Body adiposity measures and risk of adolescent hypertension among the postpubescents Northeast India.

OBJECTIVES: The present study attempts to associate and predict adolescent hypertension in Northeast India through body adiposity measures. METHOD: A total of 728 adolescents aged 15 years and above were included in the present study after consent. Blood pressure and related anthropometric data were collected. The prevalence rate was calculated. Significant tests and correlation analyses were conducted between the blood pressure parameters and anthropometric body adiposity measures. The odds ratio (OR) was also calculated to assess the likelihood of risks. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to find the measured parameters' predictive cut-off values. RESULTS: The prevalence of adolescent hypertension is 29.12%, and elevated blood pressure is 20.47%. Boys are more hypertensive than girls. Obese adolescents are more prone to hypertension. Overweight, obese, and abdominal volume index (AVI) has 2.31, 5.15, and 3.41 OR to develop hypertension significantly, irrespective of gender. Among the boys, waist circumference (WC), AVI, and waist to height ratio (WHtR) significantly correlate with hypertension at adjusted for age; they are better predictors with area under curve (AUC) value reach 0.7. Among the females, the BMI reaches AUC 0.7, making it a better assessment for hypertension. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the concerns of adolescent hypertension among Northeast Indian adolescents, which needs attention. More studies in different regions must be conducted to understand the problem's crux to enable health policymakers to promote adolescent health.

Prevalence of Insomnia and Internet Dependence Amidst the COVID 19 among the Northeast Indian Population: A Preliminary Study.

Introduction: COVID 19 pandemic lockdown affects normal daily activities making people vulnerable to sleep disorders, including insomnia and Internet addiction. The present study explores the prevalence of insomnia and Internet addiction amidst the pandemic while staying at home. Methodology: Data have been collected from 585 individuals of both sexes online through social media using a structured questionnaire that consists of insomnia severity and Internet addiction. Chi square and logistic regression analysis were done to associate the insomnia severity with Internet use behavior and addiction. Results: The overall prevalence of insomnia and subthreshold (mild) insomnia are 12.13% and 31.97%, respectively, with females had insomnia more than males. Internet addiction correlates with insomnia as staying online more than initially intended increases insomnia significantly. Conclusion: COVID 19 pandemic lockdown affects sleep health as sleep-related disorders are on the rise, which could correlate to mental health. The study further seeks attention from researchers, health experts, and related stakeholders to develop a more holistic approach to uncover the problems and promote sleeping awareness.

Correlation of body composition parameters and anthropometric somatotypes with Prakriti body types among the Meitei adults of Manipur, India.

BACKGROUND: Body composition and types are often considered essential health indicators for lifestyle-related disease. Assessment of body type based on tridosha is regarded as a prerequisite in Ayurveda. AIM: To correlate body compositions and somatotypes with Prakriti body types. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 463 adult individuals was done. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were measured. Heath-Carter somatotypes and Prakriti body types were also determined. Tests of association were calculated. Correlation and concordance analysis was also done to infer the correlation between body composition parameters and Prakriti body types. RESULTS: Kapha Prakriti have significantly higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and body fat mass. Vata have the lowest mean values in all body composition parameters with Pitta in the intermediate position compared to the other Prakriti types. There is a strong and positive statistical association between Prakriti body types and body composition parameters, except height. Cohen's Kappa analysis reveals there is a fair concordance between Prakriti body types and somatotype. CONCLUSIONS: Prakriti assessment can explain an individual's fatness as it correlates with body composition parameters and could be used to predict risk susceptibility to various complex disorders.