ABSTRACT
Background: Lockdown measures are being implemented in several parts of the world to control the spread of novel coronavirus. This unprecedented crisis has significantly affected the lives of people in different ways. Aim: To understand the experiences and vulnerability to mental health problems during lockdown among the Indian population during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey form circulated through various social media platforms from April 12 to May 3, 2020 containing self-reported questionnaires to collect lockdown related experiences and scales to assess anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9). A convenience sampling method was used. Results: 442 valid responses were received from different states of India. Statistical analysis revealed that one-third of the respondents suffered from some form of anxiety and depression during a lockdown. Less than 10% of them had severe levels of symptoms. The majority were males aged 18-45 years and private sector employees. Delivering essential services was involved with significant anxiety and depression. Availability of food and daily essentials was the most common problem. Difficulty in availing medicines and financial crisis were significant predictors of anxiety and depression. Worsening of interpersonal relationships was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Conclusions: The study concluded that experiences during the lockdown and associated psychological outcomes are important factors to consider and appropriate preventive measures to be taken in case of any future lockdowns.
ABSTRACT
Abstract: Adolescent and young people’s behavior is of major concern due to Substance abuse. According to WHO, Substance abuse is consistently or sporadic drug use inconsistent with or unrelated to acceptable medical practice. Globally, alcohol and tobacco as a risk factors cause 4.0% and 4.1% of the overall burden of disability respectively. Objective: To determine the prevalence of substance abuse among 18 to 60 years’ male in rural Etawah and to identify type and pattern of substance abuse. Material and Methods: It was a community based cross sectional study carried out in five block of district Etawah for a period of one and half year. 1500 participants were interviewed using pre designed pre-tested questionnaire and data regarding socio demographic profile and pattern of abuse were collected. Data was entered in Microsoft excel sheet and analyzed by SPSS version 24 using appropriate statistical test. Result: Among 1500 participants, majority were below 30 years of age (i.e. 42.8%). In this study prevalence of Substance use among was 47% [707/1500]. Among all the other substance use, smokeless tobacco showed highest prevalence. Conclusion: Substance use is common in both urban as well as in rural area. So there is a need to educate and aware people regarding bad effects of drug abuse.
ABSTRACT
Nipah Virus is a recently emerging zoonotic virus with disease causing potential in both animals and humans. Nipah virus belongs to the family of paramyxovirida, genus Henipavirus along with Hendra virus. (1) The knowledge of human infection with Henipavirus was limited to a very small number of cases infected with Hendra virus in Australia during 1994-1999 which was responsible for deaths of two humans and seventeen horses. (2) Nipah virus was first identified and isolated in 1999 in Malaysia during an outbreak of febrile illness among pig farmers and people who were in close contacts with pigs. (3) In 2001, Nipah virus was identified as the causative agent of outbreak in Bangladesh. Since then number of outbreaks has been reported in various districts of Bangladesh. (4) In India, a total of three outbreaks of Nipah have been reported, latest being on 19th May 2018, from Kozhikode district of Kerala. (5) With a fatality rate of 58%, Nipah virus is primarily seen to cause encephalitis and severe respiratory distress. Despite of the severe pathogenicity and high pandemic potential there is no specific treatment for Nipah virus encephalitis except for supportive and symptomatic treatment.