Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards face mask use among residents of Greater Chennai Corporation, India, March 2021

BackgroundWearing a mask is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Studies reported poor mask compliance in Greater Chennai Corporation, India. Hence, we described the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding mask use among adults (≥18 years) in Greater Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu, India.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among residents of Greater Chennai Corporation in March 2021. We estimated the sample size to be 203 per strata (slum and non-slum). We used a simple random sampling technique to select 20 locations using a digital map in the slum and non-slum areas. After reaching the location chosen, we selected 10 consecutive households and one adult (≥18 years of age) from each household. We used a validated, semi-structured questionnaire for collecting data regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices for mask use. We estimated proportions and 95% CI for key variables and compared the variables between slums and non-slums.ResultsOf 430 participants included in the study, 51.4% were males. The mean (S.D.) age of the participants is 41.1 (14.6) years. The majority (86.7%) of the participants felt that wearing a mask helped in reducing the spread of coronavirus and the knowledge differed (p-value < 0.05) between the slum (81.4%) and non-slum (92.3%). Nearly half (46.5%) of the participants did not like being forced to wear the mask. About 63.9% of the participants reported the practice of mask use while going out which was similar across slums and non-slums.ConclusionAlthough the knowledge regarding mask use was good among the public, the attitude was unfavorable. We suggest continuous reinforcement by spreading awareness and educating the community on the appropriate use of the mask

Impact of COVID-19 on Psychological Status of General Population

WHO has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Like the virus affects the entire body, the pandemic affected the entire global trade and economy, leading to the loss of jobs and businesses. Thus, it would be appropriate to quote COVID-19 as a social disease rather than treating only as a medical condition. The COVID-19 pandemic, being a social disease, affects all the individuals of the society in terms of their physical, mental, social health and challenges the economic status of the entire population, irrespective of whether they were physically sick. However, the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been overlooked, given its benign nature. We can anticipate a higher prevalence of psychological distress during any pandemic than typical situations. The COVID-19 instils fear and anxiety among people. Isolation and quarantine to reduce disease transmission have a negative impact on one’s mental health. The lockdowns lead to the closure of educational institutions and workplaces, loss of jobs, economic loss, lack of physical activity, restrictions on travel and gatherings. All these factors cumulatively affected the mental stamina of millions worldwide. Given its importance, we have reviewed the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological status of general population

Informing primi and elderly pregnant women about iron sucrose administration for moderate anemia can improve treatment compliance in public health facilities, Kancheepuram health district, Tamil Nadu, India, 2017: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Tamil Nadu administers intravenous iron sucrose for correcting moderate anaemia among pregnant women (Haemoglobin level 7–8.9 g/dl) based on preliminary studies. We did a cross-sectional study to estimate compliance level and that of factors associated with intravenous iron sucrose treatment for moderate anaemia among pregnant women attending health facilities of Kancheepuram health district, Tamil Nadu, India, 2017. Methods: We needed five pregnant women of 20–30 weeks from 70 clusters (health subcentres) for the assumptions of 64% compliance, 7% absolute precision, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and a design effect of two. We collected data on knowledge and experience with iron sucrose treatment and reasons for non-compliance. We abstracted haemoglobin levels and administered doses from records. We computed compliance level (%) with 95% CI and estimated adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for non-compliance through logistic regression analysis. Results: The median age of 350 women was 24 years (Range = 22 to 26). Compliance level to intravenous iron sucrose was 79% (95% CI: 73 to 84). Non-compliance was more likely among women aged 25–35 years (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.7), primi (AOR: 2.2’ 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.8) and not received treatment information (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1 to 8.8). Major reasons for non-compliance were lack of information about treatment, belief that food was better than injections and that injections could harm the baby. Conclusions: The compliance to intravenous iron sucrose was insufficient. Providing clear information about intravenous iron sucrose to moderately anaemic pregnant women could increase the compliance to intravenous iron sucrose

Effect of life skills education on socio-emotional functioning of adolescents in urban Puducherry, India: A mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: We wanted to assess the effect of life skills education (LSE) and regular curriculum on the self-esteem, self-efficacy, adjustment, and psychosocial functioning of students from co-educational government schools, compared to those receiving only the regular curriculum. The secondary objectives were to study the feasibility of such sessions and identify the factors affecting the effectiveness of the sessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study in government schools of urban Puducherry, India in 2018–2019. The quantitative component was a cluster-randomized trial with activity-based learning methods delivered over 10 sessions in the intervention arm (IA). Differences in outcome variables (self-esteem, self-efficacy, adjustment, psychosocial behavior) between baseline and after intervention in each of the groups were calculated, and the difference-in-differences (DID) technique was applied to account for any natural change in scores over time. Qualitative data were collected through focused group discussions (FGDs) among students and teachers. Analysis was founded on a positivist paradigm with inducto-deductive methodology. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of 258 participants was 13 (1) years in both arms. The mean (SD) difference between baseline and end-line for IA and control arm (CA) was 0.3 (4.4) and − 0.1 (4.0), for self-esteem (P = 0.38), 0.03 (6.0) and − 1.1 (6.1) for self-efficacy (P = 0.12), and − 0.04 (3.5) and − 0.05 (4.3) for adjustment (P = 0.73), respectively. Similarly, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) difference in the conduct problems scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was − 1 (−2, 1) and 0 (−1, 1) (P < 0.01). Five FGDs revealed multiple positive effects on anger management, conduct, self-awareness, and responsible behavior. All 10 teachers viewed life skills education (LSE) positively. CONCLUSIONS: LSE positively affects adolescents' socio-emotional functioning, but more extended periods of exposure are needed to demonstrate discernible change. The feasibility of implementation depends on the syllabus and based on health policies

Assessment of quality of life based on psychological, somatovegetative, and urogenital health problems among postmenopausal women in Urban Puducherry, South India: A cross-sectional observational study

Background: An average Indian woman spends almost one-third of her lifespan in the postmenopausal phase enduring the consequences of hormonal decline. This can have a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). Hence, this study was conducted to assess the QOL and health problems among postmenopausal women in urban Puducherry, South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among postmenopausal women attending urban primary health center between April and May 2017. Information about social, economic, and demographic characteristics was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and menopause rating scale was used to assess the QOL. Results: Among 204 participants, 55.4% belonged to elderly age group (≥60 years); 61.3% did not have any formal education; 55.9% of the participants were unemployed; 68.7% were widowed, separated, or divorced; 89.7% belonged to Hindu religion; and 42.2% belonged to lower socioeconomic class. Majority (78%) suffered from psychological problems followed by somatovegetative (62%) and urogenital problems (33%). The prevalence of poor QOL was 37.2% (95% confidence interval: 30.8%–44.0%). Participants belonging to Hindu religion (annual percentage rate [aPR]-4.14), in nuclear family (aPR-2.31), and with chronic comorbidity (aPR-5.52) and alcohol/tobacco users (aPR-6.03) had significantly higher risk of poor QOL. Conclusion: The current study found that more than one-third of the postmenopausal women in urban Puducherry have poor QOL with majority suffering from psychological problems. Hence, more focus needs to be given to this target population to achieve physical, social, and mental well-being among females

Screening for red flag symptoms of cancer: A community-based cross-sectional study from urban Puducherry, India

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer often delay seeking medical advice in developing countries. In India, only 20%–30% of cancers are being diagnosed in Stages I and II. Screening for red flag symptoms of cancer can be used to identify high-risk individuals in the community. METHODOLOGY: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2017 among 302 participants in one of the service areas of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research urban health center selected by universal sampling. Data on the presence of red flag symptoms of cancer (persistent cough, persistent change in bowel/bladder habits, nonhealing ulcer, persistent difficulty in swallowing, unexplained weight loss, unexplained lump, persistent unexplained pain, unexplained bleeding, and change in the appearance of mole) and presence of risk factors were collected through interviews. The collected data were entered using EpiData version 3.0. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age of the study participants was 44 (11) years and 50.6% of them were male. At least one red flag symptom of cancer was present in 22 (7.3%) individuals; 9 (2.8%) had unexplained pain, 4 (1.3%) had change in bowel habits, 4 (1.3%) had change in bladder habits, 3 (1%) had cough, 3 (1%) had nonhealing ulcer, 2 (0.6%) had unexplained bleeding, 1 (0.3%) had difficulty in swallowing, 1 (0.3%) had weight loss, 1 (0.3%) had lump, and 1 (0.3%) had change in the appearance of mole. CONCLUSION: Screening for red flag symptoms of cancer is an easy tool that can be used in the community to identify high-risk individuals, which will facilitate early diagnosis of cancer

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

Compliance with appropriate usage of face masks at various time points during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Chennai, India.

Compliance with appropriate usage of face masks at various time points during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Chennai, India.</p

Compliance with appropriate usage of face masks in the various study settings by geographical regions over the three rounds, Chennai, India.

Compliance with appropriate usage of face masks in the various study settings by geographical regions over the three rounds, Chennai, India.</p

Compliance with appropriate usage of face masks in the various study settings by gender over the three rounds, Chennai, India.

Compliance with appropriate usage of face masks in the various study settings by gender over the three rounds, Chennai, India.</p