A Meditation Based Cognitive Therapy (HMBCT) for Primary Insomnia: A Treatment Feasibility Pilot Study.

Previous research has indicated a critical need for cost-effective alternative therapies. The present pilot study aimed to evaluate a novel, cost-effective therapy for treating insomnia. The study employed a randomized controlled trial with two groups: therapy and control. Participants were screened using research diagnostic criteria for insomnia recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) before undergoing simple randomization. The study included participants from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian faiths who were assigned to either the therapy group (Hare Krishna Mantra Based Cognitive Therapy: HMBCT) or the non-therapy group (control with relaxing music). Both groups underwent six weeks of treatment with traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, including stimulus control, sleep restriction, and sleep hygiene. Each week, participants in the therapy group received six 45-minute sessions of HMBCT in the evening and were asked to practice the therapy in the evening of the day of sleep recording. Sleep quality was assessed using behavioral measures, sleep logs, and polysomnography recordings before and after the six-week treatment period. There was a one-week period before and after the six weeks when no treatment was provided. Results showed that HMBCT significantly improved sleep quality measures, including a 61% reduction in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores and an 80% reduction in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores. Participants did not take any sleep-inducing medication during the study. These findings suggest that adding mantra chanting to traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy may improve sleep quality.

State-of-the-Art Sensors for Remote Care of People with Dementia during a Pandemic: A Systematic Review.

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with dementia. With diminishing public health and social care resources, there is substantial need for assistive technology-based devices that support independent living. However, existing devices may not fully meet these needs due to fears and uncertainties about their use, educational support, and finances. Further challenges have been created by COVID-19 and the need for improved safety and security. We have performed a systematic review by exploring several databases describing assistive technologies for dementia and identifying relevant publications for this review. We found there is significant need for appropriate user testing of such devices and have highlighted certifying bodies for this purpose. Given the safety measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this review identifies the benefits and challenges of existing assistive technologies for people living with dementia and their caregivers. It also provides suggestions for future research in these areas.

An empirical malaria situation: a case study of Jamardihi PHC (new).

India accounts for 2/3rd confirmed cases of malaria reported in South-East Asia region in the world. Orissa accounted 130 malaria deaths in 2009, just ranked below Meghalaya. Angul district of Orissa has 3.09% of the state population. The ST population is 132,994 lakhs in the districts which is 11.66% of the district population. It has 87% of Pf prevalence and Pallalhada is one of the Blocks known for high Pf prevalence area. To access the malaria situation and its causes, a study was conducted in Bandhabhuin G.P. of Plallalhada Block. This paper presented the Malaria situation at Jamardihi PHC (New) area only. Total 120 Households were selected as sample (60 Tribal and 60 Non tribal). Tools like Interview schedule and FGD were properly used. It was found that each unit has experienced Malaria episodes. Out of 120 households 13 Households had malaria cases at the time of survey. Mainly women and children are more vulnerable to malaria. People used to take treatment from both traditional methods as well as from hospital/PHC. It needs to strengthen the community process like Gaon Kalyana Samiti to fight against the fatal disease successfully.