ABSTRACT
Introduction: As reported by WHO, hypertension is the third ‘killer’ disease, accounting for one in every eight deaths worldwide. Many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are found to be associated with the disease. The present study aims to determine the role of dietary management and physical activity in the control of hypertension in a given population. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted that. Study included all hypertensive patients (290) from the field practice area of a tertiary care institute. A self-constructed, pretested questionnaire was used to enquire about the socio- demographic factors and other risk factors associated with hypertension. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23 and valid conclusions were drawn by using the chi-square test. Results: Out of 290 patients, 204 (70.3%) were females and 86 (29.7%) were males. Univariate analysis identified decreased salt intake, decreased fatty food consumption, physical activity, stress management, and spiritual help as highly significant factors affecting hypertension. On multivariate analysis, physical activity, stress management and spiritual help were found to be significant. Conclusion: The study showed that physical activity, stress management and spiritual help were significantly associated with hypertension control among the elderly. Measures should be taken to create awareness about lifestyle modifications in the control of hypertension.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Government of India launched an Aadhar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme from 1st April, 2018. Under this scheme, all notified TB patients would receive Rs 500 per month (~US$7) throughout the course of their treatment for nutritional support. Aim and Objectives: To determine the challenges faced by the health providers and patients in the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. Methods: This was a mixed method cross-sectional study conducted on all public and private TB patients notified during the year 2019 under RNTCP (now NTEP) in district Amritsar, Punjab. Quantitative data about the availability and validation of bank accounts was obtained from the Nikshay portal after having permission from the District TB Officer. Qualitative data was obtained from the focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with the involved staff members (17) and patients (20) registered in Tuberculin units of Amritsar. Results: From the Nikshay reports, it was observed that there was significant difference between the public and private sector and between rural and urban areas. Focus group discussion was done with the TB Health Visitor (TBHV) and Senior TB supervisors (STS) and asked about the hurdles they faced. Items were identified and tabulated. In-depth interviews were conducted on 20 patients, 10 each from public and private sector respectively. Data collected was transcribed and arranged as per the themes or questions and then the information was recorded under those sub-headings. Conclusion: The major challenges observed by the providers were lack of support from the private sector, lack of awareness among people, technical issues and more work burden. Patients mostly mentioned about confidentiality issues, lack of awareness, social stigma of the disease, less amount and long and complex process.