Prevalence of problematic eating behavior and assessment of awareness on eating disorder among medical students

Background: There are few studies that highlight the problematic eating behavior of college students; however, similar data on the medical undergraduate population is sparse, especially in India. Awareness among medical students would be considered different compared to other students, owing to their training and education. Aim: To know the prevalence of problematic eating behavior in medical undergraduate students and to measure the extent of awareness regarding problematic eating behavior present amongst the students. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted over 2 months that included students (1st -4th year and interns) aged 17–30 years, studying MBBS. Ethical approval to do the study was taken from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Purposive sampling was done. Those students who gave informed consent to be a part of this study and were not diagnosed with any severe mental and physical illness were included in this study. Socio-demographic data was collected in a semi-structured proforma. The questionnaire was given to the students to fill up. The questionnaire included EAT-26 (Eating Attitudes Test-26) score for screening the students for problematic eating behavior. For objectively assessing awareness amongst the students regarding the same, a few questions of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on problematic eating were included in the form. The result was analyzed using SPSS- 25 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among Medical undergraduates, 19.9% had EAT-26 score more than or equal to 20, suggesting some problematic eating behavior. A total of 36.7% of students were obese, while 5.6% were underweight. Gender and background do not play any role in the causation of Problematic Eating Behaviour (PEB). There was a significant difference in the EAT score with respect to the education of the head of the family (P < 0.01), positive history of mental illness in the family (P = 0.01), positive history of childhood obesity (P < 0.01), and positive history of bullying (P < 0.01). Awareness or knowledge about eating disorders is high among MBBS graduates, which could be a protective factor in general. Conclusion: Obesity is a more concerning issue in the medical undergraduate population rather than underweight. Childhood obesity and bullying emerge as important factors affecting the eating attitudes and behavior among medical graduate

The psychological impact of disaster on first responders in the aftermath of Bahanaga train tragedy: A mixed methods approach

Background: First responders are at high risk for adverse mental health outcomes following trauma exposure during disaster response. This mixed methods study aimed to quantify psychological impacts and explore personal experiences among first responders after the Bahanaga train accident that killed 294 passengers in the month of June 2023. Methods: For qualitative data, in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted, and quantitative data was collected using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The study was conducted over one month during July 2023. Results: Among 225 responders, alarming rates of symptoms of probable PTSD (10.2%), anxiety (11.6%), and depression (24.9%) were noted. Those with no prior exposure to disasters and those with no formal training in disaster response scored higher in measures for PTSD. IDIs were conducted with 22 first responders, including various stakeholders. Qualitative analysis identified themes of preoccupation with witnessing trauma, feeling overwhelmed, scary and terrible emotions, avoidance, guilt, hypervigilance, intrusive memories, emotional numbing, unmet needs for mental health support, worsening physical health, re-emergence of past traumas, compounding impact of graphic images in the media, certain positive impact, including increased empathy, resilience and finding purpose, and the beneficial role of peer support. Conclusion: Significant psychological impacts are noted with elevated rates of probable PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among first responders one month after the Bahanaga train tragedy. These results underscore the vulnerability of first responders to mental health challenges following disaster response in India

New vegetation type map of India prepared using satellite remote sensing: comparison with global vegetation maps and utilities

A seamless vegetation type map of India (scale 1: 50,000) prepared using medium-resolution IRS LISS-III images is presented. The map was created using an on-screen visual interpretation technique and has an accuracy of 90%, as assessed using 15,565 ground control points. India has hitherto been using potential vegetation/forest type map prepared by Champion and Seth in 1968. We characterized and mapped further the vegetation type distribution in the country in terms of occurrence and distribution, area occupancy, percentage of protected area (PA) covered by each vegetation type, range of elevation, mean annual temperature and precipitation over the past 100 years. A remote sensing-amenable hierarchical classification scheme that accommodates natural and semi-natural systems was conceptualized, and the natural vegetation was classified into forests, scrub/shrub lands and grasslands on the basis of extent of vegetation cover. We discuss the distribution and potential utility of the vegetation type map in a broad range of ecological, climatic and conservation applications from global, national and local perspectives. Weused 15,565 ground control points to assess the accuracy of products available globally (i.e., GlobCover, Holdridge’s life zone map and potential natural vegetation (PNV) maps). Hence we recommend that the map prepared herein be used widely. This vegetation type map is the most comprehensive one developed for India so far. It was prepared using 23.5m seasonal satellite remote sensing data, field samples and information relating to the biogeography, climate and soil. The digital map is now available through a web portal (http://bis.iirs.gov.in)

New vegetation type map of India prepared using satellite remote sensing: Comparison with global vegetation maps and utilities

International audienceA seamless vegetation type map of India (scale 1: 50,000) prepared using medium-resolution IRS LISS-III images is presented. The map was created using an on-screen visual interpretation technique and has an accuracy of 90%, as assessed using 15,565 ground control points. India has hitherto been using potential vegetation/forest type map prepared by Champion and Seth in 1968. We characterized and mapped further the vegetation type distribution in the country in terms of occurrence and distribution, area occupancy, percentage of protected area (PA) covered by each vegetation type, range of elevation, mean annual temperature and precipitation over the past 100 years. A remote sensing-amenable hierarchical classification scheme that accommodates natural and semi-natural systems was conceptualized, and the natural vegetation was classified into forests, scrub/shrub lands and grasslands on the basis of extent of vegetation cover. We discuss the distribution and potential utility of the vegetation type map in a broad range of ecological, climatic and conservation applications from global, national and local perspectives. We used 15,565 ground control points to assess the accuracy of products available globally (i.e., GlobCover, Holdridge’s life zone map and potential natural vegetation (PNV) maps). Hence we recommend that the map prepared herein be used widely. This vegetation type map is the most comprehensive one developed for India so far. It was prepared using 23.5 m seasonal satellite remote sensing data, field samples and information relating to the biogeography, climate and soil. The digital map is now available through a web portal (http://bis.iirs.gov.in)