RESUMO
Introduction: Aging is a natural process that usually results in physiological, biological, emotional, and financial decline. As a result, a robust health system is required to meet their escalating health needs. Through this study, we got an opportunity to study the morbidity profile of the elderly and to assess their health-seeking behavior and its determinants in urban areas of Chandigarh. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 360 participants. Multistage and proportionate sampling techniques were used to recruit study subjects. A structured interview was carried out to get information on the different parameters of health-seeking behavior of the elderly population. Results: The most pervasive determinant of health-seeking behavior was perceiving health issues related to age, no family support, and health-care expenditure. Conclusion: The elderly had a positive behavior toward seeking help with regard to health care. Multiple morbidities were evident among the elderly, and modern medication was the greatest choice. Improved perspective toward health, easy accessibility, and awareness regarding the disease may contribute to the willingness of seeking help for the health-care needs.
RESUMO
Background: Exposure toSecond-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) harms health. It is a risk factor for various diseases like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and lung cancer. This study aimed to deter-mine the prevalence and predictors of second-hand tobacco smoke among adult never-smokers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 participants aged 18 years and above. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit information regarding exposure to second-hand smoke at the home, workplace and various public places. The data was analysed using the Epi Info software for win-dows. Results: The second-hand smoke exposure at home and workplace was 11.4% and 19.1%, respectively. The SHS exposure at bus stops, public transport, government buildings and health care facilities was 33.3%, 13.0%, 7.6% and 3%, respectively. The in-home study participants with a current tobacco smok-er, family member and/or friend had comparatively higher exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. In the workplace and or public places, male study participants and illiterate individuals had higher expo-sure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Conclusion: The observed level of SHS exposure among non-smokers is a public health concern. Family members should not allow anyone to smoke in their home environment. The public health law prohibit-ing tobacco smoking in workplaces and public places needs further strengthening.
RESUMO
Background: Unsafe injecting drug use is a documented risk factor for the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Harm reduction strategy aims at reducing this deleterious consequence. Objectives: To study the prevalence and predictors of injecting as well as sexual risk behavior among male injecting drug users (IDUs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 male IDUs from January 2017 to March 2018. Risk behavioral data were collected after obtaining informed consent of the study participants. This included information on sharing, reusing needles/injections, and sexual behavior. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model was run using the Epi Info software version 7.2 for Windows. Results: In the past one month, 25.3% had shared needles/syringes by either borrowing or lending or both. Inconsistent condom use during sexual intercourse with a regular, casual, and paid sex partner was practiced by 64.7% (77/119), 65.8% (48/73), and 45.0% (18/40), respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that unsafe injecting drug behavior was higher among daily users: (OR = 3.0 [1.3–6.6]) and comparatively lower among those who preferred to avail needles/syringes from Needle Syringe Exchange Program (OR = 0.4 [0.2–0.9]); as compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: The findings suggest that IDUs in the study area are engaging in risk behaviors. Behavior change communication and harm reduction strategy should be strengthened.