Information , Education And Communication Research Articles

Determinants of the unmet needs for information, education and communication on sexual health among single youths in Burundi.

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young people aged 15-24 in urban areas is at least 12 times higher among girls than boys in Burundi, while it is twice as high in Rwanda. The gap between the two countries could be narrowed if Burundi's single young people were provided with sufficient information about their sexual health through appropriate channels. The aim of this study was to examine the social and individual "determinants" of unmet needs for sexual health information, education and communication (IEC) among unmarried young boys and girls aged 15-24 in Burundi, using data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Data were analyzed at the bivariate level using cross-tabulations and chi-squared tests, and at the multivariate level using binary logistic regression methods. According to the results of the study, the 'determinants' of the phenomenon studied are, for both sexes, the size of the household, the age of the youths, their level of education, their knowledge of where to take the HIV/AIDS test and their region of residence; only in the case of boys do we find, in addition, the age of the head of the household, his level of education and the adolescents' exposure to the media; similarly, only in the case of girls do we find their economic activity and their perception of HIV/AIDS. Multisectoral IEC actions on sexual health for young people should therefore be strengthened in Burundi.

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Anemia among Females of Age Group 10-45 Years in a Rural Population of Gurugram, Haryana

Introduction: Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. Its Prevalence is inordinately higher among developing nations, because of unfavorable socio- demographic factors and indigent access to healthcare services. Therefore, it is pertinent to find the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors. Objective: To find out prevalence and socio- demographic factors associated with anaemia among females of age group 10-45 years in a rural population of Gurugram, Haryana. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in villages under PHC Garhi Harsaru in Gurugram, Haryana among 452 females of age group 10-45 years by two stage random sampling technique. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 25 ± 6.39 years. The overall prevalence of anemia among women of age group of 10-45 years was found to be 62.39%. Joint family, lower literacy, and low socioeconomic status were found to be statistically significant risk factors for anaemia among study subjects. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia was very high; therefore attempts should be made to sensitize the rural population through health and nutrition education, information, education and communication (IEC) and appropriate behaviour change communication (BCC) activities.

Health Education Measures to Combat Covid-19 in Southeast Asia: Malaysia's Initiatives

This article highlights the health education (HE) strategies implemented by Malaysia in responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic health promotion. A combination of HE measures that represent different aims enables countries, especially those with limited resources, to educate people and fight infectious diseases effectively. Publication of information, education and communication (IEC) materials; dedicated portal, hotlines and various media channels; daily press conference and press statements; infodemic/fake news management; and multi-sector engagement should be incorporated in reducing the number of COVID-19-positive cases. The HE measures addressed in this article can provide a basis for countries in the Southeast Asia region and those with limited resources to develop HE strategies to reduce the severity of the outbreak.

A Paper Review: Diversity, Conservation and Management of Fruit Bats (Family Pteropodidae) Inhabiting the Tropical Forests of Southeast Asian Region

This paper has reviewed on the extent of various studies conducted to describe the diversity of fruit bats (Family Pteropodidae), its conservation and management in the tropical forests of Southeast Asian Region. The study was anchored on synthesizing published articles from February to May 2022 through data banking using keywords: bats, fruit bats, fruit bat diversity, conservation management, tropical forests with regards to the respective country. Results showed that diversity of fruit bats (Family Pteropodidae) inhabiting the tropical forest of Southeast Asia has a total of 99 fruit bat species with a total of 19 conservation initiatives undertaken. These included population conservation, protection and management of their food sources and habitats. Generally, majority of the studies all throughout Southeast Asia revealed the presence of adversely affected bat communities after forest disturbance and destruction. The study recommend further research in some countries of Southeast Asia, some specific study on fruit bats should include ectoparasitism, vectors of infectious diseases like rabies and other viruses, and other studies, some studies should be conducted as well for other bat families like insectivorous and nectarivorous bats, strict implementation of laws and legislations focused on protecting fruit bats, their food sources and habitats, and the entire forest ecosystem, and in situ fruit bat initiatives like increasing the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign such as no direct killing and commercialization.

Relationship of Parity, Maternal Age and Birth Weight with the Duration of the Second Stage of Labor

Background: second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of a baby. The duration of second stage of labor commonly lasts 2 hours for primigravida mothers and one hour for multigravida mothers. Prolonged labor is one of complications experienced by mothers in second stage of labor. Prolonged labor can cause several complications for both mothers and infants. Prolonged labor can harm both the mother and the infant. The harmful effects of complications during second stage of labor for mothers include the incidence of uterine atony, laceration, bleeding, infection, fatigue and shock and improving the birth rate with the C-section incision. Whereas the harmful effects of complications during second stage of labor for infants include asphyxiated, cerebral trauma caused by pressure on the head of the fetus, the injury due to action, and premature rupture of membranes. The severity of the injury increases continuously along with the longer of the duration of the labor process, and the risk of which rises quickly after 24 hours. The longer the labor, the higher the morbidity as well as the mortality. The stage of labor affected by all such factors mentioned is called the second stage of laborObjective: to find out the relationship of parity, maternal age, and birth weight with the duration of the second stage of labor.Methods: this study applied a quantitative research design using an analytical survey method through a cross sectional approach. The sample in this study was chosen using total sampling method with the purposive sampling technique, namely, that the sample was all maternity mothers who were coincidentally present at the time of the study at UPTD Karya Mukti Public Health Center in August 2021. Then, Chi-square statistical test was used to determine the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable.Results: of the 30 respondents, 20 respondents whose parity was not at risk (95.2%) experienced normal duration of second stage of labor, while 5 respondents (55.6%) whose parity was at risk experienced normal duration of second stage of labor. 21 respondents whose maternal age was not at risk (95.5%) experienced normal duration of second stage of labor, while 4 respondents whose maternal age was at risk (50%) experienced normal duration second stage of labor. 23 respondents (92%) with normal birth weight babies experienced normal duration of second stage of labor, while 2 respondents (40%)with large birth weight babies experienced normal duration of second stage of labor. The results of the Chi-square statistical test showed that there was a significant relationship between parity and the duration of the second stage of labor with the p-value of 0.019 £ 0.05 and the OR value of 9.157. There was a significant relationship between maternal age and the duration of the second stage of labor with the p-value of 0.011 £ 0.05 and the OR value of 5.387, and there was a significant relationship between birth weight and the duration of the second stage of labor with the p-value of 0.022 £ 0.05 and OR value of 3.405.Conclusions: there was a relationship between parity and the duration of second stage of labor. There was a relationship between maternal age and the duration of second stage of labor, and there was a relationship between birth weight and the duration of second stage of labor. Suggestions: It is hoped that health workers will further improve IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) regarding safe gestational age, safe parity and balanced nutrition as a form of antenatal care for pregnant women which is very influential, especially during the second stage of labor. In addition, for pregnant women, it is better to perform quality ANC to predict whether mothers will be likely to experience prolonged labor or not and also to prevent prolonged labor and other complications of pregnancy and labor. Then, based on the results of ANC tests, the mothers immediately referred to a more adequate hospitals/maternity hospitals to monitor the condition of their pregnancy so as to prevent the risk that will be faced by the mothers and fetus during labor. Keywords: Parity, Maternal Age, Birth Weight, Duration of Second Stage Labor

Quality of COVID-19 information, education and communication materials in India: A content analysis.

This study examined the characteristics and quality of publicly available COVID-19 information education and communication (IEC) materials in India between March and December 2020. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed to examine the characteristics and quality of 265 purposefully selected IEC materials. The IEC materials analysed were those published between March and December 2020 on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, Government of India. A checklist was utilised to examine the quality and characteristics of the materials. Thereafter, qualitative analysis provided insights into the contents of the materials with specific focus on the 'COVID-19 continuum of care'. The majority (73.96%, n = 196) of the selected materials were directed towards the general public and had a focus on prevention (67.55 %, n = 179). Despite COVID-19-associated stigma, only 56 (21.13%) of the materials addressed this issue. However, most (95.47%, n = 253) of the materials adhered to quality standards for contents, readability and aesthetics. This qualitative analysis focused on the contents of selected IEC materials using the concept of 'continuum of care'. The analysis identified three important themes: prevention to early diagnosis and treatment; mitigation of stigma and discrimination surrounding COVID-19; and addressing the infodemic caused by COVID-19. The quality of materials was mostly satisfactory and appropriate to the emergent requirements. Strengthening audience engagement and attractiveness of the materials might enhance readability and actionability. A bottom-up approach to the development of future IEC materials, involving the community might widen the coverage of vulnerable populations in future crisis events.

Coverage and compliance of mass drug administration (MDA) programme for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in an endemic district of eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.

Lymphatic filariasis is targeted for elimination in India through mass drug administration (MDA) with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) combined with albendazole (ABZ). To assess the coverage, compliance and causes for non-compliance towards MDA in an endemic district of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), north India. A cross-sectional coverage evaluation survey was conducted in 24 rural and 6 urban clusters of Ghazipur district in eastern U.P. using multi-stage random sampling technique with probability proportional to estimated size (PPES). Data was collected in a semi-structured Performa from all the individuals in the selected households by interview technique. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with non-consumption of MDA drugs. A total of 1422 individuals were surveyed from 30 randomly selected subunits of which 1401 (98.5%) were eligible for MDA at the time of the round. Majority of the participants were in the age-group of 15-59 years (67.0%) and were males (53.3%). The overall coverage of MDA (both drugs) among the eligible population in Ghazipur district was 58.5%. Compliance among those who had received both the drugs was 61.6% with effective coverage of 36.0%. The coverage was significantly higher in rural areas compared to the urban clusters (p<0.0001). The most common reason quoted for not consuming drugs was fear of side effects (34.9%). However, the incidence of adverse events among those who consumed the drugs was only 2.5%. None of the socio-demographic variables showed a significant association with the compliance to the drugs. Coverage and compliance of MDA in Ghazipur district of U.P., India was found to be below satisfactory levels. Targeted Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns focusing on the safety of drugs and the necessity of MDA, and mass mobilization with effective monitoring and supervision is the need of the hour for effective coverage of MDA Programme.

Trends of Tuberculosis Prevalence, Treatment and Prevention Efforts in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Background: Tuberculosis is still rampant in Nigeria, and contributes significantly to TB burden globally. This study was conducted with the main objective of determining the trends of TB prevalence, treatment and preventive efforts by the government of Bayelsa State, and providing insight into the level of progress in the fight against TB in the State. Methods: It is a retrospective study of TB programme data consisting of 10,512 patients who accessed healthcare services at the health facilities from 2017 to 2021. Enrolment registers, TB Treatment registers, Test Result Request Forms and Laboratory registers were consulted to obtain accurate data. Additionally, observation of the processes at the various health facilities and the review of TB programme documents, including periodic reports, training manuals, presentation slides and the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were conducted to garner information about TB prevention and control efforts in the state. Results: This study finds that there is a consistent reduction in TB prevalence rates from 2017 (23.2%) to 2021 (17.6%). The average cumulative five-year prevalence for all TB cases is 22.4% and 2.8% for Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB). The results further indicated that less females (9.3%) than males (13.8%) were infected with TB (p&lt;0.05), while the age group 25-34 years recorded the highest TB prevalence. The study participants had a mean age of 31.67 ± 18.59 years. There is a strong evidence that difference in prevalence is statistically significant across sex/gender (X2 = 22.011, df = 4, p-value = 0.0002), age groups (F(7, 24) = 13.871, p = 0.0001), and years ((F(4, 24) = 80.925, p = 0.0001). TB Treatment initiation rate is optimal but declined by 1.7% in 2021. Conclusion: TB Prevalence in Yenagoa is high and intensified TB Case finding, contact tracing efforts are necessary to quickly curb transmission rate. Systematic screening and presumptive TB identification appears inadequate compared to the number of TB cases detected each year.

An Investment Case for the Scale-up and Use of Insecticide-Treated Nets Halfway into the SDG Targets

AbstractThis article examines a policy of scaling up LLINs by 10 percentage points from 2020 levels with a 90% cap in the 29 highest-burden countries in Africa along with social and behavioral change (SBC) and information education and communication (IEC) campaigns to increase the use and effectiveness of LLINs. The incremental cost of this scenario compared to a baseline of maintaining malaria interventions at 2020 levels has a present-day (2023) value of 5.7 billion US$ 2021 discounted at 8% over the period 2023–2030 (undiscounted starting at US$ 416 million in 2023 increasing to US$ 1.4 billion in 2030). This investment will prevent 1.07 billion clinical cases and save 1,337,069 lives. With standardized Copenhagen Consensus Center assumptions, the mortality benefit translates to a present value of US$ 225.9 billion. The direct economic gain is also substantial: the incremental scenarios lead to US$ 7.7 billion in reduced health system expenditure from the reduced treatment of cases, a reduction in the cost of delivering malaria control activities, and reduced household out-of-pocket expenses for malaria treatment. The productivity gains from averted employee and caretaker absenteeism and presenteeism add benefits with a present value of US$ 41.7 billion. Each dollar spent on the incremental scenario delivers US$ 48 in social and economic benefits.

Integrated Sexual Reproductive Health Information, Education And Communication (IEC) Can Increase Couple Compliance With Prospective Bridge In Health Examination In Pontianak City

Background: Cases of maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS in West Kalimantan tend to increase. Every couple needs pregnancy planning so that the mother and baby are born healthy. One of the efforts is the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) program on Reproductive Health, Sexual and Health Examination for Prospective Brides, to prepare couples in a healthy condition.Research Objectives: To determine the implementation and effectiveness of IEC for Reproductive, Sexual Health and Health Examination of Future Brides and Grooms in Pontianak City.Research Methods: This research uses Mixed Methods. Qualitative design is descriptive. Data collection through FGD and interviews with key informants. The quantitative design is an analytical survey. Collecting data using a questionnaire, on 90 Future Bride and Groom taken by purposive sampling.Qualitative Research Results: Executors are adequate and have received training. Flipcharts and posters are available, pocket books have not been fulfilled. Limited supporting facilities. There is an MoU with the KUA, but not yet with the blessing of other religions. Limited delivery time. Materials on nutrition and the husband's role are still few, and there is no environmental health material. 95% future brides and grooms do health check.Quantitative Results The perception of the implementation of IEC showed a significant relationship with the compliance of respondents in the health examination (p = 0.009; OR=4.4).Conclusion: Implementation of IEC for Reproductive Health, Sexual and Health Examination in Future Brides and Grooms is running and effective. Perceptions of the implementation of IEC showed a significant relationship with the compliance of respondents in conducting health checks

Sosialisasi Tentang Gejala, Cara Penularan dan Pengobatan Tuberkulosis Paru Pada Pasien dan Keluarganya di Masa Pandemi Covid-19

SOCIALIZATION ABOUT SYMPTOMS, MODES OF TRANSMISSION AND TREATMENT OF LUNG TUBERCULOSIS IN PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES DURING THE COVİD-19 PANDEMIC. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Tuberculosis itself became one of the five main causes of disease burden in 2017 in Indonesia. The discovery of TB cases in Indonesia has declined sharply due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Ministry of Health in 2020 noted that there were only 271,750 TB cases that were notified or found, a sharp decline when compared to the findings in 2019 of 568,987 cases. The outbreak of the corona virus has caused most of the resources available in society to be devoted to dealing with the disease. As a result, the prevention of other diseases has been neglected, including pulmonary TB. At the Hutumuri Health Center Ambon, throughout 2020, 4 cases of pulmonary TB were found, and in 2021 there were 6 cases of pulmonary TB. In the last 2 years, the findings of new cases in the working area of ​​the Hutumuri Health Center did not meet the target set by the Maluku Provincial Health Office, namely 13 new cases for each public health center (PHC) each year. Community service activities were carried out for 3 days, on March 2 , 4 and 5, 2022 using counseling methods, distributing leaflets, as well as providing Information Education and Communication (IEC) to the general public and pulmonary TB sufferers which were carried out at the PHC and houses of Hutumuri villagers.

Cervical cancer prevention in countries with the highest HIV prevalence: a review of policies

IntroductionCervical cancer (CC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in sub-Saharan Africa. It occurs most frequently in women living with HIV (WLHIV) and is classified as an AIDS-defining illness. Recent World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations provide guidance for CC prevention policies, with specifications for WLHIV. We systematically reviewed policies for CC prevention and control in sub-Saharan countries with the highest HIV prevalence.MethodsWe included countries with an HIV prevalence ≥ 10% in 2018 and policies published between January 1st 2010 and March 31st 2022. We searched Medline via PubMed, the international cancer control partnership website and national governmental websites of included countries for relevant policy documents. The online document search was supplemented with expert consultation for each included country. We synthesised aspects defined in policies for HPV vaccination, sex education, condom use, tobacco control, male circumcision,cervical screening, diagnosis and treatment of cervical pre-cancerous lesions and cancer, monitoring mechanisms and cost of services to women while highlighting specificities for WLHIV.ResultsWe reviewed 33 policy documents from nine countries. All included countries had policies on CC prevention and control either as a standalone policy (77.8%), or as part of a cancer or non-communicable diseases policy (22.2%) or both (66.7%). Aspects of HPV vaccination were reported in 7 (77.8%) of the 9 countries. All countries (100%) planned to develop or review Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for CC prevention including condom use and tobacco control. Age at screening commencement and screening intervals for WLHIV varied across countries. The most common recommended screening and treatment methods were visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) (88.9%), Pap smear (77.8%); cryotherapy (100%) and loop electrosurgical procedure (LEEP) (88.9%) respectively. Global indicators disaggregated by HIV status for monitoring CC programs were rarely reported. CC prevention and care policies included service costs at various stages in three countries (33.3%).ConclusionConsiderable progress has been made in policy development for CC prevention and control in sub Saharan Africa. However, in countries with a high HIV burden, there is need to tailor these policies to respond to the specific needs of WLHIV. Countries may consider updating policies using the recent WHO guidelines for CC prevention, while adapting them to context realities.

Prevalence of and risk factors associated with HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus-type 2, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among 18-24 year old students attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya-Tanzania.

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among young people in low- and middle-income countries and are associated with negative reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. Most of the studies have assessed HIV among adolescents and young adults, with limited information on occurrence of other STIs in this population. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of and risk factors associated with Herpes Simplex Virus-type 2 (HSV-2), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Syphilis and HIV infection among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Mbeya, Tanzania.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among students aged 18-24years attending HLIs in Mbeya-Tanzania, randomly selected using a computerized random number. Participants were tested for HSV-2, CT, NG, Syphilis and HIV infection. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect information on sexual activity and risk factors to the tested STIs.ResultsWe enrolled 504 students from 5 HLIs, with mean age of 21.5 years (SD 1.7). 17% of the students had at least one STI; prevalence was higher among females than males (21.1% versus 14.1%). CT (11%) and HSV-2 (6.1%) were the most common STIs, while NG (1.1%) and HIV (0.7%) infection had the least occurrence. None of the participants was diagnosed with Syphilis. In univariate analysis, predictors for STIs were Sex, inconsistent condom use in the past 4weeks, report of oral sex, sexual orientation (bisexual/homosexual) and having a sexual partner with an age-difference of at least 5years (either older or younger); while in the multivariate analysis, Sex, inconsistent condom use in the past 4weeks and sexual orientation (bisexual/homosexual) remained significant.ConclusionSTIs such as Chlamydia and HSV-2 which are commonly asymptomatic are of concern among young adults attending HLIs. The latter is an important group that needs attention and recognition that is pivotal in transmission of STIs considering their risk. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns targeting young adults, especially those at HLIs, need to focus on exposure-risk minimization. Funding institutions that have invested heavily on HIV prevention campaigns should consider giving similar recognition to other STIs for a streamlined outcome.

Epidemiological Investigation of an Outbreak of Acute Diarrheal Disease at Talegaon Dabhade, Mawal Block, Pune, Maharashtra

Background: Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) affects millions of people across the globe, especially in poor socio-economic regions. Most of the diseases and deaths among children result from diarrhea resulting from contaminated water and food sources. In India, most diarrheal outbreaks can be attributed to contaminated water.These outbreaks can be prevented through the provision of safe drinking water. Outbreak investigation plays a vital role in ascertaining the causes of an outbreak and thereby keeping a check on communicable diseases. This paper explores the investigation that followed an outbreak of diarrhea in one of the interior regions of the Pune district in Maharashtra. Objectives: (i) To confirm the existence of an outbreak at Talegaon Dabhade (ii) To identify the source of infection and mode of transmission (iii) To control and prevent the further spread of the outbreak. Methods: A ground review of the outbreak situation was done along with the local health authority of Talegaon Dabhade and the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Staff. Information regarding water samples collection and testing was obtained from Talegaon Municipal Council officials. An observational cross-sectional study using a mixed-method approach was conducted. Face-to-face interviews of 8 cases were conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule. Result: The frontline workers identified a total of 624 cases during the survey. About 209 patients came to seek treatment at the PHC Outpatient Department (OPD) with three reported hospitalizations. The field workers started reporting cases on 27th December 2021. A total of 217 water samples collected from multiple points were sent for water quality testing. Only one sample from the house of an infected person came out to be positive for coliforms. The source of infection of the outbreak could not be identified. Conclusion: Outbreaks can be prevented through training of local health staff, strengthening labs at the government health facilities, and enhancing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities. This ensures early identification andtimely response to epidemic-prone diseases.

Strengthening Nutrition Knowledge of Pregnant Women Through Nutrition Education During Public Health Emergencies

Proper maternal nutrition evidently results in good pregnancy outcomes both for the mother and born infant. However, the process leading to good nutrition during pregnancy remains a challenge most especially during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought limitations on access to a variety of foods as well as nutrition services. Thus, nutrition education through the provision of contextualized information, education and communication (IEC) materials was explored as an alternative delivery strategy. The delivery strategy aims to increase the number of pregnant women in Barangay Palanan, Makati City, Philippines who have adequate nutrition knowledge through IEC materials-based nutrition education that is contextualized during public health emergencies. As an outcome, the delivery strategy intends to increase the number of pregnant women who have normal nutritional status as determined by weight per month of pregnancy. Results in determining the adequacy of nutrition knowledge through pre- and post-testing show that there is a 10% increase in the passing rate from 59% at baseline to 69% at endline. From the number of pregnant women who have taken the post-test, a remarkable 52% have either post-test scores that are maintained or improved. Meanwhile, for pregnant women who have normal nutritional status, an increase of 5% was seen given by 46% at baseline to 51% at endline. Ultimately, IEC materials-based nutrition education may serve as a supplementary approach in the continuous provision of nutrition services to attain good nutrition of pregnant women amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hemovigilance: a momentous step to blood safety

Hemovigilance is a series of monitoring procedures that cover the entire transfusion chain, from blood and its component collection to recipient follow-up, collecting and collecting information about unexpected or adverse effects resulting from the therapeutic use of unstable blood products. It is designed to be evaluated, and to prevent their occurrence and recurrence. The Haemovigilance program in developed countries is associated with IHN and has voluntary reporting requirements. In France, Germany and Switzerland, the hemodynamic system is regulated by supervisors. It is one of the blood manufacturers in Japan, Singapore and South Africa. In the Netherlands and the United Kingdom within the Medical Society; in Canada, regulated by health authorities. Intensive blood exercise program to ensure patient safety and promote public health begins on December 10, 2012 in Phase 1 in collaboration with National Institute of Biological Sciences under MOHFW for the first time in India it was done. HvPI is responding very well, as most medical colleges and laboratories have already registered and are beginning to provide data on side effects. The HvPI Unit produces educational materials in the form of publishing the Haemovigilance newsletter, information, education and communication (IEC) literature, and conducts an academic CME and awareness program on Haemovigilance throughout the year in India. The provocation is to understand not only the feedback of the internet, but even the sociology of human networks. Guaranteeing the reliability, responsiveness, and feedback of each alert is also important. Blood products are an important area of PvPI for reporting and recording post-transfusion ADRs of blood / blood products. To work efficiently, a lean mechanism and proper coordination with standardized tools at all levels is needed.

BEHAVIORAL INSIGHT FOR COVID-19 AMONG STAFFS OF A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN KUMAUN REGION, UTTARAKHAND

Introduction: COVID-19 is caused by a novel virus and is known to be an infectious respiratory disease affecting more than 200 countries and union territories of the world. 80% of the patients are shown to have mild to moderate disease. Illness prevention is the mainstay of getting away from the condition with the non-availability of vaccines or medicine. Methods: The aim &amp; objective of this study is to describe the behavioral insight (knowledge, attitude &amp; practice) regarding preventive measures of COVID-19 among the teaching hospital staff. An institutional-based descriptive study was conducted among 168 staff, including lab technicians, doctors, staff nurses, and other supporting staff of a tertiary hospital using a convenient sampling technique. The data were obtained by interviewing staff with a pre-tested semi-structured schedule. Result: The study results showed that most of the respondents were found to have good knowledge, attitude, and practice towards preventive measures such as social distancing, hand hygiene, face mask, and PPE Kit. 88% of participants were using 3 layered medical masks, and most of them (63%) were using a regular wash of face mask. Among most respondents, no gap between knowledge and practice was seen; however, proper use, handling, and disposal of face masks and other PPE was a concern. Conclusion: Therefore, there is a need to improve the knowledge of COVID-19 among healthcare workers, which is possible with the availability of good quality Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials. Keywords: Behavioral insight, COVID-19, Social Distancing, Face mask, Hand Hygiene, PPE

Are ninth-grade students aware and prepared when disaster strikes?

Awareness and preparedness are good preventive practices that can lessen the impacts of natural and man-made hazards. This descriptive cross-sectional study ascertained the extent of awareness and preparedness of ninth-grade students in terms of natural hazards and man-made disasters. The study involved 103 respondents in two public secondary schools in Zambales, Philippines. The study found out that the students have a high self-reported awareness of the different disasters, and they assessed themselves to be often prepared for the occurrences of the different disasters. The students’ disaster awareness had a significant moderate correlation with disaster preparedness. The study recommends that the students be exposed to several disaster awareness and preparedness programs to develop their understanding and preventive practices. The students' awareness of several disasters may be sustained and enhanced through various media like audio-visual presentations, posters, and IEC (information, education, and communication) materials. As students become more aware of disasters, they become more prepared for disasters. Hence, the environmental education curriculum can accentuate disaster science and management teaching to young learners as they are crucial actors in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation

Tobacco Use Pattern, Dependence, Oral Cancer Awareness and Health Education needs Among Urban Slum Dwellers of Jodhpur City.

Background:The rapid migration from rural to urban region results in mushrooming of slums in India. Urban-slums are comparatively poor vulnerable groups which are mostly affected with oral cancer due to higher exposure to risk factors like tobacco use.Aims:To assess pattern of tobacco consumption, awareness about oral cancer and related health education needs in urban slums of Jodhpur city.Methods:Study was conducted during July 2018Nov 2018 in slum of Jodhpur city. On the basis of cluster sampling strategy data were collected from 1200 participants regarding tobacco use and perception regarding oral cancer to identify health education needs in urban slums. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, multivariate logistics analysis were used and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:A total of 1200 participants were surveyed, out of which 48.5% were males. Among the study population, 58.5% (n = 462/789) males and 41.45% (n = 327/789) females were consuming tobacco in one or more forms. The statistical association between: age and bidi, gutka, zarda consumption; gender and bidi, cigarette, gutka consumption was found to be significant (P < 0.001). The younger population (1530 years) has more willingness to quit tobacco than the older population. (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.092.11). Almost 56% were aware of oral cancer.Conclusions:An effective information, education and communication (IEC) strategy for tobacco cessation should be designed with focus on different education needs according to age, gender, and education status of slum population.

Time series analysis of animal bite cases attending anti-rabies clinic.

Rabies is a disease transmitted mostly through animal bites in humans, and seasonal variation in animal bites has been reported by different studies. There has been no study in India using time series analysis for studying monthly variation in animal bite cases. (a) To find out long-term trends and monthly variations in new animal bite cases. (b) To make projections for new animal bite cases. (c) To find out the difference between actual and projected new animal bite cases following the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrolective, record-based study was conducted in a tertiary care facility, Jaipur, and data of new Category II and Category III animal bite cases were taken from January 2007 to December 2021. A multiplicative model was used for conducting time series analysis. The projected monthly number of cases was estimated using the line of best fit based on the least square method. An increasing trend in the annual number of animal bite cases was observed from 7,982 in 2007 to 10,134 in 2019. The monthly index was lowest for the months July to November (0.88 to 0.95), peaked in January (1.14), remained higher from January to June, and fell in July (0.95). The monthly number of new animal bite cases from April 2020 to December 2021 was significantly lower than the projected number (P-value < 0.001). Because the monthly index of animal bite cases was high from January onward, information education and communication (IEC) activities should be increased in the preceding months (November onward) for making people aware of immediate care to be provided to animal bite cases and seek prompt medical care.