Impact of anemia on sputum smear conversion and treatment outcomes among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients in Southern India.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The higher prevalence of anemia among TB patients is concerning due to its association with delayed sputum conversion and poor treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of anemia with sputum smear conversion and treatment outcomes among TB patients. Methods: In a prospective community-based cohort study, TB patients were recruited from 63 primary health centers in the district. Blood samples were collected at baseline, at 2 months, and at the end of 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 15. Results: Out of 661 patients recruited, anemia was observed among 503 (76.1%) participants. Prevalence of anemia was more among males 387 (76.9%) than 116 (23.1%) females. Out of 503 anemic patients, 334 (66.4%) had mild, 166 (33.0%) had moderate, and 3 (0.6%) had severe anemia at baseline. At 6-month treatment completion, 16 (6.3%) were still anemic. Among 503 anemic patients, 445 (88.4%) were given iron supplements and remaining 58 (11.6%) were managed with diet modifications. After completion of TB treatment, 495 (98.4%) patients had favorable treatment outcomes, whereas 8 (1.6%) patients had died. Severe anemia was not associated with poor outcomes. Conclusions: The presence of anemia among newly diagnosed TB patients, especially pulmonary TB was high. Increased risk of anemia was noted among males who were alcohol and tobacco consumers. There was no significant association between the presence of anemia and sputum conversion from baseline to 6 months of treatment completion.

Epidemiological Determinants of Mental Well-Being and Quality of Life among Homemakers with Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stress is a major contributor to the physiology of hypertension (HTN) and is linked closely to mental well-being and overall quality of life (QoL). Health issues pertaining to women's health have usually focused on reproduction, while mental well-being has largely been neglected. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the perceived stress and QoL among homemakers with HTN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out, among 426 homemakers with HTN residing in Udupi, Karnataka. The sociodemographic and disease characteristics, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale-10, World Health Organization QoL Brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), anthropometry, and vitals were measured. RESULTS: Of the study participants, 245 (57.5%) were aged ≤60 years and 317 (74.4%) had been diagnosed with HTN in the past decade. Low and high perceived stress was seen among 306 (71.8%) and 120 (28.2%) women, respectively. Among the four domains of WHOQOL-BREF, the physical domain had the highest mean (±standard deviation) score of 67.44 (±16.50), whereas the lowest score of 54.49 (±19.75) was observed in the social domain. The odds of high stress among single women and those with a pill burden of >2/day were 1.93 (P=0.004, 95% CI=1.228, 3.054) and 1.77 (P=0.038, 95% CI CI=0.962, 3.270) respectively. The QoL was significantly better among those aged <60 years, married, and literate women. CONCLUSIONS: Mental well-being among the hypertensive homemakers was good, with low perceived stress and high mean scores of QOL domains.

A qualitative study on how adolescent males in South India view reproductive health.

In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH. METHODS: A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16-19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews. RESULTS: The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. "Pornography", "wrong myths about RH", "substance use", and "sexual attractions" were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services. CONCLUSION: RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these services to adolescent boys.

Prevalence of Anaemia among Postnatal Mothers in Coastal Karnataka.

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum is the most neglected period in reproductive cycle of woman. Prevalence of anaemia in developing countries ranges from 50-95%. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among postnatal mothers. SETTING AND DESIGN: A community based cross-sectional study among recently delivered mothers residing in field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 401 respondents who were selected using stratified random sampling with proportionate allocation from all rural health centres. Data was collected by personal interviews followed by haemoglobin estimation by indirect cyanomethaemoglobin method. RESULTS: The prevalence of postnatal anaemia was 26.5% (Anaemia = Hb<12gm/dl). There were no cases of severe anaemia. Postnatal anaemia was predominantly seen in mothers of age < 20 years and half of the mothers with inter-pregnancy intervals less than two years were found to be anaemic. Illiteracy was identified as a significant variable (OR=11.23, 95% CI = 1.90-65.08) for postpartum anaemia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anaemia was significantly lower in the present study; however sustained efforts have to be made to further lower the prevalence of postnatal anaemia in order to promote the health and well-being of women.