Level of physical activity among adolescents in Ernakulam District, Kerala: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: For children aged 5-17 years, WHO recommends moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes daily which would account for 420 minutes of physical activity per week regardless of working days or holidays. With the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Kerala, this study aimed to assess the level of physical activity among high school students in Ernakulam District, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among ninth and tenth standard students of two randomly selected schools in Ernakulam District. A total of 303 children were recruited for the study. Consent rate and response rate of the study were 100%. A structured questionnaire adapted from MRC-CPAQ (Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to collect the data. Results: The study revealed that out of 303 students, 72.9% were < 15 years, 77% were males, and 59% were urban residents. More than 70% of the participants were actively involved in physical activity of moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Males, in the age group of 15 years and above, having a separate play area, and those with no siblings were found to have significantly higher levels of physical activity. Conclusion: The study was able to identify a positive trend for physical activity among adolescents. Town planning and building of play areas are essential to develop and retain the habit of physical activity among adolescents.

Neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants: Post six months following two-dose & three-dose vaccination of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or BBV152.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: The Omicron sub-lineages are known to have higher infectivity, immune escape and lower virulence. During December 2022 - January 2023 and March - April 2023, India witnessed increased SARS-CoV-2 infections, mostly due to newer Omicron sub-lineages. With this unprecedented rise in cases, we assessed the neutralization potential of individuals vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV (Covishield) and BBV152 (Covaxin) against emerging Omicron sub-lineages. METHODS: Neutralizing antibody responses were measured in the sera collected from individuals six months post-two doses (n=88) of Covishield (n=44) or Covaxin (n=44) and post-three doses (n=102) of Covishield (n=46) or Covaxin (n=56) booster dose against prototype B.1 strain, lineages of Omicron; XBB.1, BQ.1, BA.5.2 and BF.7. RESULTS: The sera of individuals collected six months after the two-dose and the three-dose demonstrated neutralizing activity against all variants. The neutralizing antibody (NAbs) level was highest against the prototype B.1 strain, followed by BA5.2 (5-6 fold lower), BF.7 (11-12 fold lower), BQ.1 (12 fold lower) and XBB.1 (18-22 fold lower). INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS: Persistence of NAb responses was comparable in individuals with two- and three-dose groups post six months of vaccination. Among the Omicron sub-variants, XBB.1 showed marked neutralization escape, thus pointing towards an eventual immune escape, which may cause more infections. Further, the correlation of study data with complete clinical profile of the participants along with observations for cell-mediated immunity may provide a clear picture for the sustained protection due to three-dose vaccination as well as hybrid immunity against the newer variants.

Menstrual practices, fertility intentions and decision-making regarding family planning by women belonging to various indigenous groups of Wayanad- A qualitative study.

Background: Among the different social groups in India, the tribes are the most vulnerable and socioeconomically deprived. The tribal population is distinct from the general population in terms of their unique cultural, traditional, and reproductive health practices. Therefore, the aim of the study was to conduct an exploratory analysis of the menstrual practices, fertility intentions and decision-making regarding family planning among various indigenous tribal women of Kerala. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among the tribal women of Wayanad district using the grounded theory approach. Using purposive sampling 16 in-depth interviews, 6 key informant interviews and 2 focus group discussion (FGD) s were conducted. Interview guides were developed for in-depth interviews, key-informant interviews, and focus group discussion through extensive formative research with literature reviews and taking expert opinions. The interviews were conducted among women of reproductive age and their spouses hailing from Paniya and Kurichiya tribal groups in Kalpetta and Mananthavady areas of Wayanad district. Key informant interviews were also conducted among doctors, pharmacists, and community health workers. Results: The key findings of this study were the identification of a web of cultural practices pertaining to menstruation among persons of tribal origin. Unique traditional practices such as "Valayamapura" and "Thirandukalyanam" were reported and most of the women were keen to carry it forward. Fertility desires among couples were found to be not significantly influenced by any gender bias. Decision-making regarding family size were found to be on a mutual agreement between the spouses. The tribal women were aware of modern spacing methods, but preferred natural methods of contraception for temporary use and tubectomy as the permanent method. Non-contraceptive use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) was prevalent, and the majority took it occasionally for postponement of menstruation to attend various social events. Conclusion: Menstruation-related myths and practices are prevalent and require educational interventions. More focus needs to be given to male sterilization as the permanent method of contraception. The study underscores the need to address gender inequalities and attitudes among tribal populations and to increase efforts to promote higher education among the tribes for busting cultural myths and practices.

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.

A qualitative analysis of the impact of Kudumbashree and MGNREGA on the lives of women belonging to a coastal community in Kerala.

BACKGROUND: The rural coastal population of Njarakkal are dependent on fishing for their daily livelihood making them highly economically unstable. Both Kudumbashree and MGNREGA have been implemented in this area for the upliftment of this population especially women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to qualitatively analyze the impact of Kudumbashree and MGNREGA on the lives of women belonging to the rural coastal community of Njarakkal. METHODS: A qualitative study consisting of Focused group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted on women belonging to the fishing community who were active members of both the Kudumbashree and MGNREGA program. RESULTS: Participation in Kudumbashree and MGNREGA was found to have a positive impact on the lives of these coastal women. They experienced social, economic and political empowerment along with an improvement in their leadership skills and decision making capacity. Their participation in these groups not only led to empowerment in various domains of their lives but also had an impact on their health awareness, needs and utilization of healthcare services. CONCLUSION: Both Kudumbashree and MGNREGA were found to very useful platforms for the empowerment of women and thereby aiding in the eradication of poverty. Irrespective of a few lacunae's in these programs, it has resulted in the creation of a cohort of empowered women who can be effectively used as future ambassadors for spreading health awareness in the community.