Community Awareness Programs Research Articles

Evaluating strategies for sustainable recovery and recycling of plastic waste in the West Bank of Palestine: The perspectives of plastic companies.

The plastic waste (PW) makes up the second largest portion of the total solid waste generated in Palestine. Hence, it is important to consider proper PW management mainly through recovery and recycling and implement appropriate strategies. This study aims to identify and evaluate the social, legal, technological, environmental, and economic strategies that can positively motivate plastic manufacturing and/or recycling companies to recover and recycle PW. A structured questionnaire was developed to address 30 plastic companies in the West Bank. The results indicate that 80% of the companies supported the social strategies that implement community awareness programs. Almost 92% of the companies agreed with legal strategies which enforce legislations to support PW recovery and recycling practices. As for technological strategies, 76% of the companies endorsed the application of modern technologies for PW management. However, only 68% of the companies accepted the environmental strategies which promote life cycle assessment and environmental awareness programs and adopted the use of recycled plastic materials in manufacturing from the context of the economic and market strategies. Palestinians are invited to implement PW recovery and recycling practices to better utilize available resources, achieve sustainable management of solid waste, and promote environmental health.

Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and Its Association with Sociodemographic, Physical and Mental Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study among the Young Adults of Bangladesh.

Smartphones have made our lives easier and have become indispensable for everyday life; however, their uncontrolled and excessive use can trigger "smartphone addiction" (SA). SA is a rising public health issue, particularly among young people around the world. There is a dearth of empirical research about SA and its impacts on young adults, particularly in developing countries such as Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study is an attempt to fill this gap. The data were collected from 440 eligible young adults in Bangladesh using an online survey between July 2021 and February 2022. Study results revealed that 61.4% of the young adults were addicted to their smartphone. Logistic regression analysis showed that being male, aged ≤25, unemployed and living with a large family size (≥8) were the significant sociodemographic predictors of SA. Smartphone-addicted participants were more likely to be less physically active, suffer from insomnia, be overweight or obese and use their phones while driving, walking and eating. In addition, the SA group were more likely to have physical and mental well-being problems. This study brings to light significant implications for policy makers and indicates a need for an SA community awareness programme which aims to reduce SA at the societal level.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of parents of thalassemic children undergoing treatment at thalassemia day care centre of pediatrics department, Govt. Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala

To explore the knowledge of the parents of thalassemic children, their attitude towards the prevention of birth of thalassemic children and practices followed by them in relation to treatment adherence. : Parents of 100 patients of Thalassemia, who were coming regularly for blood transfusion in Thalassemia day care centre at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala from January 2011 to Nov 2012, were interviewed regarding their knowledge about the inheritance and types of Thalassemia, prenatal diagnosis, various treatment options available and practices followed by them on a predesigned questionnaire. The variables were compared by Chi square test and results so obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 15 statistically. : Knowledge of parents regarding importance of Ferritin levels, role of chelation therapy and Bone marrow transplantation in relation to age and sex of patients, their socioeconomic status was found statistically significant. Relation between knowledge of parents and treatment adherence, knowledge and attitude towards prevention of disease were found stastically significant. Relation of knowledge about treatment options available and effect on growth, behavior and studies was not found statistically significant. : A significant correlation has been found between knowledge about disease, treatment options available and prenatal diagnosis with treatment adherence and prevention of disease in future pregnancies. Community awareness programmes regarding Thalassemia and genetic councelling in high risk communities is the need of the hour.

Epidemiological and Clinical Presentation of Retinoblastoma among Nepalese Children in 2019.

Suresh B.K. RasailyObjectives Retinoblastoma (RB) is rare but potentially fatal if left untreated. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile, clinical manifestation, classification, and affordability of RB treatment among Nepalese children in the year 2019. Materials and Method A multicentric, multiethnic hospital-based cross-sectional study after ethical approval from the National Health Research Council was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019 by incorporating ophthalmologists all over the nation. Twenty-seven RB centers were selected. All the RB presented in the RB centers either newly diagnosed or ongoing treatment consented to the study were included and failed to consent for the study, RB survivors were excluded from the study. Data based on demographic profile, clinical manifestation, ethnical and geographical distribution, and treatment received were collected in the customized Google Form. Each case was classified at the time of diagnosis as per the International Classification of Retinoblastoma groups and different treatment modalities offered as per grouping and staging. The affordability of treatment was calculated using a catastrophic approach. Statistical Analysis Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Result A total of 34 RB cases, 21 (61.76%) in ongoing treatment group and 13 (38.2%) in newly diagnosed group presented in the RB centers. Out of total, 32 (64.7%) had unilateral and 12 (35.3%) cases had bilateral involvement. The majority of patients was from Province 1 (35.3%) and belonged to the upper caste (38.2%). Leukocoria was the most common presentation (73.9%) followed by proptosis, red eye, and phthisis bulbi. More than 75% patients presented at advanced group D (54%) and E (21%) and stage 0 (90%). More than 90% of patients received systemic chemotherapy, and 42.6% received transpupillary thermotherapy. The average cost of RB treatment was estimated to be 521% of the nonfood expense of the family which is unaffordable to almost all cases (100%). Conclusion Leukocoria is the most common mode of clinical presentation in both unilateral and bilateral RBs. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to success for saving life, sight, and eye. However, community awareness programs against RB, active referral networks, and the establishment of chemotherapy centers with trained human resources are needed to reduce loss of life, sight, and eye.

Secondary school teachers code of ethics in Ethiopia: implications for policy and practice

This study investigated the implementation level of teachers' code of ethics in secondary schools in Ethiopia. A descriptive survey research design with quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed. The study participants were 404 teachers, 289 students, 10 principals, and 5 district education office experts. Data was collected by means of questionnaires and interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed by using percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test and the qualitative data through thematic analysis technique. The findings indicated that teachers implemented the code of ethics regarding students, colleagues, and the teaching profession at a high level; however, their commitment was low to the parents and the community domain. The study also revealed that gender, age, and teaching experience affected the implementation level of teachers' code of ethics in the three dimensions. Based on the results, it is recommended that concerned bodies need to: pay due attention to ethics courses in the initial teacher training programs; design and implement different mechanisms that can increase teachers’ intrinsic motivation and commitment to their code of ethics; frame a clear, detailed, and executable code of ethics, and institutionalize continuous community awareness program about teachers and the teaching profession as it will help them to maintain their interest in and commitment to their profession and thereby help them practice their code of ethics more effectively.

Spatio-temporal variance and urban heat island in Akure, Nigeria: A time-spaced analysis Using GIS Techniqu

The threat of the increasing global temperature is now of global concern than ever before. This prompted the authors to gain insights on the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in a medium-sized city of Akure, Nigeria. A random sampling of three hundred and twenty-five (325) structured questionnaires was administered and analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Landsat satellite imagery for the years 2000; 2007; 2013 and 2018 were acquired and used for the computation of land use-land cover (LULC) and the Land Surface Temperature (LST) of the study area using ArcGIS 10.5. Between the years 2000 and 2018, built-up area increased by 8.78% at the expense of the non-built up land use. The residents were aware of UHI and climate change but characterized by superficiality. The study recommends a community awareness program on the menace of climate change and the integration of climate education into the curriculum of schools and other institutions of higher learning.

The correlation between level of knowledge and knowledge on practices regarding infant feeding among mothers of rural community: a correlation study

Background: The infant feeding practices during first 2 years of life determine the overall health and survival during childhood and beyond. Aim was to find the correlation between knowledge on infant feeding and knowledge on infant feeding practices among mothers of rural community.Methods: A correlation study was conducted on 200 mothers of rural community at primary health centers of Chitradurga district, Karnataka. Gathered data by using knowledge and knowledge practice questionnaires on infant feeding through interview method.Results: The study results revels that majority of mothers were having inadequate knowledge and as well as inadequate knowledge on practices of infant feeding. There was a significant correlation found between knowledge and knowledge on practices related to infant feeding practices among mothers.Conclusions: Knowledge regarding infant feeding was inadequate and knowledge of infant feeding practices was found too in adequate. There was a significant correlation between knowledge and knowledge on practices. There is an ongoing need for individual and community awareness programmes regarding importance of infant feeding.

Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among adults living in Pokhara metropolitan city

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the silent killer diseases affecting multiple organs. Hypertension prevalence is increasing in developing countries. So, the present study was conducted to find out the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among adults living in Pokhara metropolitan city. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Pokhara metropolitan city. Study participants were aged 18 to 70 years, residing permanently in the study sites. Wards, households, and respondents were selected randomly. Data was entered in Epi Data and analysed using SPSS 16 version. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics at 5% level of significance were used. Results: Of the 293 participants, 60.8% were females, mean (standard deviation) of age was 41.7(14.6) years, 29.3% had no formal education, 35.1% were brahmins, and 41.2% were homemakers. Prevalence of hypertension was 35.5%. Age, gender, education, marital status, smoking, alcohol consumption, salt adding habit, presence of diabetes status, use of cholesterol drugs and body mass index were significantly associated with hypertension. In multivariate analysis, age, gender, alcohol consumption, salt adding habit and body mass index were identified as significant factors for hypertension. Conclusions: The study concluded that the prevalence of hypertension in Pokhara metropolitan city was alarming. There were greater number of pre-hypertension cases which are in turn at great risk of developing hypertension if not intervene timely. Therefore, community awareness program on hypertension and its preventive measures is must in preventing the dreadful complications.

Identifying multilevel and multisectoral strategies to develop a Theory of Change for improving child and adolescent mental health services in a case-study district in South Africa

BackgroundThe lack of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) policies and implementation plans constitute major barriers to CAMH services in low resource settings. Engaging with on-the-ground stakeholders to identify possible contextually appropriate strategies for developing a CAMH collaborative system and inform CAMH plans and policies is important to ensure that resultant policies and plans are feasible and appropriate. Together with key stakeholders across multiple sectors, this study aims to (i) co-identify causal factors and potential strategies to overcome bottlenecks in one district in SA as a case study; and (ii) Co-develop a Theory of Change (ToC) for increasing access to CAMH services within the resource constraints of a remote resource-scarce district as a case study.MethodsA participatory workshop was held with key stakeholders (n = 40) from the Departments of Health (DoH), Basic Education (DBE), and Social Development (DSD) and three community-based organisations offering CAMH services in the district. The stakeholders identified context-specific causal factors and possible strategies to address the bottlenecks in the workshop. All the factors identified in the workshop were compared and consolidated. A ToC map was developed based on the data obtained from the workshop. The ToC was further refined by conducting a follow-up virtual workshop with stakeholders (n = 15).ResultsMapping out the strategies identified in the workshop facilitated the development of a ToC model for the resource-scarce context. Key multilevel and multisectoral task-sharing strategies emerged in support of the development of a collaborative system of care that includes the development of (i) community awareness programs and user-friendly CAMH psychoeducation and screening tools to strengthen mental health literacy and facilitate early identification at the community level; (ii) an intersectoral working group to facilitate intersectoral collaboration (iii) a functional district CAMH referral system, (iv) youth-friendly CAMH care packages.ConclusionsIn scarce-resource contexts, it is feasible to work collaboratively with key stakeholders across multiple sectors to identify feasible multilevel and multisectoral strategies that can be used to develop a ToC for improved access to CAMH services within a task-sharing approach.

Association of Anxiety with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Kashmiri Residents

Introduction: Along with other healthcare indicators, psychological well-being of the population worldwide has been greatly affected after outbreak of covid-19. Almost all states in India including Jammu and Kashmir suffered during COVID-19. Thus this study was planned to determine the association of anxiety and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (14-item Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-14]) among residents of four districts of Jammu and Kashmir state during COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire consisting of OHIP-14 along with a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7 Scale) was distributed among the residents of Kashmir via e-mails, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook using Google Forms. Results: Majority of the participants were males (53%) over 18 years of age. The most frequently experienced problems were discomfort during eating food (75%) and physical pain in the mouth such as aching in the mouth (60%). A highly statistically significant negative correlation was found between OHIP-14 and GAD among painful aching in the mouth (−0.044) (0.154**) **p<0.001. Half (50%) of the participants reported minimal anxiety. Conclusion: There is an unmet and immediate need to escalate the mental health services in Jammu and Kashmir state of India, which consisted of community participation, awareness programs, and mental health rehabilitation services.

Factors Associated with Choosing the Kerala Model of Palliative Care versus Standard Care among Indian Cancer Patients

AbstractPatients who opt for the Kerala Model of Palliative Care (KMPC) report favorable psychological outcomes. Still, not all patients in Kerala prefer this treatment's approach. Hence, this study is aimed to examine the demographical, medical, pain, and psychological factors associated with cancer patients who choose the KMPC versus standard care (SC). Using a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, 87 patients (SC = 40; KMPC = 47) residing in Kerala, India, responded to questionnaires on pain, anxiety, and depression, and quality of life (QoL). Data analysis was conducted using chi-squared and independent sample t-tests. Findings revealed that KMPC (vs. SC) patients had lower levels of education, were self-employed or homemakers, belonged to a middle or low socioeconomic status, received government aid or were financially self-supported, and were diagnosed for less than 1 year or less than 5 years. KMPC patients reported higher levels of pain, lower levels of anxiety and depression, better overall total QoL, physical health, social health, functionality capacity, and emotional health. These findings suggest the need for community awareness programs regarding the benefits of opting for the KMPC. Patients who chose KMPC reported higher levels of pain than SC patients, highlighting the need for the KMPC to improve its approach to pain management.

Socioeconomic crisis and mental health stress among the middle-income group during the covid-19 pandemic

Following the spread of COVID-19, the prolonged lockdown has adversely affected not only the mental health but also the socioeconomic well-being of people, particularly the underprivileged population, across the world. This study was designed to assess the mental health of middle-income people and its association with the socioeconomic crises that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. A semi-structured interview schedule in Bangla was administered to conveniently collect the data from 150 participants based on certain specifications. Findings suggest that COVID-19 status, household debt, and depression were significantly associated with mental stress among middle-income people. Depression, on the other hand, was substantially affected by socio-demographic and socioeconomic status as well as their hygiene and government support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, an individual’s anxiety was determined by income during the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine status, personal hygiene, and socio-demographic factors. To reduce the pandemic-induced stress, depression, and anxiety, the government should provide financial assistance through social safety net and create alternative livelihood opportunities using existing resources. Besides, policymakers should implement community awareness programs about the risk of COVID-19 to minimize both risk of infection and mental health stress.

Community flood resilience assessment in Jamuna floodplain: A case study in Jamalpur District Bangladesh

Flooding is a recurrent event in Bangladesh, and it causes loss to life and properties. In flood risk management, the assessment of community resilience is standard practice. This study aims to assess the community flood resilience of some selected Upazilas of Jamalpur District in Bangladesh. Appropriate indicators were selected to determine flood resilience through an extensive literature review. The indicators were provided with a weight based on the expert's judgment. A structured questionnaire, consisting of appropriate questions, was prepared to collect data for all indicators. A total of 400 households were surveyed from five flood-affected Upazilas, including Dewanganj, Islampur, Madarganj, Melandaha, and Sharishabari to collect primary data. Resilience index is an analytical tool representing a numeric score ranging from 0 to 1 for each variable. The value obtained from the field survey had been divided by the weighted value of that particular variable to calculate the variable resilience index (VRI). Then, by averaging the VRI values, composite resilience index (CRI) values were calculated. The calculated CRI values are 0.30, 0.37, 0.36, 0.36, and 0.38 out of 1 in Dewanganj, Islampur, Madarganj, Melandaha, and Sharishabari Upazila, respectively, which suggest low community resilience to flooding. This study recommends enhancing the social, economic, institutional, and physical components, which can be executed through community awareness and disaster preparedness programs, to help communities strengthen resilience and cope with floods.

Assessing social vulnerability to riverbank erosion across the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

ABSTRACT Climate change and trans-boundary development in the major deltas of the world, including the Vietnamese Mekong Delta have exacerbated environmental risks. Land subsidence, riverbed sand mining, and intensive groundwater extraction have all contributed to lower channel bed levels, resulting in riverbank erosion and the loss of assets and livelihoods for local residents. This study investigated the drivers, and classified the social vulnerability of local communities affected by riverbank erosion along two main branches in the Vietnamese Mekong. Direct interviews were conducted with 218 erosion-affected households along the Mekong and Bassac rivers in Dong Thap and An Giang provinces in order to create a social vulnerability index. More than 70% of the total surveyed households belonged to the highly, moderately, or low vulnerability groups, suggesting a range of affected communities within the sample, some of whom had the ability to cope with its short-term impacts. However, the estimated social vulnerability index revealed significant geographical heterogeneity, with communities along the Mekong branch being more vulnerable than those along the Bassac. The recommendations from our investigations include the establishment of community awareness programmes, as well as policy changes that ensure and support local residents’ livelihoods adaptation. Stakeholder participation and enhanced community engagement was found to be the most important tools available in terms of aiding local people cope with the complex impacts of riverbank erosion.

Q fever prevention: Perspectives from university animal science and veterinary students and livestock farmers.

To explore animal science and veterinary students' and livestock farmers' perceptions concerning Q fever prevention. An online survey with an open-ended question seeking knowledge and perceptions about Q fever prevention was distributed among participants during March-September 2019. We applied thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Animal science and veterinary students enrolled at the University of Adelaide and members of Livestock South Australia representing cattle, sheep and goat farmers in South Australia. A total of56 animal science and veterinary students and 154 livestock farmers responded to the open-ended question. Not applicable. Perceived challenges and opportunities for a coordinated Q fever prevention approach including human vaccination reported by the participants. Two major themes arose in each group. Students and farmers viewed Q fever vaccination as important. However, excessive cost for students was a barrier and for farmers, it was general practitioners' lack of knowledge of Q fever and access to an accredited immunisation provider. Similarly, both groups highlighted the need for education and increasing public and community awareness of Q fever. Our findings underscore that a sector-wide approach involving community awareness programmes, education and training for general practitioners, and subsidised vaccination as well as commitment from government and industry partners may contribute to reducing the burden of Q fever among at-risk populations.

Establishment of “Retinoblastoma center” in A Tertiary Eye Care Center of Bangladesh – A New Hope for Retinoblastoma Patients

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in children with an incidence of 1:16,000 to 18,000 live birth. Worldwide newly detected cases per year are about 8000 and in India above 1400. It represents 11% of cancer that develops in the first year of life. The revolutionary management strategy has increased the survival rate of retinoblastoma above 95% in developed countries, and this rate is the highest among all pediatric cancers. But still, it is deadly cancer worldwide. Survival from retinoblastoma based on income >90% vs. 40% (in high to low-income countries). The incidence of metastasis is more in lower-income countries (32% vs. 12% in middle-income). Notably, Forty-three percent of the world’s estimated cases reside in only 6 countries in Asia (China, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). The mortality rate varies on different continents. Worldwide estimated death from retinoblastoma is more than 40%, and most of them are from Asia and Africa. Bangladesh is one of the developing countries in the South-East Asia region, and retinoblastoma constitutes 83% of all pediatric cancer under 4 years of age. For proper management of retinoblastoma with an international standard, the establishment of a retinoblastoma center consisting of ocular oncologist, clinical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pediatrician, oculoplastic surgeon, retina specialist, pediatric ophthalmologist, and ocularist is needed. Management includes proper diagnosis, treatment of the disease, genetic counseling, regular follow-up, rehabilitation of survivors, and screening of siblings. Chittagong Eye Infirmary & Training Complex is a tertiary eye care center and one of the referral centers of Bangladesh and is treating retinoblastoma since its inception. Due to the demand of time, the hospital has been reorganized with various facilities to serve retinoblastoma patients with a team approach in 2017. From January 2017 to March 2022, a total of 304 patients were diagnosed. Among them, 132 received vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin (VEC) chemotherapy from this center, and 79 underwent enucleation with the long optic nerve. Besides treatment, the hospital is conducting sibling screening, visual and psycho-social rehabilitation for the RB survivors, and community awareness programs.

Establishment of “Retinoblastoma center” in A Tertiary Eye Care Center of Bangladesh – A New Hope for Retinoblastoma Patients

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in children with an incidence of 1:16,000 to 18,000 live birth. Worldwide newly detected cases per year are about 8000 and in India above 1400. It represents 11% of cancer that develops in the first year of life. The revolutionary management strategy has increased the survival rate of retinoblastoma above 95% in developed countries, and this rate is the highest among all pediatric cancers. But still, it is deadly cancer worldwide. Survival from retinoblastoma based on income >90% vs. 40% (in high to low-income countries). The incidence of metastasis is more in lower-income countries (32% vs. 12% in middle-income). Notably, Forty-three percent of the world’s estimated cases reside in only 6 countries in Asia (China, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). The mortality rate varies on different continents. Worldwide estimated death from retinoblastoma is more than 40%, and most of them are from Asia and Africa. Bangladesh is one of the developing countries in the South-East Asia region, and retinoblastoma constitutes 83% of all pediatric cancer under 4 years of age. For proper management of retinoblastoma with an international standard, the establishment of a retinoblastoma center consisting of ocular oncologist, clinical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pediatrician, oculoplastic surgeon, retina specialist, pediatric ophthalmologist, and ocularist is needed. Management includes proper diagnosis, treatment of the disease, genetic counseling, regular follow-up, rehabilitation of survivors, and screening of siblings. Chittagong Eye Infirmary & Training Complex is a tertiary eye care center and one of the referral centers of Bangladesh and is treating retinoblastoma since its inception. Due to the demand of time, the hospital has been reorganized with various facilities to serve retinoblastoma patients with a team approach in 2017. From January 2017 to March 2022, a total of 304 patients were diagnosed. Among them, 132 received vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin (VEC) chemotherapy from this center, and 79 underwent enucleation with the long optic nerve. Besides treatment, the hospital is conducting sibling screening, visual and psycho-social rehabilitation for the RB survivors, and community awareness programs.

Awareness, knowledge, attitude, perception, and utilization of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in the common population of Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Background:Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)/natural products/herbs are frequently used for therapeutic purposes as a homemade remedy in Saudi Arabia. The use of CAMs is rising globally. However, special attention or precaution should be paid when using CAMs along with other drugs.Objective:The current study aims to examine the perception, attitude, knowledge, and awareness of the general population about CAMs and their utilization.Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020 in the Dammam region of Saudi Arabia. The study included both the gender participants of the general population of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire contains the following sections including socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and behavior of participants related to CAMs, and the prevalence of CAMs utilization in Dammam.Results:Participants were closely sex-matched (male: 50.93% and female: 49.07%), consisting of 97.1% Saudis and only 2.9% expats. The response rate was 67%; out of 559 participants, only 375 participants completed the questionnaire. Approximately 53% of participants had some knowledge of CAMs. Mass media (media/web/internet, advertisement, and television (TV), academic education, and family friends/relative represented the main source of the CAMs information (50%, 8.8%, and 15.2%, respectively). Among 77.3% of the participants, one of their family members has used some form of CAMs earlier. 90% of the participants or their family members using CAMs reported that olive oil (95.7%), green tea (89.1%), thyme (85.3%), cinnamon bark (84.8%), star anise (84.5%), and black seeds (78.4%) were the most used CAMs. Participants used CAMs for cold (28.3%), cough (14%), constipation (11.97%), ease of menstruation (10.8%), diarrhea (9.87%), and fever (8.62%). Approximately 75% of participants did not observe any side effects. Only 1% of participants reported that the CAMs are not useful therapeutically whereas the majority of the participants reported them as very useful (32.7%), useful (45.5%), and good (20.7%).Conclusion:Current study demonstrates that there is a positive attitude and perception toward CAMs. It is influenced by their traditional use as well. However, a community awareness program is essential for the adverse effects of CAMs.

Prevalence and Predictors of Domestic Violence among Geriatric Population in a Hilly District of Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence has been a challenging issue throughout the globe that leads to the serious health problems and geriatric populations being more vulnerable as they are dependent on family or caregiver. The study aims to identify prevalence of domestic violence and its predictors among geriatric population of Baglung district, Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted at 2 urban municipalities and 2 rural municipalities of Baglung district, Province number 4, Nepal. A sample of 535 geriatric populations was selected using multi stage cluster sampling. Multivariable logistic regression model was adapted to explore predictors of domestic violence among geriatric population RESULTS: Among 535 geriatric people, the prevalence of domestic violence was 3.5%. Geriatric people belong to dalit ethnicity (aOR=12.7; 95% CI: 2.8-56.3) living with others than spouses (aOR=10.2; 95% CI: 1.2-86.9) and the geriatric who need helper for daily activity (aOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.0-8.7) were more likely to have experience of DV than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Domestic Violence among geriatric population was very low. However, ethnicity, living other than spouses and assistance needed for daily activities were important predictors of DV among geriatric population. Therefore, Community awareness program regarding consequences of violence targeting elders as well as caregivers could be a public health priority to improve the status of elderly by reducing the elder violence.

Assessment of the Knowledge About the Role of Community Members Regarding Solid Waste Management at Ali Raza Abad, Lahore

Solid Waste Management (SWM) is one of the most important challenges that developing countries are facing today. Objectives: To assess knowledge about the role of community members in solid waste management in Ali Raza Abad, Lahore. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 60 participants were included. Instruments were consisting of 11 variables. Questionnaires were distributed among the participants of Ali Raza Abad. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 16. Results: 76% don’t know, who is responsible for solid waste management. 71% of participants were don’t know the responsibility of the community regarding solid waste management. Do the community Stakeholders arrange the awareness program regarding solid waste management in your community, 93% replied no. Conclusions: The conclusion of this study was that there is a lack of knowledge of the community about solid waste management. There was a lack of community awareness programs regarding solid waste management.