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Background: Natural disasters cause much hardship and suffering, loss of property, and increased morbidity and mortality amongst those affected. Timely and effective response for relief and rescue services go a long way in mitigating these consequences. Material and Methods: This population-based cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic flood that occurred in Kerala, South India, in 2018, documents the experiences of the victims, the community's preparedness, and response to the disaster. Results: Flood waters reached levels of over four feet within the premises of 55% of the houses and nearly 97% had water flooding inside their homes. More than 93% of the households were evacuated to safer locations and relief camps. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses were the worst sufferers, unable to access medical aid. Many families (62%) received help from neighbors. Conclusion: However, the loss of lives was minimal, and could be attributed to the immediate response of the local community in rescue and relief work. This experience underscores the vital importance of the local community as first responders, and their preparedness for disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the prevalence rates and determinants of dementia among the population of those over 60 in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and doubles in frequency every five years after the age of 60. Details on the collection of data in the district of Tehri Gerhwal among those who were over 60 years are presented. The results indicate that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is the highest in the country in this district and priority care for the afflicted elderly is needed.

Background: Natural disasters like floods have various physical and psychological effects on victims. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that arises as a delayed reaction to extraordinarily threatening or catastrophic situations., Aim: The objective was to screen for PTSD and associated factors among victims residing in the flood-affected areas of Kerala, India., Methodology: A community-based screening for PTSD was done among 600 flood victims residing in three selected districts (Pathanamthitta, Alleppey, and Kottayam) of Kerala. A trauma screening questionnaire was used to screen for PTSD., Results: More than 90% of them had to stay in relief camps during floods. More than 80% had damage to houses, followed by loss of domestic animals and vehicle damage. Among participants, 298 (49.7%) screened positive for PTSD 3 months post disaster. No previous history of flooding, odds ratio (OR) = 8.6 [confidence interval (CI) 5.7-13.1]; younger age, OR = 1.41 (CI 1-1.9); higher family income, OR = 4.2 (CI 2.5-6.8); education, OR = 1.4 (CI 1-2.1); flood-related morbidity, OR = 8.8 (CI 5.3-14.8); and death of a family member, OR = 3.4 (CI 1.2-9.3), were the factors that were found to be significantly associated with stress among respondents., Conclusion: Almost 50% of flood victims were screened positive for PTSD. This study's findings reiterate the need to provide psychological support as a priority along with other disaster control measures., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Psychiatry.)

Background: According to the GBD report published in 2016, the burden of cancer in Kerala is 135.3/100,000 population in contrast to the national average of 100/100,000 population. Cancer is a complex disease that requires broad engagement of various departments and organizations to implement a community based health promotion strategy., Objective: To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed cancers, warning signs and selected risk factors of cancer in Niranam Panchayath of Pathanamthitta district, Kerala., Methodology: A total of 13,736 population was covered by door to door survey using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on the sociodemographic variables of the residents, source of water supply, warning signs of cancer and details of diagnosed cancer cases., Results: The mean age of the population was 39.7 ± 21 years. The prevalence of diagnosed cases of cancer in our study was 652/100,000 population. Most common type of cancer identified was Breast cancer (37.3%). The prevalence of any warning sign among the study population was 400/100,000 population. Breast lump was the common warning sign identified. Increasing age, female gender and occupational status were the factors found to be significantly associated with cancer., Recommendations: Community based health education to increase awareness, screening for cancers and breast self-examination in the community could help in early diagnosis and prevention at primary level. Scientific study to assess the risk factors of cancers using case control design could be done in this population along with soil and water sample testing for carcinogens., (Copyright: © Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Background: Cognitive impairment, an age-related condition, is often considered a precursor to more serious diseases such as depression/dementia/Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by cognitive impairment, could have a devastating impact on low- and middle-income countries whose populations are ageing rapidly. The disease has, so far, largely remained neglected by researchers and national health services in India. In view of the growing elderly population and diverse sociocultural and geographical milieu of India, epidemiological data for the condition are desirable for different populations. Moreover, there is a dearth of population-based epidemiological studies on cognitive impairment in the Punjab state of India., Methods: Three thousand and thirty-eight consenting elderly adults aged over 60 years, of both sexes, residing in Ludhiana, Punjab state, India were examined for cognitive functioning, using a modified Hindi Mental State Examination, and a score of ≤25 was considered to be indicative of cognitive impairment. Data analysis included calculations of proportions; odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also calculated. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model were used to determine the association of cognitive impairment with various sociodemographic parameters., Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in the study population was 8.8% (95% CI = 8.06 to 9.54). Increasing age, unmarried/widowed status, illiteracy, unemployment and poverty were found to be independently associated with cognitive impairment., Conclusions: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in this north Indian population of elderly individuals is higher than that found in northern India. With emerging focus on geriatric health services, cognitive impairment, which is a precursor of Alzheimer's disease/dementias, needs to be included in priority care within the national primary health-care framework.

Background: RTIs/STIs present a huge burden of disease, adversely impact reproductive health, and cause suffering for both men and women with consequences more devastating and widespread among women. These infections often go undiagnosed and untreated., Objectives: 1) To identify the most common reported symptoms of RTI/STI among married women aged 15-44 years in an urban population of Ludhiana. 2) To identify important risk factors associated with symptoms of RTI/STI in the study population., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among married women aged 15-44 years in an urban area in Ludhiana, using the WHO-Syndromic Approach for diagnosis and management of RTIs/STIs. The sample consisted of 260 eligible women obtained by systematic random sampling, from amongst those residing in the population served by one MPHW (F)., Results: The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of RTIs/STIs in the study population was found to be 17.3%. The most common symptoms reported by the women sufferers were urinary (dysuria 57.8%, frequent urination 53.3%), followed by dyspareunia (26.7%), unusual vaginal discharge (24.4%) and vaginal itching (22.2%). Age 35-44 years, gravidity >4, education high school/above, joint families, history of abortion, and using ordinary cloth during menstruation were found to be significant risk factors. 64.4% of those with symptoms were untreated, 68.7% of those treated reported partial relief, most of those treated preferred private doctors, and the partners were not treated.