Prevalence and predictors of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases among women in an Urbanized Village of India

Background: The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors among the underprivileged women of the urban areas are expected to increase. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of these risk factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 women between 25 and 64 years in an urbanized village of India. Risk factors for NCDs were assessed using the WHO STEPS instrument. To determine the sociodemographic predictors of these risk factors binary logistic regression was used. Results: The prevalence of tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, and insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, overweight, and obesity was found to be 18.3%, 61.6%, 96.5%, 27.6%, and 5.9%, respectively. Raised blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol were found to be present in 23%, 22%, and 42%, respectively. Older age was found to be a significant predictor of tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, raised blood pressure, and raised blood glucose. Conclusion: The current study reported a high prevalence of physical inactivity and insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, with age being a significant predictor of the majority of risk factors. Thus, arises the need for programs and policies tailored toward addressing the local needs, targeted toward older women

Workplace breastfeeding support and breastfeeding practices among healthcare professionals

Introduction: Working mothers face striking challenges in breastfeeding. It is important to focus on them to further improve breastfeeding rates. Aim and Objectives: To assess the workplace breastfeeding support and breastfeeding practices of healthcare professionals. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study among two hospitals in East Delhi. All mothers having at least one child aged six months to five years and currently employed as healthcare personnel were included. For a sample size of 100, population proportionate to size sampling was done among two hospitals. The participants were randomly selected from a list of healthcare personnel. Employee perception of breastfeeding support questionnaire (EPBS-Q) was used to assess the workplace breastfeeding support. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, logistic regression, and survival analysis to find the association between workplace breastfeeding support and IYCF parameters. Results: The proportion of mother who perceived poor workplace breastfeeding support was 37%. The mean (SD) score obtained was 103.48 (8.93). The early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour was practiced by 54%, exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months by 60%, and timely initiation of complementary feeding for six to eight months by 64% mothers. Workplace breastfeeding support was significantly associated with exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months. Conclusions: More than one-third of mothers perceived poor workplace breastfeeding, and it was associated with exclusive breastfeeding