Macronutrient intake in dyslipidemia: a population-based study from Haryana, North India

Background: Dyslipidemia is a highly prevalent physiological condition and it is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide. Diet as a modifiable factor gaining more scientific attention in managing the problem of dyslipidemia among vegetarian populations in order to reduce the burden of CVDs. Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 497 adult participants of either sex recruited randomly from Palwal Haryana, North India. Data related to socio-demographic variables was collected by using pretested and modified interview schedules. Dietary data was collected by using validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and entered and analyzed by using Dietcal software. Lipid profile was done on 12 hours overnight fasting blood samples by using commercial kits Randox, USA. All the statistical tests were performed by using IMB’s SPSS software version 22. Results: Adjusted odds ratio revealed that total fat intake was positively associated with TG and VLDL while carbohydrate intake was found to be positively associated with TG, low-HDL, LDL, and VLDL. >3 times intake of RDAs for total fats and carbohydrates posed 2.4 and 2-folds increased risk for high TG and VLDL. Conclusions: Present study suggested a positive association between the intake levels of macronutrients and elevated lipids. Nutritional education and promoting diet diversity among vegetarian populations may reduce the burden of dyslipidemia

The prevalence of colour blindness among the males of the Bhoksha tribe in Dehradun, India

Colour Blindness is an X-linked recessive disorder which predominantly appears in males. Colour blindness is the inability or decreased ability to perceive colour differences by the human eye under normal lighting conditions. The purpose of the present study was to find out the prevalence of congenital Red-Green colour blindness among the people of the Bhoksha tribe in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. The study was conducted with a total number of 204 individuals aged from 5 years to 85 years (mean ± SD is 22.71 ± 13.15) among the randomly selected male population. Colour blindness was examined using a standard Ishihara Chart under proper light. Among the total sample of 204 males in the community, 3 males are found to be colour blind which means that 98.53% were found to be normal, and the frequency of colour blindness was 1.47%. These three cases represented protanopia, deuteranopia and achromatopsia. Colour blindness appeared among the Pundir, Chauhan and Kakkad clans of the Bhoksha tribe in three villages. In conclusion, 1.47% were found to be colourblind in this study among the Bhoksha tribe of Dehradun, which is very high as compared with the prevalence in other tribal populations in India, although they were unaware of it. The present study supports Post and Pickford’s (1962, 1963) hypothesis of relaxation of selection

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D polymorphism and apolipoprotein B with cardiometabolic abnormalities among young adults: a pilot study from Delhi

Abstract Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and elevated apolipoprotein B (apoB) are important risk factors for several cardiometabolic abnormalities. However, much less attention has been given to the relationship between these risk factors and cardiometabolic abnormalities among young adults. Considering this gap, the present study explored the association of ACE I/D polymorphism and apoB with cardiometabolic abnormalities among young adults of Delhi, India. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among young adults (aged 18–30) of either sex residing in Delhi, India. A total of 330 individuals were invited to participate in the study, and data on the socio-demographic variables were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule. Somatometric and physiological measurements were obtained using standard protocols. However, blood sample collection and biochemical and genetic analyses could successfully be performed for 178 individuals. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were estimated using Erba XL-640 biochemical analyzer. LDL and TG values were used to calculate apoB levels. Genotyping for ACE I/D polymorphism was performed by allele-specific PCR amplification followed by electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v.20. Results ACE I/D polymorphism was not found to be associated with hypertension, obesity, and abnormal FBG, TG, and HDL levels. However, DD and ID genotypes and D allele, with II as the reference genotype, significantly reduced the risk for high TC (OR, p value = 0.14, 0.01*; 0.29, 0.04*; 0.22, < 0.01*, respectively) and high LDL (OR, p value = 0.17, 0.03*; 0.20, 0.03*; 0.19, < 0.01*, respectively). Except for abnormal FBG, the prevalence of all the studied cardiometabolic abnormalities was significantly higher in the 4th quartile of apoB when compared to other quartiles. Linear regression model revealed a significant positive association of apoB levels with diastolic blood pressure, studied obesity parameters, TC, TG, and LDL levels. Conclusion The D allele of ACE I/D polymorphism was not associated with most of the studied cardiometabolic abnormalities in the present study. Further, the association of high apoB with cardiometabolic abnormalities hints toward the importance of apoB in the early diagnosis of CVDs

No Effect of High Physical Activity on Body Mass Index Among Bhil Tribal Population in India

Background: Lifestyle behaviours are implicated as modifiable risk factors for non communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to estimate the physical activity level and to assess the general dietary trends prevailing in a tribal population. Methods: This was a population based cross sectional study conducted using random sampling method among Bhil tribal population in India. A total of 258 individuals were assessed for physical activity level while a total of 222 individuals were assessed for dietary pattern using appropriate questionnaires. Demographic and somatometric data were also recorded. Results: It was found that 86.43% of population adhered to the WHO recommended physical activity level. Females were seen to be significantly more active as compared to males which was in contrast to other findings in India. Maximum physical activity was observed to be in the occupational domain. With regards to dietary intake, the population practiced an imbalanced diet high in sugars and other carbohydrates and fats and low in vegetables and fruits. Conclusion: This study supports the need for increasing awareness regarding health benefits of physical activity (especially of leisure-time) and to promote healthy and balanced diet

Incidence and risk factors of cognitive impairment: A 6-year follow-up study from North India

Background: More than 55 million people globally suffer from cognitive impairment (CI), and over 60% of them reside in low- and middle-income countries. Longitudinal studies provide a more robust understanding of incidence and risk factors. The present study aimed to estimate the incidence and socio-demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical risk factors of CI in the Jat community of North India. Methods: The present longitudinal study recruited 223 adult individuals of both sexes from the Jat community residing in the Palwal district of Haryana, North India. Data on socio-demographic variables were collected through a pretested interview schedule. Assessment of cognition in both baseline and end-line was done through RUDAS. Data on anthropometric and biochemical variables were collected through standardized methods. Results: The overall incidence rate of CI in the studied population was found to be 28.4 per 1000 individuals-years. Further, among all the socio-demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical variables considered, illiteracy (2.5-fold), high waist-hip ratio (WHR) (5.1-fold), and high percentage body fat (PBF) (2.9-fold) in the baseline were significantly associated with increased risk for incidence-CI. However, none of the biochemical variables posed any significantly increased risk for the incidence of CI. Conclusion: The present study is the first of its kind follow-up study on CI in India, which evaluated the incidence rate and associated risk factors for the incidence of CI in the population. The study revealed a substantial incidence rate of CI in the studied population and found illiteracy, high WHR, and high PBF to be associated with the incidence of CI

Attitudes towards vaccines and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19: a cross-sectional analysis - implications for public health communications in Australia

Objective To examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccine confidence, attitudes and intentions in Australian adults as part of the iCARE Study. Design and setting Cross-sectional online survey conducted when free COVID-19 vaccinations first became available in Australia in February 2021. Participants Total of 1166 Australians from general population aged 18-90 years (mean 52, SD of 19). Main outcome measures Primary outcome: responses to question € If a vaccine for COVID-19 were available today, what is the likelihood that you would get vaccinated?'. Secondary outcome: analyses of putative drivers of uptake, including vaccine confidence, socioeconomic status and sources of trust, derived from multiple survey questions. Results Seventy-eight per cent reported being likely to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Higher SARS-CoV-2 vaccine intentions were associated with: increasing age (OR: 2.01 (95% CI 1.77 to 2.77)), being male (1.37 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.72)), residing in least disadvantaged area quintile (2.27 (95% CI 1.53 to 3.37)) and a self-perceived high risk of getting COVID-19 (1.52 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.14)). However, 72% did not believe they were at a high risk of getting COVID-19. Findings regarding vaccines in general were similar except there were no sex differences. For both the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and vaccines in general, there were no differences in intentions to vaccinate as a function of education level, perceived income level and rurality. Knowing that the vaccine is safe and effective and that getting vaccinated will protect others, trusting the company that made it and vaccination recommended by a doctor were reported to influence a large proportion of the study cohort to uptake the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Seventy-eight per cent reported the intent to continue engaging in virus-protecting behaviours (mask wearing, social distancing, etc) postvaccine. Conclusions Most Australians are likely to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Key influencing factors identified (eg, knowing vaccine is safe and effective, and doctor's recommendation to get vaccinated) can inform public health messaging to enhance vaccination rates

How well do covariates perform when adjusting for sampling bias in online COVID-19 research? Insights from multiverse analyses

: COVID-19 research has relied heavily on convenience-based samples, which-though often necessary-are susceptible to important sampling biases. We begin with a theoretical overview and introduction to the dynamics that underlie sampling bias. We then empirically examine sampling bias in online COVID-19 surveys and evaluate the degree to which common statistical adjustments for demographic covariates successfully attenuate such bias. This registered study analysed responses to identical questions from three convenience and three largely representative samples (total N = 13,731) collected online in Canada within the International COVID-19 Awareness and Responses Evaluation Study ( www.icarestudy.com ). We compared samples on 11 behavioural and psychological outcomes (e.g., adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures, vaccine intentions) across three time points and employed multiverse-style analyses to examine how 512 combinations of demographic covariates (e.g., sex, age, education, income, ethnicity) impacted sampling discrepancies on these outcomes. Significant discrepancies emerged between samples on 73% of outcomes. Participants in the convenience samples held more positive thoughts towards and engaged in more COVID-19 prevention behaviours. Covariates attenuated sampling differences in only 55% of cases and increased differences in 45%. No covariate performed reliably well. Our results suggest that online convenience samples may display more positive dispositions towards COVID-19 prevention behaviours being studied than would samples drawn using more representative means. Adjusting results for demographic covariates frequently increased rather than decreased bias, suggesting that researchers should be cautious when interpreting adjusted findings. Using multiverse-style analyses as extended sensitivity analyses is recommended.COVID-19 research has relied heavily on convenience-based samples, which-though often necessary-are susceptible to important sampling biases. We begin with a theoretical overview and introduction to the dynamics that underlie sampling bias. We then empirically examine sampling bias in online COVID-19 surveys and evaluate the degree to which common statistical adjustments for demographic covariates successfully attenuate such bias. This registered study analysed responses to identical questions from three convenience and three largely representative samples (total N = 13,731) collected online in Canada within the International COVID-19 Awareness and Responses Evaluation Study (www.icarestudy.com). We compared samples on 11 behavioural and psychological outcomes (e.g., adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures, vaccine intentions) across three time points and employed multiverse-style analyses to examine how 512 combinations of demographic covariates (e.g., sex, age, education, income, ethnicity) impacted sampling discrepancies on these outcomes. Significant discrepancies emerged between samples on 73% of outcomes. Participants in the convenience samples held more positive thoughts towards and engaged in more COVID-19 prevention behaviours. Covariates attenuated sampling differences in only 55% of cases and increased differences in 45%. No covariate performed reliably well. Our results suggest that online convenience samples may display more positive dispositions towards COVID-19 prevention behaviours being studied than would samples drawn using more representative means. Adjusting results for demographic covariates frequently increased rather than decreased bias, suggesting that researchers should be cautious when interpreting adjusted findings. Using multiverse-style analyses as extended sensitivity analyses is recommended