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Early childhood development (ECD) refers to the physical, motor, socio-emotional, cognitive, and linguistic development of a young child. The 'Countdown to 2030' global distribution of 'children at risk of poor development' indicates the need for urgent action and investment in ECD. Nurturing care enhances ECD, even in the presence of adversities. Strategic actions should exist at multiple levels: the family, community, health care providers and government. Previously, child health related policies and programs of the Government of India functioned in isolation, but have recently started demonstrating multi-sectoral collaboration. Nonetheless, the status of ECD in India is far from optimal. There is strong evidence that parenting programs improve outcomes related to ECD. This is dependent on key programmatic areas (timing, duration, frequency, intensity, modality, content, etc.), in addition to political will, funding, partnership, and plans for scaling up. Each country must implement its unique ECD program that is need-based and customized to their stakeholder community. Barriers like inadequate sensitization of the community and low competency of health care providers need to be overcome. IAP firmly believes that responsive parenting interventions revolving around nurturing care should be incorporated in office practice. This paper outlines IAP's position on ECD, and its recommendations for pediatricians and policy makers. It also presents the roadmap in partnership with other stakeholders in maternal, neonatal, and child health; Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), National Neonatology Forum (NNF), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of common empanelment of hospitals by all insurers on the quality and cost of healthcare in India. Common empanelment is a process of selecting and accrediting healthcare providers by insurance companies and government agencies to ensure high-quality and cost-effective services. The paper examines the role and challenges of the Health Network Management Organization (HNMO) in managing the empanelment process and ensuring standardization, accreditation, and regulation of empaneled hospitals. The research methodology consists of a literature review and analysis of primary and secondary sources from various international organizations. The paper identifies the challenges faced by HNMO, such as a lack of adequate resources and expertise, unclear guidelines and protocols, limited coordination and cooperation among insurers, a lack of trust and transparency among hospitals, insufficient incentives and sanctions for hospitals, and a lack of data and information systems. Despite these challenges, the paper demonstrates that HNMO plays a crucial role in ensuring standardization, accreditation, and regulation of empaneled hospitals. To address the challenges, HNMO should focus on improving its resources, expertise, guidelines, protocols, coordination, cooperation, trust, transparency, incentives, sanctions, data, and information systems. The paper concludes with policy implications and recommendations for implementing common empanelment of hospitals by all insurers in India, emphasizing the need for HNMO to address its challenges and enhance its effectiveness and efficiency in managing the empanelment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical social work plays a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive and quality healthcare delivery, particularly in hospital settings. This paper delineates the multifaceted responsibilities undertaken by medical social workers, encompassing ethical treatment, transparency in hospital management, and advocacy for the welfare of vulnerable patients. It examines the historical evolution of medical social work in India, tracing its roots to the pioneering efforts of institutions like the Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work. Furthermore, it elucidates the guidelines set forth by the Medical Council of India, emphasizing the critical need for medical social workers in both rural and urban healthcare facilities. In exploring the possibility of establishing dedicated departments for medical social work, this paper proposes a complementary framework to the existing department of community medicine. By delineating the roles and responsibilities of medical social workers in rural and urban health training centers, it underscores their significance in addressing community health determinants and facilitating access to essential services. It also highlights the potential for medical social workers to contribute as multidisciplinary team members across various hospital departments, thereby amplifying their impact on patient care and rehabilitation processes. In conclusion, the paper underscores the imperative of recognizing and strengthening the role of medical social workers in healthcare delivery systems. By fostering greater awareness, professional development, and institutional support, we can harness the full potential of medical social work to promote health equity and social justice for all individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The recommended public healthcare infrastructure and human resources are essential to deliver healthcare services, particularly in tribal areas, as the country's tribal population depends mainly on the public healthcare system for their medical needs. India has a substantial share of the tribal population, accounting for approximately 9% of the total population. The paper reviews the state of public healthcare infrastructure and human resources in tribal areas for a period that spreads over a decade. Design/methodology/approach: The paper relied on data from the Government of India's Rural Health Statistics (RHS) reports (2011–2012 and 2021–2022). From these reports, data on the physical infrastructure and human resources in the tribal areas were extracted. The extracted data were compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Findings: The analysis showed that the improvement in public healthcare infrastructure and human resource situation in tribal areas of the country was not commensurate with the tribal population growth seen in the last decade. As a result, the average population covered by a health facility was greater than the prescribed norms in the tribal-dominated geographies. The health worker-population ratio at the primary healthcare level was also higher than the national norms. However, there was a substantial improvement in the doctor-population ratio at the primary health center level. In comparison to tribal-lean states, tribal-dominated states faced the concurrent challenge of a growing population and strained healthcare facilities and human resources. As a result, the healthcare infrastructure and human resource gap continued in the tribal-dominated states of the country. The gaps in health infrastructure and human resources in tribal-dominated states must be addressed as a priority under the health infrastructure strengthening efforts to ensure that the tribal population receives and has access to quality health care from publicly funded health facilities, leading to improved health outcomes in the tribal population and the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Originality/value: We have not come across any paper that has carried out pancountry analysis of healthcare infrastructure and human resources in tribal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global organizations like WHO, FAO, and WOAH aim to address health risks arising from interactions between animals and plants and their environment using the concept of One Health. It recognizes the connections and relationships between all living beings and operates at various scales. One health concept aims at the well-being of humans, animals, and the planet. This paper explores the foundation and principles of One Health in India, highlighting the need for intersectoral collaboration and integrated action to address health challenges at the interface of human, animal, and environmental domains. This work focused on the importance of communication, collaboration, and coordination among various stakeholders, including medical professionals, public health practitioners, veterinarians, agricultural workers, ecologists, and communities, to achieve the goals of One Health. This paper emphasizes the evolving nature of zoonotic diseases and the required collaborative approach to effectively prevent and manage these infections around the Globe, advocating for a transdisciplinary and crosssectoral approach that preserves biological integrity for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic posed substantial challenges to healthcare systems globally and severely disrupted essential health services, including routine immunization programs. In India, these disruptions were exacerbated due to the sudden emergence of the pandemic and lockdown measures, leading to mass migrations and a shortage of healthcare workers. Caregivers' concerns about routine immunization sessions further compounded the problem, resulting in a sharp increase in zero-dose children. This review paper examines India's strategies for conducting one of the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination programs while effectively restoring and perpetuating its Universal Immunization Program (UIP). The UIP played a pivotal role in sustaining immunization services during the pandemic, ultimately improving immunization coverage compared to pre-pandemic levels. India's accomplishments in this regard are highlighted through key performance indicators, the reach of immunization services, a reduction in zero-dose children, and antigen-wise coverage. The paper also discusses the successful integration of COVID-19 vaccination within the UIP framework, underscoring the significance of existing infrastructure, technology, and capacity building. India's dedication to concurrently managing routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination showcases the adaptability and resilience of its healthcare system. India's journey serves as a global example of efficient mass immunization during challenging times, emphasizing the importance of political will, healthcare infrastructure investment, skilled healthcare workforces, and comprehensive vaccination programs. In a world grappling with the dual challenge of COVID-19 and routine immunization, India's experience provides a roadmap for strengthening healthcare systems and promoting public health as the critical agenda in challenging times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The increasing ageing of the population with growth in NCD burden in India has put unprecedented pressure on India's health care systems. Shortage of skilled human resources in health, particularly of specialists equipped to treat NCDs, is one of the major challenges faced in India. Keeping in view the shortage of healthcare professionals and the guidelines in NEP 2020, there is an urgent need for more health professionals who have received training in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of NCDs. This paper conducts a scoping review and aims to collate the existing evidence on the use of digital education of health professionals within NCD topics. Methods: We searched four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO Education Research Complete, and PsycINFO) using a three-element search string with terms related to digital education, health professions, and terms related to NCD. The inclusion criteria covered the studies to be empirical and NCD-related with the target population as health professionals rather than patients. Data was extracted from 28 included studies that reported on empirical research into digital education related to non-communicable diseases in health professionals in India. Data were analysed thematically. Results: The target groups were mostly in-service health professionals, but a considerable number of studies also included pre-service students of medicine (n = 6) and nursing (n = 6). The majority of the studies included imparted online learning as self-study, while some imparted blended learning and online learning with the instructor. While a majority of the studies included were experimental or observational, randomized control trials and evaluations were also part of our study. Discussion: Digital HPE related to NCDs has proven to be beneficial for learners, and simultaneously, offers an effective way to bypass geographical barriers. Despite these positive attributes, digital HPE faces many challenges for its successful implementation in the Indian context. Owing to the multi-lingual and diverse health professional ecosystem in India, there is a need for strong evidence and guidelines based on prior research in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare presents significant opportunities for transforming medical diagnosis, treatment, and accessibility, especially in countries with diverse populations such as India. Nevertheless, there are significant ethical concerns that accompany these commitments, specifically related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential erosion of human agency. This paper addresses these challenges by presenting a comprehensive policy framework for the responsible implementation of AI in the healthcare sector in India. The framework prioritizes values such as transparency, inclusivity, and public trust. The framework promotes the use of strong data governance mechanisms, such as informed consent, data anonymization, and responsible data sharing practices, based on the most favorable outcomes for ethical AI. In order to address algorithmic bias, it is crucial to conduct regular audits, employ bias mitigation techniques, and implement explainable AI models. Moreover, it advocates for a methodology that prioritizes the needs and well-being of individuals, fostering cooperation between AI and healthcare experts, while also valuing the independence of patients through transparent communication and honoring their decisions. The framework suggests the creation of a specialized regulatory entity with a diverse composition to formulate and enforce ethical standards, oversee adherence, and promptly address complaints. Lastly, recognizing the vital importance of public awareness, it underscores the need for extensive training and development of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. This will promote well-informed discussions and help alleviate any potential societal concerns. This paper seeks to establish a clear ethical framework and propose a detailed policy structure to enable the use of AI in Indian healthcare. The objective is to create a future where AI can effectively improve healthcare access, reduce disparities, enhance medical results, and ultimately prioritize the well being of patients and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order for low and middle income countries (LMIC) to transition to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test based cervical cancer screening, a greater understanding of how to implement these evidence based interventions (EBI) among vulnerable populations is needed. This paper documents outcomes of an implementation research on HPV screening among women from tribal, rural, urban slum settings in India. Methods: A mixed-method, pragmatic, quasi-experimental trial design was used. HPV screening on self-collected cervical samples was offered to women aged 30–60 years. Implementation strategies were 1) Assessment of contextual factors using both qualitative and quantitative methods like key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGDs), pre-post population sample surveys, capacity assessment of participating departments 2) enhancing provider capacity through training workshops, access to HPV testing facility, colposcopy, thermal ablation/cryotherapy at the primary health care centers 3) community engagement, counselling for self-sampling and triage process by frontline health care workers (HCWs). Outcomes were assessed using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework. Results: Screening rate in 8 months' of study was 31.0%, 26.7%, 32.9%, prevalence of oncogenic HPV was 12.1%, 3.1%, 5.5%, compliance to triage was 53.6%, 45.5%, 84.6% in tribal, urban slum, rural sites respectively. Pre-cancer among triage compliant HPV positive women was 13.6% in tribal, 4% in rural and 0% among urban slum women. Unique challenges faced in the tribal setting led to programme adaptations like increasing honoraria of community health workers for late-evening work and recalling HPV positive women for colposcopy by nurses, thermal ablation by gynaecologist at the outreach camp site. Conclusions: Self-collection of samples combined with HCW led community engagement activities, flexible triage processes and strengthening of health system showed an acceptable screening rate and better compliance to triage, highlighting the importance of identifying the barriers and developing strategies suitable for the setting. Trial registration: CTRI/2021/09/036130. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is an inevitable ongoing process of change integral to all living organisms. It is characterized by a progressive deterioration in the biological, mental and social functioning of an individual. Therefore we are bound to prepare for embracing this phenomenon gracefully and explore possibilities of enhancing well-being among the elderly. India's elderly population is projected to rise 41 per cent by 2031 (National Statistical Office, 2021) which shows a dire need for approaching healthy ageing. A few decades ago elderly enjoyed a special place in the Indian family structure but with the advent of urbanization, youngsters have started moving out of the family settings. This has placed the elderly in a vulnerable situation wherein they are either left alone or required in the family for taking care of home and children. Though initially pleasurable it may be taxing as time progresses due to the deterioration of health which eventually affects their overall well-being. Hence this conceptual paper attempts to address the significance of healthy ageing from a eudaimonic perspective of well-being emphasizing the dimension of Purpose in Life propounded by Ryff and Singer (2008) in their model of psychological well-being. This model comprises six key dimensions which are foundational for the process of living well and one among them is Purpose in Life (PIL). It is a promising dimension of eudaimonic well-being which undergoes transition across different phases of life and is associated with better engagement in activities, health outcomes and physical functioning during older adulthood. This signifies the essentiality of addressing PIL for enhancing the eudaimonic well-being of the elderly, which contributes to the process of healthy ageing. Hence this paper highlights the significance of developing Purpose in Life among the elderly by emphasizing the need for engaging themselves actively for their well-being and betterment of society rather than surmising old age as frivolous. This paper underscores the need for recommendations from health care professionals and government policymakers in initiating and implementing meaningful purposes for enhancing eudaimonic well-being among older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corona virus disease, COVID-19, has emerged as a pandemic covering the entire world, almost every country is effected by COVID-19. Numbers of infected people across the world are increasing at an exponential rate. Such large number of patients put extra ordinary demand of health care facilities. Although every country is putting tremendous efforts in frontline to fight with this pandemic but shortage of medical facilities, especially for densely populated countries like India, it becomes a serious challenge. The fear of pandemic has arrested everyone in homes due to which various sectors are affected badly. Pandemic situations are badly deteriorating the hospitality and tourism business. Smart healthcare tourism is the new prominence application of IoT based healthcare tourism. This paper presents an IoT based health monitoring framework, which may be helpful for medical tourists as well as the hotel management to monitor the health of guests and staff. The framework will detect and check the various vital signs of body and then report to the admin about health status of persons. The paper focuses on use of Internet of Things technology involving wearable sensors for monitoring the health status, detecting the disease and providing online health services for medical tourism sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Advaya Bot - Radiologist assistant robot development & its usage in healthcare applications is presented. The final year project under-taken by us consists of the designing & developing of a bot that can assist healthcare professionals, specifically in the Department of Radiology. It is a growing concern among the community of radiologists that radiation exposure, even under protocol scenarios, is causing harm to them in the form of cancers, tumors, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, etc. Also, in departments like that of Ultra Sonography imaging, the manual use of a transducer is something not looked forward to by the patients. We aim to build a bot that can reduce radiation exposure, workload, and uncomfortable interactions for the doctors in the department of radiology imaging. The use of such bots is strictly domain specific. For the purpose of our final project, we have chosen the domain to be that of Ultrasonography (USG). We aim at eliminating the manual use of the transducer and replacing it with a bot. The bot shall be capable of greeting the patient and adjusting the location of the end-effector with the help of a radiologist or specialist from a distance. The end edge of the bot will also be capable of placing the transducer with the required pressure on the required area of the patient’s body. In developing countries like India, the ratio of doctors to the number of patients is very low. We aim to unburden healthcare professionals and free them from harmful working conditions. The project undertaken represents the main project of the seventh semester by Electronics & Communication Engineering students, conducted under the guidance and supervision of faculty advisors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood caries is a major public health issue in India. The primary reason for poor oral health in children is a lack of awareness about the role of primary teeth and the importance of an early dental visit for infants and toddlers. The primary objectives of an early dental visit are to analyze the child's risk level, provide guidance to parents regarding proper oral hygiene measures, review dietary and eating habits, provide information regarding the infectivity of dental caries, review the risks of traumatic injuries and discuss factors which affect the development of occlusion. Through this paper, we are proposing an "Age One" policy that recognizes dentists, physicians, allied health professionals, community health-care workers, and nongovernmental organizations to work toward a child's overall health as partners to achieve this goal. The expectation is that this policy will provide guidance to childcare centers, pediatric dentists, other health-care professionals, and legislators regarding oral health activities and the promotion of oral health in infants. The purpose of the policy is to lay the foundation for a lifetime of preventive education and dental care, to help ensure optimal oral health beginning in childhood and continuing through the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper explores the enablers of modular healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach: A survey-based approach was adopted with specialised hospitals as the unit of analysis. A structural model was developed based on a literature review and assessed using a cross-sectional research design. A 23-indicator questionnaire was circulated among service providers in the healthcare system across India, and 286 valid responses were received. The data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The results reveal that professional competence, technological versatility, clear division of tasks, channelised flow of information and professional autonomy act as enablers that may drive modular service delivery. Research limitations/implications: By examining service providers' perspectives, this paper highlights the influence of the identified enablers on modular service delivery in healthcare organisations. Practical implications: For practitioners, the study provides suggestions for designing patient-centric healthcare services via modular healthcare delivery. The identified structural relationships can facilitate immediate corrective actions and the formulation of future policies. The findings will help practitioners foresee opportunities for patient participation in value co-creation, meet patients' varying needs, decompose service offerings, mix and match components develop sets of rules as interfaces between service modules and design service packages on an ongoing basis. Social implications: This study underscores the emergence of patient-centric care and may aid the design of processes that deliver health to the patient as a person. Originality/value: This paper identifies and empirically validates relationships between healthcare service delivery processes and modular service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global alcohol consumption and harmful use of alcohol is projected to increase in the coming decades, and most of the increase will occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); which calls for cost-effective measures to reduce alcohol exposure in these countries. One such evidence based measure is screening and brief intervention (BI) for alcohol problems. Some of the characteristics of BI make them a particularly appealing choice of interventions in low-resource settings. However, despite evidence of effectiveness, implementation of BI in LMICs is rare. In this paper we discuss barriers to implementation of BI in LMICs, with examples from Latin America and India. Key barriers to implementation of BI in LMICs are the lack of financial and structural resources. Specialized services for alcohol use disorders are limited or non-existent. Hence primary care is often the only possible alternative to implement BI. However, health professionals in such settings generally lack training to deal with these disorders. In our review of BI research in these countries, we find some promising results, primarily in countries from Latin America, but so far there is limited research on effectiveness. Appropriate evaluation of efficacy and effectiveness of BI is undermined by lack of generalisability and methodological limitations. No systematic and scientific efforts to explore the implementation and evaluation of BI in primary and community platforms of care have been published in India. Innovative strategies need to be deployed to overcome supply side barriers related to specialist manpower shortages in LMICs. There is a growing evidence on the effectiveness of non-specialist health workers, including lay counsellors, in delivering frontline psychological interventions for a range of disorders including alcohol use disorders in LMICs. This paper is intended to stimulate discussion among researchers, practitioners and policy-makers in LMICs because increasing access to evidence based care for alcohol use disorders in LMICs would need a concerted effort from all these stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports findings from a qualitative study conducted on the Need for Social work interventions in the Emergency Department (ED) at a large tertiary care center in India. The emergency department is an important social work intervention point for individuals with various psychiatric, medical, and social needs who have little or no additional interaction with social services. Social workers are specially trained to understand the impact of social factors on health outcomes and provide interventions that address social barriers to improving health and accessing community resources; social workers are well prepared to provide services in the emergency department. However, limited research is available to understand the impact of psychosocial services in the emergency department. We aimed to identify areas which require integrated social work services and coordination to address the psychosocial issues within the ED. Interviews with 10 healthcare workers are analyzed thematically. Recurring themes throughout the interviews confirm the need for providing social work interventions to ensure the medical, psychological, and social care needs in the emergency department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapy process research focuses on understanding how therapy is conducted by professionals in the field. It is a nascent field of psychotherapy enquiry in India. This paper explores how novice therapists in India perceive their clients, and how this influences the process of therapy. In depth interviews were conducted with ten novice therapists, with less than six years of practice experience, from Mumbai, India. The data was thematically analysed. The data revealed that therapists' perceptions of their clients were defined by socio‐demographic features of age and gender, along with presenting complaints and personal attributes. Participants had defined beliefs about good clients as contrasted with difficult ones. Distinct preferences for particular client types were identified. The antecedents to these beliefs were attributed to the therapist's worldview, their training and the supervision received. These views, and the conceptualisation of the client, influenced the choice of client, the process of therapy and how they proceeded with sessions, and their methods of referral. The data from the study has implications for therapist training, supervision and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a global shortfall of 18 million health workers by 2030, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. The country faces challenges such as inadequate numbers of health professionals, poor quality of personnel, and outdated teaching styles. Digital education may address some of these issues, but there is limited research on what approaches work best in the Indian context. This paper conducts a scoping review of published empirical research related to digital health professions education in India to understand strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and future research opportunities. Methods: We searched four databases using a three-element search string with terms related to digital education, health professions, and India. Data was extracted from 36 included studies that reported on empirical research into digital educational innovations in the formal health professions education system of India. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Most study rationales related to challenges facing the Indian health care system, rather than a wish to better understand phenomena related to teaching and learning. Similarly, most studies can be described as general evaluations of digital educational innovations, rather than educational research per se. They mostly explored questions related to student perception and intervention effectiveness, typically in the form of quantitative analysis of survey data or pre- and post-test results. Conclusions: The analysis revealed valuable insights into India-specific needs and challenges. The Indian health professions education system's size and unique challenges present opportunities for more nuanced, context-specific investigations and contributions to the wider digital education field. This, however, would require a broadening of methodological approaches, in particular rigorous qualitative designs, and a focus on addressing research-worthy educational phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: This paper aims to identify the fundamental features of culture within an organization and thereafter examines the subculture, which is imminent in relation to the attributes of employees. METHODOLOGY: This research was carried out by involving 22 prominent healthcare service sector organizations, which were selected randomly from three major districts in Odisha state, India. The study is based on 358 selected sample responses from frontline employees of these selected healthcare service sector organizations. The statistical techniques that were used on data derived in this study were analysis of variance, descriptive statistics, and t-tests. FINDINGS: It was found that employees of the healthcare service sector organizations involved considered cultural characteristics such as outcome, team orientation, and attention to detail to be the least prevailing in their organizations. The study revealed significant differentiation of the perception of the organizational culture prevailing within the organization, through post facto analysis of verification for variation potentials, for tenure in a specific position, age, and job position. Thus, this study argues that based on occupation, employment relationship type, and gender, an insignificant influence was displayed on the employees' perception of the prevailing organizational culture. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The development of a superior culture that promotes service quality enhancement maximizes patient satisfaction. To achieve successful proliferation and quintessential existence of the organization, it is cardinal that all the personnel within the organization have a firm grasp of the main operating culture and the intrinsic subculture. This study highlights the impact of organizational culture and subcultures within various organizations catering to the healthcare service sector of Odisha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Amidst rising cardiovascular disease rates globally, hypercholesterolemia emerges as a critical factor, especially in rapidly urbanizing nations like India. This study determines the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among older adults in India, and ascertains its sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical determinants. We also ascertained the adherence to cholesterol lowering therapies and their determinants among previously diagnosed patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI Wave 1: 2017–2018) involving 66606 participants aged ≥45 years including 2310 participants with high cholesterol. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to analyze determinants of high cholesterol and medication adherence, which was assessed by whether participants selfreported taking regularly cholesterol-lowering medication. RESULTS The weighted prevalence of (self-reported) high cholesterol was 2.28% (95% CI: 2.07–2.51). On adjusted analysis, participants of a higher socio-economic status (AOR=2.02; 95% CI: 1.40–2.92), urban residence (AOR=1.80; 95% CI: 1.46–2.22), obese (AOR=4.94; 95% CI: 2.80–8.70), with comorbidities such as diabetes (AOR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.52–3.83) and hypertension (AOR=3.41; 95% CI: 2.18–5.32), had significantly higher odds of having high cholesterol. Medication adherence among those with high cholesterol was suboptimal, with nearly 40% not taking medications regularly. The factors associated with higher odds of nonadherence included being underweight (AOR=3.66; 95% CI: 1.49–9.01), tobacco use (AOR=1.59; 95% CI: 1.01–2.50), and the absence of diabetes or hypertension comorbidity (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.08–2.17). CONCLUSIONS Only six in ten patients in India take medications regularly for high cholesterol, indicative of non-adherence in a substantial proportion of previously diagnosed patients. Tailored interventions are needed for raising awareness, early screening and managing high cholesterol, with healthcare providers focusing on lipid management and comprehensive care, regardless of comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate and timely first aid reduces morbidity in burns. This study aims to assess the knowledge of first aid in burns among healthcare workers (HCW) and nonhealthcare workers. (NHCW). A survey, distributed in both paper and Google survey formats, presented five sample cases with multiple-choice answers. Participants recorded the most suitable first aid management for each scenario. Correct answers were provided on completion. Out of the total 753 participants, only 89 (11.8%) got all five answers correct. 16% HCW and 6% NHCW could answer all 5 questions correctly (with a true HCW:NHCW ratio of 2.67:1). Providing care for individuals with burns substantially raised the probability of giving accurate responses (p = 0.0001). While attending the general First Aid Course did not affect the responses (p = 0.08), participation in the Burns First Aid Course demonstrated slightly improved results (p = 0.052). The scenario involving liquid petroleum gas leakage saw a high proportion of correct responses, likely influenced by media coverage. We find a clear need for adequate training in burns first aid due to low awareness among healthcare workers (HCW) and non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Factors such as participation in burn first aid courses and gaining firsthand experience in treating burns were found to be linked to improved knowledge of burns prevention and first aid. Utilizing various media channels could be a valuable strategy to reach a broader audience, especially in remote and inaccessible areas. • There is limited awareness of burns first aid and prevention among both healthcare and non-healthcare workers • Experience in treatment of burn injuries improves knowledge of burns first aid better than first aid training. • Efficient use of multimedia and technology enhances burns prevention and first aid knowledge, reaching remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychological well-being of mental health professionals (MHPs) remains an important yet unexplored factor in India. The present paper aims to examine the current state of mental health of MHPs and its correlates in terms of perceived stress, life satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL), and compare the level of these correlates with that of non-MHPs. For the purpose of this study, a sample of 120 individuals, comprising 67 MHPs and 53 non-MHPs (aged 25-60 years), were selected. The tools used for the present study included the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983); the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Deiner, 1985); and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (Brief) Scale (1996). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent sample t-test for comparison. The current findings indicate that MHPs reported higher levels of perceived stress and lower levels of life satisfaction and quality of life as compared with non-MHPs. These findings emphasize the need for a greater understanding of the mental health conditions of MHPs in India, a factor that inherently contributes to the quality of their services, and also point out the persisting problem of the stigma associated with mental health in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of communication technologies has a dramatic influence on culture. The internet, cell phones and e-mail are different domains, and if health care professionals want to join this space, they will be careful to do so. Telemedicine has medical-legal implications for aspects of identification, licensing, insurance, protection, privacy and confidentiality, as well as other risks related to online healthcare communication. The International Advisory Group of the World Health Organization (WHO), which met in Geneva in 1997, identified telemedicine as providing healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, to health care providers, who use the information and communications technologies to exchange relevant information for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and injuries, and to continue to do so. In the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown, the Indian Government has authorized telemedicine legal status. The Governing board, established by the Government at a meeting of the Indian Medical Council with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's approval, published a notice dated 25 March 2020 ('Amendment') modifying Guidelines of the Indian Medical Council 2002 on telemedicine in India. The amendment introduced 'Telemedicine consultation' to the law. A basic knowledge of how medical negligence compensation is calculated and adjudicated in the judicial courts of India. The paper concludes with an assessment of the rules. This paper will seek to determine whether binding arbitration is the best possible solution to resolving malpractice disputes, or whether traditional litigation, while costly, is the safest choice. To do this, the paper will examine both the advantages and the disadvantages associated with using arbitration as opposed to litigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid spread of the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) has disrupted the traditional clinical services all over the world. Hospitals and healthcare centers have taken extreme care to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus by restricting the visitors and relatives of the patients. The dramatic changes happened in the healthcare norms have made it hard for the deaf patients to communicate and receive appropriate care. This paper reports a work on automatic sign language recognition that can mitigate the communication barrier between the deaf patients and the healthcare workers in India. Since hand gestures are the most expressive components of a sign language vocabulary, a novel dataset of dynamic hand gestures for the Indian sign language (ISL) words commonly used for emergency communication by deaf COVID-19 positive patients is proposed. A hybrid model of deep convolutional long short-term memory network has been utilized for the recognition of the proposed hand gestures and achieved an average accuracy of 83.36%. The model performance has been further validated on an alternative ISL dataset as well as a benchmarking hand gesture dataset and obtained average accuracies of 97 % and 99.34 ± 0.66 % , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The worldwide lockdown and social isolation measures during COVID management are likely to have a negative impact on emotional wellbeing. While the psychological impact on health care workers or the general adult population are being studied, not much data is available about the psychological impact on adolescent population (and none from India so far), an already sensitive and vulnerable developmental age. This study tried to bridge that gap. AIM: This pilot study was planned to assess the emotional wellbeing of adolescents during these socially distant times causing school closures. METHOD: 60 Indian adolescents enrolled from 9th to 12th standards of a few private schools with medium of instruction as English, participated in web based assessments where standardized tests were used to assess different components of emotional wellbeing: Positive affect, Negative affect, Difficulty in emotion regulation, and Life satisfaction. The measures used for these were Positive And Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). RESULTS: The adolescents were found to be experiencing high negative affect and low positive affect. Also, mild to severe difficulties with emotion regulation were found in 23.33 percent of the sample, and low satisfaction with life in 30 percent of the sample. Gender differences weren’t found in all study variables. While satisfaction with life was found to be modestly negatively associated with difficulty in emotion regulation, both these variables were found to be strongly associated with relative presence of positive affect over negative affect, with nil to low correlations with absolute values of both kinds of affects, revealing thought provoking insights about this differential. The results have been discussed in the context of restrictions on wellbeing promoting activities, and other factors associated with the lockdown. CONCLUSION: Relevant recommendations for caregivers and mental health practitioners in contact with adolescents have been offered in the paper, which may help buffer the impact of the lockdown, and help enhance adolescents’ emotional wellbeing while they cope with a new albeit temporary norm of being, and communicating. For mental health practitioners and psychotherapists especially, the case for more tele mental health services, mental health apps, web based group interventions becomes stronger than ever. Therapeutic focus could be on introducing more experiences and opportunities in their lives which allow for an increase in positive affect, irrespective of the level of negative affect experienced by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of big data management on green service production (GSP) and environmental performance (ENPr) while considering green HRM practices (GHRM) in healthcare emergencies. Design/methodology/approach: The authors collected primary data from major healthcare organizations in India by surveying healthcare professionals. The data analysis through structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) reveals several significant relationships to extricate the underlying dynamics. Findings: Grounded in the theories of service production and natural resource-based view (NRBV), this study conceptualizes GSP with its three dimensions of green procurement (GP), green service design (GSD) and green service practices (GSPr). The study conducted in India's healthcare sector with a sample size limited to healthcare professionals serving in COVID-19 identifies the positive and significant impact of big data management on GSP and ENPr that organizations seek to deploy in such emergencies. The findings of the study explain the moderating effects of GHRM on GSP-ENPr relationships. Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted in the healthcare sector in India, and its sample size was limited to healthcare professionals serving in COVID-19. The practical ramifications for healthcare administrators and policymakers are suggested, and future avenues of research are discussed. Originality/value: This paper develops a holistic model of big data analytics, GP, GSD, GSPr, GHRM and ENPr. This study is a first step in investigating how big data management contributes to ENPr in an emergency and establishing the facets of GSP as a missing link in this relationship, which is currently void in the literature. This study contributes to the theory and fills the knowledge gap in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cyberchondria refers to the repeated and excessive search for health-related information online, associated with increased health anxiety. This paper utilizes the protection motivation theory to investigate the negative behavioral consequences of cyberchondria that pose health risks to users, such as trust in the physician, propensity to self-medicate, and therapy compliance. Design/methodology/approach: The data for the study were collected from a sample of 317 participants in India using an online survey and form. The analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. Findings: Cyberchondria negatively affects the trust in physician and positively affects the propensity to self-medicate. Trust in physician negatively affects the propensity to self-medicate and positively affects therapy compliance. Furthermore, trust in physician partially mediates the relationship between cyberchondria and the propensity to self-medicate and completely mediates the relationship between cyberchondria and therapy compliance. Cyberchondria has no direct significant effect on therapy compliance. Research limitations/implications: Researchers need to examine other behavioral or psychological factors affected by the reduced trust in physicians due to cyberchondria. Practical implications: Physicians and health care providers should refocus on patients with cyberchondria and regain their trust through quality interactions and services. Policymakers may consider regulating online health information publication to set the standards of information quality and source. Websites and platforms publishing health information online should distinctly label verified information. Originality/value: This study investigates the damaging effects of cyberchondria's behavioral consequences that pose health risks to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) origin is cancer in which malignant cancer cells are in the body but the site of cancer where it began is unknown. Detailed incidence and time trends of these cancers, specific to various regions in India is needed. This paper aims to summarize and report the incidence of other and unknown (O&U) cancers across India in 27 population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) and to study the trends among these cancers using joinpoint regression analysis.Methods: Data on the incidence of CUP were obtained from the published reports on 27 PBCRs of the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). A joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the long-term trends of incidence related to CUP based on published data from PBCRs between 1986 and 2014. Annual Percent Change (APC) in incidence rate was estimated for various registries.Results: The northeast region had the highest age-adjusted rate (AAR) for both men (1.76-29.7) and women (1.99-14.68). Age-specific rate (ASR) for both men (39.8-855.7) and women (48.2-470.4) was highest in the northeast region. There is an increase in the incidence rate for all six major registries over the past decade with an exception of women in the Delhi Cancer Registry. There is a decline in incidence rate by 0.14 during 1990-2012 in the female population of the Delhi registry.Conclusion: The increasing incidence trends of CUP is a matter of concern for the healthcare professionals and researchers. There is a need for research and advanced and improved diagnostic tools for the improvement of the status of O&U cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work has been inspired by 65-year-old Leela Singh, who had been diabetic and hypertensive for over two decades and presented with acute dyspnea and dizziness. He was not only pale at presentation but was found have hypoglycaemia. Introduction: Known since antiquity, and believed to be a life-style associated disease, the high prevalence of diabetes in India has attracted the label of "diabetic capital of the world". The prevalence is even higher among older persons especially those residing in urban areas. There exists a unique set of challenges around controlling and maintaining blood sugars among older persons. Methods: A PubMed search conducted in August 2023, using the keywords in the following combination of Boolean operators, (diabetes[Title] OR sugar[Title]) AND (older persons[Title] OR older[Title] OR senior[Title] OR geriatric[Title])) AND (management[Title]) appearing in the title of published manuscripts. Screening was done in 3 stages: Title screening, abstract screening and full paper screening. The information gathered included incidence of hypoglycaemia, compliance, impact of comorbidity on control of blood sugar, association with geriatric syndromes, impact of age and other special considerations. Results: The initial search revealed 304 articles. After title screening, we found that there were 30 relevant articles. Finally, 11 papers were included in our review after full evaluation. It was found that older persons are at a higher risk of recurring hypoglycaemia due to hypoglycaemia unawareness. Association with geriatric syndromes including malnutrition, sarcopenia, incontinence, dementia and cognitive impairment negatively affect diabetes self-management behaviours. Highly prevalent comorbidities alter the effectiveness and safety of treatments for diabetes. Unique diabetes phenotype in old age: vascular diseases, physical, neuropathic complications and mental dysfunction appear to have a synergistic effect lead to a vicious cycle of deterioration into disability. Conclusion: Quality diabetes care in older persons remains an important challenge for healthcare professionals. A comprehensive geriatric assessment, including functional, cognitive, mental and social status, is advisable for identifying the glycemic targets and glucose lowering therapies, focused on patient preferences, needs and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a rapidly emerging non-communicable disease in India. It is associated with many life-long complications and higher rates of hospitalisations. The characteristics and reasons for hospitalisation among individuals with diabetes have not been documented in India. Such a study would direct policy makers in implementing prevention and education strategies and economic changes as needed. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to study the characteristics and causes of admission of patients with diabetes admitted to a secondary care unit in South India. Methods: Aretrospective observation study of inpatient records of patients with diabetes aged 18 years and above admitted between January to December 2019 in a secondary care unit was done. The details of patient demographics, reason and outcome of admission were retrieved manually from paper-based patient records. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 23. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the institution. Results: Among the 479 admissions of patients with diabetes during 2019, the mean age of the admitted patients was 57.75 years. The majority of them had only one admission, 15% had re-admissions in the same time period. Approximately 78% of the admitted patients had one or more co-morbidities, 44.6% had hypertension as a co-morbidity. The principal cause of admission was infections (45%), followed by metabolic and endocrine causes (13.5%), cardiovascular disease (10.9%) and renal disease (7.96%). More than 80% of the admissions had a favourable outcome and were discharged. Conclusion: This retrospective study demonstrated that the most common reason for admission among patients with diabetes to a secondary care unit in South India was infection. Many infections are preventable with effective treatment for diabetes and health education. Patients bear the costs of routine treatment for diabetes which is a fraction of the direct cost of hospitalisation and can drive them to huge economic losses. Therefore, interventions to promote standard treatment by primary and secondary care health professionals and self-awareness among patients need to be done to prevent hospitalisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Government-sponsored health insurance schemes (GSHIS) aim to improve access to and utilization of healthcare services and offer financial protection to the population. India's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one such GSHIS. This paper aims to understand how the processes put in place to manage hospital-based transactions, from the time a beneficiary arrives at the hospital to discharge are being implemented in PM-JAY and how to improve them to strengthen the scheme's operation.Methods: Guidelines were reviewed for the processes associated with hospital-based transactions, namely, beneficiary authentication, treatment package selection, preauthorization, discharge, and claims payments. Across 14 hospitals in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh states, the above-mentioned processes were observed, and using a semi-structured interview guide fifty-three respondents were interviewed. The study was carried out from March 2019 to August 2019.Results: Average turn-around time for claim reimbursement is two to six times higher than that proposed in guidelines and tender. As opposed to the guidelines, beneficiaries are incurring out-of-pocket expenditure while availing healthcare services. The training provided to the front-line workers is software-centric. Hospital-based processes are relatively more efficient in hospitals where frontline workers have a medical/paramedical/managerial background.Conclusions: There is a need to broaden capacity-building efforts from enabling frontline staff to operate the scheme's IT platform to developing the technical, managerial, and leadership skills required for them. At the hospital level, an empowered frontline worker is the key to efficient hospital-based processes. There is a need to streamline back-end processes to eliminate the causes for delay in the processing of claim payment requests. For policymakers, the most important and urgent need is to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To that end, there is a need to both revisit and streamline the existing guidelines and ensure adherence to the guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals play a very substantial part in the treatment of various diseases and related problems. After the treatment, it is necessary to dispose the remnant medicines properly. The disposal of unused and expired medicines in a proper way is important, to evade buildup. Therefore, awareness and knowledge of drug disposal is essential. The pharmaceutical waste in water affects the health of humans. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of disposal among medical healthcare professionals and patients visiting hospitals. The contamination of pharmaceutical waste in the environment is due to the absence of awareness and knowledge among people. Proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can prevent environmental contamination. In this study, about 100 participants from various categories were considered. The survey included different sections, such as demographics and questions pertaining to awareness. The survey was completed by 500 volunteers, of which 45% were male and 55% female. According to the study, 21% of the participants dispose expired/unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet/sink. Maximum awareness, of approximately 96%, was found among the nurses, about the importance of improper disposal. If the wastage of medication is controlled by the healthcare professionals, the ecological trail of medicines can be greatly reduced. There is a strong requirement for increasing awareness about safe disposal of medications among professionals in the healthcare system. This paper will be a vital tool to initiate effective medical waste management programmes in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and virility of the violence against medical personnel have been parallel phenomena in Indian public health administration. The safety and security medical and paramedical have been attracting attention for quite a long time. Still, no central legislation has piloted to enhance their therapeutic and surgical acumen in epidemics and pandemics. The health care of the patients and the covenant of Medicare service persons and institutions doctors missed in the myopic perception of the health administration's tilt towards the criminal administration of justice. Method: The clasping of 125 years of age epidemic control law and 162 years of age criminal statute stinks the Indian feel in the present context. Result: The significant outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is showcased in the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, ensuring harassment-free workplaces for the medical fraternity. The criminal sanction afforded by the 23 state enactments on the protection of medical care personnel and institutions in states in India, but there is no central legislation. Despite the Indian Medical Association's recommendation for the Protection of Medical Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss of Property) Act, 2017, we witnessed Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 in enhancing the robust workplace for the doctors during the pandemic. The legal strategy camouflaging 'disaster' under Section 2 (d) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 in pandemic and lockdown is sobering but astonishing. Conclusion: The paper locates the legal response to violence against the doctors in the sociology of medicine and medical professions as professional socialization and social system during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy is a period of major physiologic, hormonal, and psychological change, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and mental disorders. Mental disorders and malnutrition are associated with adverse pregnancy and child outcomes, with potential long‐standing impact. Common mental disorders during pregnancy are more prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). In India, studies suggest the prevalence of depression is 9.8%–36.7% and of anxiety is 55.7%. India has seen some promising developments in recent years such as increased coverage of the District Mental Health Program; integration of maternal mental health into the Reproductive and Child Health Program in Kerala; and the Mental Health Care Act 2017. However, mental health screening and management protocols have not yet been established and integrated into routine prenatal care in India. A five‐action maternal nutrition algorithm was developed and tested for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aiming to strengthen nutrition services for pregnant women in routine prenatal care facilities. In this paper, we present opportunities and challenges for integration of maternal nutrition and mental health screening and a management protocol at routine prenatal care in India, discuss evidence‐based interventions in other LMICs including India, and make recommendations for public healthcare providers. Synopsis: The need for incorporated mental‐health services into routine prenatal care in India is reviewed, along with opportunities and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence and severity of Covid 2019 has brought to light new vulnerabilities of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in their working conditions, social protection, and occupational safety and mental health. In view of this, our paper aimed to provide comprehensive analysis of psychological stress, socio-economic impact, government intervention, interpersonal relations, work-life balance, and coping strategies of HCWs during the pandemic time in India. Based on data collected physically from 606 HCWs working in seven hospitals located in Delhi-NCR using structured questionnaires, six latent variables were constructed. T-test and ANOVA technique along with Post-hoc analysis was used to make comparisons and identify groups across which significant differences existed. Further, a two-group discriminant analysis was performed to find the variables that best discriminated between HCWs from private or public hospitals and medically or not-medically trained. Lastly, chi-squared (χ²) test was performed to examine the statistical association between coping strategies and few demographic characteristics. The results revealed that females and medically-trained HCWs were more psychologically stressed than their counterparts. Work-life-balance and interpersonal relations were found to be more disturbed among the medically-trained HCWs. Government regulations favourably affected the non-medically trained and HCWs with children and elderlies. Additionally, the impact of interpersonal relationships and work-life-balance was found to be adverse on permanent HCWs. Discriminant analysis showed that interpersonal relationships, followed by government intervention, work-life balance and socio-economic impact were the most important predictors between medically and non-medically trained HCWs. However, none of these factors discriminated between HCWs from private or public hospitals. Further, the preference patterns of coping strategies suggested that HCWs worked with an optimistic state of mind and adopted positive techniques. To make the healthcare system more resilient, it is strongly suggested that the government should play a key role during the times of pandemic, especially-encompassing females and financially stressed categories of HCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing the nurturing care framework (NCF) for early childhood development (ECD) is essentially multisectoral, requiring coordination amongst all sectors and harmoniously integrating it within the existing contact opportunities in the health sector. This paper discusses the relative strengths, persisting gaps, challenges, and the way forward to implement nurturing care for ECD through the public health system. The vast network of frontline health workers and health facilities; community, home, and center-based service delivery; health and wellness centers located close to the communities have the potential to promote nurturing care. Persisting gaps include limited capacities of health workers in the nurturing care domains, lack of community engagement for ECD, weak referral linkages, inability to reach the most vulnerable children, missed opportunities for early identification of children at risk, and early intervention for children developmental delays and difficulties. Moving forward, incorporating nurturing care components into essential services packages, enhancing competencies of health workers, engaging with parents, establishing a mechanism for tracking children at risk, and developmental surveillance by trained service providers can provide the much-needed impetus to ECD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-quality mental health care is scarce in rural India. The Mental Health Action Trust a Nongovernmental Organization based in Kozhikode, South India, has been providing free mental health services to the economically disadvantaged people in the surrounding districts. Comprehensive multidisciplinary care is provided through existing health-care clinics through training of lay mental health workers (LMHW). The current paper evaluates the classroom training methods employed to educate the LMHW. Materials and Methods: The training module designed after coordination and need assessment was delivered through classroom training sessions by trained trainers over 2 months weekly 6 h and completed by 13 volunteer LMHW (5 males and 8 females and who were in the age range of 22-56 years) could complete all the modules of training. The evaluation of training was done quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: The LMHW's knowledge, attitudes, perceived interpersonal skills, and confidence levels demonstrated a noticeable change following the classroom training program. Conclusion: It is feasible to train LMHWs to deliver psychosocial interventions for people with severe mental disorders and their families in rural India. In addition to classroom training, case-based training and proper ongoing supervision are required to improve their skills, attitudes, and knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on vast tapestry covering a wide range of disciplines intersecting biology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology and pathology among others. Topics include guidelines raising the hackles of the medical community for ill-chosen indexing policies regarding journals and position of the author in the publication; and defendable thesis being a must and this needs some understanding of research methodology.

The release of the Telepsychiatry Operational Guidelines 2020 in India, during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a relief for both clinicians and patients. These guidelines embark on initiating and executing naive and recently started telepsychiatry services in India. The document is aligned with other ethical regulations, policies, laws and the 2020 Telemedicine Practice Guidelines in India. This paper discusses a few points about the broader applicability of the guideline for the benefit of humankind in the prevailing healthcare crisis. The guidelines may be extrapolated in policy-making for telepsychiatry services in other low- and middle-income countries sharing a similar socioeconomic, cultural and political milieu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 caused by the SARS-COV-2; a novel corona virus is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Objective: The Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-COV-2,a novel corona virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome is highly contagious respiratory disease, transmitted by respiratory route. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and there is a constant need for updating knowledge since the related facts are evolving on day-to-day basis. Knowledge, Attitude, and practice (KAP) study was conducted among the medical students of a tertiary care hospital to assess their Knowledge, Attitude and practices regarding COVID-19. As we never know how the novel virus may change its behaviour and pose a great public health problem to all in society where even the medical students may be one of the primary doctor and are provider. Methods: A total no of 258 medical students from 3rd and 4th semester batch of SCB Medical College & Hospital were included in the study. They were provided with the predesigned questionnaire and their responses were collected by online survey keeping in view the COVID situation and minimizing the risk of viral transmission by paper being exchanging hands. Results: Out of the 258 students 58% were from the 3rd semester and 42% from 4th semester, from them 99.22% do not have any previous training in COVID-19. Out of the 59.3% males and 40.7% females. 100% of students knew COVID-19 is a viral infection and transmitted by close contact with the infected person. About 96% knew that only patients with co morbid conditions progress to severe forms. Majority (96%) used mass media, Internet to update their knowledge 93% believed infected person should not donate blood while 88.7% were of the opinion the vaccination should not be given to pregnant ladies, Lactating mothers and children under 18 years of age. Majority (98%,) showed a positive response towards stringent lockdown, 94% gave the opinion that HCW should be immunized first with COVID Vaccination. Only 80% gave an optimistic response towards beneficial role of convalescent plasma therapy for managing moderately severe cases. Majority of medical students observed COVID appropriate behaviour that is to use masks (88%), sanitizer (94%) and observed social distancing (100%) supporting that the students showed expected levels of KAP regarding COVID-19. Conclusion: The results of our study showed good, expected levels of knowledge regarding various aspects of COVID-19. As it is a novel virus and new concept are emerging every day, there is need to educate the Health care workers and students by regular training programmes, seminars and webinars in order to fight with this dreadful illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent research has revealed that today's older adults report more sleep problems than their predecessors, a trend compounded by expanding social stratification. As such, this study examined the demographic, socioeconomic, and health correlates of sleep quality and sleep duration among community-dwelling older adults in India. Methods: The current study sample draws on data from 7118 respondents aged 50 years and over participating in the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (WHO-SAGE) wave-2 dataset. Sleep quality (good, moderate, and poor) and sleep duration (in hours and minutes) were self-reported. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine the associations between sleep quality and sleep duration and several demographic, socioeconomic, and health indicators. Results: A total of 12.84% and 36.1% of older adults reported long (> 8 h) and short (< 7 h) sleep, respectively. Older adults with primary education had lower odds of poor sleep [aOR: 0.85, CI: 0.73–0.99] than peers with no formal education. The odds of poor sleep were lower among those in higher wealth quintiles than those in the poorest quintile. Older adults with higher education had higher odds of short sleep [aOR: 1.36, CI: 1.06–1.74], and those with primary education had lower odds of long sleep [aOR: 0.70, CI: 0.54–0.91] than those without formal education (base category: age-appropriate sleep, i.e., 7–8 h). Older adults who were widowed had lower odds of both short [aOR: 0.82, CI: 0.68–0.98] and long sleep [aOR:0.74, CI: 0.58–0.95] compared to those who were currently married. Older individuals with adequate nutritional intake reported lower odds of short [aOR:0.59, CI: 0.49–0.72] and higher odds of long sleep [aOR:1.52, CI: 1.20–1.93] relative to their counterparts. Older adults who reported chronic conditions and body pain had higher odds of poor sleep and short sleep than their counterparts. Conclusions: We identified significant associations between several unmodifiable factors, including age, education, and marital status, and modifiable factors such as dietary intake, body pain, and pre-existing chronic ailments, and sleep quality and sleep duration. Our findings can assist health care providers and practitioners in developing a more holistic and empathic approach to care. Moreover, that several demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors are consequential for older adults' sleep health suggests that early detection through screening programs and community-based interventions is vital to improving sleep among older Indians who are most susceptible to sleep problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) contribute significantly among underlying reasons of morbidity and mortality in the health-care system. ADR reporting is the core of pharmacovigilance program but still insufficient reporting by health professionals exists in various part of our country. Aims and Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of undergraduate medical students about ADR and pharmacovigilance. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Questionnaire was comprising 21 questions to evaluate the KAP of pharmacovigilance among undergraduate medical students. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and analysis of variance test was applied for statistical difference between the groups. Results: One hundred and eighty-six students participated in the study. The average score of 2nd year, 3rd year, and 4th year for knowledge was (4.50, 5.15, and 4.59) and for attitude was (5.37, 5.70, and 5.59) and for practice was (1.14, 1.78, and 1.36). There is a significant difference in average score between groups for knowledge and attitude, but not for practice. They have higher attitude and knowledge, but poor practice regarding pharmacovigilance. Conclusion: Respondent of the study was not completely aware of pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. There is an increased need to create awareness and to train students about pharmacovigilance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of Interprofessional Education (IPE) into the health sciences curriculum has been recommended over the past several decades to prepare healthcare professionals for future collaborative practice. However, due to the disparity in the adoption of IPE, this literature review attempted to examine the development of IPE and its implementation in global and Indian contexts. IPE has evolved from being fragmented and isolated initiatives to entering into the mainstream of professional education. In terms of IPE implementation, the global scan revealed that IPE was implemented in several countries to varying degrees; however, developing countries lagged behind developed countries in implementing and sustaining IPE. Scarce evidence was found regarding the implementation of IPE in India. The literature review elaborates on the transformation of health professions education from the traditional system to IPE and discusses the gap in the adoption and implementation of IPE in developing countries, including India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Capacity building and monitoring of response capacity are critical to disaster preparedness. Assessing disaster response capacity is a challenging task in India due to diverse geo-climatic conditions and exposure to different disasters. This paper addresses the absence of a methodological framework to measure multiple aspects of the disaster response capacity of districts in India through indicators. 26 indicators were identified under four factors namely; resources, communication and coordination, budget, and community engagement; anchored on a theoretical framework evolved through literature survey and key informant interviews. Each factor was modelled as a linear function of indicators based on data-sets maintained by district authorities. A Composite Index was constructed as a weighted aggregation of four factors using weightings elicited through Questionnaire Surveys among 151 expert respondents. Weightings were derived through an extension of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions (TOPSIS) to balance the variability in perceptions of respondents. As disasters demand quick response, assessment of response capacity with a fewer number of indicators is desirable. Therefore, a reduced set of critical indicators sensitive to the Indian context were derived through model reduction applying probabilistic and statistical methods— l 2 norm-based sensitivity analysis and coefficient of variation method. Critical indicators are: number of rescue and health service personnel, NGOs, Self-Help-Groups; efficacy of existing SOPs; literacy; and budget options. Robustness of the Composite Index was checked in terms of sensitivity to weightings and model reduction. The critical indicators and the Composite Index would sensitize decision-makers on disaster response capacities across districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]