Dakshina Kannada District Research Articles

Health Insurance Awareness and its Socio Demographic Correlates among Fishermen of Dakshina Kannada District, Southern India

Background: Fishing is a substantial contributor to the Indian economy and Fishermen are subjected to a variety of occupational risks and are at high risk of injury. Health insurance (HI) is a strategy for reducing out-of-pocket expenses during times of illness. Fishermen are subjected to a variety of occupational risks and are at high risk of injury. People with limited resources often lack access to quality health care. Most people obtain healthcare from private providers. This results in catastrophic healthcare costs and the impoverishment of low- and middle-income people. Lack of information about health insurance schemes, budgetary restrictions, and the unavailability of suitable insurance plans customized to their individual needs, the fisherman community frequently struggles to secure health insurance coverage.Methodology: Community-based interventional research among fisherman in the field practice area of medical college in Dakshina Kannada District in Coastal Karnataka. The data was gathered from consented individuals.Results: The majority of the study participants 248 (75.2%) were men between the ages of 40- 50 years 101 (30.6%). A large part of study population belonged to nuclear households 260 (78.8%), with a monthly income of less than or equal to INR 10,000/- among 209 (63.3%) participants. Intervention on health insurance led to increase in awareness and entitlement among the participants.Conclusions: Enrolment in any health insurance plan would be a tool for reducing the family's financial burden and accessing appropriate treatment when needed. This may be accomplished by educating communities about the need for health insurance.

A geospatial investigation of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in Dakshina Kannada district during the years 2021 to 2023

A geospatial investigation of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in Dakshina Kannada district during the years 2021 to 2023

Dental impact on daily life and oral health in alcohol use disorder patients

ObjectivesIndividuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are at a higher risk of developing dental problems. The present study assessed the dental impact on daily performances among AUD patients seeking treatment in a de-addiction centre and correlated it with their clinical dental status using the WHO oral health assessment form (2013). Materials and methodsThis research took place from January to May 2022. A cross-sectional study was carried out to collect data from 103 subjects among alcohol dependents taking treatment in a de-addiction centre of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka state. The Dental Impact on Daily Living Questionnaire (DIDL) assessed patients' satisfaction with their teeth, while the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults was used for dental caries (DMFT) and periodontal status. Data analysis was performed using the jamovi open-source software (version 2.3), employing t-test, chi-square test, hierarchical regression analysis, and Spearman correlation coefficient. ResultsThe study found low yet significant correlations between clinical oral health and dimensions of the DIDL scale. Social class and the number of decayed teeth emerged as significant predictors of the total DIDL score. ConclusionOral health conditions can adversely affect patient satisfaction, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to consider these findings when offering comprehensive oral healthcare services. Clinical relevanceThis study underscores the necessity of integrating oral healthcare into the overall treatment regime for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) to improve their quality of life and satisfaction.

Physical activity level among pregnant women attending maternal healthcare services in rural Karnataka; findings of a cross-sectional study

Background Regular exercise during pregnancy improves fetal and mother outcomes unless contraindicated. Despite being generally safe and beneficial, non-participation in prenatal activity is relatively common among most of the Asian countries due to multiple reasons. In India, findings related to maternal physical activity and its determinant are scant. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women attending maternal healthcare services in Dakshina Kannada District in India. Method A multi-center community-based cross-sectional study was conducted recruiting 424 pregnant women attending the maternal healthcare facilities at four taluks of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka state, India. A structured questionnaire that collected information on socio-demographic, and maternal characteristics was used and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire tool was used to determine the physical activity during pregnancy. Logistic regression model was used to determine the predictor variables. Results The prevalence of physical inactivity was 40.33%. Physical activity is favorable among pregnant women aged between 25 to 29 years, residing in an urban locality, diploma or graduation and being housewife. Determinants of physical inactivity during pregnancy were sedentary occupation (AOR 7.22, 95% CI 2.2, 23.4), low family income (AOR 3.16, 95% CI 1.414, 7.054), having one child (AOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.3, 22.2), during 2nd trimester (AOR 2.513, 95% CI 1.5, 4.23) and self-reported lack of time (AOR 2.884, 95% CI 1.410, 5.901). Conclusion and recommendation A moderate proportion of pregnant women reported physical inactivity during pregnancy in the Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Physical inactivity was associated with sedentary employment, low income, number of children, trimester, and time constraints. Measures should be undertaken to promote the importance of recommended levels of physical activity, enhance access, and support system targeting pregnant women.

Political Awareness Among Elected Members Of Village Panchayath- A Case Study Of Gurupura Village At Dakshina Kannada District

In the modern age of development, local government has the greater responsibilities to play. The elected representative are to be the agent of positive change at their level. For this, Elected representatives are to be more sensible towards the socio-economic and other aspects. Although local government in India is subject of the State government, the seventy-third and seventy-fourth amendments to the Constitution of India now make it obligatory for the state government to organise local bodies, to hold regular election to them and to give them appropriate finances. Political awareness means access to political information, political participation, media exposure, interest in politics and education with political information being the best indicator over all. The Political Awareness and Political Participation are the parameters to assess the success of democratic system. There are two forms of political participation such as active and passive. The study of the political awareness and participation among the elected members at the gram panchayat level enabled to derive the efforts done by the external agencies in this regard. The study is restricted to one of the gram panchayat of Gurupur village in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka

Political Awareness Among Elected Members Of Village Panchayath- A Case Study Of Gurupura Village At Dakshina Kannada District

In the modern age of development, local government has the greater responsibilities to play. The elected representative are to be the agent of positive change at their level. For this, Elected representatives are to be more sensible towards the socio-economic and other aspects. Although local government in India is subject of the State government, the seventy-third and seventy-fourth amendments to the Constitution of India now make it obligatory for the state government to organise local bodies, to hold regular election to them and to give them appropriate finances. Political awareness means access to political information, political participation, media exposure, interest in politics and education with political information being the best indicator over all. The Political Awareness and Political Participation are the parameters to assess the success of democratic system. There are two forms of political participation such as active and passive. The study of the political awareness and participation among the elected members at the gram panchayat level enabled to derive the efforts done by the external agencies in this regard. The study is restricted to one of the gram panchayat of Gurupur village in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka

Study on primary productivity and phytoplankton diversity in different intensive and semi intensive shrimp’s ponds of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

The current study was to examine the significance of primary productivity and phytoplankton density in semi-intensive and intensive shrimp (L. Vannamei) ponds located at Haleyangadi, Mangaluru (Taluk), Dakshina Kannada (District), Karnataka. Primary production metrics were examined biweekly throughout a span of 90 days, starting from the time of stocking to harvest (November 2021 to February 2022). A total of 8 species from 3 classes were found in semi-intensive ponds, whereas 12 species from 4 classes were identified in intensive shrimp ponds during the course of the study. The gross primary production in intensive shrimp ponds varied from 239.583 to 302.083 mg C/m3/hr. The gross primary production in semi-intensive ponds varied from 192.708 to 348.950 mg C/m3/hr. During the research period, it was noted that net productivity was quite low, suggesting that a significant proportion of the organic matter produced by photosynthesis was utilized for respiration.

Epidemiological analysis of leptospirosis, dengue, and Co-infection rates among febrile illness cases in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

IntroductionLeptospirosis and dengue are two significant public health concerns in tropical and subtropical regions, often resulting in severe forms of disease and fatality. This study addresses the pressing public health issues of leptospirosis and dengue in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Both diseases pose significant health risks and are relatively understudied in this region, making it essential to investigate their prevalence and clinical presentations for targeted healthcare planning. AimThe primary aim is to determine the frequency of leptospirosis and dengue among febrile illness cases to understand the epidemiological patterns and assess co-infection rates in Dakshina Kannada. MethodBetween 2020 and 2021, serum samples suspected of leptospirosis were tested using IgM ELISA (n = 1629) and the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) (n = 92) for leptospirosis, while dengue was tested using NS1Ag and IgM antibodies ELISA (n = 1415). Data were collected through medical records and patient interviews. Seasonal trends, gender, and age distributions were analyzed. ResultThe study found a significant prevalence of leptospirosis (21 %) and dengue (10 %) among febrile illness cases in the study area, with a 1.3 % co-infection rate. Clinically, fever was common to both diseases, but leptospirosis also frequently exhibited symptoms such as abdominal pain, myalgia, and jaundice. MAT screening revealed a predominance of anti-leptospiral antibodies against the Djasiman, Pyrogenes, Hurstbridge, Hebdomadis, and Grippotyphosa serogroups in Dakshina Kannada. ConclusionThe study highlights the urgent need for focused public health interventions, improved diagnostic tools, and targeted epidemiological studies to manage these diseases. The findings underscore the necessity of enhancing diagnostic capabilities and public health awareness, particularly considering the significant health risks posed by leptospirosis and dengue in the region.

A Report of a Rare Case of Bi-Rooted Bimaxillary Deciduous Canines

AbstractPrimary teeth have considerably fewer anomalies than permanent teeth. Rarely does a primary canine have two roots. This kind of strange abnormality could cause issues with exfoliation or extraction. The significance of anomalies must be emphasized to make a proper diagnosis and ensure a successful course of therapy. As far as we are aware, Dakshina Kannada district has never previously reported a maxillary deciduous canine with two roots. The objective of this case study was to raise awareness of the potential morphological changes in deciduous canines and to emphasize the implications of precise diagnosis and radiographic imaging from various viewpoints. To allow a better treatment outcome and prevent unintended problems, clinicians should take into account all potential tooth abnormalities or anomalies, following a periodic intraoral and radiographic evaluations.

Euwallacea perbrevis (Schedl, 1951) and associated novel fungal symbiont, Fusarium sp.: A potential cause of wilting in cocoa, Theobroma cacao in India

Cocoa is a commercially important beverage crop that faces new challenges in the context of climate change, which can alter pest and disease dynamics in cocoa plantations. In the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India, an abrupt increase in cocoa wilt was observed during the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons. Systematic examination of affected trees revealed consistent attacks of Euwallacea perbrevis (Schedl, 1951; Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). In-depth studies of the wilted trees revealed the association of the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium sp. with Euwallacea perbrevis. The identity of the obtained pure culture from the insect and infected tree was confirmed as Fusarium sp. using amplification of ribosomal DNA, RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) and translation elongation factor 1 (Tef1) genes. Notably, this study reports a remarkable case of mutualistic association between ambrosia beetles and Fusarium sp., belonging to the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC), rather than the Ambrosia Fusariumclade (AFC). This finding highlights the intriguing diversity of mutualistic relationships in nature and sheds new light on the complex interactions between organisms. The present study also investigated the impact of rainfall on the colonization and spread of the Euwallacea-Fusarium complex. The findings revealed that rainfall was identified as a predisposing factor for the incidence and spread of attacks. Additionally, the study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the modeling of Euwallacea-Fusarium complex spread over a specific period of time.

Ethnobotanical investigation on herbal remedies for musculoskeletal disorders in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

Ethnobotanical investigation on herbal remedies for musculoskeletal disorders in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

Assessment of alcohol use and its associated factors among adults residing at Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

Background: Alcohol consumption was accepted social practice since ancient times. Presently, alcohol consumption is pervasive and has been consistently increasing throughout the world. Alcohol consumption is considered as world’s third largest risk factor for the occurrence of disease and disability. The objective of the study was to assess the burden of alcohol use and the factors associated for the alcohol consumption among adults residing at Dakshina Kannada district. Methods: This community based cross sectional study was conducted among adults aged more than 18 years in Dakshina Kannada district to assess the burden and correlates of alcohol consumption. A total of 355 participants were selected randomly and data was collected by using pretested questionnaire which includes sociodemographic details, alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) questionnaire and associated factors. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software and the statistical significance level was fixed at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of alcohol use was 30.7%, and it was higher among males (37.1%) compared to females (8.8%). Even the alcohol use was higher among those participants, who were employed, tobacco users and was having any existing disease. As per AUDIT risk level, maximum (49.5%) alcohol users belonged to low risk (zone I) with AUDIT score less than 8. Conclusions: The burden of alcohol consumption among adults in Dakshina Kannada district is nearly one -third of the population, which is quite high. The highest prevalence was found among males and tobacco users.

A correlational study to assess the relationship between body mass index and selected life style practices among high school students in selected schools at Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

People in the 18.5-22.4 BMI range with high scores on the alternate healthy eating index and high levels of physical activity have the lowest risk of early mortality, while those with higher BMIs can still have a lower risk if they also have at least one low risk lifestyle component. To assess the body mass index of high school students in a selected school, lifestyle practice, find the association between selected lifestyle practices with demographic variables in high school students and association between Body Mass Index with demographic variables in high school students. Prior to starting the data gathering process, approval from BEO and the headmistresses of the chosen high schools was obtained. Canara High School and St. Aloysius High School in Mangalore hosted the primary study. The data gathering period ran from October 121, 2017, to January 1, 2018. All participants were told of the study's goal and gave their informed permission. The respondents received guarantees on the privacy and confidentiality of the data they submitted. Data from the samples were gathered by the researcher herself. In order to gather data, questionnaires about baseline data were used, along with a self-made rating scale to evaluate lifestyle behaviours and measures of height and weight to determine BMI. Karl Pearson ‘s correlation coefficient and Chi square test.The majority of samples, or 70%, had normal BMIs. Merely 20% of those surveyed were overweight. The least number of respondents (10%) were underweighted. Eighty-two percent of the respondents followed moderate lifestyles. Good living habits are present in 15% of the samples. The fewest responders (3%) led unhealthy lifestyles. Level of lifestyle habits broken down by area: The average lifestyle practice of students was 60.657.68, indicating that the majority of students follow a moderate lifestyle.A noteworthy correlation was observed between the mother's work and certain baseline factors, such as the body mass index score. Consequently, the null hypothesis was disproved. The score of a few chosen lifestyle activities and a few chosen baseline characteristics, such gender, were significantly correlated. They rejected the null hypothesis.Teenagers are the future citizens of this country, and their future depends on them. It is crucial to regularly assess students' body mass index and lifestyle choices so that those who lead unhealthy lifestyles can be quickly identified and treated appropriately to reduce their chance of developing health issues later on. Nurses will be able to teach parents and pupils about healthy lifestyle practices since they are aware of the relationship. The present study's findings have been taken into consideration for drawing the following conclusions.

The Knowledge and Practice of Family Planning Among Muslim Women in Rural Karnataka, India.

Introduction Women's health is significantly impacted by undesirable pregnancies and unsafe abortions, leading to the deaths of thousands of women and causing many others to suffer from infertility and long-term reproductive health issues. To address this problem, the use of modern contraception methods is increasing, regardless of economic status and dwelling, allowing women to exercise their rights and access reproductive health services. Objective The objective of this study is to examine the knowledge and practiceof family planning and the factors associated with it. Settingand design A cross-sectional study was conducted among Muslim women (n=461) using a two-stage stratified random sampling method with a semi-structured questionnaire in the five taluks of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. Methods and materials The required study sample was drawn by adopting the two-stage stratified random sampling technique. The study population was divided into different strata consisting of panchayats and wards. The number of households was selected from these panchayats/wards. Statistical analysis The association between faith in family planningand the knowledge and practice of family planning is studied using a chi-squared test. The factors associated with the practice of family planningare identified using a univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)version 27 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Results There is a significant association between faith in family planning and its practice, with a p-value of less than 0.0001. Age was also found to be a significant factor associated with the practice of family planning. Specifically, women aged 31-40 were less likely to practice family planning compared to women aged 21-30, with a p-value of 0.012. The majority of individuals indicated the preferred child (23.9%) and going against the custom (16.5%) as their reasons for not using family planning. Conclusions Muslim women are reasonably well-informed about modern methods of contraception, but their usage remains relatively low. Outreach initiatives, health worker mobilization from within the community, and health education and information sharing are examples of program interventions that could help address this issue.

IJCM_375A: Levels of physical activity and its barriers among students in a medical college in Dakshina Kannada district

Background: Physical activity is associated with many health benefits like maintaining weight and decreased risk factors for Non-communicable Diseases. Physical inactivity is seen as prevalent among students who have a higher workload especially students in the medical field. Lack of physical activity in students could be one of the reasons for low performance in academics as well as other day-to-day activities Objective: Among the students of a medical college in Dakshina Kannada district in April 2023: to assess levels of physical activity and to determine the barriers to physical activity. Methodology: A cross sectional study recruiting 256 medical students chosen equally from each admission year (4 years) by Stratified Random Sampling with gender. Study duration was 6 months. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to obtain data. Data collected were entered in Microsoft Excel and reported as frequency and proportions. METs (Metabolic Equivalents) were calculated that are used to express the intensity of physical activities. Results: Most participants were in the age group of 18-24. Less than 4 out of 5 students exhibited lower recommended WHO physical activity. Conclusion: Despite a majority falling within the 18-24 age range and diverse parental education backgrounds, a significant proportion fails to meet WHO recommendations. Identified barriers emphasize need for targeted interventions. The study highlights how critical it is to address these problems in order to encourage medical students to lead more active lives.

IJCM_143A: Dietary changes during pregnancy: exploring the influencing factors as perceived by antenatal women and health care providers - a mixed methods study from a rural area in Dakshina Kannada district.

Background: Maternal nutrition impacts maternal-child health. Antenatal diet affects well-being and anaemia-related maternal mortality. Objectives: The objectives are to assess the dietary changes made by antenatal women, its association with socio demographic and clinical variables and to explore the factors influencing the dietary changes as perceived by the antenatal women and health care providers (Medical officer, ANMs and ASHA) Methodology: A mixed method study was conducted. The study involved interviewing antenatal women registered between October2020 to October 2021 in Kurnad PHC area and those who have completed their second trimester and in-depth interview of antenatal women and the health care providers (Medical officer, ANMs and ASHA) of Kurnad PHC in 2021 and two quarters of 2022. Results: Most participants were aged 26-30 (43.1%), mean age 27.41±4.838 years. 47.3% had high school education, 75.5% were unemployed, and 17.8% were self-employed. 77% were below the poverty line, 55.4% belonged to joint families, and 39.3% to nuclear families. 42% lived with husband’s family, 22% with maternal family. Co-morbidities were in 36%, anaemia in 87%, gestational diabetes in 51.85%, pregnancy-induced hypertension in 42.95%. Reasons were health improvement, healthy child, co-morbidities, and gastritis. Statistical significance existed between pregnancy dietary changes and socio- demographics, clinical variables. Factors influencing changes were health promotion, advice from family and providers, co-morbidity management, cravings, affordability, community-based services. Conclusion: Dietary changes were seen in more than half of the antenatal women. Behaviour change communication strategies and adequate support for decision making and availing nutritious food will facilitate appropriate dietary changes during pregnancy.

IJCM_178A: Clinico-epidemiological profile of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients in tertiary care hospitals of Mangalore

Background: Global health agencies have recognized the rising threat of non-communicable disease (NCD) as a major contributor to preventable disease and premature mortality in low- and middle-income countries. This study was done to study the Clinico-epidemiological and socio-demographic profile of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients admitted in the selected tertiary care hospitals of Mangalore. Methodology: This record-based retrospective study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals affiliated to Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. The records of all the ACS patients who were admitted to the hospitals during the study period were included in the study Results: There was a total of 646 patients, who were admitted with signs and symptoms of ACS to the study hospitals. Among them, 72% were from Dakshina Kannada District and 41.5% (n=258) were residents of Mangalore. Overall, the highest proportion (90.7%) of subjects was in the 41-80 years of age group and 80% of the study population was consuming a predominantly non-vegetarian diet, among both genders. Among the females, 84% were semiskilled workers and half of the male subjects were Professionals. The most common presenting clinical feature among the ACS patients was chest pain (81.4%), both among males (82.2%) and females (80%). Conclusion: The majority of the ACS patients admitted to the study hospitals were residents of the same District. The levels of ACS were higher among males, those with Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension. The majority of the ACS patients were non-vegetarians. Also, the increasing age had a higher proportion of ACS.

IJCM_383A: Sociodemographic and fertility profile of post-natal women attending tertiary care hospitals in Mangaluru: A cross-sectional study

Background: The Indian census highlights persistent challenges in achieving balanced sex ratios, attributed to factors like female neglect, sex-selective abortion, and societal preferences for sons. These preferences stem from economic, religious, and social norms, perpetuating gender disparities. Despite national efforts, skewed sex ratios persist, particularly in regions like Haryana and Punjab. However, some areas, like Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, exhibit more favorable sex ratios, reflecting progress in gender equality. Overall, sex ratio improvement signifies societal health and equity in population distribution. This study aims to explore the socio demographic and fertility profile of post-natal women & factors affecting to gender preference among the study population. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 multiparous post-natal women, who were admitted in Lady Goshen Hospital and Kasturba Medical College, Attavar, Affiliated to Kasturba Medical college, Mangalore. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results were expressed using descriptive statistics and proportions. Results: In the study of postnatal women, the recent delivery of outcome was 84 females and 71 males and only 50.9% were aware of contraceptive methods, with condoms and IUCDs being most common among them. Despite this, 78.0% of respondents still perceive female feticide as prevalent. Son preference remains prominent, with 57.0% preferring a daughter as the second child if the first child is a son, and 75.0% desiring a son if the first child is a daughter, indicating a stronger bias towards sons. Conclusions: While most prefer two children, preferences for the second child vary based on the gender of the first child, reflecting societal gender biases. Superstitions regarding gender prediction were noted but deemed insignificant. The attitude of the mothers in study settings is comparative with the favorable sex ratios in the district.

IJCM_420A: Chronic morbidity and disability and its effect on quality of life among the institutionalized elderly in Mangalore, South India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Senior citizens, or individuals over 60 years, constitute 8.6% of India’s population. As a result of shifting family dynamics brought about by growing urbanization and globalization, these elderly populations are flocking to elder care centers. The objectives of this research are to ascertain the elderly’s self-reported chronic morbidities, disabilities, and the relationship between these factors with their quality of life (QOL). Methodologys: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 residents of old age homes in Mangalore block of Dakshina Kannada district. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire consist of, Indian Disability Evaluation and assessment Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of life Brief Version (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire and the data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Odd’s ratio was calculated, independent T test was used to compare the means across the groups and a ‘p’ value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In the current study 65.5% participants were female (N=72) and most of the study participants reported hypertension and musculoskeletal pain (41.8% & 36.7% respectively) as the major ailment they are seeking health care, followed by diabetes mellitus (20.0%), angina (12.3%), asthma (10.9%), COPD (6.4%) and heart attack (4.5%). There was a statistically significant association between age, male gender, and level of disability with quality of life. Age of the participant was found to be directly proportional to quality of life in 2 domains – psychological and social relationships. Male gender was found to be significantly associated with social relationships domain of quality of life. Conclusion: It was shown that there was no clinically significant correlation between chronic morbidities and any dimension of quality of life, suggesting that the frequency and quality of health examinations delivered in the care homes were sufficient, which must carry on in the subsequent years.

IJCM_209A: Are the patients with tuberculosis beneficiaries of the social protection schemes of the government? An operational research from coastal Karnataka

Background: One of the components of Pillar 2 of the End TB strategy focuses on social protection and addressing the social determinants of TB. Objective: We assessed the proportion of patients with TB who were utilizing the various social protection schemes of the government. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four TUs of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka State between September 2019 and January 2020. All public notified patients with TB who completed at least the intensive phase of TB treatment were included. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to the patients at their residence by the trained field worker in the Kannada and responses regarding utilization of key social protection schemes were recorded. Basic socio demographic and clinical details were obtained from the TB treatment card. Results: Of 174 patients, 46 percent were in the productive age group (15-44 years). More than two thirds were males. Around one-third were employed and about 55 percent belonged to urban areas. More than half of the patients belonged to below poverty line. Among the social protection schemes applicable to all the patients, 36.8% had received the first installment of cash transfer for nutritional supplementation and about 5% received nutritional supplements from local funding mechanisms. About 97% patients in the below poverty line or Antyodaya group had received dry ration from PDS. About 52% of the women in the reproductive age group were enrolled with ICDS; however, none availed the dry ration. Three fourths of patients utilized at least one social protection scheme. The timings of availability were not suitable for almost half of the patients to avail the benefits. Conclusion: The utilization of the existing social protection schemes was found to be suboptimal. The possible reasons need to be explored using qualitative research.