Awareness and Consumption of Millets among Young Adults of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

Mindset is an allowance of faith-based expectations in our own ascribes. Accordingly, mindset can be perceived as individuals' convictions about the idea of human credits, like knowledge or personality. Passion can be characterized as a solid inclination toward and by significant esteem/inclination that rouses goals and behaviors to communicate that esteem/inclination. The current study was planned to compare mindset and passion among young adults of Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. For this purpose, a sample of 100 young adults was randomly selected from the two states. Dweck Mindset Instrument by Dweck (2008) and the Passion Scale by Sigmundsson et al (2020) were used as research instruments. The findings of the study revealed a significant difference in the mean scores with adults living in Uttar Pradesh having growth mindset than young adults living in Jammu and Kashmir. In passion, young adults from Uttar Pradesh had more passion in comparison to young adults from Jammu and Kashmir but the result was non-significant. A significant positive correlation was found between mindset and passion among young adults.

BackgroundUnintended pregnancy severely affects the health and welfare of women and children, specifically if women are young and vulnerable. This study aims to determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and its determinants among adolescent girls and young adult females in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. We believe the present study is unique as it examines the association between unintended pregnancy and sociodemographic factors among young female population in two states of India from 2015–19.MethodsThe data for the present study is derived from the two-wave longitudinal survey “Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults” (UDAYA) conducted in 2015–16 (Wave 1) and 2018–19 (Wave 2). Univariate, bivariate analysis along with logistic regression models were employed.ResultsThe results revealed that 40.1 per cent of all currently pregnant adolescents and young adult females reported their pregnancy as unintended (mistimed and unwanted) in Uttar Pradesh at Wave 1 of the survey, which decreased to 34.2 per cent at Wave 2. On the contrary, almost 99 per cent of all currently pregnant adolescents in Bihar reported their pregnancy as unintended at Wave 1, which decreased to 44.8 per cent at Wave 2. The sociodemographic factors like age, caste, religion, education, wealth, media and internet use, knowledge and effective contraception highly impacted unintended pregnancy in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The longitudinal results of the study revealed that place of residence, internet use, number of wanted children, heard about contraception and SATHIYA, use of contraception, side effects of contraception, and the confidence in getting contraceptives from ASHA/ANM did not appear significant predictors at Wave 1. However, they emerge significant over time (Wave 2).ConclusionsDespite many recently launched policies for adolescents and the youth population, this study comprehended that the level of unintended pregnancies in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh stands worrisome. Therefore, adolescents and young females need more comprehensive family planning services to improve their awareness and knowledge about contraceptive methods and use.

Mindset is an allowance of faith-based expectations in our own ascribes. Accordingly, mindset can be perceived as individuals' convictions about the idea of human credits, like knowledge or personality. Passion can be characterized as a solid inclination toward and by significant esteem/inclination that rouses goals and behaviors to communicate that esteem/inclination. The current study was planned to compare mindset and passion among young adults of Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. For this purpose, a sample of 100 young adults was randomly selected from the two states. Dweck Mindset Instrument by Dweck (2008) and the Passion Scale by Sigmundsson et al (2020) were used as research instruments. The findings of the study revealed a significant difference in the mean scores with adults living in Uttar Pradesh having growth mindset than young adults living in Jammu and Kashmir. In passion, young adults from Uttar Pradesh had more passion in comparison to young adults from Jammu and Kashmir but the result was non-significant. A significant positive correlation was found between mindset and passion among young adults.

This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of receiving iron-and-folic-acid (IFA) supplement by male and female adolescents in two north Indian states. The UDAYA (Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) survey dataset was used. Conducted during 2015-2016, UDAYA was a state representative cross-sectional survey. To recruit sample, UDAYA adopted a multi-stage systematic sampling method with a household selection probability proportional to size. Weighted bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were deployed. The variance inflation factor was estimated to check the presence of multicollinearity among variables included in regression model. The state of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 10 433 individuals from Bihar and 10 161 individuals from Uttar Pradesh were included, totalling 20 594 individuals (male: 5969, female: 14 625) aged 10-19 years. Overall, 3·6 % (95 % CI: 2·7, 4·7) of males and 4·8 % (95 % CI: 4·0, 5·7) of female adolescents received IFA supplement in preceding 1 year of survey date. Multivariate results indicate that IFA receipt varied with age, and state of residence among males, whereas religion and mother's education were associated with IFA receipt among females. Irrespective of sex, adolescents living in rural areas had higher odds of receiving IFA supplement than adolescents in urban setting. Low coverage in receiving IFA supplement among adolescents is a serious concern for the success of anaemia reduction programme. While designing interventions for overall increase in IFA distribution, the socio-economic factors influencing IFA receipt must be considered.

Despite the prohibition by the law in 1961, dowry is widely prevalent in India. Dowry stems from the early concept of 'Stridhana,' in which gifts were given to the bride by her family to secure some personal wealth for her when she married. However, with the transition of time, the practice of dowry is becoming more common, and the demand for a higher dowry becomes a burden to the bride's family. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors associated with the practice of dowry in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. We utilized information from 5206 married adolescent girls from the Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) project survey conducted in two Indian states, namely, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Dowry was the outcome variable of this study. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the factors associated with dowry payment during the marriage. The study reveals that dowry is still prevalent in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Also, the proportion of dowry varies by adolescent's age at marriage, spousal education, and household socioeconomic status. The likelihood of paid dowry was 48 percent significantly less likely (OR: 0.52; CI: 0.44-0.61) among adolescents who knew their husbands before marriage compared to those who do not know their husbands before marriage. Adolescents with age at marriage more than equal to legal age had higher odds to pay dowry (OR: 1.60; CI: 1.14-2.14) than their counterparts. Adolescents with mother's who had ten and above years of education, the likelihood of dowry was 33 percent less likely (OR: 0.67; CI: 0.45-0.98) than their counterparts. Adolescents belonging to the richest households (OR: 1.48; CI: 1.13-1.93) were more likely to make dowry payments than adolescents belonging to poor households. Limitation of the dowry prohibition act is one of the causes of continued practices of dowry, but major causes are deeply rooted in the social and cultural customs, which cannot be changed only using laws. Our study suggests that only the socio-economic development of women will not protect her from the dowry system, however higher dowry payment is more likely among women from better socio-economic class.

Despite economic growth observed in developing countries, under-nutrition still continues to be a major health problem. Undernutrition in adolescence can disrupt normal growth and puberty development and may have long-term impact. Therefore, it is important to study the undernutrition among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the associated factors of stunting, thinness and the coexistence of both (stunting and thinness) among the adolescent belonging to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. The study utilized data from Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) project survey, which was conducted in two Indian states Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, in 2016 by Population Council under the guidance of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Utilizing information on 20,594 adolescents aged 10-19 years (adolescent boys-5,969 and adolescent girls-14,625), the study examined three outcome variables, i.e., thinness, stunting, and co-existence of both. The study used descriptive and bivariate analysis. Furthermore, the study examined income-related inequality in stunting and thinness through concentration index. At last, the study used Wagstaff decomposition analysis to decompose the concentration index. The prevalence of thinness was higher among adolescent boys as compared to girls (25.8 per cent vs. 13.1 per cent). However, stunting was more prevalent among girls (25.6 per cent) than in boys (39.3 per cent). The odds of stunting were higher among late adolescents [Boys- OR:1.79; CI: 1.39, 2.30] and [Girls- OR: 2.25; CI: 1.90,2.67], uneducated adolescents [Boys- OR:2.90; CI: 1.67, 5.05] and [Girls- OR: 1.82; CI: 1.44,2.30], and poorest adolescents [Boys- OR:2.54; CI: 1.80, 3.58] and [Girls- OR: 1.79; CI: 1.38,2.32]. Similarly age, educational status, working status and wealth index were significantly associated with thinness among adolescent boys and girls. Media exposure [Boys- OR: 11.8% and Girls- 58.1%] and Wealth index [Boys: 80.1% and Girls: 66.2%] contributed significantly to the inequality in the prevalence of thinness among adolescents. Similarly, wealth index [Boys: 85.2% and Girls: 84.1%] was the only significant contributor to the inequality in the prevalence of stunting among adolescents. The study provides an understanding that stunting and thinness is a significant public health concern among adolescents, and there is a need to tackle the issue comprehensively. By tackling the issue comprehensively, we mean that the state government of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar shall screen, assess, and monitor the nutritional status of adolescent boys and girls. The interventions shall focus towards both boys as well as girl adolescents, and particular emphasis should be given to adolescents who belonged to poor households. Also, efforts should be taken by stakeholders to increase family wealth status.

BackgroundDespite economic growth observed in developing countries, under-nutrition still continues to be a major health problem. Undernutrition in adolescence can disrupt normal growth and puberty development and may have long-term impact. Therefore, it is important to study the undernutrition among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the associated factors of stunting, thinness and the coexistence of both (stunting and thinness) among the adolescent belonging to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India.MethodsThe study utilized data from Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) project survey, which was conducted in two Indian states Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, in 2016 by Population Council under the guidance of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Utilizing information on 20,594 adolescents aged 10–19 years (adolescent boys-5,969 and adolescent girls-14,625), the study examined three outcome variables, i.e., thinness, stunting, and co-existence of both. The study used descriptive and bivariate analysis. Furthermore, the study examined income-related inequality in stunting and thinness through concentration index. At last, the study used Wagstaff decomposition analysis to decompose the concentration index.ResultsThe prevalence of thinness was higher among adolescent boys as compared to girls (25.8 per cent vs. 13.1 per cent). However, stunting was more prevalent among girls (25.6 per cent) than in boys (39.3 per cent). The odds of stunting were higher among late adolescents [Boys- OR:1.79; CI: 1.39, 2.30] and [Girls- OR: 2.25; CI: 1.90,2.67], uneducated adolescents [Boys- OR:2.90; CI: 1.67, 5.05] and [Girls- OR: 1.82; CI: 1.44,2.30], and poorest adolescents [Boys- OR:2.54; CI: 1.80, 3.58] and [Girls- OR: 1.79; CI: 1.38,2.32]. Similarly age, educational status, working status and wealth index were significantly associated with thinness among adolescent boys and girls. Media exposure [Boys- OR: 11.8% and Girls- 58.1%] and Wealth index [Boys: 80.1% and Girls: 66.2%] contributed significantly to the inequality in the prevalence of thinness among adolescents. Similarly, wealth index [Boys: 85.2% and Girls: 84.1%] was the only significant contributor to the inequality in the prevalence of stunting among adolescents.ConclusionThe study provides an understanding that stunting and thinness is a significant public health concern among adolescents, and there is a need to tackle the issue comprehensively. By tackling the issue comprehensively, we mean that the state government of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar shall screen, assess, and monitor the nutritional status of adolescent boys and girls. The interventions shall focus towards both boys as well as girl adolescents, and particular emphasis should be given to adolescents who belonged to poor households. Also, efforts should be taken by stakeholders to increase family wealth status.

Background and objective Dengue virus (DENV) is a major global health threat, causing over 50,000 deaths annually. The state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) in India faces significant challenges due to the increasing number of dengue cases detected. This study aimed to assess DENV seropositivity in the Raebareli district of UP, to offer crucial insights into the region's effective control and management strategies. Materials and methods This study, after obtaining approval from the ethics committee, analyzed blood samples of individuals suspected of having dengue at a teaching hospitalin rural UP between January and December 2022. To determine the disease's seroprevalence, both dengue NS1 antigen ELISA and dengue IgM Microlisa were conducted. Furthermore, RT-PCR was performed on NS1-positive samples to confirm the serotypes. The collected data were analyzed using Epi Info 7.0. Results Of the 589 suspected dengue cases, 86 (14.60%) tested positive for dengue NS1 and/or IgM. Our findings showed that males (n=330, 56.03%)and adolescents and young adults (n=301, 51.1%)from rural areas (n=523, 88.4%) were predominantly affected. Cases peaked post-monsoon, and platelet levels were notably low in NS1-positive cases. Dengue serotype 2 (DEN-2) was found in all RT-PCR-positive samples. Our results revealed a dengue seroprevalence of 14.60% (n=86), which peaked in post-monsoon months. The higher incidence among males and young adults from rural areas attending the outpatient department highlights the importance of targeted interventions and community surveillance. RT-PCR confirmed the circulation of a single serotype in the region. Conclusions This study contributes crucial insights into dengue's epidemiology and clinical profile and its findings are all the more significant now as India prepares for phase 3 trials of a quadrivalent dengue-virus vaccine in 2024. Adolescent and young adult males have an increased likelihood of acquiring the virus, and this demographic can be prioritized for vaccine trials.

Background: Tobacco usage in adolescents & young adults of state Uttar Pradesh of India is rising to an alarming level; although strategies to curtail them are also running; but the rising usage, can be better known by exploring the role of their perceptions regarding the usage of tobacco. Methods: This cross sectional study was done on total 400 (200 adolescents aged: 10-19 years & 200 young adults aged 20-30 years) by simple random technique using in-depth-interview schedule for 3 months in district Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh) in India. Results: The 41% Adolescents (AD) and 54.5% Young Adults (YA) were using tobacco (X 2 =5.0, P <0.05); and this was mainly in smoked form (62.1% in AD & 54.1% in YA) and that too in the form of cigarettes in AD (56.8%) and bidi in YA (69.4%). Majority of them had also no knowledge regarding harmful effects of tobacco usage in AD & YA groups (50% & 41.2% respectively). Only 39% of AD group and 23% of YA group wanted to quit tobacco in future, that too only for saving money (43.7%) in AD group as compared to 40% of YA group who wanted to leave tobacco to remain healthy despite the information regarding harmful effects of tobacco from family/educational institutions level (X 2 =8.1, P <0.05). Conclusions: Tobacco usage perceptions among adolescents and young adults in rural area are not healthy; as per results of this in-depth analysis, for which serious efforts from multiple levels are required to safeguard the health of our future generations.

On March 24, 2020 India implemented a national lockdown to prevent spread of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among its 1.3 billion people. As the pandemic may disproportionately impact women and girls, this study examines gender differences in knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and preventive behaviors, as well as the adverse effects of the lockdown among adolescents and young adults. A mobile phone-based survey was implemented from April 3–22, 2020 in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among respondents randomly selected from an existing cohort study. Respondents answered questions related to demographics, COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors practiced, and impacts on social, economic and health outcomes. Descriptive analyses and linear probability regression models were performed for all participants and separately for men and women. A total of 1,666 adolescents and young adults (18–24 years old) were surveyed; 70% were women. While most participants had high awareness of disease symptoms and preventive behaviors, there was variation by gender. Compared to men, women were seven percentage points (pp) less likely to know the main symptoms of COVID-19 (coeff = -0.071; 95% confidence interval: -0.122 - -0.021). Among women, there was variation in knowledge by education level, urban residence, and household wealth. Women were 22 pp less likely to practice key preventive behaviors compared to men (coeff = -0.222; 95% CIL -0.263, -0.181). Women were also more likely to report recent depressive symptoms than men (coeff = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.109). Our findings underscore that COVID-19 is already disproportionately impacting adolescent girls and young women and that they may require additional targeted, gender-sensitive messaging to foster behavior change. Gender-sensitive information campaigns and provision of health services must be accessible and provide women and girls with needed resources and support during the pandemic to ensure gains in public health and gender equity are not lost.

On March 24, 2020 India implemented a national lockdown to prevent spread of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among its 1.3 billion people. As the pandemic may disproportionately impact women and girls, this study examines gender differences in knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and preventive behaviors, as well as the adverse effects of the lockdown among adolescents and young adults. A mobile phone-based survey was implemented from April 3-22, 2020 in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among respondents randomly selected from an existing cohort study. Respondents answered questions related to demographics, COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors practiced, and impacts on social, economic and health outcomes. Descriptive analyses and linear probability regression models were performed for all participants and separately for men and women. A total of 1,666 adolescents and young adults (18-24 years old) were surveyed; 70% were women. While most participants had high awareness of disease symptoms and preventive behaviors, there was variation by gender. Compared to men, women were seven percentage points (pp) less likely to know the main symptoms of COVID-19 (coeff = -0.071; 95% confidence interval: -0.122 - -0.021). Among women, there was variation in knowledge by education level, urban residence, and household wealth. Women were 22 pp less likely to practice key preventive behaviors compared to men (coeff = -0.222; 95% CIL -0.263, -0.181). Women were also more likely to report recent depressive symptoms than men (coeff = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.109). Our findings underscore that COVID-19 is already disproportionately impacting adolescent girls and young women and that they may require additional targeted, gender-sensitive messaging to foster behavior change. Gender-sensitive information campaigns and provision of health services must be accessible and provide women and girls with needed resources and support during the pandemic to ensure gains in public health and gender equity are not lost.

In adolescents, anaemia has been linked to affecting physical disorders, growth, and mental retardation and also increases reproductive morbidities among adolescent girls during their womanhood. It is believed that with increasing age, females are more prone to anaemia than their male counterparts. Unfortunately, the anaemia intervention program, such as the National Nutrition Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme, primarily targets infants, young children, pregnant and lactation women, and not adolescents. Therefore, this study tries to fill this gap and study the prevalence of anaemia and the associated factors among adolescent boys and girls residing in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. Secondary data analysis was performed on cross-sectional survey data from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults survey. The sample size was 20,594 adolescents aged 10–19 years in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. The outcome variable was anaemia, and the explanatory variables were age, education, working status, media exposure, marital status, received IFA and deworming tablets, BMI status, stunting status, wealth index, caste, religion, residence, and States. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to find the preliminary results. Multinomial regression analysis was carried out to provide the adjusted estimates. Overall, anaemia was more prevalent among adolescent girls than adolescent boys (20% vs. 8.7%). Moderate/severe anaemia was 0.24 and 0.49 times less likely among adolescent boys and girls, respectively, who had 10 and above years of schooling than adolescents with no schooling (p < 0.01). Rural adolescent boys were 1.49 times (p < 0.05) more likely to suffer from moderate/severe anaemia than urban counterparts. The odds for moderate/severe anaemia among adolescent boys were relatively higher among late adolescents, with no mass-media exposure, stunted, and rural adolescents. Similarly, odds for moderate/severe anaemia among adolescent girls were higher among late adolescents and adolescents without schooling and mass-media exposure. Prevalence of anaemia was higher among adolescent girls than in boys. Lower education status, rural residence, late adolescence, no exposure to mass media, and stunting were the predictors of moderate/severe anaemia among adolescents. Anaemia among adolescents must be addressed through effective public health policy targeting adolescents residing in rural areas. There is a need to disseminate information about anaemia-related programs, such as National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI), through mass media, and subsequently, the public health system may be prepared to tailor the needs of adolescent boys and girls.

Background: On March 24, 2020 India implemented a national lockdown to prevent spread of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among its 1.3 billion people. The pandemic may disproportionately impact women and girls. This study examines gender differences in knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and preventive behaviors, as well as the adverse secondary health effects of the lockdown.Methods: A mobile phone-based survey was implemented from April 3-22, 2020 in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among respondents randomly selected from an existing cohort study. Respondents answered questions related to demographics, COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors practiced, and impacts on social, economic and health outcomes. Descriptive analyses and linear probability regression models were performed for all participants and separately for males and females.Findings: 1,666 adolescent and young adults (18-24 years old) were surveyed; 70% female. While most participants had high awareness of disease symptoms and preventive behaviors, there was variation by gender. Compared to males, females were seven percentage points (pp) less likely to know the main symptoms of COVID-19 (coeff = -0·071; 95% confidence interval: -0·122 - -0·021). Among females, there was variation by education level, urban residence, and household wealth. Females were 22 pp less likely to practice key preventive behaviors (coeff = -0·222; 95% CIL -0·263, -0·181); among female respondents, knowledge was the only factor significantly associated with doing the behaviors. Females were more likely to report recent depressive feelings than males (coeff =0·057; 95% CI: 0·004, 0·109).Interpretation: Wide gender gaps in knowledge, adoption of preventive behaviors, and adverse mental health effects were identified, indicating that COVID-19 is already disproportionately impacting adolescent and young women. Gender-sensitive information campaigns and provision of health services must be accessible and provide support during the pandemic to ensure gains in public health and gender equity are not lost.Funding: None.Declaration of Interests: The authors have no personal or financial relationships to disclose.Ethics Approval Statement: We received expedited ethical approval from the Population Council’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) by meeting criteria for research conducted during COVID-19. The IRB permitted data collection with existing cohorts for participants with previous consent provided the research aligned with national mitigation efforts. The UDAYA study protocol originally received IRB approval in 2015 for longitudinal data collection. Participants were told they could terminate the study at any time or skip any sections. No incentives were offered for taking part in the study.

Depression is a major public health concern among Indian adolescents. Pre- and post-natal depression can often alter fetal development and have negative consequences on the physical and mental health of the mother. This paper aims to draw attention to the prevalence of depression and its correlates among currently married, ever-pregnant adolescents from two Indian States, i.e. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This study utilizes data from a subsample (n = 3116) of the prospective cohort study Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) among 10 to 19 year-old adolescents. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess the prevalence of depression by sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. To further access the predictors associated with depression a logistic regression model was applied. Around one-tenth (9%) of pregnant adolescents had depression. Regression analysis indicated that substance use, religion, autonomy, considering attempting suicide, premarital relationship, violence, dowry, adverse pregnancy outcome, menstrual problem, and parental pressure for the child immediately after marriage were significantly associated with depression. This study confirms the pre-existing annotation that teen pregnancy is linked with depression. Findings indicate that Adolescent mothers experiencing violence, and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at increased risk of developing depression. These study findings call for an urgent need to address depression among adolescent mothers.

Is parental engagement associated with subsequent delayed marriage and marital choices of adolescent girls? Evidence from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India