Self-reported oral health status and self-care practices among mid-life women at a secondary care hospital in a rural area of Delhi, India

Background: Poor oral health status is more likely among socioeconomically disadvantaged women and low literacy due to poor oral hygiene. Onset of menopausal symptoms also triggers hormonal changes, adversely influencing oral health. The study objective was to determine the self-reported oral health status and self-care practices among perimenopausal women attendees of the medical outpatient department of a government hospital in Delhi, India  Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at a secondary care hospital among 136 women aged 40-59 years, having either perimenopause symptoms or with menopause. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Hindi version of the WHO Steps Module on Oral Health. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty-nine (51.2%) participants had not received any schooling. Oral health status was reported as average or poor by 61 (44.85%) and 59 (43.4) participants for their teeth and gums, respectively. Pain or discomfort in teeth was reported by 77 (56.6%) participants, along with chewing 66 (48.5%) and speech difficulties 21 (15.4%). Most participants 114 (83.8%) brushed their teeth only once a day, and rarely (3.7%) flossed.  Participants with low education and a greater number of missing teeth were significantly more likely to report suboptimal dental health status. Conclusion: A large proportion of mid-life socioeconomically vulnerable women in India report poor oral health and hygiene with self-perceived suboptimal teeth or gum status. Visually oriented information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns for oral health promotion should be evaluated in public health facilities

Information, Education, and Communication Services in MCH Care Provided at an Urban Health Center

<b>Background:</b> Regular IEC programs during antenatal and intranatal period, through individual or group approach, brings desirable changes in health practices of people, resulting in a healthy mother and a healthy baby. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> This study was conducted to assess the level of IEC services regarding pregnancy and child care, received by the women at an MCH clinic of an urban health center, where the study subjects comprised 400 antenatal (AN) and postnatal (PN) women and mothers of children under five years. <b> Results:</b> Warning signs of danger was explained to only 10&#x0025; of the AN and PN women. Advice regarding family planning appeared to be the most frequently covered, though that too was explained to less than half of the subjects. About one third of the women were advised on breast feeding. Only 8&#x0025; of the mothers had been told about all issues regarding pregnancy and child care. Breast feeding and weaning was properly explained to 85.7 and 81.1&#x0025; of the total mothers of U5 children. Advice regarding subsequent nutrition was given to 60.9&#x0025; of mothers. About only a quarter of the total mothers were advised on home management of diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. Very few mothers were counseled about the growth pattern of the children and none were shown the growth chart. Only 12.9&#x0025; of the mothers were informed about all issues. <b> Conclusion:</b> IEC regarding maternal and child care other than feeding practices is a neglected service in the health facility where the study was conducted

Cardiovascular disease determinants: Burden and knowledge among women in a rural community of Delhi

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are becoming major health burden in developing countries such as India. Rural women are reported to have high CVD-related mortality rates and are less likely to receive appropriate treatment. Objective: To assess knowledge, practices, and burden of CVD-related risk factors among women in a rural area of Delhi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Pooth Khurd village, a rural pocket situated in northwest district of Delhi through house-to-house survey by two investigators. A total of 100 women above 18 years of age and resident of the village were included in the study using systematic random sampling technique. A pretested interview schedule, containing items to assess knowledge and practices regarding CVDs and risk factors based on various validated tools, was used. Fischer’s exact and Pearson’s correlation tests were applied; tests were two sided with p-value below 0.05 considered significant. Results: Poor CVD knowledge was seen among study participants with less than half of subjects identifying family history (24%), tobacco and alcohol intake (48%, 47%), and so forth as risk factors for CVDs. High burden of risk factors, such as high salt intake (35%), inadequate physical activity (77%), and raised blood sugar (5%), and poor health-seeking behavior were observed. Conclusion: This study reflects poor knowledge and relatively high burden of CVD risk factors among rural women. Poor knowledge is predictive of high CVD risk in community settings

The The Frigging Kinship Between Prostate Carcinogenesis and the Genomic Landscape of Indian Males

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is a major global health issue in men over 50 years of age, arising due to complex and often population-specific interactions between genes, environment, and lifestyle. According to GLOBOCAN, PCa incidence in India is on the rise, albeit at a slower rate than that of the global average. This review delves deep into the nuanced relationship between PCa and the genomic landscape of Indian males. The study thoroughly reviews the epidemiology of PCa and examines the contribution of the genetic determinants like polymorphisms, mutations, and methylation patterns; microbial infections as well as the influence of lifestyle habits like diet, smoking, and drinking on the progress and manifestation of cancer among Indian males, thus intending to provide a holistic understanding of the complex interplay driving the malady. This knowledge would not only help us understand the disease mechanisms but also provide a basis for personalized diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies tailored to India's unique genetic and environmental landscape

A Comparative Study of Prevalence of RTI/STI Symptoms and Treatment Seeking Behaviour among the Married Women in Urban and Rural Areas of Delhi

Background. In developing countries, women are at high risk for several reproductive health problems especially RTI/STIs. Since all RTIs/ STIs are preventable and most of them are curable, it is pertinent to study the determinants of the health seeking behaviour. Objectives. To compare the prevalence and treatment seeking behaviour about RTI/STI symptoms among the married women of reproductive age group (18–45 years) living in urban and rural area of Delhi. Methods. A cross-sectional study was done among the married women of reproductive age group residing in Pooth Khurd, a village in North West district of Delhi, and Delhi Gate, an urban locality situated in central Delhi. Results. In this study, the prevalence of RTI/STI symptoms was found to be similar in both urban (42.3%) and rural area (42%). In urban area, 73% sought treatment, while in rural area only 45.6% sought treatment. Prevalence of the symptoms was found to be higher among the study subjects who were not using any contraceptive method, had history of abortion, and were with lower educational status, in both urban and rural areas. Treatment seeking behaviour was significantly higher among the educated women, contraceptive users, and older age group women in both rural and urban area

Health-Related Knowledge and Attitude Toward Common Cancers Among Slum Dwellers in Delhi

Background: The dead weight of growing incidence and mortality of cancer is a cause of concern for increased economic burden in a developing country. Low awareness levels lead to late presentation and high mortality. Lack of awareness vitiates the screening and early detection measures. Hence, assessment of prevalent knowledge and attitude is cardinal to outline and implement health policies appropriately. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding risk factors and early warning signs of common cancers, viz. oral, lung, breast, and cervix, among urban slum dwellers in New Delhi. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in field practice area attached to the Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, using a pretested semistructured questionnaire to evaluate the awareness levels in 100 study participants. Mean scores and proportions were calculated and Chi square was applied to test the difference in awareness levels across various sociodemographic variables. Results: Unsatisfactory mean scores were obtained, both for knowledge regarding warning signs (3.20 out of 6) and risk factors (5.67 out of 10). Knowledge regarding screening was also poor. Females were significantly more aware regarding passive smoking as a risk factor for future development of cancer (P = 0.012) and prevalence of some cancers (P = 0.010). Conclusion: Low mean scores for knowledge regarding warning signs and risk factors depict a general unawareness. Media advertising and education seemed to play a positive role as more participants were aware of signs of oral cancer and younger population was better acquainted with risk factors further emphasizing the need for health education. There is also a need to strengthen the screening activities