Nutrition, physical activity and psychological status during lockdown due to Covid-19

Aim of the present study was to assess physical activity, nutrition and psychological status of the population during lockdown due to covid-19. Online survey was conductedamong 534 participants within the age range of 16-78 years using convenient sampling. Participantsfrom varied regions within India and abroad were enrolled for the present study. Volunteered participants were solicited to take part in a survey that has to be carried out by filling an online questionnaire form available to them as a URL link in the invitation through WhatsApp/Messenger. The gathered data has been compiled, coded and cleaned using Microsoft Excel. Analysis has been carried out employing descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS 17.0.Majority of participants in the studied population showed significant change in their nutrition and physical activity status due to lockdown. Covid-19 lockdown did limit their daily activities. It also had impacted their psychological status.The current investigation accentuates the need to pursue suitable life style for the maintenance of optimum metabolism and physiology. Sticking to more regular timetable of meals, effective management of stress levels and continued physical activity during the quarantine and in all the following phases of living is desirable.

An assessment of facilities and services at anganwadi centers under the integrated child development service scheme in urban area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir

Background: The integrated childhood development services (ICDS) scheme, launched on 2nd November 1975 is India’s foremost program imparting comprehensive and cost-effective services for children and maternal health through designated anganwadi centers (AWCs). AWCs deliver services right at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries to ensure their maximum participation.Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in 37 AWCs of the urban area in Kathua district from March to May 2019. A checklist was used to assess the physical infrastructure of AWC and logistics available.Results: A total of 37 AWCs were visited. Majority of the AWCs (94.5%) were running in a rented building and had only room. and 86.4% have pucca type of center. Almost half (51.3%) of the anganwadi workers had >10 years of experience. 32.4% of the AWWs received education up to 12th standard. Weighing machines were available in 89.1% of the centers whereas Salter weighing machine was present only in 23 centers.Conclusions: Present case study unveils deficiencies in infrastructure and logistics at the centers. Emphasis should be given to strengthen the basic infrastructure of AWCs which would further help in delivering quality services to the beneficiaries

Knowledge, attitude and practice of people regarding rabies in rural area of Jammu: a cross sectional study

Background: Rabies although a fatal disease, remains a disease of low public health priority. India, about 18,000 to 20,000 cases is reported every year. Awareness about rabies is very poor among Indian population particularly in rural areas, due to which India and Bangladesh belongs to a high incident countriesMethods: Present study was descriptive and cross sectional in nature conducted in village Sai of block R.S. Pura. Data was collected by face to face interview of 200 participants using a pre structured questionnaire.Results: Knowledge about rabies was intermediate as majority of the people (78.5%) have heard about the diseases. About 144 persons enumerated hydrophobia as the most common symptom. Only 48.5% of the study participants knew that it is important to wash the wound with soap and running water and 53.5% respondents were in favor of consulting a doctor. 123 (61.5%) persons understood that rabies can be prevented by proper treatment of animal bite.Conclusions: Our study found that most of the respondents knew that dogs were mainly responsible for transmitting rabies. The recommended first aid for rabies is immediate flushing and washing of the wound with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes. This study revealed that most people placed the responsibility for controlling the dog population on the government.