Kancheepuram District Of Tamil Nadu Research Articles

Scaling up the Performance of Irrigation Systems by Capitalising the Symbiotic Buffering Role of Tank and Groundwater Sources - An Economic Analysis in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu

Irrigation is necessary for sustaining production in agriculture and plays a key role in food security. A multitude of water sources, including surface (reservoirs, canals, tanks and check dams) and underground (groundwater by open wells and tubewells,); provide the water needed to irrigate the cropped area. Both groundwater sources and tank sources can act as buffers by their complementary and supplemental roles in water supply, and thus can serve as investments in yielding profitable returns for the farmers. Although being widespread in India and mainly concentrated in the southern states, tank irrigation has been declining in area and number over the years as their maintenance were neglected due to a shift of pattern in socio-economic and environmental factors. As a result, the increasing dependence on groundwater sources has consequently strained due to overexploitation. In changing climate scenarios, this poses significant challenges to the conservation of these valuable public goods. This work therefore seeks to study the efficiency of groundwater (tubewell source) while complementing surface source (tank irrigation) by evaluating the costs and enumerating the factors determining the income of the sample farmers. The Uthiramerur Tank Command area located in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu was selected as the study area and a sample size of 120 respondents were interviewed for this research study. It was found that the cost of irrigating groundwater had decreased for the farmers who were closer to the tank command area whereas the HP capacity of the tubewells had increased with a consequent hike in the cost with increasing distance from the tank command area. This implied that farmers who were away from the tank command area deprived from the tank’s buffering complementary role and had to depend only on groundwater sources. The results also showed that owning groundwater source along with utilization of the water in the tank increased the farmer’s income by Rs 2, 000 per acre in paddy crop which was the predominant crop in this tank command area. The study suggested investing in conjunctive water utilization of both sources so as to minimize the cost incurred and increase the efficiency of water use.

Rapid Multi-Residue Method for Simultaneous Determination of 1,3,5-Triazine Herbicides in Environmental Samples by Capillary GC-MS-EI Selective Ion Monitoring Method

A new multi-residue method using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry electron ionization selective ion monitoring mode (SIM) has been developed for the simultaneous determination of eight 1,3,5-triazine herbicides such as 1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (atrazine), ametryn, prometryn, propazine, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, and simazine simetryn in water and soil samples. Quantification is done using lindane (gamma benzene hexachloride) as an internal standard. A specific Capillary DB-Wax column of 30 m length, 0.32 mm internal diameter, and 0.25 µm film thickness is used for the separation of eight 1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine. The method was applied for the determination of residues in groundwater and soil samples. The lowest detection limit by GC-MS-SIM (selective ion monitoring mode) is 0.1 pg/mL. Recovery in water samples is in the range of 93–103%, and in soil samples, 91–102% for different individual compounds. Forty-five groundwater and soil samples were collected in and around Kancheepuram district in Tamilnadu (India), and they were analyzed for the respective residues. A detailed discussion of the GC-MS analysis results has been presented.

Comparison of transabdominal sonography and transvaginal sonography in evaluation of endometrial thickness in the setting of abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common complaint in women of reproductive age for which they consult their gynecologist and is the direct cause of a significant health-care burden for women. Imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and helping the clinicians choose an appropriate management strategy at the earliest possible juncture, thus relieving patients of their symptoms and preventing complications. This tertiary care hospital-based study aims to assess the role transabdominal sonography in comparison with transvaginal sonography in evaluation of endometrial thickness in the setting of AUB in of in female population of Kancheepuram and West Chennai district of Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study conducted in the Department of Radiology, of a tertiary care hospital in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. One hundred adult females who presented with complaints of abnormal bleeding per vaginum underwent both transabdominal (TAS) and transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS). In addition, they were evaluated for AUB through assessment of endometrial thickness and the presence of other uterine and adnexal pelvic pathologies. Result: The results of the present study show that TVS is superior to TAS in assessing endometrial thickness accurately and has a slightly better role in diagnosing endometrial pathologies such as endometrial polyp, hyperplasia, endometrial carcinoma, and number and location of Submucosal/intramural leiomyomas. Conclusion: TVS is superior to TAS in assessing endometrial thickness accurately and have high sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of pelvic pathologies and determination of the type of pelvic mass was improved significantly when a transvaginal study was performed after TAS in cases of AUB.

Assessment of Surface Water Quality by using Multivariate Statistical Techniques of Various Lakes of Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu, India.

Multivariate statistical methods such as Principal Component Analysis/Factor analysis (PCA/FA), and Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to characterize spatial and temporal variations and to find out the pollution source of 11 lakes of the Kancheepuram district, a northeast district of Tamilnadu in India. Sampling events were conducted during the northeast monsoon (Dec 2015 & 2016) and Pre-monsoon (Oct 2016). The 20 physicochemical water quality parameters were used to analyze the collected water samples.In PCA, four components were demonstrated up to 73.12% of the total variance in the data set. It clarifies that variations in water quality parameters concentration are mainly identified with agricultural, industrial, domestic wastes, and natural factors. The CA showed the formation of three clusters based on the water quality variation at different locations. From the CA data, sampling sites were classified into high, moderate, and least polluted. Among these sites, Kolavai, Nattapettai and Uthiramerur were highly polluted because of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Therefore, these areas need some effective measures to enhance the quality of water.

: Assessment of Surface Water Quality by using Multivariate Statistical Techniques of Various Lakes of Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu, India.

Multivariate statistical methods such as Principal Component Analysis/Factor analysis (PCA/FA), and Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to characterize spatial and temporal variations and to find out the pollution source of 11 lakes of the Kancheepuram district, a northeast district of Tamilnadu in India. Sampling events were conducted during the northeast monsoon (Dec 2015 & 2016) and Pre-monsoon (Oct 2016). The 20 physicochemical water quality parameters were used to analyze the collected water samples.In PCA, four components were demonstrated up to 73.12% of the total variance in the data set. It clarifies that variations in water quality parameters concentration are mainly identified with agricultural, industrial, domestic wastes, and natural factors. The CA showed the formation of three clusters based on the water quality variation at different locations. From the CA data, sampling sites were classified into high, moderate, and least polluted. Among these sites, Kolavai, Nattapettai and Uthiramerur were highly polluted because of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Therefore, these areas need some effective measures to enhance the quality of water.

Assessment of Surface Water Quality by using Multivariate Statistical Techniques of Various Lakes of Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu, India.

Multivariate statistical methods such as Principal Component Analysis/Factor analysis (PCA/FA), and Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to characterize spatial and temporal variations and to find out the pollution source of 11 lakes of the Kancheepuram district, a northeast district of Tamilnadu in India. Sampling events were conducted during the northeast monsoon (Dec 2015 & 2016) and Pre-monsoon (Oct 2016). The 20 physicochemical water quality parameters were used to analyze the collected water samples. In PCA, four components were demonstrated up to 73.12% of the total variance in the data set. It clarifies that variations in water quality parameters concentration are mainly identified with agricultural, industrial, domestic wastes, and natural factors. The CA showed the formation of three clusters based on the water quality variation at different locations. From the CA data, sampling sites were classified into high, moderate, and least polluted. Among these sites, Kolavai, Nattapettai and Uthiramerur were highly polluted because of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Therefore, these areas need some effective measures to enhance the quality of water.

Determinants of Financial Inclusion Among Dalit Women in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu

Over the years many efforts were made to improve the status of financial inclusion of people. Financial inclusion measures access and usage of financial products such as deposits, loans, insurance products and quality of financial services. Financial inclusion is the process of providing financial services to the people who are outside the formal financial system. High levels of financial inclusion improve economic development and equitable distribution of wealth. This study focuses on status of financial inclusion among Dalit women in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. It was found that education level of the people; government initiatives such as general credit card, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana; satisfaction of the self-help group model; financial practices and financial literacy were positively and significantly associated with financial inclusion. Usage of non-bank agencies and cultural barriers were negative and insignificant.

Evaluation of long-term nitrate and electrical conductivity in groundwater system of Peninsula, India

We have investigated the impact of rainfall and temperature on nitrate and electrical conductivity (EC) in groundwater of the seven taluks of Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, India using statistical framework. Total 34 years long-term data of period 1985–2018 of nitrate and EC was used for the analysis in order to identify impact of climate parameters over agrichemicals loading in groundwater. It was found that pattern of climatic parameters are also act as co-factors for loading of agrichemicals concentration in groundwater. Result show an increase of average temperature and rainfall and it does not show a direct effect on nitrate contamination in groundwater. Further, two taluk, namely Chengalpattu and Tirukalukundram have an increasing trend of nitrate loading in groundwater during non-monsoon and monsoon season due to change in land use and anthropogenic acts. The EC show rising trend for Maduranthakam and Sriperumbudur during non-monsoon season and Chengalpattu, Maduranthakam, Sriperumbudur and Tirukalukundram during monsoon season.

Nutritional anemia in a rural community in Tamil Nadu

Background: The prevalence of anemia in India is moderately high, leading to a thrust toward iron fortification of commonly used dietary cereals. We undertook a study to determine the prevalence of anemia in a rural population in Tamil Nadu and to evaluate its association with social, cultural, and dietary practices. Methods: Four hundred and twenty-three adults living in 39 villages comprising the Kattankulathur block of Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu were recruited for this study. Data regarding social, cultural, and dietary practices were recorded and hemoglobin estimated using capillary blood samples. Anemia was classified according to the criteria specified by the World Health Organization. Results: Anemia was found in 91 of 244 (37.3%) female respondents and in 17 of 179 (9.5%) male respondents. In univariate analysis, anemia exhibited associations with marital status, level of education, occupation, and socioeconomic status. The prevalence of anemia was higher in diabetics, and in those who had no awareness of anemia. Anemia was less prevalent in those who frequently consumed milk, fish, beef, or dates. In multivariate analysis, when gender was eliminated, consumption of dates, socioeconomic class, frequent milk consumption, and alcohol consumption were independently associated with anemia. Conclusions: Socioeconomic class and dietary practices were the strongest determinants of anemia in a rural South Indian community and should inform interventions in the community.

Knowledge, attitude, and health seeking behavior on leprosy among urban adults in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu: A Community-based cross-sectional study.

Introduction:Although various measures are taken to create awareness about the epidemiological features of leprosy and encourage health-seeking behavior, they have seldom been able to tackle the high incidence of new leprosy cases in India.Objective:To determine Leprosy-related knowledge, attitude, and health seeking behavior among the urban population in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu.Materials and Methods:This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample size of 640 people above 18 years of age residing in the study area, selected by multistage random sampling. A structured pretested questionnaire was used for data collection, and the data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.Results:Among the study participants, 54.7% of the participants had adequate knowledge and 23.3% had favorable attitude towards leprosy. With regard to knowledge, 66% of the participants believe that leprosy is a serious disease, and 71.2% of them were aware of transmission of leprosy from person to person. With regard to attitude, 57.7% were afraid of being diagnosed with leprosy, and 57% felt compassion and desire to help those diagnosed with leprosy. With regard to health-seeking behavior, around 83% preferred treatment from government hospitals and allopathic treatment. Male sex, occupation, education, and marital status were found to be having statistically significant association with knowledge, while the latter two were found to be associated with favorable attitude towards leprosy.Conclusion:Unfavorable attitude and inadequate knowledge regarding leprosy was found among the study participants. Behavior change communication programs have to be enhanced at community level to improve the knowledge and attitude regarding leprosy among the population.

Cervical cancer awareness and its prevention among rural women of Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, India, A Cross-Sectional Study

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women; around 20% of cervical cancer cases all over the world are from India. Even though amelioration in the health care system had progressed compared to earlier days, the mortality due to cervical cancer in developing countries like India. The study focuses on the awareness, prevention and screening of cervical cancer in rural women of Kancheepuram district. The cross-sectional study with 416 women using multistage sampling method was conducted, the tool was Cervical cancer awareness measure toolkit version 2.1 with altered changes in the socio-demographic section with B. G Prasad scale for socio-economic status was included accordingly to the rural area. The awareness about the term cervical cancer was 43.2% (180/416). Still, the awareness about the term human papillomavirus (HPV) was only 7.1%(32/416), of the 416 women who participated in the study only 15.5% of women were screened for cervical cancer at least once in their lifetime, Less than 50% of the women participants were aware of cervical cancer, hence planned health education with behavioural change program is needed for promoting the knowledge and screening of cervical cancer in rural areas of Kancheepuram district.

Genetic Evaluation of Pre-weaning Mortality in Large White Yorkshire Pigs Using Threshold and Linear Models in Hot and Humid Conditions of South India

Background: Large White Yorkshire (LWY) breed has been extensively used for crossbreeding in India. Genetic evaluation of pre-weaning mortality (PWM) in LWY pigs maintained at Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu was done to understand adaptability of the breed to tropical conditions. Methodology: Pre-weaning mortality was recorded as a binomial trait, for which threshold models have been found to be appropriate. (Co)Variance components for random sources of variation including direct genetic, maternal genetic, maternal permanent environmental and common litter were estimated using linear and threshold models.Factors including inbreeding of the individual animal affecting the trait were included as fixed effects in the mixed models used. Conclusion: The pre-weaning mortality of LWY pigs was comparatively lower indicating better adaptability of the breed. Inbreeding levels above 6 per cent were found to increase PWM. Common litter had significant influence on the genetic parameter estimates. Estimates obtained using threshold model were higher than those obtained by linear models. Threshold models provided solutions for complex models, which had convergence problems with the linear, REML method of estimation. Heritability estimates for PWM obtained through this study could be useful in formulation of breeding plan for LWY pigs in the country.

BMI, Physical Activity and Diabetes- A Case Control Study in a Rural Area of Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between physical activity, BMI and diabetes mellitus in a study population. METHODS: A community based case control study to associate BMI, physical activity, and diabetes was conducted in the rural area of Chunampet, Cheyyurtaluk of Kancheepuram district in Tamilnadu, which is under PIMS field practicing area, Rural Health Training Centre under Department of Community Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, and Chunampet. Study participants: Adult population aged 35 - 50 years of age. Sample size: 150 cases and 150 controls. Definition of cases: Known diabetics and persons with FBS> 126 mg/dl or PPBS>200mg/dl. Definition of controls: Persons who are not a known a case of Diabetes and with FBS<126 and PPBS<200. Exclusion criteria: Critically ill person and Persons with other co morbidities. Questionnaire: A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Details regarding their duration of disease, physical activity are collected by house to house survey. Pulse, blood pressure, height in cms, weight in kgs is recorded. Revised BMI Scale was used to grade overweight and obesity. Intensity of physical activity was graded using British Heart Association grading system. Results: The study was conducted with 150 Diabetics (Cases) and 150 Non-Diabetics (Controls). Among the 150 Diabetics (Cases), 124 were males and 26 females. And, among the 150 Non-Diabetics (Controls), 124 were males and 26 were females. Cases and controls are matched for sex and age (+/- 5 years). No physical activity was positively associated with diabetes (OR= 1.9, CI= 1.3-4.8, p value<0.05). Overweight (OR=1.7, CI=0.8-2.7, p value<0.05) and obese person (OR=2.9, CI= 1.8-4.1) had higher risk for diabetes. Conclusion: The following factors (sedentary life style, obesity) were found to associated with diabetes mellitus and found to be statistically significant (p<0.05)

Perceptions and practices related to organ donation among a rural population of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India

Background and Objectives: Organ transplantation is the ultimate treatment of choice to save patients with end-organ damage. But the scarcity of organs from live or deceased donors remains an important barrier to the successful utilization of this measure in India. Our study intends to identify the perceptions and practices related to organ donation in a rural population of Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: This study was conducted among 100 participants from 100 households chosen by simple random sampling in a rural area of Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu, between February and March 2014. A pre-tested, semi-structured schedule was applied to the participants and the responses were summarised. Results: The response rate was 100%. Though all participants had heard about organ donation, only 86% were aware of the complete meaning. The awareness on organs which could be donated, related legislation was less than adequate. Ninety-seven percent participants opined that organ donation should be promoted and 71% were willing to consider organ donation in future. None of the participants have registered themselves as organ donors or have voiced their willingness to their close families. Conclusion: Our study population had basic awareness about organ donation and reasonably positive attitudes with regard to its promotion and willingness to donate in future. But there is a need to plan appropriate health education campaigns to equip them with accurate knowledge to enhance their attitudes and translate them into positive behaviour.

Study on peak expiratory flow rate and its influencing factors in healthy school children in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, India

Background: The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is useful to screen and monitor the severity of asthma in children. Many studies have documented that age, height and weight are some of the main factors that affect the PEFR. Thus, the present study was done to find the PEFR values among the school children and to find the factors that influences the PEFR values in our geographical area.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in school children belong the rural area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 378 students of both the gender at the age group of 5-10 years were selected for the study. The PEFR was measured by making the participant seated comfortably. One peak flow meter was used for 25 children and mouthpiece was changed for each student.Results: The PEFR value among and male and female participants was analyzed statistically (Table 2). The mean value of male and female study population was 169.53±37.38 and 146.24±33.01 respectively. The difference in the mean values were statistically significant (p=0.001) and found to be high in male participants. The Pearson correlation r between PEFR with height is 0.463, thus showing a positive correlation with the p˂0.001 which is statistically significant. The Pearson correlation r between PEFR and chest circumference is 0.335 thus indicating a positive correlation between PEFR and chest circumference.Conclusions: From the present study, the normal values of PEFR has been deduced for the healthy school children in our geographical area. Further, it was found that the height and chest circumference are influencing factors for PEFR. Further regression equation has been derived that can help us to find the approximate PEFR values with the help of height and chest circumference of the children.

A cross sectional study on morbidity profile among geriatric population in a rural area in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu

Objective: The present study was done to assess the morbidity profile of the elderly population in rural field practice area, Sripuram (RHTC) of Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital and also to study the association between certain socio - demographic and economic determinants with the morbidities. Results: Overall prevalence of the geriatric morbidity was 277 (92.3%) with 95% CI of 88.7 – 94.9. The highest morbidity was found with diabetes 118(39.3%) followed by Musculoskeletal problems 112 (37.3%), Hypertension 107 (35.7%). The association between certain demographic characteristics like age, occupation, marital status and Some of the socio-economic characteristics like socio economic status, type of family and source of income were observed to be statistically significant with the geriatric morbidities. Conclusion: The present study gives the morbidity pattern prevalent among geriatric population in rural area and it also marks the need for the elderly people to be educated regarding their health problems and importance of regular treatment and follow up.

Identification and prioritization of constraints in rearing of madras red sheep of tamil nadu through participatory rural appraisal

Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is a method to understand constraints faced by farmers as perceived by the farmers themselves and is independent of external influence. A PRA was conducted to study the constraints faced by farmers in rearing of Madras Red sheep. Thirty beneficiary farmers of ICAR-Network Project on Sheep Improvement belonging to six villages in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu were the participants. The constraints identified were ranked by using the quantitative method of rank based quotient (RBQ). Study revealed that nonavailability of loan for purchase of breeding stock, lack of biomass from grazing lands during summer, lower market price for ram lambs and stray dog problem were most significant constraints in rearing of Madras Red sheep. Strategies to address these problems as discussed in this paper could help sustaining this important occupation of sheep rearing, which is not only the livelihood of poor farmers but also caters to the need of protein requirement in the form of mutton.

Prevalence of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Peripheral Arterial disease (PAD) is a major microvascular complication of diabetic mellitus. Patients with diabetes have an increased prevalence of PAD. The Ankle branchial Index (ABI) is an easy, noninvasive and often underutilized tool for diagnosis of PAD. The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence of PAD in diabetic patients using Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). Since most of the patients with PAD are asymptomatic, routine screening for the same is necessary to avoid lower limb ulcerations and amputation.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in the Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu were screened for the prevalence of PAD using ABI and to find out risk factors associated with it.Results: Among the 200 diabetic patients who underwent ABI measurements using handheld Doppler, 19.5% were found to be having PAD. Most of them were symptomatic. Age more than 50 years and female gender were considered as statistically significant (P<0.05) determinants of PAD.Conclusions: PAD is relatively common in elderly diabetics. ABI measurement is a valid tool in early detection of PAD and therefore regular follow up will decrease disabilities in the diabetic population.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice about Mosquito Born Disease among Rural Population of Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu

Background: Mosquito are one of the well known causing many diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Lymphatic Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis. They are more prevalent in rural area due to various social factors and lack of knowledge. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge of people and their practices regarding mosquito borne diseases in rural areas of Kancheepuram district, Tamilnadu.
 Materials and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among the residents of Pooncheri, Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu, between the period of August 2017 to September 2017 among 124 houses selected. After obtaining informed consent from the participants they were interviewed using a pretested semi structured questionnaire regarding their knowledge and practices on mosquito borne diseases.
 Results: The study reported that in case of any symptoms suspected to be of mosquito born disease majority of the study population 82.2% reported consulting doctors. The most preferred mode of prevention of mosquito bite was usage of spray (33.9%) in the breeding place followed by usage of electric repellents (31.4%).
 Conclusion: The study indicated that majority of the study population were unaware bout the prevention practices despite knowing about these diseases. Thus, arises the need for effective propagation in the rural area about prevention strategies of mosquito born disease through mass education and social media.

Usage and Perceptions of Anabolic-androgenic Steroids among Male Fitness Centre Attendees in Urban Area of Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu

Usage and Perceptions of Anabolic-androgenic Steroids among Male Fitness Centre Attendees in Urban Area of Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu