SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND PATTERN OF SERUM AND SALIVARY LIPIDS.

Introduction: Saliva is secreted by the salivary gland, and as a screening medium, saliva offers more advantages over serum for the determination of lipid levels due to the non-invasive nature of the collection, reduced infectious risk, and ease with analysis. Its user-friendly nature would be acceptable by especially children. Objectives: To determine the socio-demographic features of subjects and dyslipidaemia using serum and salivary lipids. Methodology: Descriptive and cross-sectional. A total of 200 apparently healthy primary school children aged 5-12 years were tested for serum and salivary; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). A structured study proforma was used for socio-demographic features data collection, and p value ≤0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Statistical analysis was carried out using frequency distribution tables, chi-square, and ANOVA for comparison of means. Results: There were no statistically significant associations between serum lipids and sex and to some extent age, SES, and BMI, except for TC and TG. Those who were overweight had elevated TC and TG using both serum and saliva, while the underweight have higher abnormal LDL using both fractions. However, the overweight fraction only had abnormalities only in the HDL fraction. Conclusion: Socio demography had influence on lipid patterns, therefore using the saliva provides a non-invasive alternative for screening children.

Exploration of spatiotemporal heterogeneity and socio-demographic determinants on COVID-19 incidence rates in Sarawak, Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: In Sarawak, 252 300 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been recorded with 1 619 fatalities in 2021, compared to only 1 117 cases in 2020. Since Sarawak is geographically separated from Peninsular Malaysia and half of its population resides in rural districts where medical resources are limited, the analysis of spatiotemporal heterogeneity of disease incidence rates and their relationship with socio-demographic factors are crucial in understanding the spread of the disease in Sarawak. METHODS: The spatial dependence of district-wise incidence rates is investigated using spatial autocorrelation analysis with two orders of contiguity weights for various pandemic waves. Nine determinants are chosen from 14 covariates of socio-demographic factors via elastic net regression and recursive partitioning. The relationships between incidence rates and socio-demographic factors are examined using ordinary least squares, spatial lag and spatial error models, and geographically weighted regression. RESULTS: In the first 8 months of 2021, COVID-19 severely affected Sarawak's central region, which was followed by the southern region in the next 2 months. In the third wave, based on second-order spatial weights, the incidence rate in a district is most strongly influenced by its neighboring districts' rate, although the variance of incidence rates is best explained by local regression coefficient estimates of socio-demographic factors in the first wave. It is discovered that the percentage of households with garbage collection facilities, population density and the proportion of male in the population are positively associated with the increase in COVID-19 incidence rates. CONCLUSION: This research provides useful insights for the State Government and public health authorities to critically incorporate socio-demographic characteristics of local communities into evidence-based decision-making for altering disease monitoring and response plans. Policymakers can make well-informed judgments and implement targeted interventions by having an in-depth understanding of the spatial patterns and relationships between COVID-19 incidence rates and socio-demographic characteristics. This will effectively help in mitigating the spread of the disease.

A case-control study to determine the risk factors of dengue fever in Chattogram, Bangladesh.

Objectives: In a tropical country like Bangladesh, where the climatic condition favors the growth of Aedes mosquito vectors, the success of dengue prevention depends largely on the proper identification and control of risk factors. Therefore this study was aimed to explore the potential risk factors and their association with dengue infection. Study design: A case-control study including 150 cases and 150 controls was conducted in Chattogram district of Bangladesh. Cases were confirmed dengue patients admitted in Chattogram medical college hospital and Bangladesh institute of tropical and infectious diseases during August and September 2019. On the other hand, controls were non-dengue patients admitted in other departments of the same hospitals through gender, age, and location matching. Methods: The questionnaire data were collected through telephone-based interviews, which included general demography, daily life activities, housing and surrounding environment of participants. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were performed to identify potential risk factors. Results: The study found that travel history to the high incidence area, staying most of the daytime in office (AOR = 18.10), living in 21-40 years old houses (AOR = 9.74), and the temporary residency in the city (AOR = 10.20) were statistically significant risk factors for getting dengue infection. However, day time sleep, house type and structure, number of family members, morning and evening walk, plant in resident, and junk yard around 250 m of the house were also showed a significant effect in chi square test. Conclusions: Results strengthen our understanding regarding the role of factors associated with daily lifestyle and living environment of people in the development of dengue and hence support the dengue control program in Bangladesh. The study will provide a basis for future extended research covering different parts of the country.

Epidemiological Factors of Periodontal Disease Among South Indian Adults.

Introduction: Oral conditions exist worldwide, and are related with astounding morbidity. Indian adults' incidence of mild and moderate periodontal conditions was nearly 25%, while about 19% of adults experience severe periodontitis. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse epidemiological factors of periodontal disease among a south Indian population based on the role of sociodemographic factors, habitual factors and set of oral health knowledge, attitude, and behaviour measures. Methods: A sample of 288 participants above 18 years of age residing in Tamil Nadu, India took part in this cross-sectional study. Based on WHO criteria, periodontal disease was measured in our study. Age, ethnicity, smoking, education, and oral health behavior were found to be the covariates. Ordinal logistic regression analysis using R version 3.6.1 was utilized to study the various factors that influence periodontal disease among south Indian adults. Results: Various demographic factors such as age between 25 and 34 years (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI 1.14-4.55), 35-44 years (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 0.89-3.64), ≥ 45 years old (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.41-6.01), ethnicity (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.25-5.81), smoking (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.16-0.65), primary level education (AOR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.01-0.50) high school level education (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.27), university level education (AOR = 0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.36) and an individual's oral health behavior (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.32-1.08) were found to be related with periodontal disease among the south Indian population. The maximum log likelihood residual deviance value was 645.94 in the final model. Conclusion: Based on our epidemiological findings, sociodemographic, habitual factors and oral health behavior play a vital role in an individual's periodontal status among south Indian adults. An epidemiological model derived from the factors from our study will help to bring better understanding of the disease and to implement various preventive strategies to eliminate the causative factors.

The association of socio-demographic and environmental factors with stunting among under-five children in Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia.

Undernutrition in children is a challenging problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Stunting is the most prevalent form of undernutrition. The majority of studies on childhood stunting and its associated factors focused on children, maternal and socioeconomic components. However, a few studies reported poor WaSH status and antibiotic exposure as environmental risk factors for child stunting, and the case of socio-demographic factors also lacks consistency. Concerning this, there is a lack of information in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study assessed the association of socio-demographic, WaSH, and antibiotic exposure with stunting among under-five children. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 340 mother-child pairs. Anthropometric data were collected using standard and calibrated height and weight scales. For factorial data, an interviewer-guided standard questionnaire was used. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors determining childhood stunting. In the present study, the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was 14⋅7 % (95 % CI 10⋅9, 18⋅5), 4⋅4 % (95 % CI 2⋅4, 6⋅8) and 2⋅1 % (95 % CI 0⋅6, 3⋅5), respectively. Low dietary diversity, being born from a mother with an education level of secondary school, and belonging to a female-headed household were positively associated (P < 0⋅05) with stunting. The prevalence of overall undernutrition was lower (21⋅2 %) in the study area. Stunting was significantly associated with dietary diversity, maternal educational level and sex of households head. The government policy should focus on enhancing the dietary diversity of households, and encouraging women's education.

Depressive Symptom and Associated Factors Among School Adolescents of Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Areas in Bangladesh: A Scenario Prior to COVID-19.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptom and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban and rural adolescents in the Dhaka district of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional study using two stage cluster sampling procedure was performed. A self-administered questionnaire was conveyed to 2,355 adolescents from nine secondary schools of Dhaka district of Bangladesh. Of the respondents, 2,313 completed the nine item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Besides, sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with depressive symptom among adolescents. Results: A total of 30.1% adolescents were found to be suffering from moderate to severely severe depressive symptom. Females (60.8%) were found suffering significantly more than males (39.2%). Sociodemographic factors, for example, residential setting and family size were found significantly associated with depressive symptom among adolescents. Adjusted estimate of logistic regression shows that physical inactivity (AOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), >2 h/day screen time (AOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.39-2.03), sleep dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.64-3.96), and underweight body image perception (AOR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.70-3.13) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among adolescents. Conclusions: Among urban, semi-urban and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, depressive symptom is quite prevalent. To lessen the spread of depressive symptom among Bangladeshi adolescents, urgent steps should therefore be taken.

High prevalence of overall overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity amongst adolescents: An emerging nutritional problem in rural high schools in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: As the gap in nutritional profiles between urban and rural rapidly reduces because of nutrition transition, rural adolescents are likely to engage in urban lifestyle behaviours. AIM: The study determined the prevalence of overweight/obesity amongst adolescents in rural high schools and the association with selected factors. SETTING: Fetakgomo Municipality in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 378 adolescents selected through multistage sampling from high schools. Data collected were socio-demography, nutritional knowledge, dietary practices and anthropometry. The International Obesity Task Force age and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) cut-off values were used to determine overweight/obesity, whilst adult BMI cut-off values were used for those ≥ 18 years. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) greater than 0.5 indicated abdominal obesity, as well as waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) above the cut-off values. RESULTS: The proportion of overweight/obesity amongst adolescents was 35%, whilst 25% had abdominal obesity by WHR and 21% by WHtR. Multivariate logistic regression showed that being a girl (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.74-4.85), older adolescent (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.57-6.29) and living in a household with employed adults (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.19-4.51) were associated with increased odds of being overweight/obese. Eating breakfast was associated with reduced odds of being overweight/obese (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.34-0.97). CONCLUSION: Overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity amongst adolescents were more prevalent than underweight. The Integrated School Health Programme should have clear guidelines on food items served and sold at schools.

To do or not to do - a survey study on factors associated with participating in the Danish screening program for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Screening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) exist in many countries, and with varying participation rates. The present study aimed at identifying socio-demographic factors for accepting a cost-free screening offer for CRC in Denmark, and to study if more people would accept the screening offer if the present fecal test was replaced by a blood test. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional survey design based on a representative group of 6807 Danish citizens aged 50-80 years returning a fully answered web-based questionnaire with socio-demographic data added from national registries. Data were analyzed in STATA and based on bivariate analyses followed by regression models. RESULTS: Danes in general have a high level of lifetime participation (+ 80%) in the national CRC screening program. The results of the stepwise logistic regression model to predict CRC screening participation demonstrated that female gender, higher age, higher income, and moderate alcohol intake were positively associated with screening participation, whereas a negative association was observed for higher educational attainment, obesity, being a smoker, and higher willingness to take health risks. Of the 1026 respondents not accepting the screening offer, 61% were willing to reconsider their initial negative response if the fecal sampling procedure were replaced by blood sampling. CONCLUSION: The CRC screening program intends to include the entire population within a certain at-risk age group. However, individual factors (e.g. sex, age obesity, smoking, risk aversity) appear to significantly affect willingness to participate in the screening program. From a preventive perspective, our findings indicate the need for a more targeted approach trying to reach these groups.

Effect of socio-demographic characteristics on social security in northeast China.

Social security is the most important and even the only source of income for Chinese older people. It is an important guarantee for the medical care and living of older people. However, the backward economy may bring great hidden troubles to the social security of resource-exhausted cities in the future. Our aims were to explore effects of socio-demographic characteristics on social security in the resource-exhausted city. We set up panel data models for social security contributions, social security benefits, newly insured individuals and ex-insured individuals, respectively, to track changes in social security of different age, genders and workplaces from 2011 to 2015. There were 175,194 individuals who eventually entered our database. We found that individuals working in enterprises and individuals aged 55 to 60 had relatively less social security contributions and more social security benefits. Individuals under 25 years of age were more willing to participate in social security. Individuals working in enterprises and men were likely to withdraw from social security. We have concluded that there are some problems that cannot be ignored in the social security of resource-exhausted cities. Our research makes a certain contribution to better guaranteeing the life of older people and improving their qualities of life in resource-exhausted cities.

Body Image and the Double Burden of Nutrition among South Africans from Diverse Sociodemographic Backgrounds: SANHANES-1.

This study investigated the associations between underweight, obesity and body image (BI) among 15+ year-old South Africans with diverse socio-demographic backgrounds. A cross-sectional survey and the analyses of data for 6411 15+ year-old participants in the first South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was undertaken. Body image was compared to body mass index (BMI) and socio-demography. Data were analyzed using SPSS versions 25. Results are in percentages, means, 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and odds ratios. Overall, participants who were obese of which majority: were females, earned ZAR 9601+, completed grade 6, were non-Black men, were married and resided in urban formal areas, were more likely to underestimate their BMI and desire to be lighter. Participants who were underweight of which majority: were males, had no form of income or education, were black men, were not married, resided in less urban and farm areas, were younger than 25 years, were more likely to overestimate their BMI and desire to be heavier. While underweight and obesity were strong determinants of BI, BI was differentiated by socio-demography. These findings have a public health implication that requires special attention to curb the irrepressible underweight and obesity in South Africa.

Socio-demographic profile and treatment outcomes in pediatric TB patients attending DOTS centers in urban areas of Delhi.

BACKGROUND: India accounts for one fourth of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden. In 2015, an estimated 28 lakh cases occurred and 4.8 lakh people died due to TB and proportion of children among new TB patients was 6% in 2016. The clinical presentation of childhood TB is extremely variable, therefore the study attempted to understand, the socio-demographic profile of pediatric tuberculosis patients, and the treatment outcomes under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). METHODS: It was a prospective study carried out from January 2015 to December 2015. A predesigned, pretested and semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview caregivers of pediatric TB patients and they were followed up at two more occasions i.e. at the end of intensive phase at the end of continuation phase. RESULTS: A total of 141 study subjects were enrolled. Majority of the subjects (51.8%) belonged to 11-14 years of age group were females (63.8%) and from lower middle class families (48.9%). Extra pulmonary TB (70.2%) was almost three times more prevalent than pulmonary TB. During follow up visits symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness and eye redness were disappeared by the end of intensive phase and fever, cough and skin lesion improved by the end of continuation phase. Mean weight gain in malnourished children (2.6 kg) was lesser as compared to normal children (3.0 kg) at the end of 3rd visit. Treatment success rate in category 1 was 96.2% and in category 2 was 90%. CONCLUSION: Treatment success rate under RNTCP is good but still need to improve, to make it 100 percent.

Elective egg freezing and its underlying socio-demography: a binational analysis with global implications.

BACKGROUND: What are the underlying socio-demographic factors that lead healthy women to preserve their fertility through elective egg freezing (EEF)? Many recent reviews suggest that women are intentionally postponing fertility through EEF to pursue careers and achieve reproductive autonomy. However, emerging empirical evidence suggests that women may be resorting to EEF for other reasons, primarily the lack of a partner with whom to pursue childbearing. The aim of this study is thus to understand what socio-demographic factors may underlie women's use of EEF. METHODS: A binational qualitative study was conducted from June 2014 to August 2016 to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and life circumstances of 150 healthy women who had undertaken at least one cycle of elective egg freezing (EEF) in the United States and Israel, two countries where EEF has been offered in IVF clinics over the past 7-8 years. One hundred fourteen American women who completed EEF were recruited from 4 IVF clinics in the US (2 academic, 2 private) and 36 women from 3 IVF clinics in Israel (1 academic, 2 private). In-depth, audio-recorded interviews lasting from 0.5 to 2 h were undertaken and later transcribed verbatim for qualitative data analysis. RESULTS: Women in both countries were educated professionals (100%), and 85% undertook EEF because they lacked a partner. This "lack of a partner" problem was reflected in women's own assessments of why they were single in their late 30s, despite their desires for marriage and childbearing. Women themselves assessed partnership problems from four perspectives: 1) women's higher expectations; 2) men's lower commitments; 3) skewed gender demography; and 4) self-blame. DISCUSSION: The "lack of a partner" problem reflects growing, but little discussed international socio-demographic disparities in educational achievement. University-educated women now significantly outnumber university-educated men in the US, Israel, and nearly 75 other societies around the globe, according to World Bank data. Thus, educated women increasingly face a deficit of educated men with whom to pursue childbearing. CONCLUSION: Among healthy women, EEF is a technological concession to gender-based socio-demographic disparities, which leave many highly educated women without partners during their prime childbearing years. This information is important for reproductive specialists who counsel single EEF patients, and for future research on EEF in diverse national settings.

Asthma severity and heterogeneity: Insights from prevalence trends and associated demographic variables and anthropometric indices among Israeli adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: While asthma presents various clinical forms with different levels of severity, it is unclear whether asthma severities are a consequence of disease management or varied etiologies. We sought to investigate this question. METHODS: This paper presents a cross-sectional study of 113,671 Israeli adolescents. Prevalence rates of mild and moderate-to-severe asthma over a 24-year period were calculated and multivariate regression models (outcomes: different asthma severity, reference: subjects without asthma) were performed to analyze associations with anthropometric indices and socio-demographic variables, in males and females separately. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild asthma increased until birth years 1976-1980 and then steadily decreased. In contrast, the prevalence of moderate-to-severe asthma was relatively stable until birth years 1976-1980, then rose steeply until 1986-1990 and subsequently plateaued in the early 1990s. Obesity was positively associated with both mild and moderate-to-severe asthma in males (Odds Ratio (OR) [95%CIs]: 1.61 [1.37-1.89] and 1.63 [1.34-1.98], respectively) and females (1.54 [1.10-2.16] and 1.54 [1.20-1.98], respectively). Family size greater than three siblings was negatively associated with both mild and moderate-to-severe asthma in males (0.62 [0.56-0.68] and 0.59 [0.52-0.68]) and females (0.71 [0.60-0.83] and 0.73 [0.63-0.83]). In contrast, in males, underweight was only associated with mild asthma (1.54 [1.22-1.94]) but not with moderate-to-severe asthma. In females, overweight was only associated with moderate-to-severe asthma (1.21 [1.00-1.46]) and rural residence was only associated with mild asthma (1.26 [1.09-1.47]). CONCLUSIONS: The differences between mild and moderate-to-severe asthma enhance asthma phenotype characterization, with respect to secular trends and associated variables, and indicate varied etiologies.

Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity levels among South African adults in Cape Town and Mount Frere communities in 2008-2009.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has been linked to reduced risk of various cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and premature mortality. We investigated the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among adults in urban and rural communities in South Africa. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey comprising 1733 adults aged ≥35 years from the Cape Town (urban) and Mount Frere (rural) sites of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study. Physical activity was assessed using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to relate physical activity with socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 74% of participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. In the adjusted regression models, women were 34% less likely to engage in vigorous physical activity (OR =0.66, 95%-CI = 0.47-0.93). Physical activity decreased with age, varied with marital status, education and occupation, always in differential ways between urban and rural participants (all interactions p ≤ 0.047). For instance, in urban settings, those with secondary education were more likely to engage in moderate physical activity (OR = 2.06, 95%-CI = 1.08-3.92) than those with tertiary education. Single people were more likely to engage in high physical activity (OR = 2.10, 95%-CI = 1.03-4.28) than divorced. Overall, skilled participants were more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity (OR = 2.07, 95%-CI = 1.41-3.05) driven by significant effect in rural area (OR = 2.70, 95%-CI = 1.51-4.83). Urban participants were more likely to engage in moderate physical activity (OR = 1.67, 95%-CI = 1.31-2.13) than rural participants. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent chronic diseases among South Africans, attention should be paid to specific policies and interventions aimed at promoting PA among young adults in rural and urban setting, and across the social-economic diversity.

Socio Demographic Profiles Of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Patients In Sabah

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) has been thought as a disease of poor socioeconomic status. It is more prevalent in underdeveloped and developing countries than in developed countries. It is also common among the population with multiple social issues such as overcrowded dwellings, under-nutrition, poor sanitation and suboptimal medical care. This study was done to review the socio demographic profiles of RHD patients in Hospital Queen Elizabeth (HQE) ll, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A secondary data review of all patients registered under the RHD registry in HQE ll for one- year starting from July 2013 to June 2014. 204 RHD patients were included. Nearly three quarter (74.0%) were female. The mean age was 40.43 (14.75) years old. 61.1% has completed secondary education. 42.7% were housewives. The mean monthly income was RM 1363.83 (1297.05) which was categorized under the vulnerable income group. When they were categorized under the poverty level and the vulnerable income group, 42.6% and 76.5% of them fell under those categories respectively. The nearest health facilities to their houses were district hospitals (33.3%) with the mean distance of 9.17 km and health clinics (30.8%) with the mean distance of 4.27 km. Only 11.5% of them lived near the specialist hospitals with the mean distance of 21.32 km. Results from this review suggested that majority of RHD patients were in the low socioeconomic group with less access to health care facilities with specialist care. They are the most vulnerable groups and need to be prioritized in the specialized care program.​

Socio demography of mental retardation: A community-based study from a goitre zone in rural sub-Himalayan India.

INTRODUCTION: Mental retardation is one of the most common disabilities of childhood which can be prevented by timely identification of the causative agent and an adequate management accordingly. District Kangra lies in the sub-Himalayan belt and forms a part of the 2400 km long goitre belt along the southern slopes of the Himalayas. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of mental retardation among children (1-10) years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-phase cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural area of district Kangra. A 30-cluster sampling technique was used to screen a population of children 1-10 years of age from five randomly selected panchayats (village government units) of district Kangra. The screening was based on a modified version of the ten questions screen, adapted to the local population. In the first phase a door to door survey was done to identify suspects of mental retardation. In the second phase, the children found positive in the first phase were called for examination by the pediatrician to confirm mental retardation. RESULTS: A total of 2420 children were screened in the first phase of which 95 tested positive. About 52 of these children were found to be mentally retarded in the second phase giving a prevalence of 2.15%. The 69% of these children belonged to the lower middle class and 28.3% belonged to middle class families using the Uday Parekh scale for assessment of the socio-economic status. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of mental retardation is high in district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh in comparison to other states of India. This could be attributed to the good primary health care in Himachal Pradesh where institutional deliveries are about 70%. This may have led to better survival of children with congenital disorders and those that suffer perinatal trauma.

Farmers' perceptions and knowledge of cattle adaptation to heat stress and tick resistance in the eastern cape, South Africa.

The objective of this study was to determine the perceptions and knowledge of farmers of heat stress and tick resistance in cattle. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and 110 farmers in four villages in the sour and sweet velds of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa were interviewed. The associations among area (municipality), gender, age, level of education, employment and religion were computed using Chi-square tests. The majority of the respondents had on average 4 bulls, 4 cows, 4 heifers, 4 calves, and 4 oxen. Milk was considered as the major (28.3%) reason for keeping cattle. Most farmers owned non-descript (72.6%), and Nguni (45.3%) cattle because of their heat tolerance (54.7%), tick resistance (54.7%), and milking ability (28.2%) traits. Excessive panting (56.6%) and disease transmission (76%) were regarded as the major effects of heat stress and tick infestation in cattle, respectively. About 50% of the respondents agreed that hair length influences tick resistance and 47.17% considered coat colour when acquiring cattle. In the sampled areas, ticks were prevalent in the summer season (93%), and 77.36% of the respondents use acaricides every fortnight. Gall sickness was reported to be a major problem in the cattle herds by 36.79% of the respondents. Our results showed that farmers in the two municipalities had knowledge of cattle adaptation to heat stress and tick resistance.

Sociodemographic and clinical profile of homeless mentally ill inpatients in a north Indian medical university.

Homeless mentally ill (HMI) persons are a highly vulnerable and socially disadvantaged population, deprived of even the basic minimal human rights. Data on HMI in India is scarce. This retrospective chart review aimed to evaluate socio-demographic, socio-cultural and clinical profile of HMI patients, and to study reasons of homelessness and outcome related variables in these patients. One hundred and forty homeless persons were admitted to the department of psychiatry of a north Indian medical university from February 2005 to July 2011. Of these, one hundred and twenty-seven (90.7%) had psychiatric illness and six had only intellectual disabilities. The majority of HMI persons were illiterate/minimally literate, adult, male, and from low socioeconomic and rural backgrounds. Most of the patients (55.7%) had more than one psychiatric diagnosis. HMI had considerably high rates of co-morbid substance abuse (44.3%), intellectual disabilities (38.6%) and physical problems (75.4%). Most (84.3%) were mentally ill before leaving home and 54.3% left home themselves due to the illness. Most HMI responded to the treatment. After treatment of mental illness, it was possible to reintegrate about 70% of the patients into their families. Families were willing to accept and support them. Untreated/inadequately treated mental illness was the most common reason for homelessness. Easily accessible treatment and rehabilitation facilities at low cost can improve the plight of such patients. Further research in this area is required.

HIV among the elderly with special reference to mode of presentation at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, India.

Epidemiological data of HIV affected individuals of aged 50 years and above in India are lacking for various reasons. Diagnosing HIV infection among the elderly is challenging as chronic HIV/AIDS can mimic those typically associated with aging in parallel to the myth that elderly individuals lead asexual lives. In this study, low-literate, poor, urban men were the major group. The most common presentation at diagnosis was frailty or unexpected weight loss and neurocognitive impairment, whereas the incidence of TB was much less. Policy makers and social workers should be aware of this descriptive analysis in order to address the emerging issue of HIV among geriatrics and to create a broader awareness programme and more liberal HIV testing among this group. This study also highlights the need for a larger population based study involving elderly HIV infected persons in India.

Early birth registration at a center in rural India.

BACKGROUND: Registration of birth is mandatory in India however due to various issues compliance for timely birth registration has been poor. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine time elapsed between birth and registration and describe the socio-demographic profile of registered births at a rural center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken and all births registered at a primary health center of a block during the period 2010 and 2011 were retrieved and data collection carried using structured proforma based on birth formats under civil registration system (CRS). House to house visit was undertaken to identify births without registration. RESULTS: A total of 340 and 276 births were registered during 2010 and 2011 respectively. Time elapsed between birth and registration was computed to be lower, i.e., 9.38 days (±7.46) during 2011 in-comparison with 10.52 days (±8.73) in 2010. On a positive note, higher level of education and marriage of women beyond legal age of 18 years was noticed in 2011 in comparison with 2010. Overall, institutional birth stood at a very encouraging note (66.2%). All (100%) births during the study period were registered at this (rural) or higher center (urban) depending on the place of delivery. An omission/commission of birth format is highlighted that needs urgent attention of the authorities. DISCUSSION: Majority (>92%) of birth registration occurred with-in the stipulated period of 21 days as prescribed under CRS and our study indicates early birth registration in a rural area of Haryana, India.