Demogenetic study – A holistic approach for studying population structure

Demography and population genetics, though they have emerged as separate disciplines, tried to explain the population structure in each own way. Here in this article, the interrelationship between these disciplines are reviewed with reference to the population structure. The correlation and interdisciplinary between these two disciplines in explaining the population can be discussed under three different approaches i.e. demography, evolutionary and epidemiology. Both the demographic and evolutionary parameters are interrelated. The demographic parameters are influenced by genetic factors and in return the evolutionary fate of a population is explained through demographic parameters – fertility and mortality. This correlation is more evident in epidemiological approach. Nowadays with the rise of complex disorders among the interbred populations, the complete understanding of the population structure is much needed

Correlation of body composition parameters and anthropometric somatotypes with Prakriti body types among the Meitei adults of Manipur, India

Background Body composition and types are often considered essential health indicators for lifestyle-related disease. Assessment of body type based on tridosha is regarded as a prerequisite in Ayurveda. Aim To correlate body compositions and somatotypes with Prakriti body types. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study on 463 adult individuals was done. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were measured. Heath-Carter somatotypes and Prakriti body types were also determined. Tests of association were calculated. Correlation and concordance analysis was also done to infer the correlation between body composition parameters and Prakriti body types. Results Kapha Prakriti have significantly higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and body fat mass. Vata have the lowest mean values in all body composition parameters with Pitta in the intermediate position compared to the other Prakriti types. There is a strong and positive statistical association between Prakriti body types and body composition parameters, except height. Cohen’s Kappa analysis reveals there is a fair concordance between Prakriti body types and somatotype. Conclusions Prakriti assessment can explain an individual’s fatness as it correlates with body composition parameters and could be used to predict risk susceptibility to various complex disorders

Association of Perceived Stress Levels Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic with Bio-Social Parameters and Prakriti Body Types among the adult’s population of Manipur, India

Background - Perceived stress experiences differ amongst individuals due to psychological, physical and socio-economic factors and with the outbreak of COVID-19, the impact on mental health has been unavoidable. Another dimension of understanding stress is also put forth by Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system of India. Aim – Aims to find the association of bio-social parameters including prakriti body types with perceived stress levels amidst COVID -19 pandemic. Material and Methods – Data were collected from 390 individuals aged ranging from 18 – 45 years through an online survey. Prakriti were determined by prakriti assessment questionnaire. Stress level was assessed by using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10) and relevant statistical analysis were carried out. Results - Significant association (p < 0.05) is found in body mass index (BMI), prakriti body types, sex, and effects of COVID–19 on mental and physical well – being with perceived stress levels. Vata prakriti (19.71%), underweight individuals (12.65%), and females (11.44%) are significantly more prone to develop high stress. Salaried individuals are significantly less likely to be affected by moderate stress. VIF is less than 5 and Tolerance is greater than 0.2. And, Nagelkerke value is found to be 29.3%.  Conclusion – The study concludes that there is a significant association of biosocial parameters including prakriti body types with perceived stress levels amidst COVID–19 pandemic.&nbsp

Association of food habits with adolescent hypertension: A study from Manipur

Background: Hypertension is one of the major concerning health issues worldwide. Lately, adolescent hypertension has been on the rise with change in the diet and lifestyle as one of the probable contributing factors. Aim of the study: To study the association of food habits with different parameters of hypertension among the adolescents of Manipur. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 728 adolescents of the age range 17–19 years comprising of 470 males and 258 females of Manipur, Northeast India. Blood pressure measurements were taken using a mercury sphygmomanometer, and the average value of three measurements was recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant association of hypertension with consumption of salty food (P < 0.05, χ2 = 12.28), junk food (P < 0.05, χ2 = 6.07) and sugar sweetened drinks (P < 0.05, χ2 = 8.37). Mean arterial pressure was also found to be significantly associated with sugar-sweetened drink consumption (χ2 = 6.96, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study highlighted the association of salt, sugar and junk food consumption with hypertension among the adolescents of Manipur

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