Evidence on article 5.3 of FCTC (tobacco industry interference in tobacco control activities) in India- a qualitative scoping study.

BACKGROUND: The Tobacco Industry (henceforth TI) yearns to portray itself as being "socially responsible" and fights for the decision-making positions; that are it used to deter, delay or dilute tobacco control measures. There is little documented evidence of Tobacco Industry Interference (henceforth TII) from India, the scope of their interference and challenges faced by the experts for effective tobacco control. This research study seeks to cover this significant gap in the literature on the TI of India. METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative research design, based upon in-depth interviews (N = 26), was used to explore the key stakeholders' opinions regarding TII in India. The interviews used a set of questions to collect information about the participant's roles and responsibilities in tobacco control, the nature of TII faced by the participants, means of influence by TI, barriers and challenges to tobacco control efforts. RESULTS: Most of the respondents were engaged in tobacco control, training, advocacy and awareness generation activities for 5-10 years or more. The respondents defined the TI and its scope as per their experience with the help of the power ranking methodology. Most of them perceived TI as 'manufacturers' while others consider them as 'advertisers', 'public relation companies', 'wholesalers', 'vendors', and 'Government firms with TI stocks. The research team identified six significant domains: influencing the policy and administrative decisions, Interference in the implementation of tobacco control laws and activities, false propaganda and hiding the truth, manipulating front action groups (FAG), rampant tobacco advertising and promotion activities and others under which TII activities were classified. Most respondents believed that TI players were interfering in the policy decisions, implementing the tobacco control laws and activities and manipulating the FAG. A detailed taxonomic classification of the TII strategies that emerged from our analysis was linked to article 5.3 of FCTC. CONCLUSIONS: The study documented a significant level of TII in different domains, with stakeholders acting at various hierarchical levels. Thus providing insight into the tactics of the TI in order to enable stakeholders to anticipate and pre-empt the kinds of alliances the TI may attempt to build; stimulating academicians and researchers to undertake in-depth analysis into various strategies and therefore underscoring the need to ensuring transparency in official interaction with the TI and its representatives.

How much do persons with diabetes in a rural area of South India know about diabetes management? A step toward person-centered care.

INTRODUCTION: The burden of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, more so in developing countries. Optimal diabetes care depends on adherence to management protocol, which can be brought about by shared decision-making. Patient's knowledge on life-threatening complications and preventive strategies for the same is a prerequisite for shared decision-making. Hence, this study was carried out among diabetes patients to assess the level of knowledge on different aspects of diabetes management. METHODOLOGY: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients registered and seeking care from a Rural Primary Health Centre in Puducherry, South India. All the individuals with diabetes were included in the study. Trained MBBS interns interviewed the patients after obtaining informed consent. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to capture information on sociodemographic profile, disease characteristics, knowledge on different aspects of diabetes management, and prevention of diabetic complications. Data were entered and analyzed using EpiData software. Knowledge on each item was expressed as percentages. RESULTS: Of the total 172 participants, 58% were females, 63% were aged between 31 and 60 years. About half of the participants had diabetes for more than 5 years. Of the total, about 83% knew that there is a need for lifelong treatment. About 51%, 44%, 21%, and 9% were aware that diabetes can cause complications to eye, renal, foot, and heart, respectively. Of the total, about 74%, 78%, 17%, 15%, 35%, and 56% knew the correct frequency for monitoring of blood sugars, blood pressure, renal function, lipid profile, fundus, and foot, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study shows that knowledge on few components of diabetes management is still limited, and there is a need to impart knowledge through health education to patients. Adequate knowledge on diabetes management principles is important for implementing patient-centered care in primary care setting.

Prevalence of acute respiratory infection among under-five children in urban and rural areas of puducherry, India.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of Acute respiratory infections (ARI) is high among under-five children, especially in developing countries. However, the data on ARI from rural and urban areas in India are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of ARI and selected associated factors among under-five children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Puducherry, India. Data were collected from 509 parents of under-five children regarding ARI incidence along with socio-demographic and selected associated factors. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of ARI was observed to be 59.1%, with prevalence in urban and rural areas being 63.7% and 53.7%, respectively. Bivariate analysis indicated that overcrowding, place of residence, and mother's education were significantly associated with ARI. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that presence of overcrowding (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.492), urban residence (AOR = 2.329), and second birth order (AOR = 0.371) were significant predictors of ARI. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ARI is high, particularly in urban areas. Improvement of living conditions may help in reduction of burden of ARI in the community.