, 2428 participants (50⋅2 % females) were recruited from 60 schools. Inadequate intake for calcium was in 93⋅4 % (246⋅5 ± 149⋅4 mg), iron 86⋅5 % (7⋅6±3⋅0 mg), zinc 84⋅0 % (3⋅9±2⋅4 mg), selenium 30⋅2 % (11⋅3±9⋅7 mcg), folate 73⋅8 % (93⋅6 ± 55⋅4 mcg), vitamin B12 94⋅4 % (0⋅2±0⋅4 mcg), vitamin A 96⋅0 % (101⋅7 ± 94⋅1 mcg), and vitamin D 100⋅0 % (0⋅4±0⋅6 mcg). Controlling for sex and socioeconomic status, the odds of biochemical deficiency with inadequate intake for iron [AOR = 1⋅37 (95 % CI 1⋅07–1⋅76)], zinc [AOR = 5⋅14 (95 % CI 2⋅24–11⋅78)], selenium [AOR = 3⋅63 (95 % CI 2⋅70–4⋅89)], folate [AOR = 1⋅59 (95 % CI 1⋅25–2⋅03)], and vitamin B12 [AOR = 1⋅62 (95 %CI 1⋅07–2⋅45)]. Since there is a significant association between the inadequate intake and biochemical deficiencies of iron, zinc, selenium, folate, and vitamin B12, regular surveillance for adequacy of micronutrient intake must be undertaken to identify children at risk of deficiency, for timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human in close inhabitation with the cattle due to unventilated or inadequately ventilated establishments or inadequate living space, is always at a risk of sustaining infection from the cattle through different modes of disease transmission. This study hints at the increased incidences in respiratory infections among dairy workers in unorganized and small scale dairy farms due to amendable unhygienic practices. Methods: This survey was part of a larger study, conducted after ethics approval. Number of households involved in dairy work surveyed were 60. From every house, two members actively involved in dairy work were chosen and total respondents were 120. The study tool was a semi structured, mixed questionnaire. Results: 67.5% dairy workers self-reported occurrence of respiratory symptoms which included the complaints like cough,breathing difficulty on exertion. None of the dairy workers were vaccinated against any milk borne disease.Conclusion: The housing, civic amenities accessed by them and their awareness are probably the main reasons for wide variety of self perpetuated practices and deviations of standard requirement.Use of protective gear (gloves,caps,masks) should be strictly emphasized and popularized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-one fine-scented rice genotypes were evaluated for 18 agro-morphological and quality characters for characterization, and 21 quantitative characters were evaluated for principal component analysis in R-studio software. Characterization of agromorphological traits viz., plant height, days to 50% flowering, panicle length, number of effective tillers per plant, test weight, grain length, grain breadth, grain L: B ratio, kernel length, kernel breadth, kernel dimensions, awns, colour of awns, distribution of awns, and quality traits viz., alkali spreading value, gel consistency, grain aroma, and amylose content showed huge diversity among the genotypes. PCA revealed that PC1 showed the highest amount of variance (32.0%) followed by PC2 (15.7%), PC3 (9.0%), PC4 (8.1%), PC5 (7.8%), PC6 (5.4%) for quantitative characters. Out of 21 principal components, only 6 showed an eigenvalue greater than 1 and contributes about 78.1% total variance. Genotypes in PC1 showed higher values for grain L: B ratio and kernel L: B ratio. Similarly, PC2 showed higher variable values for characters like test weight, kernel length, grain length, grain breadth, alkali spreading value, grain yield per plot and amylose content. PC3 for harvest index, panicle length, gel consistency, no. of effective tillers per plant and head rice recovery. PC4 for characters like plant height, kernel breadth and days to 50% flowering. PC5 for characters like kernel elongation ratio, and filled grains per panicle. PC6 for characters like no. of tillers in a square meter and no. of panicles in a square meter. This pre-breeding characterization study may be useful in finding potential genotypes which are having both yield and quality characters which may be useful in breeding for high-yielding varieties with good-quality characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was initiated to generate genetic information on important yield contributing characters of sweet potato genotypes maintained in Chhattisgarh. Twenty eight sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas L.) genotypes were evaluated to estimate the genetic variability for different characters. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The genetic parameters for yield contributing characters of different sweet potato genotypes were studied. Analysis of variance showed significant variation among the genotypes for all tested characters. The highest tuber yield was recorded in genotype Indira Naveen (27.84 t/ha) which was followed by TSP16-8 (25.42 t/ha), Indira Madhur (25.26 t/ha), Sree Bhadhara (24.81 t/ha) and Sree Rethana (24.48 t/ha). Diameter of tubers, vine length, vine internode length, the number of tubers per plant showed the highest genotypic and phenotypic variation. High heritability was observed for characters viz., dry matter of tubers followed by vine length, vine internode length, starch, TSS of tubers, tubers weight per plant, the number of tubers per plant, vine weight per plant, diameter of tubers, dry matter of foliage, length of tubers, harvest index, tubers yield. Variability in vine length, vine weight, dry matter of foliage, tuber weight per plant and tubers yield present in the genotypes could be used for the improvement of sweet potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood and adolescence require adequate amount of micronutrients for normal growth and development. The primary objective of study was to assess the prevalence of deficiencies of Vitamins (Vitamin A, 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folate) and minerals (Calcium, Zinc, Selenium and Iron), among urban school going children aged 6–11 and 12–16 years in ten cities of India. Secondary objective was to find the association between micronutrient deficiencies with sociodemographic and anthropometric indicators. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted across India. Participants in the age groups of 6 to 11 years (group 1) and 12 to 16 years (group 2) were selected from randomly chosen schools from each center. Data on socio economic status, anthropometric measures was collected. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of micronutrients. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals was used to assess the prevalence of deficiencies. Associations were observed using chi square, student t test and ANOVA test. Results: From April 2019 to February 2020, 2428 participants (1235 in group 1 and 1193 group 2) were recruited from 60 schools across ten cites. The prevalence of calcium and iron deficiency was 59.9% and 49.4% respectively. 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 39.7% and vitamin B12 in 33.4% of subjects. Folate, Selenium and Zinc were deficient in 22.2%, 10.4% and 6.8% of subjects respectively. Vitamin A deficiency least (1.6%). Anemia was prevalent in 17.6% subjects and was more common among females. Conclusion: One or more micronutrient deficiencies are found in almost one half of school going children in urban area. Hence efforts must be made to combat these on priority. Trial registration number: CTRI/2019/02/017783. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of life in Diabetics (QOLID) questionnaire is a validated tool to assess the quality of life affected by diagnosed diabetic patients and has 8 sub domains, which are essential factors that have proven effect on the management. In a state of art Diabetic clinic in Bhubaneswar city, the tool was used to add more quality to diabetic management. Methods: The ongoing assessment through the months of 2020 (study period being from December 2019 to August 2020), offered an opportunity to assess the effect of the pandemic on QOLID scores and review some nascent or strong factors which may be affecting chronic disease management. Results: Complete data could be collected from 599 subjects, 343 from pre pandemic and 256 from pandemic period. The overall scores which were on 100, did not show any significant difference for pre covid and the Covid period, interestingly nearly 1.93 points better in Covid period (69.69±11.10 vs71.62±8.49; p=0.396). Mild difference in overall scores of 4.82 points is seen in females in Covid period; and as seen in age group data maximum gain in sub domains, more for females is seen in the emotional and mental health. Though women reporting to the clinic in both periods are usually in 1:2 ratios, as against men; but QOLID scores in both men and women in Covid period was 71 to 80 points. After the univariate analysis for significant factors, it was that Covid (1.50; 1.08 - 2.07) ; compliance to medications (2.27; 1.48 - 3.50) and reporting of all diabetic complications especially that of eye and depression are coming out to be strong associative factors to affect QOLID scores. Interestingly, rising education has a protective effect on QOLID scores that was significant as higher awareness and better job or earning opportunities may be a contributor for higher QOLID scores for the well educated. Conclusion: This brings out a strong emphasis on QOL assessments to be made an inbuilt part of Diabetic management at all centers to maximize treatment outcomes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dairy work is thought to be predominantly a rural occupation. However, due to preferences we see a lot of urban residents consume fresh milk and hence, few people even in the urban areas take up cattle rearing as a cost effective profession. In the midst of much talked re-emerging diseases, caused by close habitation of animals and man, it would be very relevant to see living conditions of these populations and their hygiene practices in a space compromised scenario. In urban settings, they stay in close proximity and due to socioeconomic conditions, dairy workers in do not have appropriate amenities to tend on the cattle,clean or even scope for proper waste disposal. This in nutshell, leads to a disease enabling environment and the study aims at reviewing these living conditions. Besides, an assessment of health conditions of the dairy workers, their awareness regarding the milk borne diseases(MBD) was done. The findings helped generate recommendations for improvement of the profession and ultimately the quality of the milk. Objectives:1) Assess the hygiene practices during the stages of milk collection, storage and transport of milk among the sampled dairy workers from urban unorganized settings of Bhubaneswar. 2) Assess awareness of these workers regarding milk borne diseases. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was part of a larger study and was conducted in unorganized sector of dairy workers in Bhubaneswar. 60 dairy households were surveyed and from each household, 2 members actively involved in dairy work were selected.The study tool was a semi structured, mixed questionnaire. The questionnaire had 3 sections; A was regarding household information(General sociodemographic details and Housing conditions for 60 HHs); B was to elicit the hygiene status of dairy workers(n=120) during each step of their work, their milk handling details during milk collection, storage and transportation; C had questions to assess the awareness of dairy worker regarding MBD. Results: Hygiene practices were very dismal at all points like milking,storage and transportation. Only 5.0% dairy households practised cleaning udder twice- prior to and after milking. Only 35% households kept the milk storage containers covered. 44.2% workers agreed that "MBD" is a community health problem. On general examination, pallor and icterus was found among workers. This strongly brings out that this group not only have the potential to be infected by zoonotic diseases, but can also transmit it to through the milk they are selling. A felt need is assessed for these workers in terms of creating standards of hygiene practices of cattle and milk handling and also impart them training on improving their occupational practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odisha has 4.2 million diabetic patients against the country's 70 million with an urban prevalence of nearly 15.4%. Diabetes is affecting younger age groups, thus having a crucial impact on quality of life of the affected. A qualitative endeavour was attempted at the diabetic clinic of a tertiary care set up in the capital city of Bhubaneswar to create a diabetic surveillance data assembly, wherein subjects above 18 years of age and newly diagnosed or on follow-up, after obtaining informed consent, were made to respond to a quality of life (QOLID) validated tool. The pretested tool has 8-domain role limitation due to physical health, physical endurance, general health, treatment satisfaction, symptom botherness, financial worries, emotional/mental health, and diet advice tolerance. The validated tool had 34 items (questions) that were selected to represent these domains on the basis of extraction communality, factor loading, and interitem and item-total correlations. The final questionnaire had an overall Cronbach's alpha value of 0.894 (subscale: 0.55 to 0.85), showing high internal consistency in the current study population. A score for each domain was calculated by simple addition of items scores. Each individual domain score was then standardized by dividing by maximum possible domain score and multiplying by 100. All individual standardized domain scores were then added and divided by 8 (number of domain) to obtain an overall score. The data collection was done for 400 patients as an interim analysis. Univariate and subsequently multivariate analysis was performed to decide the predictors that affected quality of life. Age over 50 years (OR = 1.81, CI 1.12-2.93; p=0.014), female gender (OR = 2.05, CI 1.26-3.35; p=0.004), having foot complications (OR = 2.81, CI 1.73-4.55; p < 0.001), and having depression (OR = 1.88, CI 1.15-3.06, p=0.011) emerged as predictors of poor QOLID scores. The tool can be made a subtle part of chronic case management of diabetes to ensure patient's participation in the treatment of the disease and to create a database that can redefine diabetic care in India to suit the diverse regional settings in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality in diabetic management is the need of the hour, in eye of the menacing increase in the disease in India. Hence, a sensitive qualitative handling of outpatient visits is warranted and an inbuilt mechanism of Quality of life scales (which are proxy of the patient's response to disease) and Diabetic care scales (proxy for patient's satisfaction to the care extended), would offer supportive evidence to physicians, of areas where they will have to be more careful. Aims and Objectives: To assess the Diabetic Care scale (DCS) for the subjects seeking management from the diabetic care unit. To find out the factors associated with the DCS and derive inferences to improve upon quality of management in the given sample Methodology: Diabetics were made to answer to Quality of Life in Diabetics (QOLID) and Diabetic Care Scale (DCS), validated and pretested for Indian populations; and factors affecting patient's responses were ascertained, to improve care. Final sample of 599 interviews were assessed. To identify the predictors of diabetic care, diabetic care scale was dichotomized on the basis of its median value. Results: QOLID domains were inversely correlated with DCS, strongly significant (treatment satisfaction, general health, symptom botherness, financial worries, emotional health and physical endurance). Role limitations to physical health were also positively related to DCS (-0.422; p<0.001), which indicated that this domain affected DCS positively and significantly. Overall QOLID and DCS scores were negatively correlated and significant (-0.650; p<0.005). Education (UOR 0.76; SD 0.64 - 0.90, p=0.002), treatment, medical adherence in diabetics about being careless with medications (AOR=2.38 SD 1.50 - 3.77, <0.001) emerged predictors of poor DCS scores. DCS can be used as a prelim screening to evaluate the quality of care in diabetic management in early stages so as to rectify any gaps and improve through specialized counselling in subsequent visits. Wide use of these tools is recommended, both in rural and urban scenario to improve and control the diabetic epidemic in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Iodized salt is the mainstay intervention to tackle iodine-related disorders. In spite of the government's efforts to make iodized salt available in more than 90% of the households across the country, there are sketchy details on its use. Since the main propagators of this intervention are the mothers cooking in kitchen, this study was conceived, as a corollary to a larger micronutrient assessment study among school-going children. Aims: The aim of this was to assess knowledge, practice of mothers of school-going children (6-16 years) regarding use of iodized salt, and to see any association between the simple psychological testing of the children and the iodine content of the salt used in home kitchen and the contributing factors thereof. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing mothers of 240 school-going children of age groups 6-11 years and 12-16 years from six schools of Bhubaneswar using a semi-structured questionnaire regarding their knowledge on iodine and its deficiency and the practice of using iodized salt. MBI kit was used to assess the iodine content of salt used at home. The psychology adeptness of students was assessed using the standardized and validated coding, standard progressive matrices, and colored progressive matrices tests. Statistical Analysis: Analysis was done using SPSS version 16, wherein the sociodemographic data were shown in proportions, and the iodine content was taken as the dependent continuous variable and means reported. For the sake of associations with intelligence and cognition, a binary logistic regression model was drawn. Results: It reports that 47.5% of mothers knew that iodized salt is good for health and iodine content measured using MBI kit was 15 ppm and above for 71.7% of the sample. Further, iodine content in salt is seen as protective for cognition and also for IQ. Conclusions: The knowledge of the mothers' needs reinforcement regarding iodine and related disorders and the benefits of iodized salt. The aim of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Program can only be achieved by generating awareness, regular follow-up, and improving the iodization of salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: -To enhance child health, Indian Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and National Health Mission (NHM) strategized that reinforcement of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices would be a good take off. Anganwadis, where 78% of mothers of children below 6 receive services, can serve as an effective platform for mothers to receive counseling on appropriate breast feeding and complementary foods, in a priority state like Odisha. Aim: -As a prelude to a detailed intervention, a rapid baseline situational analysis was planned in 4 intervention districts to know about the district specific variations and also the overall IYCF practices in the area. Objective: Assess the IYCF indicators in the districts with focus on feeding practices above 6 months of age. Assess the factors responsible for breast feeding and complementary feeding in the sample Materials and Methods: - Final sample of 600 was chosen using 30 cluster sampling based on proportions of less than 2 years children in the study districts (districts named A-D, as the interventions are in progress and state refrains the identity of districts), 30 clusters to be divided in the ratio of 10:8:5:7. From each cluster-mothers of 20 children, nearly equal proportions of children in 0-6months and 7-23 months, were interviewed for sociodemographic, health seeking and prevailing IYCF practices. BMI (Body Mass Index) and MUAC (Mid Upper arm Circumference) were used to corroborate the nutritional status of child. Results: - 606 interviews were conducted. Age groups ratio was 2:1.5. Exclusive breast feeding was noted at 68% and under nutrition was 59.2%. Advanced maternal age were positively associated with declining breast-feeding practice; however good spacing and male child was protective for good IYCF practices. The complementary feeding practices, measured with 2 major indicators i.e. Minimum Food Diversity and Minimum Meal Frequency, were calculated as 40.7% and 20.6% respectively. Gender representation for both indicators was positively skewed for females, which was reasoned in FGDs as purely by chance and did not mean a preference for boys. Both service provider and the mothers' knowledge was compromised regarding complementary feeding indicators, in spite of the fact that former had been trained on this aspect. Conclusion: - Targeted interventions are envisaged as scope for improvement in the IYCF indicators in the mixed mileu of a state, wherein some districts indicators markedly affect the overall state indicators. In Odisha, this study may give guidelines to the intervening districts to overhaul the load of under nutrition which is now more district and select population specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful joint condition that is left heavily underdiagnosed, as it is also related to advancing age. Hence, those affected, tend to live with it, until the condition becomes excruciating or disabling. The women in our society are a section, who have very poor health seeking behavior. However, in today's era, tertiary care hospitals offer definitive management for OA in the form of Joint Replacement Surgery (JRS). This again is taken up often as a last resort and is heavily dependent on the socioeconomic condition of the family. The surgery offers proven better quality of life. Objectives: This study discusses a public health hypothesis regarding the disease presentations of OA in women visiting a tertiary care hospital and endeavors to develop a model based on some predictors that increase the predilection of recommendation of surgery among these women, These studies have been done for general populations, but here we chose to study women, as the society in eastern part of the country is male dominated and the decision to go for a surgery in case of the women is dependent on several issues. This model perhaps will bring to light the need of surgery in the women with OA and help take some policy decisions to offer some subsidized care to this section of the society. The results were derived from 350 women coming to an orthopedic tertiary care center during a 6-month study period with joint pain in any of the big joints and then finally given a definitive diagnosis of OA based on radiological KL score and clinical presentations. Results: Women above age 40 years were taken up; mean age in study being 55.94 SD 6.648 (maximum 83, minimum 43). A semi structured questionnaire was used to compare the sociodemographic parameters like type of residence, type of family, attained menopause, occupation, duration of OA, etc., In the sample, which gave multiple responses, right and left knee were maximally inflicted by OA i.e. 59.1% and 57.1% of cases, followed by hip (28.9%) and lower back (26.1%). 75% were offered conservative treatment, only 24.6% were on physiotherapy. Conclusion: Menopause, increased age, comorbidities, and preobese were seen to be significantly associated with recommendations of JRS. This can help develop a screening method for women and encourage them to undergo assessment for OA as a targeted intervention and address this growing burden of disease at the earliest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During adolescence, that the child is heavily influenced by his surroundings and attempts to change his or her habits and take on to newer habits. This has made relevant the emphasis of safe health behaviour in school and incorporation of stress assessment and subsequent counselling among the adolescent age group. The current study was planned among mid adolescent age group boys and girls, both from government and private schools of Bhubaneswar. Aims & Objectives: To see the association of socio-demographic characteristics with perceived stress among the adolescent children and to find the association of safe health behaviour with perceived stress among the adolescent children and determine the significant factors. Material & Methods: A total of 480 students (240 boys and girls each) selected randomly from 4 government and private schools were included in the study and administered a self-marking questionnaire which elicited information regarding safe health behaviour and also stress scores by using the Perceived Stress Scale which is a 10 points item. Results: Type of school and mother's education emerged most significant in the sample in terms of stress experienced by the children. Children who were verbal abused by the teachers had higher stress (28.9%) compared to who were not abused (p = 0.012). In terms of health history, any report of sickness or illness in the past 3 months accounted for significantly higher stress levels (37%) compared to the group with no such history (22.5). Conclusion: These findings hint that school environment has a major role to play on the adolescent's stress levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out at S.G. College of Agriculture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The experimental materials used were 94 local landraces of rice and three popular standard checks. The experiment was conducted during kharif 2016 in RBD. Observations were recorded for 16 qualitative and 20 qualitative characters and analysis of variance for characters showed differences for various characters. Correlation analysis revealed positive and highly significant correlation of total number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle, plant height and number of effective tiller per plant, harvest index, test weight, flag leaf length and days to maturity had positive highly significant correlation with grain yield per plant. According to the direct effects on grain yield, the order of yield components was direct selection for characters viz. flag leaf length, days to maturity, plant height, number of effective tillers per plant, harvest index, and total number of grains per panicle will be very effective for increasing grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer incidence has overtaken that of cervical cancer among women in India according to the Globacon 2020 reports. Cancer management is also being streamlined at the Center and district levels, such that comprehensive integrated management is offered to cases to optimize the best results. In breast cancer, there are two modes of surgery namely Breast Conservation Surgery(BCS) and Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) now over 2 decades, with recommended Chemo radiation depending on the extent of the disease. HRQOL (Health-related Quality of Life) studies have been done in these groups of patients, due to their added relevance in terms of the loss of a vital organ like the breast. EORTC 30 and BR23 are standardized and detailed tools that have been seen to estimate QOL, keeping in mind a whole array of domains that are affected by the disease., Objective: To evaluate the "Body Image" and "Quality of life" (QOL) in operated breast cancer patients using BR -23 and EORTC - QLQ- questionnaire at 1month (after surgery) and then 3 to 4 months after surgery., Methods: This article attempts to draw a comparison among of EORTC30 and BR 23 scores calculated for 46 breast cancer patients operated during the pandemic time in one center and consenting to repeat the measures at pre-decided three time periods during the course of management., Results: No significant differences are noted in the mean scores for EORTC 30 and BR23 for the two types of surgeries. Visit 1 scores for both modes of surgery are over 75 and by Visit 3 become less than 55 for EORTC. BR 23 (which measures the symptoms core to Breast cancer) at all 3 visits are between 45 to 55. Friedman's test shows that the scores are not significant for age groups, the number of living children, or lifestyle factors like alcohol or tobacco chewing, though quadratic graphs depict the distinct variations in the scores at the 3 times reinforcing the need for follow-up of mental health in these subjects at intervals. The study largely brings out a strong need for repeated follow-up and counseling at regular and short intervals, post-surgery in breast cancer patients. EORTC 30 and BR 23 tools are excellent to use to essay information on the mental health of patients with breast cancer., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Community Medicine.)

Background: NVX-CoV2373, a Covid-19 vaccine was developed in the USA with ∼90% efficacy. The same vaccine is manufactured in India after technology transfer (called as SII-NVX-CoV2373), was evaluated in this phase 2/3 immuno-bridging study., Methods: This was an observer-blind, randomised, phase 2/3 study in 1600 adults. In phase 2, 200 participants were randomized 3:1 to SII-NVX-CoV2373 or placebo. In phase 3, 1400 participants were randomized 3:1 to SII-NVX-CoV2373 or NVX-CoV2373 (940 safety cohort and 460 immunogenicity cohort). Two doses of study products (SII-NVX-CoV2373, NVX-CoV2373 or placebo) were given 3 weeks apart. Primary objectives were to demonstrate non-inferiority of SII-NVX-CoV2373 to NVX-CoV2373 in terms of geometric mean ELISA units (GMEU) ratio of anti-S IgG antibodies 14 days after the second dose (day 36) and to determine the incidence of causally related serious adverse events (SAEs) through 180 days after the first dose. Anti-S IgG response was assessed using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and neutralizing antibodies (nAb) were assessed by a microneutralization assay using wild type SARS CoV-2 in participants from the immunogenicity cohort at baseline, day 22, day 36 and day 180. Cell mediated immune (CMI) response was assessed in a subset of 28 participants from immunogenicity cohort by ELISpot assay at baseline, day 36 and day 180. The total follow-up was for 6 months. Trial registration: CTRI/2021/02/031554., Findings: Total 1596 participants (200 in Phase 2 and 1396 in Phase 3) received the first dose. SII-NVX-CoV2373 was found non-inferior to NVX-CoV2373 (anti-S IgG antibodies GMEU ratio 0.91; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.06). At day 36, there was more than 58-fold rise in anti-S IgG and nAb titers compared to baseline in both the groups. On day 180 visit, these antibody titers declined to levels slightly lower than those after the first dose (13-22 fold-rise above baseline). Incidence of unsolicited and solicited AEs was similar between the SII-NVX-CoV2373 and NVX-CoV2373 groups. No adverse event of special interest (AESI) was reported. No causally related SAE was reported., Interpretation: SII-NVX-CoV2373 induced a non-inferior immune response compared to NVX-CoV2373 and has acceptable safety profile., Funding: SIIPL, Indian Council of Medical Research, Novavax., Competing Interests: PSK, DK, BG, CB, AD, MG, and US are employees of SIIPL. JSP, MZ and SCC are employees of Novavax Inc. CSP is Chairman and Managing Director of SIIPL. All other authors declare no competing interests., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

In India, around 70% of health care services are offered by the private sector. National strategic plan (NSP) has emphasized private sector engagement to TB program. Public private mix strategy along with web based mandatory notification of TB cases were established in 2002. However, feasibility of consulting an informal provider first was seen to be associated with significant increases in total delay (absolute increase 22.8 days, 95%CI 6.2-39.5) and in the risk of prolonged delay >90 days., Study Design: A mixed method literature review, descriptive information and evaluative outcomes data extracted and analysed., Objective: This review aimed to systematically review public private mix strategy in TB control in Indian tuberculosis disease burden and efforts towards elimination., Methods: Available published literatures were searched with key words, articles related with objectives were selected, analysed and systematically synthesized. Overall 30 studies were reviewed., Result: Available literatures were selected based on study objective and analysed. The modes of PPM strategy its success and problems of implementation and shortcomings were synthesized., Discussion: After implementing PPM from 2002, case detection is seen to have significantly increased for smear positive cases and high detection rate and better treatment outcomes achieved. However, implementation of PPM has been challenged to fully deliver the intended services. Interestingly, seeking initial care from PPs is significant risk factor for diagnostic delay., Conclusion: PPM is a proven and tested strategy to achieve End TB goal globally and even in India. However, studies indicated there is the need to strengthen and motivate public sector to engage private practitioners in specific districts and sync their activities into the mainstream programme. Conflict of interest and mistrust between private practitioners and public sector has to be well addressed to build sustainable relationship among the sectors. Routine and institutionalized systematic monitoring and evaluation of the system is required to meet the End TB goal by 2025., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest All authors have none to declare., (Copyright © 2021 Tuberculosis Association of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Odisha has 4.2 million diabetic patients against the country's 70 million with an urban prevalence of nearly 15.4%. Diabetes is affecting younger age groups, thus having a crucial impact on quality of life of the affected. A qualitative endeavour was attempted at the diabetic clinic of a tertiary care set up in the capital city of Bhubaneswar to create a diabetic surveillance data assembly, wherein subjects above 18 years of age and newly diagnosed or on follow-up, after obtaining informed consent, were made to respond to a quality of life (QOLID) validated tool. The pretested tool has 8-domain role limitation due to physical health, physical endurance, general health, treatment satisfaction, symptom botherness, financial worries, emotional/mental health, and diet advice tolerance. The validated tool had 34 items (questions) that were selected to represent these domains on the basis of extraction communality, factor loading, and interitem and item-total correlations. The final questionnaire had an overall Cronbach's alpha value of 0.894 (subscale: 0.55 to 0.85), showing high internal consistency in the current study population. A score for each domain was calculated by simple addition of items scores. Each individual domain score was then standardized by dividing by maximum possible domain score and multiplying by 100. All individual standardized domain scores were then added and divided by 8 (number of domain) to obtain an overall score. The data collection was done for 400 patients as an interim analysis. Univariate and subsequently multivariate analysis was performed to decide the predictors that affected quality of life. Age over 50 years (OR = 1.81, CI 1.12-2.93; p =0.014), female gender (OR = 2.05, CI 1.26-3.35; p =0.004), having foot complications (OR = 2.81, CI 1.73-4.55; p < 0.001), and having depression (OR = 1.88, CI 1.15-3.06, p =0.011) emerged as predictors of poor QOLID scores. The tool can be made a subtle part of chronic case management of diabetes to ensure patient's participation in the treatment of the disease and to create a database that can redefine diabetic care in India to suit the diverse regional settings in the country., Competing Interests: The authors do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Dayanidhi Meher et al.)