Karnataka State Research Articles

Effectiveness of a training program in improving knowledge and skills about selected common neurological disorders among primary healthcare doctors: The Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) in India.

Neurological disorders are the leading causes of death and disability globally. In low-middle-income countries such as India, there is a wide treatment gap for neurological disorders. To address this gap, an initiative known as the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) was developed in collaboration with the public health system of the state of Karnataka in India. A structured hybrid training program was conducted for 120 medical doctors working in the Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the public health system in three districts of Karnataka. Pre- and post-training evaluation was conducted to assess physicians' knowledge and skills for evaluating patients with common neurological conditions. Of 120 PHC doctors, 111 (92%) scored below the passing score of 50 points out of 100 before the training program. After the training, all trainees scored above this cut-off. The study found a significant improvement in knowledge and skills after the training (before training: 40.48 ± 7.92, after training: 66.28 ± 8.98 (P < 0.001) mean difference = 25.81), and was comparable among the PHC doctors in all three districts. Our study shows the feasibility of training primary care doctors in the public health system to manage selected common neurological disorders. The training program can potentially help to reduce the treatment gap for neurological disorders in India.

Impact of Adoption of Mulberry and Silkworm Practice on Yield and Income of Bivoltine Hybrid Silkworm Rearing Sericulturists of South Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

The study was conducted in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts of Karnataka state, to analyze the impact of adoption of bivoltine and multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing practices on cocoon yield and income of silkworm rearers. A sample of sixty bivoltine and multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing farmers were randomly selected from both the districts. The data was collected using a pre-tested interview schedule and the data was analyzed using suitable statistical tools. The results revealed that, more than two-fifth of the bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers belonged to high (43.33%) adoption category whereas, more number of multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing 40.00 per cent of the rearers belonged to low adoption category with regard recommended mulberry cultivation practices. More than half of the bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers belonged to high adoption category (53.33%) as compared to the multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing, greater proportion of the rearers belonged to low adoption (40.00%) category with regard to improved silkworm rearing practices. The mulberry leaf yield (23.50 tonnes/acre/ year) and cocoon yield (1494 kg/acre/year) of the bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers were significantly found high with an average net income of Rs 3,20,397.00 per acre per year as compared to the mulberry leaf yield (20.50 tonnes/acre/year) and cocoon yield (1049 kg/acre/year) of multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers who are getting an average net income of Rs. 2,23,663.00 per acre per year.

Occupational Stress and Its Effect on Health Status Among Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Occupational stress is a critical health concern across various professions, often linked to adverse health outcomes and increased risk-taking behaviors. Bus drivers are especially vulnerable due to prolonged shifts, exposure to environmental pollutants, and higher rates of sickness absenteeism. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational stress among Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus drivers and the factors contributed. In addition, it explores the relationship between job-related stress and overall health status, providing insights into the occupational challenges faced by this workforce. A cross-sectional study was conducted over two years from June 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, at the KSRTC depot in Kolar, serving urban and rural areas. A representative sample of 235 bus drivers was selected from a total of 654 using simple random sampling. Socio-demographic details, including age, gender, education, religion, family type, and per capita income, were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Stress levels were assessed using the American Institute of Stress (AIS) questionnaire, a widely used tool for evaluating various stress dimensions. Data were collected through interviews, entered into Excel, and subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The study revealed that 65% of KSRTC bus drivers experienced moderate to severe stress. Significant factors associated with occupational stress included urban residency, divorce, chronic alcohol consumption, current tobacco chewing, hypertension, higher BMI, long working hours, and high waist-hip ratio. Binary logistic regression showed urban residents had higher stress odds than rural residents (OR=1.27, p=0.03). Divorced individuals and chronic alcoholics also had higher odds of stress (OR=1.24, p=0.05 and OR=1.33, p=0.04, respectively). Stress was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=1.40, p=0.01), obesity (OR=1.30, p=0.03), morbid obesity (OR=1.47, p=0.01), high-risk waist-hip ratios (OR=1.42, p=0.01), and longer working hours (>12 hours, OR=1.30, p=0.03). Health assessments revealed a high prevalence of hypertension (39%) and obesity (65%). The study highlights a high prevalence of occupational stress among KSRTC bus drivers in Kolar, with 65% experiencing moderate to severe stress. Factors such as urban residency, lifestyle habits, and physiological parameters significantly contribute to stress. These findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion programs and policy changes to enhance the health of essential workers and improve road safety.

Karnataka and India’s Silk Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis of Sericulture Dynamics

India is the second largest producer of silk with 36,453 MT (2022-23) after China and also the largest consumer of silk in the world. Asia is the main producer of silk in the world and produces over 95 per cent of the total global output. In India, mulberry silk is produced mainly in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu &amp; Kashmir and West Bengal, while the non-mulberry silks are produced in Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Orissa and North-Eastern states. Much of silk exports earnings is from silk garments, silk carpets and silk wastes, which is about 1,773.38 crore Rs. in total in 2022–23. Mulberry is the largest contributor to the total raw silk production with the compound annual growth rate of 3.09 per cent at 1 per cent level of significance. Tasar silk production registered highest growth rate of 13.67 per cent at 1 per cent level of significance and Jharkhand is the major contributor of about 80 per cent for the total tasar silk production. Karnataka is the leading producer of mulberry silk whereas Assam is currently the largest producer of Vanya silk. Telangana registered a highest compound annual growth rate of 21.1 per cent at 1 per cent level of significance followed by Maharashtra (16.9%). Ramanagara is having highest area under mulberry (20804.56 hectares) followed by Chikkaballapura (20544.62 hectares) and Kolar (19907.79 hectares) in Karnataka.

Study of lifestyle diseases (obesity and diabetes mellitus) among employees of an electronics manufacturing unit at Tumakuru.

Background: The world has experienced an epidemiological transition due to urbanisation, increased food and tobacco consumption, and reduced physical activity, leading to a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This transition has heightened the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, particularly in industrial workforces. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on lifestyle diseases among employees of an electronics manufacturing company in Tumakuru district, Karnataka State. Materials &amp; Methods: A total of 502 employees aged 30-60 were selected using systematic random sampling from a pool of 1,448 employees. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the NIOSH worker well-being questionnaire (WellBQ) and the WHO STEPS Surveillance Manual for NCDs. The questionnaire evaluated participants' knowledge of lifestyle diseases, attitudes towards prevention, and lifestyle practices. Results: Of the 502 respondents, 458 (91.2%) were male, with the majority (58%) in the 40-49 age group. Only 56% of participants were aware of the major causes of diabetes, while 68% were unaware of preventive measures. Additionally, 30% lacked knowledge about diabetes and its diagnosis, 43% were unaware that lifestyle diseases are chronic, and 38% did not recognise that these conditions could lead to premature death. Notably, 60% of respondents reported no regular physical activity. Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant risk of developing lifestyle diseases among employees, underscoring the need for targeted health policies and educational programs to promote healthy lifestyles and mitigate the rising trend of NCDs in this industrial workforce

Description of a New Species of Anagyrini (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), with Some Records from India

One new species of Anagyrini (Encyrtidae: Tetracneminae) Gyranusoidea vasantharaji Zeya, Ashraf and Yadav, sp. nov., is described from the specimens reared from the insect host Planococcus lilacinus (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) infesting Ficus carica plantations in the Indian State of Karnataka. An identification key to Gyranusoidea Compere is also given. Five species viz., are newly recorded from the Indian states noted in parentheses: Anagyrus diversicornis(Howard) (Karnataka), Caenohomalopoda tahai Fatima and Zeya (Uttar Pradesh), Cheiloneurus nankingensis Li and Xu (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka), Sakencyrtus mirus Hayat (Uttarakhand) and S. albiclavus Hayat (Uttarakhand).

Regional and Local Kannada Newspapers in Raichur District A Study

Abstract: The present article examines the existence and shape of the growth functions of circulation for leading regional and local newspapers in Raichur District, and assesses their effects on their competitors. Since digital news consumption is proliferating in India, it is important to study how Karnataka regional newspapers have adapted. The study examines the extent to which Raichur District Karnataka in regional and Local newspapers have the study looks at newspaper of the most circulated Kannada language (a regional language of Raichur District in Karnataka state) newspapers. Our study finds that regional and local newspaper. The people of Raichur, Koppala, Yadagiri, Gulbarga, Bidar, Bellary (Kalyana–Karnataka) and Vijayanagara, Gadag, Bagalkote region read these newspaper.

A thirty-year time series analyses identifies coherence between oscillations in Anthrax outbreaks and El Niño in Karnataka, India

Anthrax is an economically important zoonotic disease affecting both livestock and humans. The disease is caused by a spore forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, and is considered endemic to the state of Karnataka, India. It is critical to quantify the role of climatic factors in determining the temporal pattern of anthrax outbreaks, so that reliable forecasting models can be developed. These models will aid in establishing public health surveillance and guide strategic vaccination programs, which will reduce the economic loss to farmers, and prevent the spill-over of anthrax from livestock to humans. In this study, correlation and coherence between time series of anthrax outbreaks in livestock (1987–2016) and meteorological variables and Sea Surface Temperature anomalies (SST) were identified using a combination of cross-correlation analyses, spectral analyses (wavelets and empirical mode decomposition) and further quantified using a Bayesian time series regression model accounting for temporal autocorrelation. Monthly numbers of anthrax outbreaks were positively associated with a lagged effect of rainfall and wet day frequency. Long-term periodicity in anthrax outbreaks (approximately 6–8 years) was coherent with the periodicity in SST anomalies and outbreak numbers increased with decrease in SST anomalies. These findings will be useful in planning long-term anthrax prevention and control strategies in Karnataka state of India.

Assessment of Nutritional Status among the Adolescents - A Case Study

In India, the prevalence of under nutrition among adolescents is most common. Assessments of nutritional status play significant role in formulating developmental strategies of a country. The objectives of the present study is to assess the impact of nutritional supplementation in terms of nutritional grading and health status among student of age group of 19 to 21 years by the survey at University College Mangalore, Karnataka State. The survey carried out among students having lunch under Mid-day meal scheme, college canteen and food from their home. Anthropometric measurements were used to assess nutritional status and BMI of each student were calculated. Among these students, getting lunch box from home are healthier than the student having lunch at college canteen and mid-day meal scheme. This may be due to, these students get more nutrient food prepared at their home. Therefore there should be nutrition education and awareness sessions for students to increase their knowledge and benefit regarding proper diet and its effect on their health.

Migration for Business: A Case Study of Goa

As the government eases out of economic activities and its role as an employer declines over time, there is a growing focus on attracting business and entrepreneurship and creating a conducive environment for their growth. Goa witnesses high rates of in-migration from the rest of India. However, census data reveal that of the total migration to Goa, only 2.7% of it is for business. This study uses census data to analyse the relative importance of population, distance, literacy and gross state domestic product (GSDP) in the volume and direction of migration flows through a gravity model analysis. In the case of population, it is observed that a high population at the source state means a higher degree of outmigration. This may be due to greater competition for scarce resources and lower costs of setting up business in the destination. The highest numbers of business migrants are from the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, which indicates that distance may be a deterrent to mobility, especially among women migrants. Educational attainment is not a very important determinant of migration for business. Similarly, economic growth does not seem to deter outmigration, indicating that better opportunities and cost-minimization at the destination may spur migration in spite of high economic growth in the home state. From the field study, it is observed that the majority of the businesspersons are Hindu males from the general caste. While economic factors serve as important push and pull factors, social factors are an important pull factor and determine the ease of settlement in the host state. They come to Goa for the long term and intend to settle here. They own land and housing. Though many are small businesses, through their consumption and investment activities, they play an important role in promoting growth in the state. The process of migration is self-sustaining as many bring their family members, relatives and neighbours and help settle them in business in related fields.

Exploring The Implementation Challenges Faced By Healthcare Providers In Delivering Services Under Ayushman Bharat -Arogya Karnataka Health Scheme In Bengaluru, Karnataka-A Qualitative Study

Background: Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) is a flagship health insurance scheme of Karnataka started in Oct-2018. The integrated health assurance scheme of Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka is implemented by the State of Karnataka on an assurance/trust mode through the State Health Agency-Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST). AB-Ark is a Universal Health coverage scheme that provides a comprehensive healthcare to both Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families, covering a wide range of secondary and tertiary healthcare services. This scheme, part of the broader Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), seeks to offer financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures and improve access to quality healthcare services. Learning the experiences and insights from the scheme's implementers can enhance our understanding of how contextual factors impact a program's success. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the different contextual elements that can either support or obstruct the effective execution of a scheme. Objective: To understand the specific obstacles and barriers in effectively implementing the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka health scheme from a healthcare provider perspective. Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach involving 8 in-depth interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and were transcribed as per the reported verbatim. The transcripts were then analysed in Microsoft excel using thematic analysis for emerging patterns and insights leading to conclusions drawn from the analysis results. Results: Findings were depicted in broad themes and subthemes under individual, community, health system and policy levels. In brief, factors like infrastructure, patient load, awareness, affordability, quality of care and operational challenges were discussed. Conclusion: Study finding revealed various challenges faced by the health care provider, which needs to be addressed for the scheme’s long-term success and sustainability. Continuous monitoring, policy adjustments, and stakeholder engagement are essential to overcoming these hurdles and achieving the scheme's objectives.

Sero-Prevalence of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia in Cattle and Buffalo Population of Indian States Karnataka and Gujarat.

Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) is a highly contagious and fatal disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by P. multocida. Both conventional and molecular methods are applied in parallel for rapid diagnosis of HS outbreaks and the periodical surveillance strategy to identify risk areas for HS is ignored. The current cross-sectional study aimed to estimate sero-prevalence and associated risk factors for HS in cattle and buffaloes in non-vaccinated regions of two Indian states. HS surveillance was carried out through the multi-stage random sampling technique at different strata. The study employed a questionnaire incorporating host factors (species, breed, sex, age, and lactation) and demographic parameters (state, district, block/cluster and village/epiunits, and household). First, two Indian states known for high milk production were selected followed by two districts within each state, subsequently four clusters within each district, finally 5-10 epiunits within clusters and 5-8 households within clusters were randomly selected to collect cattle and buffalo samples. The chi-square/p values and maps were prepared to represent disease prevalence and to correlate disease risk factors at different strata. A total of 692 cattle and buffalo serum samples were sourced from two states of the country (Karnataka-285 and Gujarat-407). In the first strata, antibodies to P. multocida were high in Gujarat (14.49%, CI: 11.22-18.30) compared to Karnataka (3.85%, CI: 1.94-6.80) with significant (p < 0.0001) association between the states. In the second strata, one of the four districts investigated revealed the highest sero-prevalence (18.61%, CI: 13.81-24.24) with statistical significance (p = 0.01) between the districts. Among clusters, one out of eight clusters showed the highest sero-prevalence (23.02%, CI: 16.59-30.54) with statistical significance (p = 0.03) between the clusters in the third strata. At epiunit level (fourth strata), 9 out of 27 epiunits (33.33%) visited in Karnataka and 24 out of 29 epiunits sampled in Gujarat were sero-positive (82.75%) in iELISA. At the household level, out of 306 HH visited, 40 HH had at least one positive animal (13.07%) and the p value between HH in the two states was highly significant (p = 0.0002). Chi-square analysis did not find any association of HS sero-prevalence to species, age, and lactation. However, significantly higher (p < 0.05) sero-prevalence was recorded in indigenous cattle breeds (16.56%) compared to crossbreeds (6.59%). Various immunoprophylactics and antibiotic therapies are effective against HS, but inappropriate disease reporting and failure to implement adequate vaccination control measures are the gaps identified. The present study highlights the current scenario of HS sero-prevalence in two of the high milk-producing states of India, which will be useful for stakeholders for undertaking the implementation of surveillance and control strategies for the regions.

Quality of life among community health workers in the districts of Koppal, Raichur and Mysore, Karnataka State, India

AimTo explore the Quality of life among the community health workers and its association with the socio-demographic variables. Subject and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 739 Community Health Workers (CHWs), where a multistage random sampling technique was used and three districts were selected based on the proportion of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in the districts of Karnataka. “WHOQOL-BREF” was used along with a Sociodemographic profile to determine the Quality of Life (QoL) among the CHWs. Multivariate regression models, T-test and ANOVA tests were used for the analysis. ResultsThe overall Quality of life mean ± SD was 3.4 ± 0.95. Domain-wise social relationship was found to be highest with a mean ± SD of 66.5 ± 21.7 and Environmental domain was found to be the least with a mean ± SD of 48.6 ± 16.6. The Multivariate regression models reveal that education up to primary level, an individual income of INR 5000 and more, and family income of INR 15000 to 40000 contribute to the higher score, whereas total family members of 5–8, age 25 to 44, and education of secondary schooling, PUC/diploma contribute to the lower scores of QoL. ConclusionThe results of the study showed that CHWs had neither good nor bad quality of life. And there is a need to improve physical and environmental factors such as job satisfaction, population coverage, better income, physical safety, good working environment, better transportation facilities which can improve the QoL among CHWs.

UN‐SDGs framework for child development in India: Evidence from a decentralized analysis

AbstractThis article develops a framework to analyze and to assess the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) related progress in child development in India, and to provide improved policy recommendations for sub‐national (state and district level) governments. District level analysis is based on a case study of Karnataka State (India). Status of India's children is described in global, national and sub‐national contexts. Child development is measured by 26 multi‐dimensional indicators comprising child health, nutrition, education, and protection and participation. Using the NITI Aayog's methodology of SDG India Index 2020–21, components' scores and composite index of child development are calculated and level of child development at national, state and district level is categorized by performer, front runner, achiever, and aspirant. Main results show that, both vertically and horizontally, low child development are related to poor performance of nutrition and education indicators in aspirational districts. However, focus on improving all 26 child development indicators is essential to reach the targets. The speed of convergence will be critical to reduce the time distance from now to 2030. Policy recommendations are focused to prioritize the public expenditure strategies in child budget for attainment of UN‐SDGs goals and targets by 2030, and to extend child budgeting to urban and rural local bodies. The empirical approach and policy recommendations are of relevance for other states in India, and applicable for countries elsewhere in the world.

Environmental Accounting as a Tool for Sustainable Development: An Empirical Study on Large Scale Companies in Karnataka State

Environmental Accounting as a Tool for Sustainable Development: An Empirical Study on Large Scale Companies in Karnataka State

A Comparative Study of Karnataka's Ayurvedic Medical Tourism Industry: North vs. South

Karnataka is a state in India with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range of traditional practices, including Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. The increasing popularity of Ayurveda among tourists has made it a significant contributor to the state's economy, particularly in the form of Ayurvedic medical tourism. This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the condition of Karnataka's Ayurvedic medical tourism industry, with a comparative study of North and South Karnataka. According to a report by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the state's tourism sector contributed 6.5% to its GDP in 2018, generating a revenue of INR 45,000 crore. The Ayurvedic medical tourism sector played a crucial role in this growth, with a contribution of INR 400 crore in 2018. The industry is expected to grow further in the coming years, with estimates suggesting a growth rate of 20-25% annually. North Karnataka and South Karnataka have different potentials and challenges for developing the Ayurvedic medical tourism industry. North Karnataka is less developed compared to South Karnataka and has the potential to develop Ayurvedic medical tourism. North Karnataka has a rich history and cultural heritage, with several ancient temples, forts, and palaces, which can attract tourists. North Karnataka has several Ayurvedic medical tourism centers that offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies. On the other hand, South Karnataka is more advanced and has already established Ayurvedic medical tourism centers. South Karnataka has several cultural and historical sites, such as the Mysore Palace and the Srirangapatna Fort, waterfalls, high hills in coorge, chikkamagalore, uttarakannada, Udupi, Mangalore, shimogga etc.which can attract tourists. The region also has a higher concentration of wellness resorts and luxury hotels compared to North Karnataka. However, South Karnataka faces challenges such as high competition and the need to maintain quality standards to retain its position as a popular destination for Ayurvedic medical tourism. Karnataka's Ayurvedic medical tourism industry has several opportunities for growth. The increasing popularity of Ayurveda among tourists, coupled with the state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, offers tremendous potential for the industry. The state government has also taken initiatives to promote Ayurvedic medical tourism, However, the industry also faces several challenges. One of the major challenges is the lack of standardization and regulation in the Ayurvedic medical tourism sector. The industry needs to maintain quality standards to retain its position as a popular destination for medical tourists. Another challenge is the high competition within the industry, with several other states in India promoting Ayurvedic medical tourism. Karnataka needs to develop unique offerings and experiences to attract tourists and differentiate itself from its competitors. In conclusion, Karnataka's Ayurvedic medical tourism industry has a significant economic impact on the state's economy, and both North and South Karnataka have different potentials and challenges for developing the industry. While the industry has several opportunities for growth, it also faces challenges such as lack of standardization and high competition. The state government's initiatives to promote Ayurvedic medical tourism, coupled with efforts by the industry to maintain quality standards and offer unique experiences, can help the industry realize its potential and contribute further to the state's economy.

Alcohol Abuse and Emotional Intelligence among adults of Karnataka

Emotional intelligence is the capacity of a person to successfully and appropriately react to a wide range of emotional inputs that are generated from the inner self and immediate environment. The present study was an attempt to examine the impact alcohol abuse on emotional intelligence among adults situated at Karnataka State. The research instruments used were Alcohol use disorder identification test and emotion quotient test. The statistical techniques used were Spearman’s Rank correlation and Mann Whitney U Test. The findings showed a positive link between the EI dimensions. There is a significant negative association between alcohol abuse and competency dimension of EI. The studies result indicates that there was no significant association between alcohol abuse and emotional intelligence. There is a significant difference in alcohol abuse-based on the level of education but no significant difference in Emotional intelligence based on the education level.

A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of anaemia in private school children in Bengaluru

Background: Anaemia is defined as an Hb concentration below the diagnostic reference range in children. Most school-aged children have anaemia, which is a common clinical disease. The effects of anaemia in school-age children include decreased resistance to disease, greater susceptibility to infection, poorer physical development, and poor academic performance. Consequently, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anaemia among Bengaluru private school students. This involved being aware of the contributing elements or causes of anaemia, as well as teaching schoolchildren about the disease’s complications and prevention. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children studying in private school from the 3rd to 8th standards in Bengaluru urban north division Karnataka state over a period of one year (March 2021 to March 2022). A total of 86 children were selected using a convenient sampling method. Results: The overall prevalence of anaemia among school-going children was found to be (20.9%). Prevalence of anaemia was strongly significant among variables like; enlarged spleen or liver, pallor skin, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, mizāj ‘ām, chronic infection, pallor mucous membrane of mouth and consumption of milk respectively. Conclusions: Anaemia remains a public health concern in our country. In our study, the overall prevalence of anaemia among school-going children was lower (20.9%) in compression compared to recently published data by (NFHS-5), which showed a prevalence of 65.5% in children in Karnataka.

Burden of cervical cancer in India: estimates of years of life lost, years lived with disability and disability adjusted life years at national and subnational levels using the National Cancer Registry Programme data

BackgroundCervical cancer is ranked as the second most common cancer in India. This study aims to assess the cervical cancer burden at the national and subnational level in India, projecting it for the year 2025 in terms of years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).MethodsTwenty-eight population based cancer registries within the National Cancer Registry Programme network contributed cancer incidence and mortality data for this analysis. The DisMod-II tool, WHO lifetables, disability weights, mortality to incidence ratio, sample registration system, and census data were used to estimate the burden of cervical cancer. The projection estimates for 2025 were performed using a negative binomial regression model.ResultsIn 2016, the cervical cancer burden in India was 223.8 DALYs per 100,000 women. The highest age-standardised DALYs were found in the northeast region (290.1 DALYs per 100,000 women) and the lowest in the eastern region (156.1 DALYs per 100,000 women). The states of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Nagaland had a higher cervical cancer burden with DALYs exceeding 300 per 100,000 women. The projected cervical cancer burden for India in 2025 was estimated to be 1.5 million DALYs.ConclusionsThe study has found a significant cervical cancer burden across the regions of India, providing a baseline for monitoring impact of actions. Enhancing awareness of cervical cancer, advocating for the significance of screening, and promoting HPV vaccination among adolescents, families, and communities through informative communication campaigns are essential steps in managing and ultimately eliminating cervical cancer in India.

Perspectives on Spare Embryos amongst IVF users: An Exploratory Study from a Selected District of the Southern Indian State of Karnataka.

Perspectives of IVF users on their spare embryos is a less explored subject in the Indian context despite the country's population and abundance of IVF clinics. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews in a selected district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Seven individuals were recruited independently of any assistance from an IVF clinic. The interviews explored participants' knowledge and perception of the spare embryos using a set of guiding questions exploring the theme of the informed consent process, views on research, preferences for embryo donation, the role of family and the dynamics of decision-making, amongst other things. The interviews were qualitatively analysed using Corbin and Strauss's grounded theory approach. Our findings reveal that the participants do not learn about the prospects of spare embryos from the very start of their IVF journeys, and they may not be informed about the various options available to decide the fate of the spare embryos. Irrespective of their views on research and moral perceptions of embryos, participants expressed a sense of responsibility and ownership towards their embryos and a general reluctance to donate them. Our findings have implications for guiding future inquiries on this subject, which can better the informed consent process and unravel the role of ownership in the ethics of spare embryos in the Indian context.