A study on health risk behavior of mid-adolescent school students in a rural and an urban area of West Bengal, India

Background and Objective: High-risk behaviors can have adverse effects on health of adolescents. It is essential to identify risks so that modification can be initiated before any damage. The present study was conducted among adolescents to study their risk behaviors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study based on the concept of Global School-based Student Health Survey was conducted by interviewing adolescents of one urban and one rural randomly selected school. For quick overall assessment of their risk behaviors, a predesigned three-point scoring system was followed. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 3.5.1. Results: The study of six domains of important risk behaviors among 788 school-going adolescents (rural: 436 [55.3%], urban: 352 [44.7%]), (male: 406 [51.5%], female: 382 [48.5%]) revealed that occurrence of dietary high-risk behavior was more in urban students (11.4%) than rural students (1.8%). Regarding violence, occurrence of high-risk behavior was also higher among urban students (18.8% vs. 6%). The number of mentally disturbed girls is more than boys. Conclusion: The mean risk scores in all domains, except personal hygiene, are either in ′Moderate′ or ′high′ risk grade. It is of great concern that rural and urban, male and female adolescents are at risk though their vulnerability varies

A Study on Socio-demographic Profile of HIV/AIDS Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in an ART Center of Burdwan District,West Bengal

Background: HIV/AIDS is a chronic debilitating disease which has engulfed a significant number of people. 10% of the total People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) of the country live in the state of West Bengal. Objective: To study the different socio-demographic characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Methodology: It was an observational study with cross-sectional design conducted from July 2010 – June 2011 among 558 subjects in the ART Centre of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. HIV/AIDS patients who were 15 years of age or more, and had been on ART in this ART Centre till the end of June, 2010 were interviewed with a semi-structured schedule. Result: 63.1% patients were male. Number of male and female patients varied significantly according to age and literacy status in this study. Age group and educational status were significantly associated with sex. Conclusion: HIV/AIDS has been transmitted among the people of different socio-demographic background and causing concern regarding the holistic approach to prevent further spread of this deadly disease

Physical injury: A profile among the municipal primary school children of Siliguri, Darjeeling District

A cross sectional study was conducted from February - May 2009 with the objectives to find out profile of injuries among municipal primary school children in Siliguri, West Bengal and to identify the related factor associated with injury. 20% of total primary schools under municipal corporation of the town were selected and a pre-designed, pre-tested schedule was used to assess the profile of injury and associated factors. The Chi square test was usedto determine statistical significance at the 0.05 significance level. Out of 956 participants, a significantly higher injury was observed among males (68%). Open wound injuries were commonest (59.6%) occurring mainly at the extremities. Falls were mainly responsible for overall injuries. Injury at home (41.8%) was also found to be more. Mother education, number of siblings and presence of caregiver were significant related factors to injury

IJCM_172A: Risk Scoring of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coverage of Screening Services through Primary Health Care System among Adults in a Block of Murshidabad District, West Bengal

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health challenge. Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), a simple and cost-effective tool consisting of two modifiable (waist circumference, physical activity) and two non-modifiable risk factors (age, parental history) for diabetes, can be easily applied in mass screening programmes. Opportunistic screening for diabetes among individuals aged = 30 years is being done under the programme for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. Objective: To assess the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus using IDRS, coverage of screening services for diabetes through the primary health care delivery system and to identify their correlates. Methodology: : A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal during September to November 2023 among permanent residents aged = 30 years on a calculated sample of 300 selected through multi-stage sampling. Required data were collected by interviewing the study subjects using pre-designed, pre-tested schedule including IDRS, reviewing medical records and measuring waist circumference. Analysis was done using SPSS-20. Results: Among 300 participants, 40.7% had high risk; 54% and 5.3% had moderate and low risk of diabetes respectively according to IDRS. In multivariable analysis, age =35 years (AOR 18.10, 95% CI 5.07-64.66), female gender (AOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.40-4.00) and being in joint family (AOR 3.53, 95% CI 1.77-7.04) were significant correlates for high-risk category according to IDRS. Only 67% were screened for diabetes within last six months, of which 89% were through primary health care delivery system. Screening status varied significantly by age group (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.98-7.35) and IDRS risk categories (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.06-2.80). Conclusion: Alarmingly substantial proportion of people in the area are at high/moderate risk of diabetes coupled with low opportunistic screening coverage, which highlights the need for intensive behaviour change communication and stronger service delivery

Quality of Life of HIV/AIDS Patients: The Influence of CD4 Count on It

Introduction: The HIV pandemic had a prevalence of 0.27% with 20.9 lakhs PLHIV in the year 2011.Decreased CD4 counts and associated opportunistic infections affects their Quality of Life. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the association between CD4 counts and Quality of Life (QOL). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 558 subjects visiting ART centre of Burdwan Medical College aged ≥ 15 years. Information regarding Socio-demographic variables was taken and Quality of Life (QOL) assessed by WHOQOL-BREF (Bengali version). Results and Analysis: Majority of the 558 subjects were Male (6.9%), Hindu (80.1%) and aged between 25-34 years (44.6%). 32.6% subjects had CD4 count < 200 mm3. Increased CD4 count was associated with higher QOL which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: QOL of HIV patient is influenced to a great extent by CD4 Coun

Prevalent Addictions and HIV Related High Risk Behavior Among Construction Site Workers at A Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata

Introduction: Construction workers are susceptible to unique health problems together with stress leading to increased promis- cuity and addiction. Objective of the study was to get details of prevalent addiction and sexual practices and their relationship with each other. Methods: 125 male construction workers of a private company were approached from the premise of a new medical college in Kol- kata. Semi-structured schedule was used to collect data on socio- demographic, addiction and sexual behaviour by interview tech- nique. Results: Analysis on 110 workers showed 58.2% consumed alcohol and 2/3rd smoked. 37% workers under 25 years had sex with FSW with condom non-use of 86.5%. Age and literacy level was signifi- cantly associated with awareness of HIV/AIDS transmission. Al- cohol and oral tobacco intake was associated with increased vul- nerability to HIV/AIDS (aOR=11.5 & 2.8 respectively). Conclusion: Intensive Behaviour change communication is needed to address growing menace of alcoholism and oral tobacco among young construction workers