Amritsar District Research Articles

Maternal factors affecting foetal outcome in rural area of district Amritsar, Punjab

Background: Birth weight not only indicates health of mother, nutrition and quality of life but also a pivotal factor in determining growth, survival and development of children. The key aspect influencing birth weight is maternal factors. Stress during pregnancy also affects a child's growth and development. So the present study was planned to assess the maternal factors affecting foetal outcomes. The level of stress among antenatal women was also determined in the study. Methods: A prospective observational type of study was conducted from January to March, 2022. All the registered antenatal women were followed till outcome of pregnancy. Information was collected on predesigned and pretested proforma. Data analysis was done using SPSS version- 23. Results: A total of 114 antenatal were registered in rural field practice area under Department of Community Medicine, SGRDIMSAR, Amritsar. There were 108 singleton live births and 6 miscarriages among registered antenatal women. Almost half (47.2%) of subjects got their pregnancy registered before 12 weeks. Recommended more than minimum 4 antenatal visits were conducted in almost half (49.1%) of women. Three fourth (75.9%) women in first trimester of pregnancy were suffering from moderate stress while 24.1% women were suffering from low stress. Conclusions: In the present study maternal factors found to be significantly associated with birth weight of newborn were maternal age at first child, timing of 1st Antenatal visits, weight gain during pregnancy, number of Td (Tetanus diptheria) doses taken and consumption of IFA tablets. Perceived stress score (PSS) was also found to be significantly associated with birth weight of newborn.

Adherence to Indian public health standards 2022 standards: a cross-sectional study on infrastructure of health and wellness centres in Amritsar district of Punjab

Background: After independence since 1952 basic healthcare services are primarily being delivered through primary health centres (PHCs). Recently, the government has expanded services with health and wellness centres (HWCs) to offer comprehensive primary care. Indian public health standards (IPHS) has formed the basis of their updation since 2007 with latest coming up in 2022. It is a general belief that infrastructure is lacking but no studies have been conducted to assess them in the border district of state of Punjab. Methods: An observational cross‑sectional study was conducted among 8 urban PHCs (UPHCs), 17 rural PHCs (R-PHC) and 28 sub health centres (SHCs) of district Amritsar UPHCs selected by Simple random sampling whereas RPHCs and SHCs selected by two stages stratified random sampling) where available infrastructure was assessed using a checklist developed on basis of IPHS 2022. Data was collected by observation and interview with medical officer and community health officer. Based on the checklist, overall scores were calculated where presence/absence of infrastructure were scored as 1/0. The PHCs were then classified into very good (>80%), good (60-80%), average (40-60%), poor (<40%). Results: Basic utilities like 24-hour electricity and water supply were available in 100% of R-PHCs, 89% of SHCs, and 100% of UPHCs. Fire safety measures were present in 50% of UPHCs, 35% of R-PHCs, and none of the SHCs. Residential facilities were available in 35% of R-PHCs, 4% of SHCs, and none of the UPHCs. Regarding clinical infrastructure, 70% of R-PHCs (24×7 and non 24×7) had inpatient wards, but none were equipped with minor OTs. In comparison, 62% of UPHCs (24×7 and non 24×7) had inpatient wards, and only 25% had minor OTs. Among SHCs, 89% had consultation. Overall, 83% of R-PHCs and 75% of UPHCs were graded very good or good, while 82% of SHCs were rated average or poor. Conclusions: While basic amenities were widely available, significant gaps in clinical and support infrastructure were identified, particularly in SHCs, which lack fire safety measures, functional residential quarters, and dedicated health and wellness areas. These deficiencies underscore the need for targeted investments to enhance infrastructure across all HWC levels.

Effects of internet addiction on mental and ocular health of school students of district Amritsar

Background: The popularity of mobile phones is increasing among students because of their multifunctionality as one click allows them to explore multiple applications providing new and varied functions. This excessive use becomes an addiction at later stages that has a negative impact on the mental health of the child. Further emission of blue lights from screens negatively impacts the eyes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the students of 9th to 12th class students from 4 Schools of Amritsar where 92 students (23 students per class, 1:1 male to female ratio) from each school were selected using simple random sampling. Based on various symptoms related to ocular and mental health, 11 and 10 questions were framed respectively. The presence of symptoms was scored as one. The Mean was calculated; and anyone who scored above the mean was considered having a negative impact on the ocular and mental health. The association between internet addiction and its effects on ocular & mental health was calculated using the Odds Ratio. Results: The prevalence of internet addiction was found to be 49%. Mental health problems were present in 45% of the participants. Ocular problems were present in 40% of the participants. Internet addiction was found to be associated with poor mental and ocular health. Conclusions: 49% of students were addicted to the internet. Internet addiction was found to be associated with poor mental & ocular health.

Constraints faced by the small and marginal farmers in integrated farming system in Amritsar district of Punjab

Constraints faced by the small and marginal farmers in integrated farming system in Amritsar district of Punjab

Assessment of household dietary diversity and its associated factors among the households of Amritsar district: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Assessment of household dietary diversity and its associated factors among the households of Amritsar district: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater in Ludhiana and Amritsar Districts of Punjab and Identification of Fluoride Hotspots using GIS

High fluoride concentrations in soil, water, or air can pose serious environmental and health risks to plants, and animals. Along with other hydrochemical parameters, this study investigates fluoride concentrations in the groundwater in the Ludhiana and Amritsar districts of Punjab, India. A total of 222 water samples were uniformly collected at approximately five-kilometer intervals for hydrochemical analyses. Statistical methods such as inverse distance weighting (IDW) and correlation matrices were used to assess the fluoride distribution and its relationships with other parameters. According to WHO guidelines, most fluoride concentrations were below 0.6 ppm in Ludhiana (84.30%) and Amritsar (77.23%). Fluoride levels that were within the permissible range (0.6–1.5 ppm) were found in 15.70% of Ludhiana’s samples and 21.78% of Amritsar’s samples; only 1% of Amritsar’s samples exceeded the permissible limit (>1.5 ppm). The water quality index (WQI) analysis indicated that0.83% of the groundwater samples from the Ludhiana district and 4.95% from the Amritsar district were unfit for consumption. This study demonstrates the importance of standardized sample collection and the use of GIS technology for comprehensive hydrochemical assessments, raising awareness and reducing health risks.

Evaluating Effectiveness and Challenges in B.Ed. Student Teacher Internships

The B.Ed. internship program is essential for teacher preparation, but its effectiveness in preparing future educators for diverse classrooms requires ongoing evaluation. The school internship programme in teacher education is changing from a pre-specified practice-teaching approach to a more comprehensive approach, as emphasized by the NCTE Regulations, 2009 and 2014 respectively. The 2009 regulations expanded the scope of practice-teaching by emphasizing the importance of student-teachers experiencing all school activities and programs. The 2014 regulations further strengthened the component of ‘Field Engagement’ by prescribing a longer duration of 15 weeks. In the present paper researchers has made an attempt to examines the effectiveness and challenges of B.Ed. student teacher internships, focusing on skill development, support structures, and resource availability. It also investigates the program’s impact on student teachers’ confidence in managing diverse classrooms and fostering student success with varying needs and abilities perception of student teachers about the engagement of 15weeks (15+2 weeks) with the field in B.Ed. 3 rd. semester. Internship Programme as per the curriculum of Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar Punjab. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges faced by student teachers during their internship. The sample consisted of 180 student-teachers selected from B.Ed. colleges of Amritsar district through random sampling. The study, utilizing an open-ended questionnaire, revealed that student-teachers encountered numerous challenges during their internship in the 3rd semester of B.Ed., highlighting the challenges faced by both students and educators.

Influences of role models and other factors on physical activity amongst 6 to 16 years overweight and obese students.

Physical activity is an essential aspect of living a healthy lifestyle, which offers a myriad of benefits for both the body and the mind. Nonetheless, a family history of obesity can pose significant challenges to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, which is further exacerbated by the academic stress. Individuals who have a role model that prioritizes physical activity are more likely to develop positive and healthy habits in their lives. The study aimed to examine how role models affect physical activity and its impact on addressing challenges of family obesity history and academic stress in school children. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to April 2020 in three schools in Amritsar district selected by lottery method of simple random sampling. Out of 4226 students, 355 overweight and obese students were interviewed regarding their physical activity. An informed written assent and consent was taken from the children and guardians respectively. Mothers of 6 to 11-year-old students and students aged 12 to 16 were interviewed using a pre-designed, validated, semi-structured questionnaire. 51.3% had a family history of obesity while 14.9% and 14.6% of parents of overweight students had hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Over half (52.7%) lacked interest in physical activity and almost 33.5% of males were inactive. Students who chose movie actors as role models (71.1%) and those who found their role models' information reliable (83.2%) were more likely to participate in physical activity. Of the 247 students who were knowledgeable about healthy living, a significant majority of 70.4% engaged in physical activity while 76% of overweight/obese students reported academic stress as a barrier. Study shows majority engage in physical activity regardless of gender. Over 70% have family history of obesity and healthy lifestyle knowledge. Stress reduces physical activity and students with movie/sports/fitness role models have better activity levels. Reasons for not engaging included dislike for sports and lack of time.

Evaluation and health risk assessment of arsenic and potentially toxic elements pollution in groundwater of Majha Belt, Punjab, India.

Concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) like arsenic, uranium, iron, and nitrate in the groundwater of the Majha Belt (including Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot districts) in Punjab, India were measured to evaluate the health risks associated with its consumption and daily use. The average concentrations of these elements in some locations exceeded the WHO-recommended values. Arsenic and iron toxicity levels were found to be higher in the Amritsar district, while uranium toxicity was more prevalent in Tarn Taran. The Trace Element Evaluation Index suggests that Amritsar is one of the districts most affected by toxic elements. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) guidelines, the HQ values of U, Fe, and nitrate were less than one, indicating that there is no non-carcinogenic health risk for adults and children. However, the hazard quotient (HQ) value for arsenic was greater than one, indicating a higher possibility of health risk due to arsenic in the study area. The total hazard index values of 44.10% of samples were greater than four for arsenic, indicating that people in the Majha Belt are at a very high health risk due to the usage of water for drinking and domestic purposes. The cancer risk assessment values for arsenic in children (5.69E + 0) and adults (4.07E + 0) were higher than the accepted limit of USEPA (10-4 to 10-6) in the Majha Belt. The average radiological cancer risk values of U for children and adults were 8.68E-07 and 9.45E-06, respectively, which are well below the permissible limit of 1.67 × 10-4 suggested by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of DAE, India. The results of this study confirm that the residents of the Majha Belt who use contaminated groundwater are at a serious risk of exposure to arsenic in the Amritsar district and uranium in Tarn Taran district.

Effect of Meditation on Adjustment of Secondary School Students

In today’s competitive world is growing world where the competition in almost every field which creates its own stress and disturbances, it is important to have good health for better performance. Meditation is a good way to reach a state of mental equanimity where responses to favorable or unfavorable external events are well under the individual’s control and responses are moderate in intensity. Meditation help to improves mental and physical health and maintain happiness and adjustment with his self and his environment. The present study was undertaken with the purpose of studying effect of meditation on adjustment of secondary school students. The study was conducted on a sample of 200 secondary school students of Amritsar District. 100 as control group and 100 as experimental group was selected for the study in two schools. The result indicated that the meditation technique employed by the experimental group helped them to improve their adjustment in home, society, health and education. The significant effect of mediation was found on adjustment of secondary school students.

Performance Assessment System of Sanitation Services in Urban Areas of Amritsar District

Performance Assessment System of Sanitation Services in Urban Areas of Amritsar District

Prevalence of Distress among Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetics Residing in Rural and Urban Areas of District Amritsar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Patients with diabetes face psychological issues which may be part of the spectrum of diseaseexperience, distinct from depression, which hinder glycemic control. Therefore, this study was planned todetermine the prevalence of diabetes related distress, and its association with socio-demographic variables,treatment status, and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among diagnosed type 2 Diabetic patientsresiding in urban and rural field practice area of Government Medical College, Amritsar. Data was collected forperiod of one year. Pre-tested, validated questionnaire Diabetes Distress Screening Scale 17 (DDS17) was used.Quantitative and Qualitative variables were compared using t- test and Chi-square test respectively. P value <0.05was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Overall, 18% of study participants were found to be distressed. Distress was slightly higher among urbanstudy participants (21%) in comparison to rural study participants (15%) but this difference was not statisticallysignificant. Significantly higher distress levels were observed among study participants who reported inadequatetreatment, uncontrolled glycemic status and complications due to diabetes.Conclusions: Diabetes related distress is associated with treatment status, glycemic status and complications dueto diabetes. There is need to manage diabetes well and achieve glycemic control in all patients to reduce level ofdistress among them.

Clinical and Antigen Serotype O Confirmation of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Virus Outbreak in Punjab Spillover from Domestic Livestock

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most highly contagious viral diseases affecting cloven-hoofed domestic and wild animals. This study described clinical investigations of FMD outbreaks (n=13) with serotype O confirmation in seven districts of Punjab from October 2023 to April 2024. Samples from sick animals and post-mortem examinations were collected from FMD suspected animals for laboratory diagnosis. The investigation included clinical signs and lesions, blood profiles, presence of other infectious pathogens, differential diagnosis, and the cause of death in the area. A total of 13 outbreaks in farm ruminants were confirmed, detecting FMDV serotype O. Outbreaks were reported in Ludhiana, Barnala, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Faridkot, Mansa, and Amritsar districts. Animals were diagnosed to be positive for FMDV antigen using Sandwich ELISA. A total of 692 animals, including both cattle and buffalo, were affected in these districts, with a mortality rate of 24.42% (169/692) in young animals and heifers. The most severely affected districts were Bathinda, Barnala, and Faridkot, that experienced high mortality rates, leading to significant economic losses in these areas. Histopathologically samples revealed muscle degeneration and diffuse lymphocytic infiltration, and lymphocytic myocarditis in the heart, which is characteristic of the cardiac form of FMD. Serotype O FMDV, primarily circulating in the study area, was identified as the cause of the outbreaks in farm ruminants under investigation. The local animal health authorities should take steps to minimize the spread of the disease by being prepared for risk factors, particularly animal movement and human activities linked to an outbreak and the need for improved vaccination coverage and enhanced biosecurity measures to control the spread of FMD in the region.

Metarhabditis amsactae: A potential biopesticide isolated from Punjab (India) with potent insecticidal activity and immunomodulatory effects against Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

A survey was undertaken to isolate entomopathogenic nematodes from Amritsar district of Punjab, India. Out of 20 soil samples collected, two were found positive for the presence of nematodes. 18S and ITS rDNA gene sequencing revealed their identity as Metarhabditis amsactae. To assess its biocontrol potential, Galleria mellonella larvae were treated with concentrations of 20, 40, 80 and 160 IJs/L (infective juveniles/larva) and mortality was recorded from 24 h up to 96 h of nematode exposure. Distilled water without nematodes was used as an untreated control. M. amsactae showed potent larvicidal activity against G. mellonella that was found to be concentration and time dependent. Nematode infection caused 93.33 % larval mortality at 80 IJs/L after 72 h of treatment. 100 % mortality was observed after 96 h. No mortality was observed in control. To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of M. amsactae, G. mellonella larvae were infected with 100 IJs/L and activities of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), phenol oxidase (PO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) were appraised after 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of nematode exposure. Malondialdehyde content was also determined. The results obtained demonstrated a significant elevation in all the enzyme activities at all time intervals in treated larvae when compared with untreated control. MDA levels were also enhanced in response to nematode infection. Thus, the present study revealed high insecticidal potential and immunomodulatory effects of M. amsactae on G. mellonella that should be further explored on other insect pests as well.

Crop Residue as Sustainable Energy Option: Case of Amritsar District, Punjab, India

Historically, biomass energy is the oldest form of energy, for domestic purposes. Amongst biomass, crop-residue resources are abundant, especially in agriculture-dominated areas. Worldwide, of the total renewable energy potential, one-fourth of total renewable energy is being produced by biomass and waste. Within biomass, co-generation plants using process-based agricultural wastes are used for power generation. However, a major proportion of crop residues, that is, non-processed residues, are burnt in the open fields themselves, resulting in air pollution, greenhouse gases and climate change, deterioration of soil health due to loss of nutrients, moisture, etc. The present article assesses crop-residue generation, utilisation, and surplus-availability for energy generation in Amritsar district. Amritsar district is the second most populated among 22 districts of Punjab state. Agriculture is the main economic activity in the district, covering 82.2% of its geographical area. It has been estimated that a total of 2.5 million tonnes of crop residues are being generated annually within the Amritsar district. Out of the total residues, almost two-thirds of residues remain unutilised. The residues are being burnt, resulting in deteriorating air-quality, which could be used as a sustainable renewable energy source. The total surplus residue has the potential for 721 MW of power generation.

Vocational Interests of Deprived and Non-Deprived Secondary School Students in Relation to Achievement Motivation

The present study investigates the Vocational Interests of Deprived and Non-Deprived Secondary School students in relation to Achievement Motivation. The study consisted of 200 students of the 10th class randomly drawn from four different schools of the Amritsar district. Data was collected with the help of the Vocational Interest Record by Kulshrestha (1965) and the Achievement Motivation Scale by Deo-Mohan (1985). The data obtained were analyzed statistically with the help of Mean, SD, t-ratio, and correlation to arrive at the following conclusions: (i)There is a significant difference in vocational interests of deprived and non-deprived secondary school students (ii) There is a significant difference in achievement motivation of deprived and non-deprived secondary school students. (iii)There are significant gender differences in the vocational interests of deprived and non-deprived secondary school students. (iv)There are significant gender differences in achievement motivation of deprived and non-deprived secondary school students. (v)There is a significant relationship between vocational interests and achievement motivation.

Status of Vocationally Trained Women in Amritsar District of Punjab, India

The present study was conducted in the Amritsar District of Punjab. Purposive cum random sampling technique was followed for the selection of vocationally trained women. Amritsar district was selected purposively as there was no such study conducted previously on vocational training program for women. A list of vocational trained women was procured from KVK, Nagkalan which is the only KVK functional in Amritsar district and from the procured list 100 vocationally trained women were selected randomly for the present study. Results of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were educated up to the higher secondary level. Neighbors were the main source of information about the vocational training at KVK for the majority of women respondents. Moreover, there were little less than half percent of women respondents who got support from their family to start their own enterprises after getting training. Regression model was used and form the data, it is concluded that among all independent variables, age and education had a significant effect on respondent’s decision to start their own enterprises.

Study the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Marital Adjustment among Secondary School Teachers of Amritsar District

The present study was conducted to explore the relationship in emotional intelligence and marital adjustment among secondary school teachers of Amritsar district. The sample consisted of teachers of Amritsar district. They were selected by random sampling technique. For this study Marital adjustment of Promod Kumar and Kanchan Rohtagi (2010) and emotional adjustment inventory by S.K. Mangal (2012) was used . Result of this study showed significant difference between emotional intelligence and marital adjustment among secondary school teachers. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and marital adjustment among secondary school teachers.

A study to assess socioeconomic status, climate change perception and mental health of farmers in Amritsar district of Punjab, India

A study to assess socioeconomic status, climate change perception and mental health of farmers in Amritsar district of Punjab, India

Seasonal fluctuations in phthalates’ contamination in pond water: A case study

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, reported to cause deformities and reproductive damages in animals. Numerous studies reported the presence of phthalates in water samples of rivers, wetlands, and estuaries, while the scenario in case of ponds is different, however they are reported as an integral part of biosphere. In this study, the level of phthalates’ contamination in the water samples collected from the different ponds of Amritsar district for four consecutive seasons in two years was analysed. The maximal level of phthalate contamination was found in samples collected during the monsoon season (July 2015) of first year of sampling followed by post-monsoon (October 2015) and winter season (January 2016). S8 sampling site was found to be the most phthalate contaminated site followed by S1=S11>S2=S9=S4=S5=S7>S6=S3>S10. Benzyl butyl phthalate was most abundant (found in 32% water samples) followed by di-n-butyl and dimethyl phthalate, while diallyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate were not detected. The two main drivers for these seasonal variations were observed to be temperature and precipitation. Hence, this data will be useful to explain the temporal and spatial distributions of phthalates in aquatic ecosystem, as well as to devise cost-effective ways to reduce their ecological footprints.