District Srinagar Research Articles

A Study on Food waste, Religious guidance and its impact on Environment in Central Kashmir: A Sample Survey

In economy of any state food waste plays a significant role and its wastage has direct impact on environment and on economy. The decreasing of food waste clearly would lead to improved land utilization and water resources management of that area. In the present study carried out in Central Kashmir, a survey of the study area was carried out and discussions were held with the people of the study area i.e., district Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal of Kashmir. The study based on surveying methodology was conducted by designing a suitable questionnaire to bring out the current methods practiced for food waste disposal in central Kashmir, J&K. The data collected from survey was statistically analysed using standard statistical tools. The study revealed that food waste is directly or indirectly responsible for in environment pollution. It was suggested that responsible persons of area and government should come forward and play their role in controlling food waste and proper disposal of food wastage. We know plastic pollution is the aggregation of plastic objects and particles in the Earth's environment that adversely affects humans, wildlife and their habitat. The elders of study area revealed that a number of water bodies vanished in last 3-4 decades because of overpopulation, poor drainage system, deviation from Islamic teaching and climate change. Finally, it was suggested that everyone should play his/her role in reducing food waste as it is a social, environmental as well as a religious crime

A Study on the Environmental Awareness among the College Students in District Srinagar

A Study on the Environmental Awareness among the College Students in District Srinagar

Checklist of Rhopalocera fauna of District Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, India (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)

The survey carried out in March - December 2021 has revealed the presence of Forty-seven Rhopalocera species under the families: Hesperiidae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Papilionidae and Pieridae, belonging to 37 genera and five families from district Srinagar.

A Study Of Intellectual Ability And Adjustment Of Retired People Of District Srinagar

A Study Of Intellectual Ability And Adjustment Of Retired People Of District Srinagar

Investigation of an outbreak of jaundice in a rural area of District Srinagar in Kashmir

: A team of doctors visited the Gasoo area of Batpora on 20-02-2020 to investigate the suspected outbreak of jaundice.1. To verify the occurrence of an outbreak of jaundice, 2. To identify etiology of this outbreak and 3.To identify the population affected.Two teams started from the center of village in two opposite directions and undertook house to house survey. Any person having the history of one or more of 5 symptoms/signs: yellowish discoloration of eyes or body, pain abdomen, vomiting, fever or history of hospitalization within past 1 month was considered for inclusion into investigation. Blood samples were taken for hepatitis serology.A totalof16 cases were examined with 9 of them males. History of Yellowish discoloration of eyes or body was the most common symptom (87%) followed by fever (81%). Mean Serum bilirubin was 3.4 mg/dl. Hepatitis A serology was positive in 7 cases out of 8 tested cases while as hepatitis B and C serology was negative in all the tested cases.: As there was clustering of cases of jaundice in the area clearly in excess of expected, so the outbreak of Juandice was confirmed. The time, place and person distribution of jaundice pointed towards a water-borne hepatitis which was confirmed by laboratory tests to be Hepatitis A outbreak. Most commonly affected age group was 10 to 15 years.An outbreak of jaundice was confirmed and it was found to be due to Hepatitis A Virus.

Prevalence and severity of low back pain among postmenopausal women: a community-based study in block Hazratbal of Srinagar district

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Menopause brings with it a cluster of symptoms and health problems. Low back ache (LBA) decreases the quality of life both socially and economically by increasing sickness absenteeism. Women are more likely to have backache and more so after menopause. Objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of LBA among postmenopausal women and also to assess the severity of the LBA.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a cross-sectional community-based study conducted in block Hazratbal of district Srinagar, the field practice area of the department of community medicine, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar. The data was collected over a period of 3 months in 2018 by consecutive sampling by going door to door in the area. A woman who had attained menopause as per the definition was included in the study.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 198 women were included. Mean age at the time of contact was 53.56 years. The prevalence of LBA among these women was 77.8% (154 of 198 women) with almost 55% women having moderate LBA and 16% women grading their LBA as severe. Those in late menopause were 4 times more likely to have severe LBA than those in early menopause.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The magnitude of LBA among postmenopausal women is huge. About one quarter of these women have severe LBA. Therefore, to maintain a good quality of life of these women, specific measures to tackle this problem must be taken.</p>

Assessment of sleep quality among postgraduate residents of a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir

Introduction: The Postgraduate medical training is long and emotionally taxing. These occupations are associated with stress and good workload along with night shifts which effects the sleep quality. Studies have documented that high levels of stress among medical residents have been associated with sleep problems. Our study aims to investigate sleep quality among the postgraduate residents of a tertiary care hospital using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional study that was conducted from 1 November 2021 to 31 December 2021. Study participants included Postgraduate medical residents working at a tertiary care hospital in district Srinagar of Kashmir valley. A total of 400 participants took part in the study. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.4 years (S.D 4.9). Majority of the participants (54%) were females. The mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (±SD) for sleep quality was 8.46 (±4.5) with a median score of 6 and Inter Quartile Range of 6.5. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality was reported in 75% of the residents. This highlights the need for awareness about this problem. There is a need for early interventions in order to introduce flexible working hours for medical residents and to provide shifts of manageable durations.

Assessment of knowledge regarding novel Corona Virus (covid-19) among fishers of Kashmir valley

The covid-19 pandemic has become a major public challenge globally. The assessment of knowledge level and awareness regarding covid-19 among fishers who are highly illiterate and under privileged becomes vitally important during this pandemic. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, awareness, preventive practices, behavioral change and vulnerability among fishers due to covid-19. The primary data was collected through personal visits. A well structural questioner comprising of 22 close ended questions regarding covid-19was used to collect the data from 80 fisher respondent from 3 fisher dominant areas (viz Moti Mohalla, Taliban, Dobhi ghat) of district Srinagar. The data collected was analyzed using different statistical tools and scales like MS-Excel, PAST-4 and SPSS. The research revealed that despite being illiterate the fisher’s knowledge level about covid-19 and measures taken to reduce it were significantly high. The study recorded good knowledge and awareness among respondents, however there is a further need to organize community-based awareness campaigns to enhance the level of knowledge and awareness among the under privileged sections of society.

Physio-chemical and heavy metal assessment of groundwater near dumping sites in Srinagar District, Jammu & Kashmir-India

Abstract The present study is aimed to analyze and assess the critical quality parameters of ground water in district Srinagar spread over distinct seasons of the year 2020. The analysis was carried out on 15 Physio-Chemical quality parameters and 6 trace element concentrations (Lead, Zinc, Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel & Copper). Primary data was collected from 6 distinct sites of the district and subjected to methodical analysis. It was revealed that the mean values of various physio- chemical parameters are within the prescribed permissible levels while as heavy metal concentrations exhibit an escalating tendency across all selected sites especially GW1 (Pb 329, Cu 86, Ar 61, Zn 191), GW2 (Zn 132) and GW3 (Zn 144, Ar 67). The results indicate that waste disposal mechanism in hospitals of Srinagar is not environmental conducive and there is necessity to prevent further denigration of ground water sources in the region. Not denying that the present work is not the panacea for ground water contamination but the methodology adopted for this study is expected to pave way for further hydro-geological analysis in the region to identify the critical quality issues and also to explore remedial strategy to conserve the qualitative characteristics of ground water in the region.

Shifting Identities of Kashmiri Women

Secularism and Islamic Law are two of the most important factors in understanding the socio-religious aspects of Muslim society in non-Muslim nations. When it comes to Muslim Personal Laws, in India, a Muslim may choose to follow state law, which is based on religious law, which demonstrates that the state is trying to go in a more liberal manner. Half-widow has been a significant cause of discomfort in Kashmiri society, state and federal authorities, human rights, activists, and religious ulama for a long time, ever since the war began there. A search for their identity, survival, and safety was unnecessary as long as their spouses were part of mainstream society or culture. They are neither a married lady nor a widowed woman. Zoon's (one of the Half-widows from Jammu and Kashmir's district Srinagar) struggle that changeover her from wife to Half-widow and subsequently from Half-widows to widow would help us understand the crises of changing identities. Though the Half-widow problem is not easily comprehended, it may be grasped by examining the different societal ramifications that impact economic and theological reality. The purpose of this study is to examine how Islamic and State Laws are intricately woven together to ensure the operation of the Indian Muslim society.

Prevalence of Diabetes among Residents of Theed Area of District Srinagar: A Descriptive Study

Prevalence of Diabetes among Residents of Theed Area of District Srinagar: A Descriptive Study

Biomedical Waste Management and Law- A Study of the Government Hospitals of District Srinagar in the Union Territory of Jammu And Kashmir, India

Healthcare is undoubtedly an inevitable facet of human existence. The very functioning of a healthcare establishment generates waste which in turn needs to be effectively managed. Bio-Medical Waste is defined as any waste produced during the diagnosis, testing, treatment, research or production of biological materials by either animals or humankind. The present study was done to access whether Government hospitals in the district Srinagar of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir are functioning in gross violation of the existing Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, thereby posing dangers to in-patients, visitors and the public at large and whether The Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules suffer from certain basic shortcomings due to which they have become ineffective in protecting the environment generally and the health of the people in particular. The study revealed a gross violation of Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules. A judicious balance between environment protection and Bio-Medical Waste Management is the need of the hour.

Training need analysis: A study of fisheries guards of district Srinagar of Kashmir valley

Training need analysis (TNA) has been regarded as the most significant step to develop successful training programmes. Existing literature on TNA shows that hardly any studies have been conducted on training need analysis of officials of J & K state fisheries department. Therefore, the present study was carried out to know and prioritize the training needs of fisheries guards so as to enable the state department as well as faculty of fisheries to conduct need-based training programmes. A total of 89 fisheries guards from district Srinagar were interviewed. Purposive sampling was done as the sample of the study constituted whole population of fisheries guards in the district. Questions pertaining to various aspects of culture fisheries were put under different headings and response as ‘yes’ and ‘no’ was seeked. Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical package for Social Sciences). On the basis of the total score obtained by the individual farmer and the mean scores and standard deviation, farmers were classified into three categories, farmers with low, medium and high-level knowledge. This study not only assessed but also prioritized the needs of fisheries officials. It could be concluded from the study that need based training programmes must be organized for fisheries officials that will not only enhance their knowledge, skills, expertise, make them proficient in their respective jobs but shall also lead to conducting of result-oriented training programmes.

Status and management of grape anthracnose disease caused by Sphaceloma ampelinum (de Bary) Shear in Kashmir Valley

Grape anthracnose is economically an important disease of grapevine caused by Sphaceloma ampelinum (de Bary) Shear, that affects yield and quality of grapes. An extensive study on disease survey indicates that disease was frequent in all the three districts investigated. The overall disease incidence of 54.69 and 46.38 per cent and intensity of 24.70 and 27.09 per cent was observed in two consecutive years, respectively in main grape growing districts of Kashmir Valley. The maximum disease incidence of 58.84 per cent and intensity of 32.97 per cent was recorded in district Srinagar and minimum disease incidence of 42.41 and intensity of 18.83 per cent was observed in district Ganderbal. Among the different locations investigated, Shalimar of district Srinagar revealed the highest disease incidence (61.44%) and intensity (35.18%) and Repora of district Ganderbal revealed the lowest disease incidence (40.31%) and intensity (17.45%). Further, studies revealed that among the eighteen cultivars screened for disease reaction under natural epiphytotic conditions, cvs. Marroo, Himrod, Khalilli, Flame Beauty and Sonaka exhibited tolerance whereas, cvs. Manik chaman, Crimson seedless, Ararat and Hussaini were found moderately tolerant. Among the non-systemic fungitoxicants evaluated under in vitro conditions, chlorthalonil 75WP was found to be significantly more effective against the pathogen, whereas, zineb 75WP was found to be least efficient. Besides, among the systemic fungicides tested, hexaconazole 5EC was found to be significantly superior followed by carbendazim 50WP at all the concentrations.

COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges for urban informal sector: An insight from street vendors of the district Srinagar, Kashmir

This paper aims at presenting the findings of the study on the position of street vendors in the District Srinagar, Kashmir, in India, including both men and women, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The purpose of the study was to explore various challenges street vendors faced during the COVID-19 lockdown and to highlight the vulnerability of this particular group of informal workers. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the use of a questionnaire, on a sample of 150 street vendors from the District Srinagar. In addition, a certain number of in-depth interviews with selected respondents from the sample was done. The study findings show that the majority of the respondents have lost their job during the peak period of COVID-19, i.e. from March to July 2020. The findings have also revealed that the lockdown directly impacted the socio-economic conditions of the workers which made it very difficult for them to survive during the peak of COVID-19. Additionally, workers were struggling very hard in order to fulfill the basic daily needs of their families. Therefore, it is suggested that the government of India should provide financial support to street vendors in order to compensate for the loss caused due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Depression among Tuberculosis patients and its association with treatment outcomes in district Srinagar

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is among the top 10 causes of death worldwide and there are estimated 10.4 million new (incident) patients, of which about one fourth are in India. There has been calls for rigorous investigations and interventions that may address other factors known to have effect on adherence of treatment like Depression but the amount of research into comorbidity is surprisingly low. The aim of the study was to assess magnitude and impact of depression among TB patients and determine the treatment outcomes of TB in District Srinagar. MethodsIn this prospective study the adults with newly diagnosed TB were recruited within one month of initiating treatment and were followed upto the end of treatment. Data collection was done at three time-points: baseline, after 2 months and after 6 months of treatment initiation. The sample size of 200 was calculated using OpenEpi, V3 and identified 202 TB patients were interviewed in their local language and PHQ-9 scale was used to measure Depression. ResultsThe prevalence of Depression at baseline was 50.5% with CI (43.7%-57.3%). After two months of treatment the prevalence reduced to 9.4% with CI (5.9%-14.0%) and at the end of treatment to 2.5% with CI (0.91%-5.4%). Association between Depression in TB patients and treatment failure was found to be small to medium as revealed by Cramer’s V test (0.29–0.59). Binary logistic regression estimated that at baseline TB patients with Depression were at 4.46 times at more risk of treatment failure than patients without Depression and those patients who continued Depression even after intensive phase were 34.5 times at higher risk. ConclusionOur findings indicate Depression is associated with poor treatment outcome in these patients, despite TB treatment. TB treatment strategies should consider screening and managing the psychologically distressed individuals among TB patients.

Distribution and molecular characterization of potato virus Y (PVY) strains infecting potato (Solanum tuberosum) crop in Kashmir (India).

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-021-00722-2.

Incidence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) among infants after immunization with primary doses of scheduled vaccines in district Srinagar (J&K)

Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. However, like other medicinal products, vaccines are not free from adverse reactions. AEFI is any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine. The reporting of AEFI’s from the routine system is inadequate due to many reasons. Hence this study was conducted to throw some light and provide the baseline data. To find out the incidence of adverse events following immunization among infants in District Srinagar. It was a prospective study in which parents of infants receiving vaccines were contacted telephonically after specified time intervals to verify the occurrence of adverse events. The children were followed till 30 days of the administration of vaccines up to measles rubella vaccine. The incidence of AEFI reported in this study was 23.03% with 95% CI (22.24% to 23.85%). The most frequently reported AEFI was Fever (54.90%, n=1322), followed by Diarrhea (8.30%, n=200) and Vomiting (8.14%, n=196). AEFI were more in frequency during first week of receiving vaccine and most of the parents of children did not report AEFI after 7 days after vaccination. This study reveals that most of the vaccines associated adverse reactions were of mild and non-serious type and rarely of serious nature, yet proper monitoring of vaccine associated adverse reactions; is too essential. Proper and complete reporting of AEFI’s by field workers needs to be encouraged.

Study of Some Morphometric and Meristic Traits of Chirru Snowtrout (Schizothorax esocinus) from River Jhelum, Kashmir, India

A study was conducted to analyze morphological characteristics of a Schizothoracid species: Schizothorax esocinus collected from three sites of river Jhelum in Kashmir. S. esocinus is locally known as “Churru” and forms an important food element of the local population., Schizothorax esocinus is one of the most important species in the genus Schizothorax and it has continued to contribute immensely to the nutritional needs, economic growth and development of the Kashmir valley. Furthermore, this fish is very sensitive to any environmental changes so it acts as bioindicator of aquatic pollution. A total of 180 samples were taken for the study of the morphometric and meristic characters utilzing ethnic fishing gears. Thirteen conventional morphometric characters examined in the present study, showed high co-efficient of determination (R2) values ranging from 0.55 to 0.91 for district Srinagar from 0.56 to 0.92 for district Anantnag, and 0.56 to 0.98 for district Baramulla signifying that the traits were highly correlated to each other. Out of six meristic characters examined, two characters were not remarkably different (p>0.05). The fin formula of S. esocinus was devised as D, I + 5-10, P, I + 7-11, C, I + 15-23, A, I + 3-7, LL, 55-170. This study is purely aimed at studying the morphology and meristics of S. esocinus and not at estimating the length-weight relationship or condition factor.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Among Healthcare Workers by Workplace Exposure Risk in Kashmir, India.

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) poses a tremendous challenge to healthcare systems across the globe. Serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) may quantify the rate of clinically significant exposure in an institutional setting and identify those HCWs who are at greatest risk. We conducted a survey and SARS-CoV-2 serologic testing among a convenience sample of HCWs from 79 non-COVID and 3 dedicated COVID hospitals in District Srinagar of Kashmir, India. In addition to testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), we collected information on demographics, occupational group, influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms, nasopharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing status, history of close unprotected contacts, and quarantine/travel history. Of 7,346 eligible HCWs, 2,915 (39.7%) participated in the study. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies was 2.5% (95% CI, 2.0%-3.1%), while HCWs who had ever worked at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital had a substantially lower seroprevalence of 0.6% (95% CI, 0.2%-1.9%). Higher seroprevalence rates were observed among HCWs who reported a recent ILI (12.2%), a positive RT-PCR (27.6%), a history of being put under quarantine (4.9%), and a history of close unprotected contact with a person with COVID-19 (4.4%). Healthcare workers who ever worked at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital had a lower multivariate-adjusted risk of seropositivity (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.66). Our investigation suggests that infection-control practices, including a compliance-maximizing buddy system, are valuable and effective in preventing infection within a high-risk clinical setting. Universal masking, mandatory testing of patients, and residential dormitories for HCWs at COVID-19-dedicated hospitals is an effective multifaceted approach to infection control. Moreover, given that many infections among HCWs are community-acquired, it is likely that the vigilant practices in these hospitals will have spillover effects, creating ingrained behaviors that will continue outside the hospital setting.