Information Education Communication Research Articles

Assessment of Patient Awareness Regarding Chronic Kidney Disease Management in Santhal Parganas

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health challenge, and effective self-management is crucial for optimal outcomes. Assessing the prevailing knowledge about CKD in patients can help strategies information education communication program to better manage the disease. This study evaluated the current knowledge of self-management of CKD among patients suffering from CKD in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand state in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India from June to December 2023. Patients suffering from CKD were enrolled for this study from the Outpatient Department. The Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Management Knowledge Tool (CKD-SMKT) was used to measure patients’ knowledge through face-to-face interviews conducted by a trained local surveyor. Results: A total of 228 patients with a mean age of 52.63±10.65 years (men 136 [59.65%], women 92 [40.35%]) participated in the survey. All the patients (100%) gained knowledge about CKD from doctors, followed by other patients (63.6%) and relatives (41.23%). On average, 53.61% did not have proper knowledge about overall kidney disease. Correct knowledge about maintaining kidney health was among 38.1% of patients with 36.59% unsure about their knowledge and 25.31% declaring their lack of knowledge. Conclusion: A low level of knowledge about kidney health was found among the patients suffering from CKD in Santhal Parganas, a region with a tribal population with a low literacy rate. The identified knowledge gap emphasizes the need for a tailored educational program for CKD patients by doctors and patients relative.

Impact of Mining of Marine Gastropods Habitat: Basis for Information Education Communication(IEC) for Environmental Sustainability

An alarming socio-economic and environmental impact of mining in the Municipality of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur led to this study. It is important to assess the impact of mining on marine habitats and the diversity of gastropods in the area. The collection of gastropods is done in the selected four sampling areas, which include Brgy. Adlay, Brgy. Caglayag, Brgy. Dahican, and Brgy. Gango. Based on the sampling, 228 marine gastropod species were collected, consisting of 53 genera belonging to 10 families. The findings highlight the low diversity of the marine gastropods in the study area as the diversity index is less than 1.99. In addition, the physico-chemical parameter assessment of the study area reveals conditions ranging from slightly alkaline water with low oxygen content to very warm temperatures. These conditions suggest a delicate balance in the aquatic ecosystems, which could be sensitive to changes and affect marine gastropod populations and distributions. With regards to the average concentration of nickel (mg/kg) sediments as a result of the mining activities in the study area, the atomic absorption spectrophotometry result shows that Brgy. Gango is heavily polluted in comparison to other sampling areas. Additionally, the multiple regression analysis reveals that there is a positive and significant association between the nickel concentration and the diversity of gastropods in Brgy. Gango. This could indicate that some gastropod species, specifically those that are found in areas with high nickel concentrations, have acquired tolerance to nickel pollution. However, the regression analysis reveals that in the other sampling sites, such as Brgy. Adlay and Brgy. Caglayag, the presence of nickel sediments as a result of mining activities has a negative and significant impact on the marine habitat and diversity of gastropods. The findings suggest the importance of developing an information education and communication program addressing the negative impacts of mining and promoting environmental sustainability in the research locale.

Pyogenic Granuloma of the Gingiva

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign vascular lesion that usually occurs in response to various stimuli caused by chronic irritation, trauma and hormonal factors. These lesions generally occur on the gingiva but can also occur on the lips, tongue and buccal mucosa. A 22 year old female patient came with complaints of a lump on the gingiva between teeth 35 and 36 and felt uncomfortable. I have had complaints since 7 months ago after a filling was made on the left back molar tooth, then 1 day later a lump appeared. Complaints are not accompanied by pain. The treatment plan in this case is to carry out information education communication, scaling, gingivectomy and a histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and carry out control and evaluation. Pyogenic granuloma is a benign, non-neoplastic lesion. The clinical picture of this lesion is generally a mass with a soft consistency, painless, and dark red to reddish purple in colour which usually appears as a solitary lesion with a diameter of 5-10 mm and is very fragile, so it bleeds easily due to minor trauma. Management of this lesion can be done with a surgical procedure to completely remove the lesion and then carry out an anatomical histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis of this lesion. This lesion has no signs of malignancy

Enablers and barriers to rotavirus vaccine coverage in Assam, India- A qualitative study

BackgroundEstimates suggest that 78,000 children died due to rotavirus gastroenteritis annually between 2011 and 2013 in India. The north eastern state of Assam reported 38.4% pediatric diarrheal admissions testing positive for rotavirus. Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) was introduced in Assam in 2017 following which the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) (2019) revealed low RVV coverage in Assam with wide variation between the districts. the current study was conceptualized and undertaken to capture the enablers and barriers to RVV coverage in Assam. MethodsQualitative study conducted in 5 randomly selected districts in Assam. Participants (key informants) were recruited by purposive sampling at each level of the health system including healthcare officials, service providers and caregivers based on availability. Thirty-five in-depth interviews (IDIs) and five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data was coded and analyzed using the thematic framework approach. ResultsFindings from the qualitative data collection were collated and analyzed under 7 identified themes. Difficult terrain, limited service provider availability and no catch-up training for new recruits were some of the barriers to RVV coverage. In contrast, Information, Education & Communication (IEC) in vernacular language, RVV safety profile, development partner support and adequate RVV supply were identified as some of the enablers of RVV coverage. ConclusionFew broad recommendations to overcome identified barriers include comprehensive inter-sectoral coordination, regular monitoring and frequent refresher training sessions. There is a need for a future study utilizing existing coverage data and larger sample size to triangulate the findings of this study.

Household Survey to Evaluate the Coverage of Mass Drug Administration for the Lymphatic Filariasis in District Umaria, Madhya Pradesh, India in Year 2023

Background: In 2023, the Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh, India, was identified as an endemic district for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). The National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis conducted annual mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns in February to eliminate LF by 2027. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the coverage and compliance rate of MDA in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India, in 2023. Methodology: A cluster sampling method was used for evaluation. The district was divided into three implementation units, corresponding to its three administrative blocks. Four clusters were selected within each unit, consisting of one urban and three rural clusters. Thirty households were randomly selected as respondents from each cluster. Data was collected in May 2023 using a standardized coverage evaluation form designed by the World Health Organization. Result: Among the 360 households surveyed, information on 1606 beneficiaries was obtained. MDA was offered to 94% of the total population, with a coverage and compliance rate of 98.5% among the eligible population. The most common reasons for not consuming the drugs were "not present at house during the campaign" and "fear of drugs." Less than one percent of beneficiaries reported any side effects following the consumption of MDA. Conclusion & Implication: The coverage and compliance of MDA in the district appear to be optimal. The National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis should now consider conducting Transmission Assessment Surveys to determine the endemicity of districts that have reached the critical threshold of LF infection. Additionally, establishing adequate sentinel sites, organizing night blood examination camps in endemic areas, and improving Information Education Communication activities may aid in achieving LF elimination by 2027.

Utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods and associated factors among female healthcare providers in South Wollo Zone hospitals, Northeast, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional multicenter study.

In Ethiopia Long-acting contraception method utilization was found low (22.7%) among female healthcare providers. However, there is no study has been conducted on the utilization long-acting contraception methods among female healthcare providers in the study area. These studies addressed important variables such as socio-demography and individual factors that might affect the use of long-acting contraceptive methods among female healthcare providers. We assessed the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods and associated factors among healthcare providers in South Wollo Zone public hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, in 2021.An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 354 female healthcare workers in the South Wollo Zone hospitals from March to April, 2021. The participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires entered into Epi-data version 4.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were performed. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR), along with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was estimated to measure the association. The significance level was set at a P- value under 0.05. The current utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods among female healthcare providers was found to be 33.6% [95%, CI 29-39)]. Discussion with a partner [AOR = 2.277,95% CI, (1.026-5.055)], method shift/switched [AOR = 4.302,95% CI, (2.285-8.102)], knowledge of the respondent [AOR = 1.887,95% CI, (1.020-3.491)], and ever birth [AOR = 15.670,95% CI, (5.065-48.49)] were significant factors toward the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods. The current utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods was found to be low. Therefore, encouraging partner discussions through a targeted information education communication intervention strategy should be intensified to improve long-acting contraceptive methods utilization.

Evaluation of the model malaria elimination strategy in Mandla district along with its neighbouring districts: a time series analysis from 2008 to 2020

BackgroundCompared to 2017, India achieved a significant reduction in malaria cases in 2020. Madhya Pradesh (MP) is a tribal dominated state of India with history of high malaria burden in some districts. District Mandla of MP state showed a considerable decline in malaria cases between 2000 and 2013, except in 2007. Subsequently, a resurgence of malaria cases was observed during 2014 and 2015. The Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project (MEDP) was launched in 2017 in Mandla with the goal to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases. This project used: (1) active surveillance and case management using T4 (Track fever, Test fever, Treat patient, and Track patient); (2) vector control using indoor residual sprays and long-lasting insecticidal nets; (3) information education communication and behaviour change communication; and (4) regular monitoring and evaluation with an emphasis on operational and management accountability. This study has investigated malaria prevalence trends from 2008 to 2020, and has predicted trends for the next 5 years for Mandla and its bordering districts.MethodsThe malaria prevalence data of the district Mandla for the period of January 2008 to August 2017 was obtained from District Malaria Office (DMO) Mandla and data for the period of September 2017 to December 2020 was taken from MEDP data repository. Further, the malaria prevalence data for the period of January 2008 to December 2020 was collected from DMOs of the neighbouring districts of Mandla. A univariate time series and forecast analysis was performed using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model.FindingsMalaria prevalence in Mandla showed a sharp decline [− 87% (95% CI − 90%, − 84%)] from 2017 to 2020. The malaria forecast for Mandla predicts zero cases in the next 5 years (2021–2025), provided current interventions are sustained. By contrast, the model has forecasted a risk of resurgence of malaria in other districts in MP (Balaghat, Dindori, Jabalpur, Seoni, and Kawardha) that were not the part of MEDP.ConclusionThe interventions deployed as part of MEDP have resulted in a sustainable zero indigenous malaria cases in Mandla. Use of similar strategies in neighbouring and other malaria-endemic districts in India could achieve similar results. However, without adding extra cost to the existing intervention, sincere efforts are needed to sustain these interventions and their impact using accountability framework, data transparency, and programme ownership from state to district level.

Contribution of Information-Education-Communication in the adoption of Universal Health Coverage by the populations in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa in 2020.

Aims: This study aims to assess the knowledge of people from Central Africa about Universal Health Coverage and show the contribution of Information-Education-Communication for its adoption.
 Methods: a cross-sectional analytical study across 4 of 6 Central African Countries was conducted. Independent variables are sociodemographic characteristics. Dependent variables are knowledge about Information-Education-Communication and Universal Health Coverage. The questionnaire was disseminated by WhatsApp images or word file or copy/paste of the text and send to the contacted and trained focal points. From the Smartphone, the filmed or transferred data were entered into a CSpro 5.0 input form. Mean score calculations and Odd Ratio with 95 % Confidence Interval for p < 0.005 were used to make associations.
 
 Results: the Universal Health Coverage had never been heard of by 56.3% of the participants. The Universal Health Coverage was defined as health insurance by (43.9%), free care (30.3%). Respondents with secondary and higher education are more likely to have heard of the UHC than respondents with no education or those with elementary education [OR = 2.95 (1.01-8.64), p = 0.021] and [OR = 4.27 (1.50 – 12.16), p = 0.002] respectively.
 Conclusion: 9.3% of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) population is aware of the Universal Health Coverage; 89.4% of these accept universal health coverage in their country, and 87.4% of them think that the Information Education Communication could enable better adherence to the Universal Health Communication. Implemention of Universal Health Coverage for the general population and adoption of Information-Education-Communication to promote Universal Health Coverage and pool efforts and affiliation procedures in the CEMAC zone is very important

Contribution of Information-Education-Communication in the adoption of Universal Health Coverage by the populations in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa in 2020.

Aims: This study aims to assess the knowledge of people from Central Africa about Universal Health Coverage and show the contribution of Information-Education-Communication for its adoption.
 Methods: a cross-sectional analytical study across 4 of 6 Central African Countries was conducted. Independent variables are sociodemographic characteristics. Dependent variables are knowledge about Information-Education-Communication and Universal Health Coverage. The questionnaire was disseminated by WhatsApp images or word file or copy/paste of the text and send to the contacted and trained focal points. From the Smartphone, the filmed or transferred data were entered into a CSpro 5.0 input form. Mean score calculations and Odd Ratio with 95 % Confidence Interval for p < 0.005 were used to make associations.
 Results: the Universal Health Coverage had never been heard of by 56.3% of the participants. The Universal Health Coverage was defined as health insurance by (43.9%), free care (30.3%). Respondents with secondary and higher education are more likely to have heard of the UHC than respondents with no education or those with elementary education [OR = 2.95 (1.01-8.64), p = 0.021] and [OR = 4.27 (1.50 – 12.16), p = 0.002] respectively.
 Conclusion: 9.3% of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) population is aware of the Universal Health Coverage; 89.4% of these accept universal health coverage in their country, and 87.4% of them think that the Information Education Communication could enable better adherence to the Universal Health Communication. Implemention of Universal Health Coverage for the general population and adoption of Information-Education-Communication to promote Universal Health Coverage and pool efforts and affiliation procedures in the CEMAC zone is very important

Development of an IEC resource (brochure) on suicide prevention for college students: A qualitative study in the Indian context.

Information Education Communication (IEC) materials play a vital role in behavior change by raising awareness about health issues. In India, suicide is the leading cause of death in the age group of 15-39 years, exemplifying the pressing need for raising awareness about suicide prevention. This study aimed to develop a brochure on suicide prevention for young adults with the help of scientific methodology. A cross-sectional qualitative research design was used in the study, and purposive sampling was used to collect the data. The study analyzed the awareness level and existing knowledge gap about suicide prevention among college students with the help of focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted independently among mental health experts, college teachers, and college students. Based on the findings from the FGDs, a comprehensive brochure was developed. The qualitative data collected by FGDs were analyzed using direct content analysis. The findings of the FGDs helped identify the knowledge gaps with regard to young adult suicide prevention, and a brochure was prepared to address the same. The development of young adult suicide prevention IEC resources pertinent to Indian settings is crucial. To bridge the knowledge gap on suicide prevention among college students and raise awareness, a brochure was developed based on scientific findings of the FGDs.

Barriers and facilitators for access and utilization of reproductive and sexual health services among Female Sex Workers in urban and rural Maharashtra, India.

The public health interventions among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) have mainly addressed HIV/ STI prevention. The focus of the HIV prevention program on FSWs' Reproductive and Sexual Health (RSH) has been limited, thus, rendering them at a higher risk of unintended pregnancies, delayed pregnancy detection, and utilizing unsafe abortion methods. A multistakeholder analysis was performed to study access and use of RSH services among FSWs in urban and rural India. Between January 2016 and June 2019, a qualitative grounded theory approach was used to explore the FSWs' perspectives and experiences about services pertaining to HIV prevention, Antenatal Care (ANC), child delivery, abortion, and pregnancy prevention. Using purposive and convenience sampling, 29 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 22 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with consenting FSWs and indirect stakeholders, respectively. Verbatim translated data was entered in NVivo12 Software and analyzed inductively. The following themes emerged: (1) Condomless sex, unintended pregnancy, vertical transmission, (2) Signs/ indication used for pregnancy detection causing delay (3) Pregnancy prevention methods used, (4) Pregnancy prevention or AIDS prevention, (5) Legal formalities as a barrier to access RSH, (6) Differential facility preference. Pregnancy prevention is a greater motivation for condom use than HIV prevention among FSWs. Therefore, there is an emerging need to reallocate public health resources and redesign policies to meet the RSH needs of FSWs, especially for the prevention of unintended pregnancies. FSW-focused Information Education Communication (IEC) strategies for RSH service utilization are essential to reduce the burden of unintended pregnancies. The National HIV Targeted Intervention (TI) program needs to include pregnancy testing services and information to non-barrier contraceptive methods. An ambient policy environment calls for examining the need for male involvement in pregnancy, family planning and abortion decisions.

Exploring the contraceptive behaviour on spacing methods among the married women of reproductive age group in a rural area of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal - a qualitative study.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:One of the goals of the National Population Policy 2000 was to stabilize the population at a level consistent with the requirement of national economy. Spacing methods are reversible methods of contraception. Vision FP2020 will build on policy of increasing focus on spacing services through voluntary adoption of family planning. With this background, the study was conducted to explore the spacing contraception behaviour among married women of reproductive age group.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2018 at a rural block of West Bengal. Four subcentres from a list of total 38 subcentres in the Bhatar block were selected by Simple random sampling (SRS). A list of currently married women of reproductive age group fulfilling the inclusion criteria was prepared and 10 women of each SC were chosen randomly. In-depth interviews were conducted among selected women and a focused group discussion was conducted involving the auxiliary nurse midwife (ANMs) to elicit reasons and barriers for contraceptive use from service providers’ perspective.Results:The reasons for their current contraceptive choice were change in behaviour and, according to gender of the first baby, poor information, education, communication (IEC), personal preference, motivation by family members and health workers, religion and caste factors, fear and side effect for other methods, easy availability etc.,Conclusion:The findings reinforce the need for targeted spacing contraception promotion that includes delivery of localized contraceptive services, increase of knowledge on safety and utility of spacing methods among eligible clients, their family members and local health workers.

Nutritional Status and Intra-household Food Distribution Among Reproductive-Age-Group Women in a Slum Area of Hooghly District, West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

IntroductionMalnutrition among women of reproductive age (WRA), especially those living in slum areas, is one of the most concerning nutritional issues because of the extreme nutritional stress they face in the form of inequitable intra-household food distribution (IHFD). This study aimed to assess the nutritional status (NS) and its association with IHFD among reproductive-age-group women along with exploring the perspectives of the stakeholders regarding inequitable food distribution.Materials and methodsThe quantitative part of the convergent parallel mixed-methods design study was conducted among 150 WRA, selected by cluster random sampling from 15 slum areas of Hooghly District, between December 2020 and May 2021. Data were collected using a predesigned pretested schedule with anthropometric measurements. IHFD was quantified by the relative dietary energy adequacy ratio (RDEAR). Ordinal logistic regression was performed to obtain adjusted-proportional odds ratios (aPOR) for higher categories of NS (underweight: reference category). Stratified subgroup analysis was done to assess the influencers of IHFD. For the qualitative part, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight purposively selected in-laws of study participants, and the data were interpreted by thematic analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 28.6±6.3 years. The proportion of malnutrition and inequitable IHFD (RDEAR<1) among them was 50% and 46%, respectively. Higher categories of NS were found to be significantly associated with an increase in RDEAR (aPOR=22.6, 95% CI: 2.75-185.45, p-value=0.004). Among underweight and normal NS women, those who were earning members and directly involved in food preparation/production had a greater allocation of food within their households. Physiological intolerance, incapacity of earning, and traditional customs were the most recurring themes transcribed as the barriers to equitable food distribution.ConclusionA high magnitude of malnutrition and its association with inequitable IHFD among WRA warrant policy-level support to increase women's employment opportunities and address gender-based inequities through comprehensive information education communication (IEC) techniques as well.

A study to Assess the Effectiveness of Information Education Communication Package on Knowledge Regarding Renal Rehabilitation among Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of IEC package on knowledge regarding Renal Rehabilitation among patients undergoing Haemodialysis in dialysis unit of Dr Kumaraswami Health Centre, Kanyakumari. The hypothesis formulated was that there was no significant relationship between the IEC package and level of knowledge regarding Renal Rehabilitation among patient undergoing Haemodialysis. The research design used in this study was pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design. It was carried out with 30 samples those who fulfilled the inclusive criteria. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the samples. An interview schedule was conducted to the patients undergoing Haemodialysis to assess the pre-test level of knowledge regarding Renal Rehabilitation. IEC package regarding Renal Rehabilitation was given to the patients undergoing Haemodialysis for the duration of 20 to 30 minutes. The post test was conducted after one week by using the same tool. Analysis revealed that the mean knowledge score was markedly increased from 23.43 in the pre-test to 38.80 in the post test with gradual decrease in standard deviation from 6.02 in the pre-test to 5.63 in the post test. The difference between pre-test and post-test mean knowledge score regarding Renal Rehabilitation was large. The calculated student‟s dependent „t‟ test value of 14.01 was highly significant at p &lt;0.001 level. It indicates the effectiveness of IEC package on knowledge regarding Renal Rehabilitation among patients undergoing Haemodialysis. So, the null hypothesis was rejected and research hypothesis was accepted for this study. Keywords: Information, Education, Communication, Renal Rehabilitation, Haemodialysis, Patients

Process Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccination Sessions in Dadra and Nagar Haveli District During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

Efficient roll out of COVID-19 vaccines requires high-quality preparedness at all levels and robust planning and training regarding COVID-19 vaccination, use of CoWIN software, post-vaccination care and communication for all health functionaries. The current study attempts to fill the research gap in monitoring of COVID-19 vaccination session sites in tribal areas of UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH) during COVID-19 pandemic. It was a cross sectional observational study conducted from April to May 2021 at 36 purposively selected COVID-9 vaccination session sites. Sites were monitored independently for assessing various parameters like infrastructure, HR status, vaccine, logistics availability, and AEFI management using the WHO Session Site Monitoring Form for COVID-19 Vaccination. Out of 36 session sites observed, three separate designated rooms were available at 21 (58.3%) sites. Almost two-third of the session sites (61.1%) had displayed information, education, communication (IEC) materials. Mean number of team members was 5.1 (SD 1.7). Adequate stock of vaccine vials and AD syringes, AEFI kits or anaphylaxis kits were available and biomedical waste segregation was as per guidelines at all the session sites. Logistics availability, safe injection practices, and COVID-appropriate behavior were adequate; however, infrastructure and post-vaccination care needs strengthening for successful rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.

Evaluation survey of knowledge, attitude, belief and practices amongst nursing and paramedical students about appropriateness and challenges related to COVID-19 surcease measures

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is harassing human beings for about 2 years from now. We are constantly designing and devising remedial modalities to get over it. A massive vaccination campaign is going on all over the world to achieve desired level of herd immunity. Still the key is preventive strategies including COVID-19 appropriate behaviour at the individual level.Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken amongst paramedical students of a university campus to capture their understanding about different aspects of this pandemic by an 18 items based questionnaire.Results: More than 80% of study participants answered correctly about the asked question except aspects related to COVID-19 in children and about spread of infection via asymptomatic cases.Conclusions: Governments of various states should start multiple educational programs at grass root level to bring about a change. Behaviour change communication (BCC) and information, education, communication (IEC) strategies would be ideal to impart health education to meet the desired goals and objectives of bringing awareness amongst lay public.

Challenges, Barriers, and Good Practices in the Implementation of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram in Jodhpur, India

Abstract Introduction The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram of the Government of India subsumes the existing school health program to provide care and treatment to children below 18 years through screening and early interventions. Benefitting an estimated 270 million children for 30 preidentified conditions is a step toward “health for all.” Although the program is running since 2013, due to paucity of studies particularly in Thar desert region and its associated challenges, this study was planned to assess challenges and good practices in the implementation of RBSK in Jodhpur. Objectives To assess the challenges, barriers, and good practices in the implementation of RBSK among the mobile health team (MHT) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Methods A community based descriptive cross-sectional study in all 11 medical blocks of Jodhpur district, with purposive sampling to invite all members of MHT to participate in the study as grassroot workers was planned. A pretested, semistructured questionnaire was processed using SPSS for quantitative component and in-depth interviews were reported using qualifiers for qualitative observations. Results As much as 74.1% (n = 40) of the staff perceived the trainings to be sufficient for daily work needs but needed more sessions for birth defects (33.3%) and development delays (29.6%). As much as 96.3% (n = 52) of the staff considered salaries to be low and 55.5% were dissatisfied with the jobs. However, 70.4% found targets to be achievable and 76% found the work environment helpful. Taboos and superstitions in community, harsh climate, dual workload on pharmacists as data operators, and noninclusion of AYUSH medicines for AYUSH medical officers (MOs) were few of the challenges, while good practices such as fully equipped MHTs, readily available vehicles, information education communication (IEC) materials, and treatment coverage under Bhamashah Bima Yojana (BSBY) were also observed. Conclusion Many good practices were observed during the study which can be adopted by other states for better implementations elsewhere. Certain challenges such as belief in quackery, superstitions and taboos could be minimized by conducting rapport-building meetings with community stakeholders. Feedback and regular trainings of MHT staff can further increase the success manifold.

Learnings from two independent malaria elimination demonstration projects in India.

India and sub-Saharan Africa contributes about 85% of the global malaria burden, and India is committed to eliminating malaria by 2030. Two novel initiatives-the Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project (MEDP) in Madhya Pradesh and Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) in Odisha-were initiated independently to demonstrate that indigenous malaria can be eliminated in a short period of time. These initiatives focused on rural, tribal areas where there is a high malaria burden and complex epidemiology. The case management and vector control strategies used in these programmes were based on the national guidelines, with context-specific changes and introduction of accountability at management, operational, technical and financial levels. The MEDP achieved a 91% reduction in malaria cases and recorded zero transmission for 6 consecutive and a total of 9 mo. The DAMaN project brought about an 88% reduction in malaria cases. Malaria elimination will require robust surveillance and case management, monitoring of vector control interventions, community-centric information education communication and behaviour change communication initiatives and management controls, as well as regular internal and external reviews.

Understanding the Role of Health Workers in the LF Elimination Program in Kenya: Challenges Faced and Suggestions for Improved Program Performance

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and its partners through the Division of Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, is in charge of the Lymphatic Filariasis Mass Drug Administration programme. This is implemented through the national, county, and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators. The current study sought to understand the roles, challenges faced and suggestions of how program performance can be improved by the community health extension workers, county and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators. Two wards of the Kaloleni sub-county; Kilifi County were purposively selected. In 2015, Kaloleni and Kayafungo wards had a treatment coverage of 58% and 54% respectively; 62% and 39% respectively in 2016, all below the recommended minimum treatment coverage of 65%. Qualitative data was collected through sixteen in-depth interviews with community health extension workers and two semi-structured interviews with the county and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators. Data were analysed by QSR NVIVO version 10 according to identified themes. The study results show the various roles in planning and implementation of the program include; supply chain management; health information education communication and records management; health workforce training and management, leadership and governance, and service delivery. Challenges faced included insufficiency of drugs supplied and information education communication materials, the inadequacy of community drug distributors selected and trained, poor facilitation for training and supervision of community drug distributors, limited duration of the mass drug administration, and delayed reporting due to poor network coverage. The results of this study show that the community health extension workers, county and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators are not fully involved in program leadership and governance, a role that is taken up at the national level. They should be involved in all the stages of the mass drug administration program to create ownership to improve the program performance

Menstrual hygiene practice among female adolescents and its association with knowledge in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundPrevious studies on menstrual hygiene practice were largely inconsistent and single national evidence is required. Thus, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene and its association with knowledge about menstrual hygiene among female adolescents in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-2015 Guidelines). This systematic review included studies conducted on female adolescents in Ethiopia irrespective of their publication and study period until the end of July 1, 2020. The data extracted in the Microsoft Excel sheet format was exported into the STATA/SE14 version statistical software for further analysis. I2 test was used to test heterogeneity and publication bias was assessed by using Egger’s weighted regression test.ResultsThirteen full-text articles including 6907 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using the random effect model, the pooled prevalence of poor menstrual hygiene practice was 48.98% [95% CI: (36.42, 61.53)]. Those female adolescents who had poor knowledge were 2.6 times more likely to have poor menstrual hygiene practice as compared to counterparts [AOR = 2.61, 95% CI: (1.45, 4.72)].ConclusionsThe prevalence of poor menstrual hygiene practice was high and knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene was significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practice. Information education communication and behavioral change communication at all levels of education should be the primary focus area of the government.