Inter-continental variability in the relationship of oxidative potential and cytotoxicity with PM2.5 mass.

Most fine ambient particulate matter (PM2.5)-based epidemiological models use globalized concentration-response (CR) functions assuming that the toxicity of PM2.5 is solely mass-dependent without considering its chemical composition. Although oxidative potential (OP) has emerged as an alternate metric of PM2.5 toxicity, the association between PM2.5 mass and OP on a large spatial extent has not been investigated. In this study, we evaluate this relationship using 385 PM2.5 samples collected from 14 different sites across 4 different continents and using 5 different OP (and cytotoxicity) endpoints. Our results show that the relationship between PM2.5 mass vs. OP (and cytotoxicity) is largely non-linear due to significant differences in the intrinsic toxicity, resulting from a spatially heterogeneous chemical composition of PM2.5. These results emphasize the need to develop localized CR functions incorporating other measures of PM2.5 properties (e.g., OP) to better predict the PM2.5-attributed health burdens.

The Impact of Russia-Ukraine geopolitical conflict on the air quality and toxicological properties of ambient PM2.5 in Milan, Italy.

The geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted Europe's natural gas supplies, driving up gas prices and leading to a shift towards biomass for residential heating during colder months. This study assessed the consequent air quality and toxicological impacts in Milan, Italy, focusing on fine particulate matter (PM2.5, dp < 2.5 µm) emissions. PM2.5 samples were analyzed for their chemical composition and assessed for their oxidative potential using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay across three periods reflecting residential heating deployment (RHD): pre-RHD, intra-RHD, and post-RHD periods. During the intra-RHD period, PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than those in other periods, with concentrations reaching 57.94 ± 7.57 µg/m3, indicating a deterioration in air quality. Moreover, levoglucosan was 9.2 times higher during the intra-RHD period compared to the pre-RHD period, correlating with elevated levels of elemental carbon (EC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These findings were compared with previous local studies before the conflict, underscoring a significant rise in biomass-related emissions. DTT assay levels during the intra-RHD were 2.1 times higher than those observed during the same period in 2022, strongly correlating with biomass burning emissions. Our findings highlight the necessity for policies to mitigate the indirect health effects of increased biomass burning emissions due to the energy crisis triggered by the geopolitical conflict.

Effect of vascular geometry on haemodynamic changes in a carotid artery bifurcation using numerical simulation.

OBJECTIVES: The geometry of carotid bifurcation is a crucial contributing factor to the localization of atherosclerotic lesions. Currently, studies on carotid bifurcation geometry are limited to the region near to bifurcation. This study aimed to determine the influence of carotid bifurcation geometry on the blood flow using numerical simulations considering magnitude of haemodynamic parameters in the extended regions of carotid artery. METHODS: In the present study, haemodynamic analysis is carried out using the non-Newtonian viscosity model for patient-specific geometries consisting of both Left and Right carotid arteries. A 3D patient-specific geometric model is generated using MIMICS, and a numerical model is created using ANSYS. RESULTS: The results obtained from patient-specific cases are compared. The influence of geometric features such as lumen diameter, bifurcation angle, and tortuosity on the haemodynamics parameters such as velocity, WSS, pressure, Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI), and Time-Averaged Wall Shear Stress (TAWSS) are compared. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate significant changes in the flow regime due to the geometric shape of the carotid artery. It is observed that the lower value of TAWSS occurs near the bifurcation region and carotid bulb region. In addition, the higher value of the (OSI) is observed in the Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) and the tortuous carotid artery region. However, it is also observed that apart from the bifurcation angle, other factors, such as tortuosity and area ratio, play a significant role in the flow dynamics of the carotid artery.

Multi class robust brain tumor with hybrid classification using DTA algorithm.

Analyzing brain tumours is important for prompt diagnosis and efficient patient care. The morphology of tumours, which includes their size, location, texture, and heteromorphic appearance in medical pictures, makes them difficult to analyse. A unique two-phase deep learning-based framework is suggested in this respect to recognise and classify brain cancers in magnetic resonance images (MRIs). A new DTA approach is suggested in the first phase to successfully identify tumour MRI images from healthy persons. DTA are specifically designed and perform well are used to create the deep boosted feature space, which is then fed into the group of machine learning (ML) classifiers. In the second stage, a brand-new hybrid features fusion-based brain tumour classification technique is put forward, one that makes use of both static and dynamic features as well as an ML classifier to classify various tumour kinds. The proposed algorithm, which can recognise the heteromorphic and variable behaviour of different tumours, is where the dynamic characteristics are taken.In this paper, many segmentation algorithms for MRI and PET are reviewed together with their performance evaluations in order to detect brain tumours. There are numerous segmentation methods available for the diagnosis of medical images. The features of the image, such as the capacity to distinguish between similarities and discontinuities, are often used to classify the segmentation techniques. Neuroradiologists have a difficult issue in trying to quickly identify the abnormal region, which is essential in the medical field. In order to overcome this problem, the efficiency of different segmentation procedures is assessed. The segmentation methods considered here are Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Wavelet Transform (WT), Gradient Vector Flow (GVF), Gray level Co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC). The various performance metrics are used to evaluate the suggested segmentation algorithms. The GVF strategy works better with MRI images, whereas the ABC and ACO approaches perform similarly with PET scans, according to the data acquired.

Identifying urban emission sources and their contribution to the oxidative potential of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Kuwait.

In this study, we investigated the seasonal variations, chemical composition, sources, and oxidative potential of ambient PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 µm) in Kuwait City. The sampling campaign was conducted within the premises of Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research from June 2022 to May 2023, covering different seasons throughout the year. The personal cascade impactor sampler (PCIS) operated at flow rate of 9 L/min was employed to collect weekly PM2.5 samples on PTFE and quarts filters. These collected samples were analyzed for carbonaceous species (i.e., elemental and organic carbon), metals and transition elements, inorganic ions, and DTT (dithiothreitol) redox activity. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and multi-linear regression (MLR) were used to identify the predominant emission sources and their percentage contribution to the redox activity of PM2.5 in Kuwait. The results of this study highlighted that the annual-averaged ambient PM2.5 mass concentrations in Kuwait (59.9 µg/m3) substantially exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 10 µg/m3. Additionally, the summer season displayed the highest PM2.5 mass concentration (75.2 µg/m3) compared to other seasons, primarily due to frequent dust events exacerbated by high-speed winds. The PCA identified four primary PM2.5 sources: mineral dust, fossil fuel combustion, road traffic, and secondary aerosols. The mineral dust was found to be the predominant source, contributing 36.1% to the PM2.5 mass, followed by fossil fuel combustion and traffic emissions with contributions of 23.7% and 20.3%, respectively. The findings of MLR revealed that road traffic was the most significant contributor to PM2.5 oxidative potential, accounting for 47% of the total DTT activity. In conclusion, this comprehensive investigation provides essential insights into the sources and health implications of PM2.5 in Kuwait, underscoring the critical need for effective air quality management strategies to mitigate the impacts of particulate pollution in the region.

Preliminary investigation of temperature and pressure profile of pudam in the preparation of Siddha medicine Padigara parpam.

BACKGROUND: Pudam is one of the manufacturing processes used extensively in preparing parpam and chenduram in the Siddha healthcare system. The scientific understanding of the process is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: In this work, our objective was to investigate the temperature and pressure profile of the pudam process and also to understand the porous nature and low thermal conductivity of the sealed agal (Earthen vessel) used by replicating the traditional manufacturing process of Padigara parpam medicine in a pit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The temperature and pressure profiles were recorded. The size and mass of the cow dung cakes required to conduct the pudam process were discussed. The agal's porosity, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity were experimentally determined. The pressure test of an empty agal was performed in an electric kiln and a pit to find the pressure development inside it and understand the sealed agal's role. RESULTS: The maximum temperature of the pudam process was recorded as 807 °C, and the maximum heating and maximum cooling rate were calculated to be 30 °C/min and 8 °C/min, respectively. The holding time was found to be 66 min above 600 °C and 51 min above 700 °C. The maximum pressure built during the pudam process was 8.2 mbar. CONCLUSION: The test results indicate that the bottom location of the sealed agal is the optimum place to record the temperature of a pudam process. The sealed agal does not allow pressure to build inside, and the pudam process can be considered a heating process that occurs at atmospheric pressure. Increasing the quantity of cow dung cakes for the exact size of the sealed agal and pit increases the raw material's temperature and holding time and reduces the maximum heating rate.

Prevalence of psychological morbidity and its correlates among school-going adolescents of urban Puducherry, India.

Background Experiencing poor mental health during adolescence predisposes an individual to psychiatric morbid conditions in adulthood. We estimated the prevalence of psychological morbidity and its associated factors, among school-going adolescents in higher secondary schools of urban Puducherry. Methods We did this cross-sectional study among adolescents studying in classes 11 and 12 from selected schools of urban Puducherry, including one government and three private schools. Study tools used were the General Health Questionnaire-12 and Perceived Stress Scale-10 to assess psychological morbidity and perceived psychological stress in adolescents, respectively. Risk factors in academic, environmental, personal and health-related domains were captured using a structured questionnaire. Study questionnaires were self-administered by the participants in classrooms. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify risk factors for psychological morbidity. Results Of the 820 adolescents surveyed, the prevalence of psychological morbidity was 25.4% (95% CI 22.4- 28.5). Academic factors such as reporting peer pressure for academic performance and lack of extracurricular activities at school were associated with psychological morbidity. Among health-related factors, adolescents who reported having difficulty in coping with pubertal changes, being worried about their physical appearance, reporting substance abuse and experiencing sleep disturbances had greater chances of having screened with psychological morbidity. Of note, adolescents with psychological stress had 2.5 times higher chances of having psychological morbidity. Conclusions We estimated that 1 in 4 school-going adolescents in urban Puducherry suffered psychological morbidity. Reducing the academic burden and advocating health promotion through a life skills approach may improve mental wellness in Indian adolescents.

Development of a lead foil crown delineation technique for implant rehabilitations to generate patient specific finite element model of occlusal loading points.

Understanding the clinical biomechanical basis of dental implant supported functional rehabilitation of edentulous jaws improves precision, longevity and overall success of a planned treatment. Stress distribution pattern around dental implants is an important determinant for rate of bone resorption around them. During planning the treatment for most prosthetic rehabilitations, the surgeon uses a software to virtually plan the dimension, position and angulation of the implants considering only the quantity of available bone in the area of interest but does not usually consider the strain generated around the implants after prosthetically loading them. We hence hypothesise that dental implants not be subjected to abnormal strain they should be positioned and angulated not only based on volume of bone available but also based on the vector of occlusal load. The virtual FEA model to analyse the stress distribution would hence require alveolar bone with future tooth/ teeth in centric relation to be modelled. This paper proposes a simple innovative technique to develop a 3D FE model of occlusal loading surface by using a radio-opaque malleable lead foil to generate a patient specific FE model. This would greatly minimise modelling errors and also help determine the best position of the dental implant based on both the volume of bone in the CT scan and the results of FE analyses.•Functional rehabilitation using dental implant supported prosthesis needs to be biomechanically analysed to know and understand the stress distribution pattern around the implant.•When teeth (Loading points) are missing, patient specific virtual model of occlusal loading points cannot be generated.•'Lead foil crown delineation technique' helps to generate patient specific 3D model of occlusal surface for load application.

Proteomic Alterations Associated with Oral Cancer Patients with Tobacco Using Habits.

Tobacco abuse is a major risk factor associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Differences in molecular aberrations induced by tobacco exposure by chewing or smoking form are not well studied in case of oral cancer. We used tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomic approach to delineate proteomic alterations in oral cancer patients based on their history of tobacco using habits (patients who chewed tobacco, patients who smoked tobacco, and those with no history of tobacco consumption). Our data identified distinct dysregulation of biological processes and pathways in each patient cohort. Bioinformatics analysis of dysregulated proteins identified in our proteomic study revealed dysregulation of collagen formation and antigen processing/presentation pathway in oral cancer patients who smoked tobacco, whereas proteins associated with the process of keratinization showed enrichment in patients who chewed tobacco. In addition, we identified overexpression of proteins involved in immune pathways and downregulation of muscle contraction-mediated signaling events in all three cohorts, irrespective of tobacco using habits. This study lays the groundwork for identification of protein markers that may aid in identification of high-risk patients for cancer development based on the history of tobacco exposure habits.

COVID-2019-2020-2021: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The world has faced the pandemic of COVID-19 in March 2020 and still it continues to affect in 2021. There is a great variation about the course of the disease and its features. Hence, in the present systemic review, we intend to determine the pooled estimations in the clinical features and prognosis along with the subgroups based on the severity of the disease in various regions of the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Online data were collected from the search engines of EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The searched terms were COVID 19, CORONA, SARS-CoV-2, clinical features, Wuhan, etc. The study articles were collected that from January 2020 to February 2021. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 5067 articles were selected, of which 176 were finalized for the study. There were a total of 11 countries that were included, with a total of 2½ lakh participants. Mean age was 47.5 years. Around 22.5% had comorbidities. The mortality was 5.5%. We observed a strong association between the medical condition of the patient and the severity of the infection. In severe cases, the most common symptoms were respiratory and gastrointestinal. The mortality was registered in those with pneumonia and end-organ failure. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from this meta-analysis that in a fourth of the positive patients, the disease was severe. In nearly 6% of the COVID-19 patients, mortality was seen. Patients with comorbidities and the severe form of the disease should be closely monitored.

Autorotation of the Mandible as Sequelae to Maxillary Intrusion: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Autorotation of the mandible is a normally anticipated phenomenon following a surgical superior repositioning of the maxilla in clinical situations where patients have an excessive gummy smile. Prediction of the surgical treatment outcome following a presurgical orthodontic treatment is a critical element in the surgical treatment planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant articles were selected by hand search and electronic media (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane) from 1982 to 2020. All the relevant articles were properly screened, and findings were extracted from the articles. RESULTS: It was observed that, following maxillary intrusion, mandible would eventually autorotate to take a new occlusion. Mandibular autorotation as a result of maxillary intrusion would lead to minimal shortening of the lower lip in the vertical plane. It was observed that the amount of mandibular autorotation correlates with the extent of maxillary impaction. Studies have shown that there is a passive soft-tissue response which may be attributed to the fact that no muscular detachment had been affected in the lower lip and soft-tissue chin region during the maxillary surgery. CONCLUSION: It is observed that there is a definite influence on the mandibular and chin positions as a result of maxillary intrusion and autorotation of the mandible. Every 1 mm of maxillary superior impaction, the chin moved 0.6 mm vertically and 0.2 mm horizontally. There is an appreciable shortening of the lower lip length.

Prevalence of Food Insecurity at Household Level and Its Associated Factors in Rural Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a consequence of food insecurity. Food insecurity in India became a public health problem due to explosive population growth and widening gap between rich and poor. It also has a detrimental effect on factors related to health and social well-being of the family. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of food insecurity at household level in rural population and factors associated with it. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the households of rural Puducherry. The adult females in the households were interviewed with a pretested semi-structured questionnaire in which, along with sociodemographic factors, food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify the factors associated with food insecurity. RESULTS: Out of 299 households that were assessed for food insecurity, 31.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.6-37.4) had food insecurity. Out of 95 households with food insecurity, 51 (17%), 37 (13%), and 7 (2%) had severe, moderate, and mild food insecurity, respectively. In univariate analysis, the presence of children in the family, using below poverty line ration card, and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with food insecurity. In multivariate analysis, socioeconomic status was significantly associated with food insecurity (rate ratio: 3.59; P < 0.001 [95% CI: 1.68-7.67]). CONCLUSIONS: One in three families experienced the food insecurity, and it was more among households with children. It has to be addressed to prevent nutrition-related disorders in community, particularly in children.

Awareness and preference in utilizing primary health-care services from rural health center as first point-of-care: A community-based cross-sectional study in South India.

BACKGROUND: First point-of-care (FPC) at the primary health care (PHC) level is an important public health issue at the global level. Patients directly come to tertiary health centers without a referral. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Hence, the current study was done to assess the proportion of individuals availing health-care services from rural health center (RHC) as FPC and reasons for not availing it. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Puducherry, coastal South India, among 367 households with 1510 individuals. Sociodemographic details, recent FPC during the past 6 months, morbidity profile, and reasons for not seeking were collected from all the individuals. RESULTS: About 44.5% (672/1510) of individuals used any health facilities, of which 70.4% (473/672) used RHC as the FPC. About 33.2% of individuals had a respiratory illness, 22.3% had general signs and symptoms. About 24.6% (32/130) mentioned the reasons for not seeking care as lack of appropriate health facilities. CONCLUSION: More than one-fourth of the study population not utilized services at PHC level. Improving the health facilities may help to increase these services.

Non-Scholastic Qualities and their Association with Social Media usage among Medical Students in Puducherry, India.

BACKGROUND: Non-scholastic qualities, namely personal characteristics, interpersonal activities, and communication skills, are needed for the effective functioning of a medical professional. The study aimed to assess non-scholastic qualities and their association with social media usage among medical students. METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study in a tertiary care medical institution in Puducherry, coastal south India. The non-scholastic qualities were assessed by standard questionnaire and categorised as low, moderate and high qualities. Social media usage was assessed by SONTUS (Social Networking Time Use Scale) and the participants were categorised as low, average, high, and extremely high users. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done. RESULTS: Out of 270 medical students, 63% belonged to the moderate non-scholastic quality category. About 36% of the students had high non-scholastic quality. Most of the students were extremely high users of social media (60%). About 48% (47/98) of students with high non-scholastic qualities had extremely high social media usage, while 67% (115/172) of students with low and moderate non-scholastic qualities had extremely high social media usage, and both the associations were statistically significant (P = 0.003). Those with a high level of social media usage had 2.27 times (95% CI: 1.239-4.166) higher non-scholastic qualities compared to extremely high social media usage. CONCLUSIONS: The majority had moderate non-scholastic qualities and extremely high use of social media.

Prevalence of medication adherence and its associated factors among patients with noncommunicable disease in rural Puducherry, South India - A facility-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Trends in morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are rising because of poor control status. Medication nonadherence is one of the most common and modifiable causes of inadequate control status. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of drug adherence among patients with NCD in rural Puducherry. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was done among 260 patients with NCD receiving treatment from rural primary health center in Puducherry during February and March 2018. Information regarding sociodemographic profile and household was collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was done to assess the adherence. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to identify the factors associated with medication adherence. RESULTS: Among the 260 participants, 42.7% belonged to elderly age group; 66.2% were females; 44% did not have any formal education; 70% were unemployed. The majority were suffering from hypertension (71.2%) followed by diabetes (56.2%). This study found that almost one-third (32.7%) of the study participants were not properly adherent to medications. Elderly [aPR 2.51 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70-3.70] and female participants (aPR 1.64 95% CI: 1.04-2.58) were found to have more chance being nonadherent to medications after adjusting for possible confounding variables. CONCLUSION: This study reported that almost one-third of the study participants were nonadherent to medications. Elderly age group and female gender were found to be the determinants of nonadherence. Corrective measures need to be started at patient level first by motivating and educating them regarding the importance of drug intake.

A longitudinal study on high risk pregnancy and its outcome among antenatal women attending rural primary health centre in Puducherry, South India.

BACKGROUND: Almost 15% of all pregnant women can develop potentially life-threatening complications. As a result, identification of high-risk pregnancy at earliest stage will be useful in directing appropriate intervention. Hence, the current study was done to determine the prevalence and outcome of high-risk pregnancy among antenatal women in rural Puducherry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A record-based longitudinal study was done during March 2018 among 569 antenatal women who have attended rural health center of tertiary care institute. High-risk pregnancy was classified based on the guidelines from Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and outcome assessment based on the obstetric and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Among 569 antenatal case record reviewed, 315 (55.3%) were in the age group of 20-25 years and majority (463, 81.4%) belonged to below poverty line families; 410 (74.3%) registered their current pregnancy within the first trimester. The prevalence of high-risk pregnancy among study participants was 18.3% (95% confidence interval: 15.3%-21.7%). Majority (81.9%) had term delivery. Regarding obstetric and neonatal outcomes, majority had spontaneous vaginal delivery (73.9%); about 10.4% gave birth to low-birth weight baby, and only 1.7% had stillbirth. Parity, socioeconomic status, and unfavorable outcomes such as low-birth weight, preterm, and postterm delivery were associated with high-risk pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The current study found that almost one-fifth of the pregnant women in rural area have high-risk pregnancy. Unfavorable obstetric and neonatal outcomes were common among high-risk cases. Hence, early detection of high-risk pregnancy needs to be done at primary health-care level to improve the maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes.

Effectiveness of a community-based intervention on nutrition education of mothers of malnourished children in a rural coastal area of South India.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of evidence on improvement in malnutrition status after follow-up intervention among malnourished under-five children. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to assess the effect of community-based follow-up health education intervention on the awareness level of mothers, calorie intake, protein intake, and weight gain of malnourished children. METHODS: This intervention study was conducted from December 2012 to October 2014 in three phases at rural Puducherry, coastal South India. The intervention group (57 mothers of 64 children) and control group (60 mothers of 64 children) included moderate and severely malnourished children aged 13-60 months. Children in the control group were taken from different areas and matched for age (±6 months) and sex. Health education intervention and follow-up supervision for 15 months were given to the mothers. RESULTS: Awareness level in all domains increased significantly in the intervention group. In the intervention group, 81% (52) of malnourished children turned out to normal, whereas in the control group, 64% (41) of them became normal. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean changes in the protein intake among boys (15.34 g to 19.91 g in the intervention group against 13.6 g to 16.24 g in the control group) and girls (15.09 g to 19.57 g in the intervention group against 13.36 g to 16.51 g in the control group) and calorie intake among girls (993.86 kcal to 1116.55 kcal in the intervention group against 992.65 kcal to 1078.75 kcal in the control group) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There was comparatively marginal increase in protein intake, calories' intake, and weight gain in the intervention group.

Association between Indoor Air Pollution and Cognitive Impairment among Adults in Rural Puducherry, South India.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidences showed that outdoor air pollution had significant influence on cognitive functioning of adults. However, little is known regarding the association of indoor air pollution with cognitive dysfunction. Hence, the current study was done to assess the association between indoor air pollution and cognitive impairment among adults in rural Puducherry. METHODOLOGY: A community-based cross-sectional study was done among 295 adults residing in rural field practice area of tertiary care institute in Puducherry during February and March 2018. Information regarding sociodemographic profile and household was collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Mini-Mental State Examination was done to assess cognitive function. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) to identify the factors associated with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Among 295 participants, 173 (58.6) were in 30-59 years; 154 (52.2%) were female; and 59 (20.0%) were exposed to indoor air pollution. Prevalence of cognitive impairment in the general population was 11.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.7-16.1). Prevalence of cognitive impairment among those who were exposed to indoor air pollution was 27.1% (95% CI: 17.4-39.6). Individuals exposed to indoor air pollution (aPR = 2.18, P = 0.003) were found to have two times more chance of having cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: About one-fourth of the participants were exposed to indoor air pollution, out of which more than one-fourth was found to have cognitive impairment which is twice that of the general population. Hence, prevention of exposure to indoor air pollution needs to be done through increased availability to cleaner fuels for household usage.