Ambala District Research Articles

Exploring the nexuses of aging, mental health, and obesity: A community based study in Northern India

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the association of obesity and overweight among rural elderly with their cognitive functioning, depression levels, and social connectedness. A community-based, study was conducted in the Naraingarh and Barara blocks of Ambala district, Haryana, India, with individuals aged 60 years and above. Utilizing systematic random sampling, 52 villages were strategically selected, and simple random sampling was used to select the elderly in the villages. Body Mass Index (BMI) was categorized into underweight, normal, overweight, and obese groups. Data precision was maintained through validated instruments, including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination (HMSE), and Social Connectedness Scale. A total of 468 individuals were enrolled, had a prevalence of obesity and overweight were 24 (5.1%) and 56 (12%), respectively. On bivariate analysis, tobacco intake, age, GDS score, HMSE, and SCS were found to have a statistically significant association with BMI. On logistic regression analysis, Age (OR = 1.077) and Depression score (OR = 1.068) with overweight, and Mental health score (OR = 1.125) with obesity among elderly had a significant association. Mental health emerges as intricately interwoven with overweight and obesity informing the need for targeted interventions to enhance the overall well-being of the elderly population.

Folate and Vitamin B12 Status in Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Haryana, India: Estimating Population-Based Prevalence for Neural Tube Defects.

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in pregnant women are associated with increased risk for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, including neural tube defects (NTDs). A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in two rural areas in Ambala District, Haryana, India in 2017 to assess baseline folate and vitamin B12 status among women of reproductive age (WRA) and predict the prevalence of NTDs. We calculated the prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency by demographic characteristics among 775 non-pregnant, non-lactating WRA (18-49 years). Using red blood cell (RBC) folate distributions and an established Bayesian model, we predicted NTD prevalence. All analyses were conducted using SAS-callable SUDAAN Version 11.0.4 to account for complex survey design. Among WRA, 10.1% (95% CI: 7.9, 12.7) and 9.3% (95% CI: 7.4, 11.6) had serum (<7 nmol/L) and RBC folate (<305 nmol/L) deficiency, respectively. The prevalence of RBC folate insufficiency (<748 nmol/L) was 78.3% (95% CI: 75.0, 81.3) and the predicted NTD prevalence was 21.0 (95% uncertainly interval: 16.9, 25.9) per 10,000 live births. Prevalences of vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 pg/mL) and marginal deficiency (≥200 pg/mL and ≤300 pg/mL) were 57.7% (95% CI: 53.9, 61.4) and 23.5% (95% CI: 20.4, 26.9), respectively. The magnitude of folate insufficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency in this Northern Indian population is a substantial public health concern. The findings from the survey help establish the baseline against which results from future post-fortification surveys can be compared.

Assessment of Nutritional Status Using World Health Organisation (WHO, 2007) and Revised Indian Academy of Paediatrics () Growth Charts Among Adolescent Girls of Ambala, Haryana

Assessing a population’s nutritional status and identifying specific causes and factors contributing to malnutrition are essential to implementing relevant interventions. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and its correlates among adolescent girls and determine the most suitable growth chart/reference to estimate malnutrition among them. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 858 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years belonging to the rural and urban areas of district Ambala, Haryana. Height and weight were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Socio-economic, demographic and dietary patterns were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was evaluated with the help of BMI using two different standards. Correlates of nutritional status were investigated using Chi-square test. According to the classification of WHO, stunting was shown by 60.73% of rural and 38.62% of urban girls. Wasting was witnessed in 52.43% of rural girls compared to 25.67% of urban girls. As per IAP growth charts, the maximum percentage (7.32%) of thinness was seen among rural girls, while only 1.96% of urban girls reported thinness. Urban girls exhibited a maximum percentage (19.36%) of overweight and obesity compared to 5.42% of rural girls. Undernutrition (underweight, stunting and wasting) was more prevalent among the rural girls, while the urban girls showed more incidence of overnutrition, that is, overweight and obesity. Socio-economic variables (parents’ educational status, occupation and monthly family income), demographic variables (family size, birth order and size of sib ship) and dietary habits (frequency of meals per day, food habits, consumption of milk and type of lunch) showed significant association with the nutritional status of the girls. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis revealed the IAP growth charts to be the most suitable for assessing malnutrition among adolescent girls compared to WHO criteria.

Examining the Power of Accumulation: A Case Study of the Lavera Project by Ambala Farmers Producer Company Limited in Haryana, India

The concept behind Farmer Producer Organizations is that farmers, who are the producers of Agricultural products, can form groups and register themselves under the Indian Companies Act. 1956. The aim is to enhance farmer's income, capacity building, and competitiveness and increase their advantage in emerging market opportunities. A case study was conducted in the Ambala District of Haryana to examine the role of farmer-producer organizations in enhancing farmers socio economic status. Studying the management and governance system of F.P.C. and assessing the impact of F.P.C. on members was the objective of the case study. Personal interviews and group discussion methods were used for data collection and secondary data from directors for gathering information on the F.P.C. Project Lavera Ambala Farmer Producer Organization, which was established on Sep 02, 2015, for collecting, processing, and marketing milk and milk products. It covered nine Ambala villages and collected raw milk from members and non-member farmers at higher prices than other value chain actors. The study's result indicates that farmers who supply milk to F.P.C. get 9-13 rupees per lit higher price than others. It also provides bonuses to member farmers who are company shareholders, and their income from dairy farming is enhanced by 25-30 percent. Lavera has enhanced net returns for farmers, increased revenue through value addition, and fostered entrepreneurship in rural communities. Members of F.P.C. are highly satisfied with the services provided by F.P.C. and its performance in local areas.

Compliance to post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite victims attending anti-rabies vaccination clinic in a community health centre in District Ambala, Haryana

Compliance to post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite victims attending anti-rabies vaccination clinic in a community health centre in District Ambala, Haryana

Spatio-temporal variability of public water supply characteristics and associated health hazards for children and adults in selected locations of Ambala, India.

The contamination of public water supply and groundwater resources is a major concern in many parts of developing nations. Polluted water poses serious health risks to humans and the environment. This research was conducted to investigate the seasonal variations of the water quality parameters in the public water supply. To assess the supply water quality in different blocks of Ambala District, hydro-chemical analysis was conducted after a series of systematic sampling in various locations. The statistical tools for water quality indexing including water quality indexing (WQI), heavy metal pollution indexing (HMPI), pollution indexing (PI), overall pollution indexing (OPI), metal indexing (MI), and hazard indexing (HI) were used for data as well as the health hazard analysis through water pathway. Overall, 40 water samples were taken from the public water supply systems covering winter and summer seasons, and the levels of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), EC, F- , Cl- , NO3 - , SO4 2- , HCO3 - , As, B, Cd, Co, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, and Mn were investigated. The weight arithmetic index method was used for WQI, and water pollution indices such as HMPI, PI, OPI, and MI were calculated using different models to check the severity of contamination. The mean hazard quotient and hazard index values calculated using the concentration levels of As, B, Cd, Co, Pb, Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, F- , and NO3 - reveal that supply water may pose a significant health risk to both adults and children that further varies with temporal and spatial changes. During both seasons, a high carcinogenic risk for both adults and children was observed in the studied area because of high levels of As, Pb, Cd, and NO3 - . PRACTITIONER POINTS: The quality of public supply water was assessed at the selected sites of Ambala, India. High levels of NO3 - , As, Cd, and Pb were observed posing a health risk to adults and children via water pathway. 95% of the samples qualified for the excellent water quality category with respect to the levels of F- , Cl- , NO3 - , SO4 2- , HCO3 - , pH, EC, and TDS. Statistical analysis (HMPI, PI, MI, OPI, HI) using different models revealed water contamination with reference to the levels of NO3 - , As, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd. Immediate measures are needed to uphold the safety and health of the natives.

Prevalence of post-partum depression and its association with sociodemographic factors in rural areas of Ambala District

Prevalence of post-partum depression and its association with sociodemographic factors in rural areas of Ambala District

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge of nursing students regarding mobile and internet addiction in Himalayan institute of Nursing, Kala Amb District Ambala Haryana

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge of nursing students regarding mobile and internet addiction in Himalayan institute of Nursing, Kala Amb District Ambala Haryana

A Case Study of Groundwater Potential for Agricultural Sustainability in Ambala District, Haryana by using Geospatial Approach

This study focuses on analyzing the behaviour of groundwater in the Ambala District using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approach. The Ambala District, located in 30.2862° N, 76.9643° E faces challenges related to groundwater availability and sustainability due to increasing water demand and potential environmental impacts. The research integrates various datasets, including hydrogeological parameters, groundwater level measurements, land use/land cover data, and geological information specific to the Ambala District. These datasets are processed and analyzed using GIS tools, enabling the identification of spatial patterns, trends, and relationships associated with groundwater behaviour. The analysis encompasses key aspects such as groundwater recharge areas, flow direction, aquifer characteristics, and vulnerability to contamination. By overlaying different thematic layers and conducting spatial analysis, the study identifies areas with high potential for groundwater recharge, areas of groundwater flow convergence or divergence, and regions prone to contamination risks from anthropogenic activities.

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Epidemiology and effects of sociodemographic factors on extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Ambala, India

BackgroundAn ambitious plan was set into motion with the aim of TB elimination from India in 2025. To achieve this, it is high time to give emphasis on other prevalent forms of TB, such as extra pulmonary TB (EPTB). ObjectivesThe study aims to discern the differences in patient characteristics and management practices between pulmonary TB and EPTB using data from district Ambala. MethodsThis retrospective study used data of 12,985 TB patients from district Ambala, India. The differences in patient characteristics and management practices between pulmonary TB and EPTB were analyzed using the NIKSHAY database. ResultsIn the studied population, extra pulmonary TB (EPTB) formed 29.7% of all TB cases. Among all EPTB cases, pleural TB was found to be the most common form, accounting for 27%. The study also revealed that female gender, young age, non-diabetic status, and high BMI were associated with an increased propensity to have EPTB. Interestingly, unlike pulmonary TB, which had increased odds for contracting the disease in diabetic individuals (OR – 2.02), there were no increased odds for contracting EPTB in diabetic individuals. However, HIV infection significantly increased the odds for both pulmonary TB and EPTB. The results also showed diagnostic discrepancies between the private and public sectors, along with a low microbiological confirmation rate of 7.1% in EPTB cases. ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of focusing on EPTB in addition to pulmonary TB for effective TB elimination in India. The differences in patient characteristics and management practices warrant further investigation and targeted interventions for both forms of the disease. Efforts should be made to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce discrepancies between the private and public sectors.

Community-based baseline survey regarding prevalence of anemia among females of different age categories under Anemia Mukt Abhiyan in District Ambala, Haryana

Background: Anemia is the most common micronutrient deficiency. Despite repeated efforts taken under the national program, high prevalence of anemia still observed across various life stages of females in India over the past two decades. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to discern the prevalence of anemia in the non-pregnant and non-lactating females of Ambala, Haryana, between the ages of 6 months to 49 years using the gold standard cyan-met-hemoglobin method. Results: A total of 1, 21, 202 study subjects, with a mean age of 28.9±19.3 years were tested for hemoglobin across 524 villages, out of which 97,305 (80.1%) females were found to be anemic with mean hemoglobin level of 10.8±1.4 gm% with 53.2% of all females being moderately anemic. Conclusions: This study reported that anemia is extremely prevalent in all walks of life of females. Multipronged strategy is to be followed to curb anemia from various age groups of females.

Facial Measurements and Their Correlation with Vertical Dimension of Occlusion in Dentate Subjects: An Anthropometric Analysis

Introduction: In the field of prosthodontics, there lies a delicate balance between the preservation of supporting structures and the restoration of physiological function while providing complete denture prostheses to completely edentulous patients. A good prosthesis requires appropriate recording of the proper maxillo-mandibular relationship, including the vertical dimension of occlusion, which is a crucial step in complete denture fabrication. The reliability of anthropometric methods to determine the vertical dimension of occlusion has been widely discussed in the literature. Aim: To evaluate the correlation of various facial measurements with the vertical dimension of occlusion in dentate subjects. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics at a Dental College in Ambala district of Haryana, India, from February 2021 to July 2023. A total of 100 subjects (50 females and 50 males) within the age range of 20-35 years were selected. Five facial parameters were selected to correlate with the vertical dimension of occlusion: the distance from glabella to subnasion, the distance from the outer canthus of one eye to the inner canthus of the other eye, the distance from the outer canthus to the rima oris, the distance from the outer canthus to the External Auditory Meatus (EAM) on the left side of the face, and the Interpupillary Distance (IPD). Facial measurements were recorded using a digital vernier calliper, while IPD was recorded using a PD ruler. Each measurement was made three times and recorded by a single operator. Once recorded, all the measurements were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Regression analysis was also conducted to formulate a regression equation for determining the vertical dimension of occlusion. Results: The mean Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) for males was 59.29±6.48 mm, and for females, it was 52.34±5.92 mm. The results showed a positive and significant (p-value&lt;0.05) correlation between the vertical dimension of occlusion and facial measurements such as glabella to subnasion (p-value for males: 0.001, p-value for females: &lt;0.001), outer canthus to inner canthus (p-value for males: 0.01, p-value for females: &lt;0.001), outer canthus to rima oris (p-value for males: &lt;0.001, p-value for females: &lt;0.001), and outer canthus to EAM (p-value for males: 0.007, p-value for females: 0.001) in both males and females. However, there was no significant correlation between IPD and VDO (p-value for males: 0.296, p-value for females: 0.66) in both genders. Conclusion: It can be concluded that facial measurements could be taken into consideration for determining the vertical dimension of occlusion in completely edentulous patients in conjunction with other reliable methods.

Estimation of Cost and Returns of Onion Cultivation in Haryana

The present study adopted purposive sampling to sample 200 respondents from the Mewat and Ambala districts of Haryana during 2019-20 to estimate the cost and returns in the cultivation of onions in Haryana. The data were analysed using average, percentage, t-test, and ANOVA. The study revealed that the working capital, average variable cost and total cost, gross return and net return were highest in the case of large-sized, followed by medium and small farmers in both districts. Large-sized farmers recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio. Further, a reverse pattern was observed in the cost of production of onion; that is, the highest cost of production was observed in the case of the small farmers, followed by medium and large farmers. The study suggested that small farmers should avail the latest technology through cooperatives or through custom hiring, which will reduce the cost and bring more returns.

Predictors of Practice of breast self-examination among women in District Ambala (Haryana)

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and its early detection is critical to improve survival. Breast self-examination is a cheap, basic and non-intellectual method to detect breast cancer. Aims and objectives: 1To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breast self-examination2. To explain the various factors which affect the practice of BSE Material and Methods: The present study was carried out among 300 women residing in rural and urban areas of district Ambala using a self-designed pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In this study 127 (42.3%) of the participants had heard of BSE and 107 (35.7%) of the participants knew how to perform BSE. Overall, 47.7%, 30.3%, and 22% of the study participants had poor (&lt;50%), medium (50–75%), and good knowledge (&gt;75) on BSE, respectively. Educational qualification, knowing the three positions to perform BSE, knowing how often should BSE be done, taught how to do BSE, BSE is a useful tool to detect breast cancer were seen to be significantly associated with practice of BSE. Conclusion: This study elucidates that the knowledge as well as practice of BSE was significantly low in the population. This study provides insights into the various factors which affect the practice of BSE .

Comparison of Imaging Severity Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated COVID-19 Patients: Perspective of an Indian District.

Extensive vaccination drives undertaken globally helped in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pandemic, but different nations adopted different vaccination policies to tackle the disease. The vaccination drive in India began with the administration of two different vaccines:Covishield and Covaxin. We assessed the effect of vaccination status on imaging severity in patients with positive COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)/antigen tests. This was a single-center retrospective observation analysis carried out over three months betweenMarch 1, 2021, toMay 31, 2021. Data access was provided by the District Hospital Review Board (DHRB) and the Department of Health (DOH), District Ambala, Haryana. Appropriate statistical tools were used to analyze the data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0 and Python 3.9 were used for statistical analysis and visualization, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total sample size of the study was 1,316, out of which 371 (28.2%) were vaccinated and 945 (71.8%) were not vaccinated. The mean age of the study participants was 49.6 ± 15.7 years. Seven hundred ninety-seven (60.6%) participants were male, while 519 (39.4%) participants were female. A statistically significant reduction was observed in the computed tomography severity score(CTSS) of the vaccinated population compared to the non-vaccinated group (χ2 = 74.3, p < 0.001). Vaccination led to a statistically significant decrease in mean CTSSacross all lung lobes. Emerging COVID-19 variants challenge the effect of available vaccines, with different nations adopting different vaccination strategies to deal with the ongoing health problem. CTSS was employed as an objective marker to study the disease severity and effect of vaccination. Vaccination resulted in a significant reduction in CTSS seen on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scans. There was a significant decrease in the incidence of severe COVID-19 pneumonia among vaccinated individuals. We need more observational data to corroborate the efficacy of vaccines presented in the randomized trials. Sharing such data between different nations can help us adopt a unifying vaccination strategy and decrease the impact of COVID-19 in subsequent disease waves.

Species Composition and Economic Evaluation under Agroforestry Practices in three districts of Haryana

The study is the outcome of status and economic evaluation of poplar, eucalyptus and other species based agroforestry practices adopted by farmer in Ambala, Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana. The Populus deltoides and Eucalyptus spp. were dominant commercial species of agroforestry systems followed. Block plantation was adopted highest in Kurukshetra followed by Yamunanagar and Ambala while boundary plantations were also found highest in Ambala than Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra. Among species, poplar was major component in Yamunanagar followed by Ambala and Kurukshetra and Eucalyptus had major composition in Kurukshetra than Ambala and Yamunanagar. Among horticulture species, mango, guava etc. were found maximum in Yamunanagar followed by Ambala and Kurukshetra while the forestry species like neem, drek, shisham etc were also found in the trend of Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra and Ambala districts. The overall net return was found higher under block system than the bund system in poplar based agri-silviculture system. In commercial terms, the B:C ratio was found higher from Poplar based in block planting than poplar based on bund planting in agri-silviculture system. Similarly, net returns were also obtained from eucalyptus based agroforestry systems. Comparatively as per net returns and B:C ratio in the block system were found more economic to bund systems.

PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSIS AND MEASURING THE RETURNS TO SCALE OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN THE AMBALA DISTRICT OF HARYANA STATE

This study studies micro, small, and medium manufacturing enterprises of the Ambala District. Haryana (India). The study used Cobb Douglas production function to measure the input-output relationship, returns to scale, and marginal productivity found that all enterprises loan capital and labour employed are positively related to output, but not significantly related to technological progress. In addition, the study found that the marginal productivity of labour within the Ambala region is more than the marginal productivity of capital. This study also tried to find out the best technique that helps to achieve the best manufacturing process in selected manufacturing area recommends that all enterprises should focus their investment on labour-intensive technologies as well as also on capital-intensive techniques, therefore, they can get a positive return.

Assessment of infrastructure facilities, manpower and services at health sub-centres from a rural block of Haryana, North India

Background: A sub-centre is the most peripheral and first point of contact between the health care system and the Community. The success of any nationwide programme largely depends on well-functioning sub-centres providing services of acceptable standard to people. Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) were programmed with an objective to standardize the health care infrastructure and services. Current study was undertaken with the aim to assess the infrastructure facilities, manpower and services of a sample of sub-centers from North India against the IPHS standards.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out from February 2014 to October 2014 in 30 of the 32 sub-centres in a rural block of district Ambala in the state of Haryana, North India using a specially designed semi structured questionnaire to compare the existing physical infrastructure, manpower, quality control and service delivery in these sub-centres against the IPHS standards.Results: Significant gaps existed in available physical infrastructure and availability of manpower (especially male worker). The parameters designed for quality control like citizen’s charter, internal and external monitoring were also found to be deficient. Record keeping and reporting was also unsatisfactory. However, availability of the requisite services and service delivery was found to be satisfactory.Conclusions: There is urgent need to equip the sub-centres with the necessary infrastructure and logistics along with need of regular monitoring and supervision of the sub-centers by internal and external agencies so as to improve the quality of facilities and services provided by them.

Early Program Assessment of the Haryana Wheat Flour Fortification Program, India

ObjectivesIn 2018, a wheat flour fortification program with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 fortificants was established within the government-run Public Distribution System (PDS) in Ambala District, Haryana, India to address micronutrient deficiencies. PDS provides basic food and non-food commodities to the families below poverty level at subsidised prices. This study aims to assess household fortified wheat flour consumption among PDS recipients. MethodsIn 2021, we conducted a household survey and interviewed women aged 18–49 years (WRA) about consumption of wheat flour. A systematic probability sample design was used to select 358 households with WRA from a listing of all household beneficiaries enrolled in PDS who were living in the Naraingarh and Barara communities in Ambala District where the wheat flour fortification program was implemented. We assessed the percentages of households who have received and consumed fortified wheat flour from PDS, and assessed the perceived quality of fortified wheat flour compared to non-fortified wheat flour from other sources. ResultsWe were able to reach 88% of the selected households (314/358) and 291 WRA agreed to participate (response rate 93%). Almost 99% (288/291) of households were eligible to obtain fortified wheat flour through PDS and among those eligible, 285 (99%) obtained fortified wheat flour monthly. Household consumption of fortified wheat flour was 98%, and 71% consumed all the fortified wheat flour supply before consuming other non-fortified wheat flours. Among households that reported consumption of fortified wheat flour, 63% reported quality of the fortified wheat flour was similar or better than non-fortified wheat flour from other sources. ConclusionsReceipt and consumption of fortified wheat flour among PDS beneficiaries was very high. A majority of households reported consumption of fortified wheat flour first before other non-fortified wheat flour and that the quality of fortified wheat flour was similar or better than other non-fortified wheat flour. Periodic assessment of the wheat flour fortification program would be helpful to ensure continual high consumption of fortified wheat flour by PDS beneficiaries. Funding SourcesU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided funding for the assessment.