Role of male partners in birth preparedness and complication readiness: A qualitative study.

Background In familial and societal matters, men are the decision-makers and economic resource providers in many patriarchal societies. It is important to assess the involvement of men in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR), as men act as gatekeepers to women's health. We examined the role, motivators and barriers for participation of male partners of pregnant women in BPCR. Methods This qualitative study was based on the grounded theory approach. Data were collected through 29 in-depth interviews conducted among husbands (n=8), mothers (n=8), mothers-in-law (n=8), health professionals (n=5) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women (FGD, n=3). Interviews and FGDs were transcribed; themes and sub-themes were generated and conclusions were drawn by triangulation of the data. Results Men were found to have a major role in BPCR. They supported their pregnant wives by maintaining their health, providing financial support and helping them in the decision-making process regarding treatment. They also provided complication readiness support by arranging transportation and facilitating the process of hospital admission. Conclusions Our study emphasizes how changes have occurred in the attitudes and practices over generations regarding men's role in BPCR and their participation during delivery. However, there is a long way to go for which transference of knowledge and cultural transformation have become necessities.

Motivators and Barriers for Physical Activity among Health-Care Professionals: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is one of the critical risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases. In Kerala, the life expectancy of doctors who are considered the gatekeepers of health was found to be 13 years lower than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to identify the motivators and barriers for physical activity among doctors and nurses belonging to public and private health-care sectors in Ernakulam district. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative study was conducted using a grounded theory approach. A total of 30 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions were conducted among doctors and nurses, respectively. The audio-recorded data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS: The main themes identified were motivators, barriers, and future considerations for physical activity. The factors motivating doctors were the fear of noncommunicable diseases and to stay fit, while the nurses were more concerned about their body image. The common barriers were gender, lack of time, laziness, bad climate, and safety issues. Overreliance on medication and prioritizing their patients' health over their own were additional barriers. CONCLUSION: Physical activity among doctors and nurses is severely compromised. Provision of a favorable environment and behavior change is needed to combat the silent epidemic of physical inactivity.

Prevalence of anemia and its association with dietary pattern among elderly population of urban slums in Kochi.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common among the elderly and it is the reason behind their poor survival. Anemia among the elderly is consistently disregarded, which can even incite cardiovascular complexities. The risk of physical decline for the elderly with iron insufficiency is twofold than that of others in the same age. The elderly populace dwelling in urban slums is progressively influenced. Hence, the objective was to study the prevalence of anemia among elderly dwelling in urban slums of Kochi corporation and its association with the dietary pattern. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 165 elderly (60 years of age and above), residing in urban slums of Kochi corporation. The hemoglobin level was measured using Heamocue and the dietary pattern was assessed by a structured pretested questionnaire eliciting a 7-day dietary recall. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia among the elderly was observed to be 60.6%, out of which 66% were females and 49% were males. The elderly females were found to be more vulnerable to anemia. CONCLUSION: Anemia was found to be significantly high among the elderly population in urban slums of Kochi. Regular screening and management of anemia along with dietary awareness have become the need of the hour.