Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on tobacco usage and dependency among adult male tobacco users in Palam area of Delhi

Background: Tobacco use is a recognized risk factor for many chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer and microbial infections (respiratory tract infections, bacterial meningitis), etc. Material and Methods: A community-based "One group" interventional study was conducted to see the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy in reducing tobacco usage and its dependency among all the adult males population aged 18 years and above residing in Palam area of Delhi. Data was collected using a semi-structured, self-designed interview schedule to collect information from study subjects. Fagerstrom and Modified Fagerstrom questionnaire was used to assess the subject’s nicotine dependence status. Result: The total population study was 274 out of which 105 were tobacco users. Out of 105,2 did not give consent for cognitive behaviour therapy.A total of 103 study subjects were given cognitive behavioral therapy and then followed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months respectively, and analyzed for quitting at each follow-up. Study subjects who had quitted tobacco was 11 i.e. 10.6%. Change in Nicotine dependency was statistically significant. Conclusion: Cognitive behaviour therapy is found to be a very effective tool in reducing tobacco usage as well as nicotine dependency

E-waste - Management Practices in India

With the usage of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) on the rise, the amountof electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) produced each day is equally growingenormously around the globe. Recycling of valuable elements contained in e-wastesuch as copper and gold has become a source of income mostly in the informalsector of developing or emerging industrialized countries. However, primitiverecycling techniques such as burning cables for retaining the inherent copper exposeboth adult and child workers as well as their families to a range of hazardoussubstances.1 By definition, e-waste or “waste electrical and electronic products” is aterm used to cover all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and itsparts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of reuse.2Such wastes encompass wide range of electrical and electronic devices such ascomputers, handheld cellular phones, personal stereos, including large householdappliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.3 E-waste consists hazardousand non-hazardous waste. It consists of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics,glass, wood and plywood, printed circuit boards, concrete, ceramics, rubber andother items. Iron and steel constitute about 50% of the-waste, followed by plastics(21%), non-ferrous metals (13%) and other constituents. Non-ferrous metals consistof metals like copper, aluminum and precious metals like silver, gold, platinum,palladium and so on. The presence of elements like lead, mercury, arsenic,cadmium, selenium, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants beyond thresholdquantities make e-waste toxic (Table 1).4 Rapid product innovation, miniaturizationand replacement, especially for information and communication technology (ICT)products and consumer equipment, are fueling the increase of e-waste and resultingin immediate and long-term concern5 because of unregulated accumulation,improper collection and treatment approaches that can lead to majorenvironmental problems endangering human health

Disaster Relief Workers: Health Issues

Introduction: Disaster is defined as any occurrence that causes damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life or deterioration of health and health services on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area. Internationally, major disasters occur frequently, but for one country, they are unusual events. It causes severe health damage to that country. In this scenario, our rescue teams/ relief workers risk their own lives to save the life of others. Methods: The concerned topic was searched on internet in different databases with abstract or full free text available in English in previous five years. Results: This group is more vulnerable than general population to various accidents even death in relief process and also health problems such as post traumatic stress disorder, mental health risks, heat disorder, radiation exposure, respiratory problems, skin and mucous membrane problems, digestive problems, eye irritation and fatigue etc. In developed countries, their problems are dealt with great zeal, but unfortunately, in our country, we fail to address the health issue of these workers in spite of having the most important role in disaster management by providing physical and rehabilitative services to survivors. It has been proven that work output of these workers is enhanced if their health issues are taken care of properly. Discussion: We want to acknowledge the health concerns of rescue teams with possible solutions

A Cross-Sectional Study on Leisure Time Management and Physical Activity Index among Female Adolescent Medical Students in Delhi

Adolescence is the most promising and also most vulnerable span of life. Being the most energetic and enthusiastic, they spend their time in academic activities, sports, household chores and in various other activities. Free time to do something apart from scheduled academic work, business or household activities is conceptualized as leisure time [1].Leisure time management is important as they cannot compromise with their scheduled academic activities. Leisure time activities differ across countries, age groups, sex and ethnic groups as per different studies but done mostly in Western countries [2–5]. Furthermore, those adolescents who are in professional courses might have less leisure time. Moreover, females might be more vulnerable because they are prone to less outdoor activities and outdoor sports in comparison to males. Thus it is very important to address these issues, particularly leisure time activity and time management, because it serves as a basis for evidence generation in decision-making and policy formulation. An attempt was made to carry out a cross-sectional study in the adolescent female students pursuing a professional course in a medical college of New Delhi

Behaviour of Urban Indian Adolescent Girls During Menstruation

BackgroundAdolescence in females signifies the transition from girlhood to womanhood and is marked with the onset of menarche. Indian society is interwoven into a set of traditions, myths and misconceptions, especially regarding menstruation and related issues. The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and psycho-social behavior related to menstruation among adolescent girls in urban Haryana (state), India. Method  A total of 478 adolescent girls in the age group of 15 -19 years from three educational institutes of Rohtak city were selected randomly. It was a community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional questionnaire based study, and a pre-tested, pre-coded, closed ended questionnaire was used. Results Feeling of sickness was the most common (in more than two-third of subjects) followed by irritability and emotional disturbances. More than 3/4th of the subjects did not worship during menstruation, 45% were not allowed in kitchen and nearly one-fourth followed dietary restrictions. More than 16% subjects thought menstruation to be a sign of onset of a disease and little more than 7 % thought it to be a curse. Girls preferred to discuss their menstruation related problems either with their mothers or with their friends.  ConclusionGirls have inaccurate and partial information regarding menstruation. There is a need of early intervention in the area of adolescent psycho-social behavior during menstruation

Drug Resistant Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis remains a worldwide public health problem. India has the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world and accounts for nearly 2/5th of global burden and 2/3rd of burden in SEAR countries. The XDR- TB was first described in March 2006 and has also been reported in India. The emergence of XDR – TB is associated with a very low probability cure and a high case fatality as evidenced by various researchers. Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis is rapidly fatal if not treated. Some studies reveal a new and brighter perspective: even in developing countries, extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis may be cured in the majority of cases when management is aggressive and appropriate. What is required is action that is borne out of clear planning, financial commitment and adequate resources, technical capacity, and partnership. Increase in cure rates could be achieved by perfecting the supervision, support and monitoring concerning management of XDR-TB