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Introduction: Recent studies highlight the negative impact of social isolation and involvement in leisure activities on enhanced well‐being of individuals. However, there is dearth of evidence on relationship between social isolation and leisure activities on cognitive abilities and depression of older adults in the Indian context. The paper reports the impact of social isolation and leisure activities on cognitive functioning and depression of older adults. Methods: Data were collected from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI), and 63,806 participants aged 45 years or above were considered for the study with adherence to the exclusion criteria. Multivariate analysis was carried out to analyse the group‐based differences. Results: Social isolation (F = 102.09, p < 0.01; η2 = 0.09) and leisure (F = 224.54, p < 0.01; η2 = 0.07) had a statistically significant impact on the cognition and depressive symptoms of participants. Socially isolated older adults with little involvement in leisure activities had the worst cognitive functioning (M = 32.76, SD = 4.41), whereas middle‐aged adults who were actively involved in leisure activities and experienced the least social isolation exhibited the best cognitive functioning (M = 32.76, SD = 4.41). However, leisure and age as independent factors did not have a significant impact on depression. Conclusion: Socially isolated participants, irrespective of age, and involvement in leisure activities exhibit poor cognitive functioning and are more likely to suffer from depression as compared to their counterparts. The findings of the study can be used to design intervention strategies aimed at reducing social isolation by incorporating leisure activities to ensure the optimal functioning of middle‐aged and older adults. Key points: Socially isolated older adults with least involvement in leisure activities reported the worst cognitive functioning.Socially isolated participants reported a positive association with depressive symptomatology.Both middle‐aged and older adults who engaged in leisure activities reported better cognitive functioning as compared to their counterparts who did not engage in any form of leisure activities.Leisure as an independent factor is not significantly associated with depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents data on the U–Pb chronology of detrital zircon grains and radiogenic isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr, ɛNd) from the Proterozoic clastic successions of the Garhwal‐Kumaon Lesser Himalaya representing the extended northern Indian cratonic margin, NW India. The Proterozoic Lesser Himalayan Basin in Garhwal‐Kumaon Himalaya is divided into two sectors, namely, Inner Lesser Himalaya (ILH) and Outer Lesser Himalaya (OLH) by a tectonic boundary, namely the Tons Thrust (TT). Age distribution from inner and outer sectors of the Lesser Himalaya shows that the U–Pb chronology of most of these zircons provides Palaeoproterozoic (between 1.6 and 1.8 Ga) to Neoproterozoic (800 Ma) ages. The age data suggest sedimentation of the Rautgara Formation (Damtha Group) of ILH continued till the Neoproterozoic (~850 Ma), which was earlier regarded as ≤1.6 Ga. Tracking the detrital U–Pb zircon ages in the near adjacent cratonic parts point towards Aravalli Orogen as the major source region. Whole‐rock ƐNd(0) values for ILH rocks range from −37.6 to −14.6 and for OLH it ranges from −19.6 to −6.7. More negative ƐNd values along with dominance of Neoarchean‐Palaeoproterozoic ages in ILH indicates supply from more evolved protolith or recycled sources and less negative ƐNd values with major Neoproterozic zircon ages from OLH supports for less evolved source rock. The change from more negative ƐNd to less negative ƐNd values progressively upward the stratigraphy can be due to a shift in source with time. Both U–Pb zircon and ƐNd supports for a continuous sedimentation model, rule out the presence of ~500 Ma unconformity within the LH and argues for separate evolution of the Lesser Himalayan Basin on the trailing edge of the extended north Indian craton in "Columbia" configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diabetes is a significant public health concern in India, with Kerala being labeled as the diabetes capital of the country. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence, treatment, and management of diabetes to examine the unmet need for care to propose cost-effective strategies. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a geographically defined cohort population in Ernakulam. Sample: This paper presents diabetes data of adults ≥30 years enrolled from the community cohort. The interviews were conducted with 997 participants at their residence. Measurement: Random blood glucose was assessed for each participant using a finger prick test. Results: The overall prevalence of diabetes was 30.1%, of which 4.1% of participants had undiagnosed diabetes. Among those with diabetes, 86.3% were aware of their diagnosis; among those aware, 86.5% were on treatment. Among those on treatment for diabetes, 54% achieved controlled blood sugar. Conclusion: The challenge in diabetes management is controlling the blood glucose levels of people who adhere to treatment. Younger employed females from lower-income quartiles have the highest risk. The study also raises questions about quality and strategies for medication compliance. The findings inspire future research on care needs, policies, and program responses to reduce the diabetes disease burden. [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]

Age-appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are critical to child nutrition.The objective of this paper was to examine the associations between age-appropriate IYCF practices and child nutrition outcomes in India using data from ~18 463 children of 0-23.9 months old from India's National Family Health Survey, 2005-06-3. The outcome measures were child height-for-age z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), weight-for-height z-score, stunting, underweight and wasting. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used, accounting for the clustered survey data. Regression models were adjusted for child, maternal, and household characteristics, and state and urban/rural residence. The analyses indicate that in India suboptimal IYCF practices are associated with poor nutrition outcomes in children. Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding were not associated with any of the nutrition outcomes considered. Not consuming any solid or semi-solid foods at 6-8.9 months was associated with being underweight (P < 0.05). The diet diversity score and achieving minimum diet diversity (⩾4 food groups) for children 6-23 months of age were most strongly and significantly associated with HAZ, WAZ, stunting and underweight (P < 0.05). Maternal characteristics were also strongly associated with child undernutrition. In summary, poor IYCF practices, particularly poor complementary foods and feeding practices, are associated with poor child nutrition outcomes in India, particularly linear growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SummaryIntroduction1Definitions of ethnic groups and demographics of minority ethnic groups in the UK○ 1.1 Definitions of 'ethnic groups' and 'ethnicity'○ 1.2 Demographics and characteristics of minority ethnic groups in the UK– Countries of origin– Age/sex distribution and life expectancy– Geographical distribution and size of household– Religious beliefs– Education and employment patternsKey points2Overview of the health profile and dietary habits of minority ethnic groups in the UK○ 2.1 Available surveys○ 2.2 Overview of the health profiles among adults from minority ethnic groups– Overall health– Cardiovascular disease (CVD)– Coronary heart disease (CHD)– Stroke– Type 2 diabetes– Obesity○ 2.3 Possible causes of increased disease risk among minority ethnic groups○ 2.4 Smoking, drinking and physical activity habits○ 2.5 Dietary habits and nutritional status○ 2.6 Overview of the health profiles and dietary and health behaviour patterns of children from minority ethnic groups– Overall health– Diet and health behaviour patterns○ 2.7 Gaps in data availabilityKey points3Factors affecting food choice– Income and socio‐economic status– Food availability and access– Awareness of healthy eating– Religious beliefs– Food beliefs– Time and cooking skills– Generation and genderKey points4Traditional diets of minority ethnic groups○ 4.1 Overview of traditional diets of minority ethic groups– South Asians– African‐Caribbeans– Chinese○ 4.2 Dietary acculturation○ 4.3 Nutritional composition of ethnic‐style cuisineKey points5Nutritional interventions and health promotion among minority ethnic groups○ 5.1 Effective nutritional interventions○ 5.2 Health promotion interventions to prevent problems associated with fasting○ 5.3 Priorities for nutritional interventions and health promotion○ 5.4 Using behaviour change models○ 5.5 Current community initiatives○ 5.6 Catering for institutionalised individuals○ 5.7 Recommendations for future research, policy and practiceKey points6Conclusion• Acknowledgements• References Summary: According to the latest census, non‐white minority ethnic groups made up 7.9% of the UK's population in 2001. The largest of these groups were South Asians, Black African‐Caribbeans and Chinese. Studies have shown that some minority ethnic groups are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes compared with the mainstream population. These include higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes and obesity. The differences in health outcomes may reflect interactions between diet and other health behaviours, genetic predisposition and developmental programming, all of which vary across different groups. As is the case for the rest of the population, the dietary habits of minority ethnic groups are affected by a wide variety of factors, but acquiring a better understanding of these can help health professionals and educationalists to recognise the needs of these groups and help them to make healthier food choices. Unfortunately, to date, there have been few tailored, well‐designed and evaluated nutritional interventions in the UK targeting minority ethnic population groups. Further needs assessment and better evaluation of nutritional interventions have been recommended to enhance the understanding of the effectiveness of different approaches amongst minority ethnic groups. This briefing paper will provide an overview of the health profile, dietary habits and other health behaviours of the three largest non‐white minority ethnic groups in the UK, explore the factors affecting their food choices, provide a summary of their traditional diets and review the evidence base to identify the factors that support successful nutrition interventions in these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: This study explored the factors associated with daily spiritual experiences of older adults and the association of daily spiritual experiences with major depressive disorder among older Indian adults. Methods: Data for this study were derived from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave‐1. The sample size was 31 464 older adults age 60 years and above. Daily spiritual experience was assessed from four items (Cronbach's alpha: 0.89) adapted from the daily spiritual experience scale (DSES). Major depressive disorder was calculated using the Short Form Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI‐SF). Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable forward stepwise logistic regression analyses were conducted to fulfil the objectives of the study. Results: A proportion of 87.46% of older adults reported daily spiritual experiences in the study. Women had higher odds of spiritual experiences than men (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.243; confidence interval (CI): 1.041–1.484). Older adults with higher education, those who were retired, those who reported community involvement or were physically active or belonged to the richest wealth quintile had higher odds of having daily spiritual experiences in comparison to older adults from the poorest wealth quintile. Further, older adults with daily spiritual experiences had significantly lower odds of major depressive disorder (aOR: 0.810; CI: 0.681–0.964) than older adults who did not report daily spiritual experiences. Conclusion: The study suggests that daily spiritual practices can be a strategy to reduce major depressive symptoms and improve mental health and wellbeing of older adults, and future studies are warranted on this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaemia control programmes in India are hampered by a lack of representative evidence on anaemia prevalence, burden and associated factors for adolescents. The aim of this study was to: (1) describe the national and subnational prevalence, severity and burden of anaemia among Indian adolescents; (2) examine factors associated with anaemia at national and regional levels. Data (n = 14,673 individuals aged 10–19 years) were from India's Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016–2018). CNNS used a multistage, stratified, probability proportion to size cluster sampling design. Prevalence was estimated using globally comparable age‐ and sex‐specific cutoffs, using survey weights for biomarker sample collection. Burden analysis used prevalence estimates and projected population from 2011 Census data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse factors (diet, micronutrient deficiencies, haemoglobinopathies, sociodemographic factors, environment) associated with anaemia. Anaemia was present in 40% of girls and 18% of boys, equivalent to 72 million adolescents in 2018, and varied by region (girls 29%–46%; boys 11%–28%) and state (girls 7%–62%; boys 4%–32%). Iron deficiency (ferritin < 15 μg/L) was the strongest predictor of anaemia (odds ratio [OR]: 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.21,6.83]), followed by haemoglobinopathies (HbA2 > 3.5% or any HbS) (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: [1.66,4.74]), vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <20 ng/ml) (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: [1.23,2.80]) and zinc deficiency (serum zinc < 70 μg/L) (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: [1.02,1.72]). Regional models show heterogeneity in the strength of association between factors and anaemia by region. Adolescent anaemia control programmes in India should continue to address iron deficiency, strengthen strategies to identify haemoglobinopathies and other micronutrient deficiencies, and further explore geographic variation in associated factors. Key messages: The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) 2016–2018 is the only nationally representative survey to measure haemoglobin, haemoglobinopathies, biomarkers of micronutrient deficiencies, diet and social factors in Indian adolescents aged 10–19 years.Using CNNS data, we found that 28.5% of adolescents (girls: 39.6%, boys: 17.6%) were anaemic, with variation by region or state.Our prevalence estimates translate to 72 million adolescents being anaemic, with Uttar Pradesh having twice as many anaemic adolescents as any other state.Iron deficiency, haemoglobinopathies, vitamin A deficiency and zinc deficiency were associated with an increased risk of anaemia; these associations may vary subnationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information technology ( IT) services multinationals in India provide rich environments for the analysis of emerging patterns of diversity and inclusion management. Growing interest in this field of management has been accentuated by claims tabled by the business case and resource-based rationales. However, challenges and tensions potentially undermine not only the viability of these assertions, but also the impact of diversity and inclusion interventions themselves. This article investigates the tensions and challenges faced by a sample of firms in India in relation to age, gender, and intra- and international diversity. The findings shed light on the implications of these tensions for HR management in these organizations, which need to be addressed if the claims put forward by the business- and resource-based perspectives are to be realized and the management of diversity and inclusion is to be successfully aligned with business and HR strategies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how children perceive social boundaries in rural Pakistan. It discusses that children develop and navigate their social relationships through their perception of social boundaries, which are shaped by kinship and sociospatial organisation in rural areas. Children's perception of social boundaries is also mediated through the intersectionality of their age and social group affiliation. An ethnographic case study of a village in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, is presented here. It uses a quantifiable photo‐elicitation technique and social mapping to analyse children's everyday mobilities and intersectionality in the cultural context of rural Pakistan to illustrate their perception of social boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) co‐exist, often because of poor intakes and adversely impact health. Habitual diets were assessed in 300 school children (6–17 years old) recruited from two government schools by simple random sampling. Probability of adequacy (PA) for 11 micronutrients and mean probability of adequacy (MPA) was calculated. Haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12 and C‐reactive protein were estimated. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to estimate magnitude and factors associated with MNDs. The contribution of fortified foods and/or supplements in addressing inadequacies and excessive intakes was modelled. The PA ranged from 0.04 for folate to 0.70 for zinc, and the MPA was 0.27. Prevalence of anaemia (53%), iron deficiency (57%; ID), iron deficiency anaemia (38%; IDA), folate deficiency (24%) and B12 deficiency (43%) was high. Dietary inadequacy of iron, zinc and a low MPA was associated with anaemia and IDA. Inclusion of double fortified salt (DFS), fortified rice (FR) or iron folic acid (IFA) supplements individually in habitual diet reduced probability of iron inadequacy significantly from 82% to ≤13%. Inclusion of DFS and FR simultaneously led to disappearance of iron inadequacy, but risk of excessive intake increased to 16%. Inclusion of DFS, FR and IFA together increased risk of excess iron intake to 40%. Nevertheless, intakes of folate and B12 remained inadequate even with FR and/or IFA. These results indicate a high risk of dietary MNDs in children and suggest need for more systematic intake measurements in representative sample and adjustment of iron dosages to avoid excessive intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While research in high‐income countries (HICs) has established high costs associated with alcohol's harm to others (AHTO) in the workplace, scant attention has been paid to AHTO in the workplace in lower‐ or middle‐income countries (LMICs). Aim: To compare estimates and predictors of alcohol's impacts upon coworkers among workers in 12 countries. Methods: Cross‐sectional surveys from 9,693 men and 8,606 women employed in Switzerland, Australia, the United States, Ireland, New Zealand, Chile, Nigeria, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka. Five questions were asked about harms in the past year because of coworkers' drinking: Had they (i) covered for another worker; (ii) worked extra hours; (iii) been involved in an accident or close call; or had their (iv) own productivity been reduced; or (v) ability to do their job been affected? Logistic regression and meta‐analyses were estimated with 1 or more harms (vs. none) as the dependent variable, adjusting for age, sex, rurality of location, and the respondent worker's own drinking. Results: Between 1% (New Zealand) and 16% (Thailand) of workers reported that they had been adversely affected by a coworker's drinking in the previous year (with most countries in the 6 to 13% range). Smaller percentages (<1% to 12%) reported being in an accident or close call due to others' drinking. Employed men were more likely to report harm from coworkers' drinking than employed women in all countries apart from the United States, New Zealand, and Vietnam, and own drinking pattern was associated with increased harm in 5 countries. Harms were distributed fairly equally across age and geographic regions. Harm from coworkers' drinking was less prevalent among men in HICs compared with LMICs. Conclusions: Workforce impairment because of drinking extends beyond the drinker in a range of countries and impacts productivity and economic development, particularly affecting men in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Survey data from 10 diverse countries were used to analyse the social location of harms from others' drinking: which segments of the population are more likely to be adversely affected by such harm, and how does this differ between societies? Methods: General‐population surveys in Australia, Chile, India, Laos, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States and Vietnam, with a primary focus on the social location of the harmed person by gender, age groups, rural/urban residence and drinking status. Harms from known drinkers were analysed separately from harms from strangers. Results: In all sites, risky or moderate drinkers were more likely than abstainers to report harm from the drinking of known drinkers, with risky drinkers the most likely to report harm. This was also generally true for harm from strangers' drinking, although the patterns were more mixed in Vietnam and Thailand. Harm from strangers' drinking was more often reported by males, while gender disparity in harm from known drinkers varied between sites. Younger adults were more likely to experience harm both from known drinkers and from strangers in some, but not all, societies. Only a few sites showed significant urban/rural differences, with disparities varying in direction. In multivariate analyses, most relationships remained, although some were no longer significant. Conclusion: The social location of harms from others' drinking, whether known or a stranger, varies considerably between societies. One near‐commonality among the societies is that those who are themselves risky drinkers are more likely to suffer harm from others' drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the determinants of attitudes and beliefs about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among parents of adolescent girls in Mysore, India. Methods: A random sample of 800 parents who had at least one adolescent‐aged daughter attending school were recruited for a survey. Results: Most parents (n = 778; 97.3%) completed the survey. Compared to Hindus, Muslims were more likely to perceive that their daughters are susceptible to HPV infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.87, 8.49) or cervical cancer (aOR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.55, 4.80). However, the likelihood of perceiving that daughters are susceptible to HPV infection (aOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.98) or cervical cancer (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99) decreased with an increase in the age of the parents. Perceived severity of HPV infection (aOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.97) and cervical cancer (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.74) was lower among Muslims than Hindus. Muslims had lower odds of believing that HPV vaccine is safe (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.89) or could protect against cervical cancer (aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.48), but were more likely to feel that HPV vaccination may cause girls to become more sexually active (aOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.39). The odds of believing that HPV vaccine is effective increased with an increase in the age of the parents (aOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.06). Conclusion: Among Indian parents, age and religion of parents are associated with parental attitudes and beliefs about the threat of HPV and cervical cancer as well as the risks and benefits of HPV vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: India has the highest number of HIV‐infected adolescents in Asia, but little is known about their treatment outcomes. We assessed rates and factors associated with loss to follow‐up (LTFU) and mortality among Indian adolescents. Methods: The analysis included adolescents (10–19 years old) starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2005 and 2014 at BJ Government Medical College, Pune, India. LTFU was defined as missing more than three consecutive monthly visits. The competing‐risks method was used to calculate subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) of predictors for LTFU, with death as the competing risk. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify predictors of mortality. Results: Of 717 adolescents starting ART, 402 with complete data were included in the analysis. Of these, 61% were male and 80% were perinatally infected, and the median baseline CD4 count was 174 cells/μL. LTFU and mortality rates were 4.4 and 4.9/100‐person years, respectively. Cumulative LTFU incidence increased from 6% to 15% over 6 years. Age ≥ 15 years [adjusted SHR (aSHR) 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–5.02] was a risk factor for LTFU. Cumulative mortality increased from 9.5% to 17.9% over 6 years. World Health Organization (WHO) stages III and IV [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.26; 95% CI: 1.14–4.48] and an increase in CD4 count by 100 cells/μL (aHR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43–0.83) were associated with mortality. Conclusions: A third of adolescents had been lost to follow‐up or died by follow‐up year 6. Older age was a risk factor for LTFU and advanced clinical disease for death. Strategies to improve retention counselling for older adolescents and closer clinical monitoring of all adolescents must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Adaptive functioning develops throughout early childhood, and its limitation is a reflection that the child has developmental or emotional problems or even mental retardation. Little is known about the adaptive functioning or developmental status of slum children. The present cross-sectional study was undertaken during the year 2014 to assess the status of adaptive functioning among girl children aged between 3 and 9 years residing in slum areas of Bhubaneswar and to explore the factors associated with poor adaptive functioning.Methods: Stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling technique was used to select the study population; 256 mother-child pairs from 256 households in selected slum areas were studied. Demographic information was collected, and adaptive functioning was assessed using the modified Vineland Social Maturity Scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.Results: One-fifth (54, 21%) of the girls sampled had poor adaptive functioning, and 44 (17%) had poor cognitive functioning. Multivariate analysis revealed that the age of the child, parents' education, presence of stunting in children and attending school/early childhood centre were strong predictors of adaptive functioning in slum children.Conclusion: One-fifth of girls from slums are developmentally vulnerable; parental education, stunting and early childhood education or exposure to schooling are modifiable factors influencing children's adaptive functioning. Health, education and welfare sectors need to be aware of this so that a multi-pronged approach can be planned to properly address this issue in one of the most disadvantaged sections of the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Behaviour problems are most common in people with intellectual disabilities. Nature of behaviour problems can vary depending upon the age, sex and intellectual level ( IQ). Objectives This study examined the distribution of behaviour problems across intellectual disability categories and their association with IQ age and sex in children with intellectual disabilities. Methods This is a cross-sectional study design. A total of 104 participants (57 males and 47 females), aged 3-18 years, with intellectual disabilities were administered The Behavioural Assessment Scale for Indian Children with Mental Retardation ( BASIC- MR). Results It was found that violent and destructive, temper tantrum and self-injurious behaviours were differently distributed with reference to intellectual disability levels ( P > 0.05) but cumulative scores per se problem behaviours did not vary with the level of intellectual disabilities. IQ showed a significant positive correlation with destructive and violent and misbehaves with other; and a significant negative correlation with temper tantrums and self-injurious behaviours. Age was significantly, positively associated with violent and destructive, odd, and hyperactive behaviours and inversely with self-injurious problem behaviours. There was no significant relationship between the sex of the child and problem behaviours. There was no significant interactive effect of sex and level of intellectual disabilities of the child on problem behaviours. Conclusion Behaviour problems, in general, are not equally distributed in all categories of intellectual disabilities. Relationship between behaviour problems and age, sex and IQ may not be uniform. But specific behaviours are more associated with specific age group and intellectual disability levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section offers news briefs on relating to addiction as of June 2016. It announces the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules 2014 in India. It reports the prescription drug monitoring to be introduced in Victoria to prevent overdoses, as well as the ruling by the Texas Supreme Court upholding a state Supreme Court decision to impose a special tax on cigarette makers.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to analyze geriatric oral health predicaments in India. Specifically, to assess the oral health status and treatment needs among the geriatric population attending health camps in New Delhi, Northern India. Methods The sample size for the cross-sectional study comprised of 248 elderly participants aged 60 years having attended the health check-up camps organized in New Delhi, India. The community periodontal index was used for assessment of periodontal disease. The World Health Organization's criterion was used for detection of dentition status and treatment needs. The χ2-test was used to compare between categorical variables. The Mann- Whitney U-test was used to compare between two groups for quantitative variables. Regression analysis was carried out to identify the factors associated with dental caries and periodontal disease status. Results The mean number of affected sextants with the highest community periodontal index score of 4 was 3.54 ± 2.45. Mean decayed, missing and filled teeth score of 16.39 ± 8.97 was recorded among the elderly. Prosthetic need was noted among 206 (83.1%) participants. Age and literacy status contributed to 27% and 12% of the variance respectively in the decayed, missing and filled teeth model. ( P < 0.001) Major contributory factors in the periodontal disease model for the 37%, 11% and 11% variance were age, sex and tobacco consumption ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Two striking features of the study were the high levels of unmet prosthetic needs and the extremely low utilization of dental care. There is an urgent necessity to resolve the high burden of unmet prosthetic need among the aged in India. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 37-45. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women receiving induced abortions or postabortion care are at high risk of subsequent unintended pregnancy, and intervals of less than six months between abortion and subsequent pregnancy may be associated with adverse outcomes. This study highlights the prevalence and attributes of postabortion contraceptive acceptance from 2,456 health facilities in six major Indian states, among 292,508 women who received abortion care services from July 2011 through June 2014. Eighty-one percent of the women accepted postabortion contraceptive methods: 53 percent short-term, 11 percent intrauterine devices, and 16 percent sterilization. Postabortion contraceptive acceptance was highest among women who were aged 25 years and older, received first-trimester services, received induced abortion, attended primary-level health facilities, and had medical abortions. Doctors receiving post-training support were more likely to offer contraceptives, but no association was observed between such support and acceptance of IUDs or sterilization. Comprehensive service-delivery interventions, including ensuring availability of skilled providers and contraceptive commodities, offering clinical mentoring for providers, identifying and addressing provider bias, and improving provider counseling skills, can increase postabortion contraceptive acceptance and reduce unintended pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article represents two-firsts for the feature - it is the first to report on a study outside the UK and the first to examine the health information needs of community health workers. Sonika Raj is pursuing PhD at the Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in India and she conducted her research in Chandigarh. The article outlines the important role that health workers at community level play in determining health outcomes in the developing world, including Chandigarh. It demonstrates that while those workers recognise their information needs, there are many issues affecting their ability to access health information effectively, not least their limited access to appropriate technology and training. AM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the prevalence and predictors of potentially inappropriate medications ( PIM) prescribing in elderly inpatients using the modified American Geriatrics Society ( AGS) updated Beers criteria 2012 and comparing it with the Beers criteria 2003. Methods The prospective observational study was carried out between September 2011 and May 2012 at a public teaching hospital. Elderly inpatients aged ≥60 years were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of PIM prescribing. Results The results were based on data of 502 patients; more than half (60%) were males and 66% were aged between 60-69 years with a mean (standard deviation [ SD]) of 68 (7) years. Mean ( SD) number of diagnoses and medications were three (1) and nine (4), respectively. A total of 81 (16%) patients were prescribed with at least ≥1 PIM according to modified AGS updated Beers criteria 2012, compared with 11% according to Beers criteria 2003. On multivariate regression, important predictors for PIM prescribing were found to be age ≥80 years (odds ratio [ OR] 2.46, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.27-3.12; P = 0.03), male sex ( OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.84; P = 0.03), more than three diagnoses ( OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.59-3.39; P = 0.04), ≥6 medications prescribed ( OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.35; P = 0.03) and ≥10 days of hospital stay ( OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.09-2.31; P = 0.02). Conclusions The results show that PIM prescribing is common among hospitalized elderly Indian patients. It is feasible to reduce this practice through the provision of appropriate unbiased information to healthcare professionals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 251-258. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the prevalence of hypertension, pre-hypertension and tachycardia among the women in rural areas of West Bengal, identify co-factors associated with the prevalence and contribute to the body of evidence for future health programs to identify at-risk groups. Design: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Setting: The study was conducted in remote villages. Participants: 1186 women participants, aged 18 years or more were included. Main outcome measures: They were interviewed using standard structured questionnaire. Blood pressure and tachycardia was monitored using digital sphygmomanometer. For each participant, we made two blood pressure measurements with an interval of 48 hours. Data was analysed statistically using SPSS software. Results: Overall prevalence of hypertension in the study subjects was 24.7% and that of pre-hypertension and tachycardia was 40.8% and 6.4%, respectively. Both hypertension and pre-hypertension were seen to increase with age. Other identified significant factors were use of biomass fuel for cooking, absence of separate kitchen, higher body mass index (BMI), education and average family income. Conclusion: This study suggests quite high prevalence of hypertension as well as pre-hypertension among the women of rural areas. The findings are significant from the women health perspectives. Early detection of pre-hypertensive and hypertensive subjects will help to formulate intervention strategies to allay the spread of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the eight studies on early social-cognitive skills of children from three cultural contexts of Peru, India, and Canada which include instrumental imitation, instrumental helping, and declarative pointing. It provides details on individual studies along with their background and hypothesis, procedures, and results. Tables which show the analysis in cultural setting of each country including the standardized and natural imitations, helping and barrier tasks, and pointing procedure.

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India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) provides daily supplementary nutrition and other public health services to women and children. We estimated associations between exposure to early‐childhood ICDS nutrition and adult reproductive outcomes. During 1987–1990, a balanced protein–calorie supplement called "upma"—made from locally available corn–soya ingredients—was rolled out by subdistricts near Hyderabad and offered to pregnant women and children under age 6 years. In a controlled trial, 15 villages received the supplement and 14 did not. We used data from a 2010–2012 resurvey of adults born during the trial (n = 715 in intervention and n = 645 in control arms). We used propensity score matching methods to estimate the associations between birth in an intervention village and menarcheal age, age at first pregnancy, and fertility of adults. We found that women born in the intervention group during the trial, as compared with the control group, had menarche 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI: 0.22, 0.68]; p <.001) years later and first pregnancy 0.53 (95% CI [0.04, 1.02]; p <.05) years later. Married women from the intervention group had menarche 0.36 (95% CI [0.09, 0.64]; p <.01) years later, first cohabitation with partner 0.8 (95% CI [0.27, 1.33]; p <.01) years later, and first pregnancy 0.53 (95% CI [0.04, 1.02]; p <.05) years later than married women in the control group. There was no significant difference between intervention and control group women regarding whether they had at least one childbirth or the total number of children born. The findings were similar when we employed inverse propensity score weighted regression models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]