Kuppuswamy Scale Research Articles

Osteoporosis Knowledge and Awareness Among Patients and Accompanying Attendants: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department.

Osteoporosis is a common yet underdiagnosed condition that increases fracture risk and disability. It is particularly prevalent in individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders due to factors like immobility and disuse. Despite its impact, awareness of osteoporosis remains low, especially in this high-risk population. This study aims to assess the knowledge of osteoporosis among patients with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders attending a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient department (OPD). Using tools like the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool- Hindi (OKAT-H), the study seeks to identify knowledge gaps and promote prevention and early detection. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 300 participants, including patients and accompanying attendants, who visited the OPD of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, aged 40 years and above. The sample size was calculated based on data from a previous study, resulting in a target of 292 participants. Socioeconomic status was assessed using the Modified Kuppuswamy scale, classifying participants into five classes. Osteoporosis awareness was measured using the OKAT-H. The mean OKAT-H score was found to be 9.82 out of 20 (49.1%), with a standard deviation of 5.06, ranging from a minimum score of 2/20 to a maximum of 20/20. Significant differences in OKAT-H scores were found in rural and urban populations (P value=0.001) and among the classes of socioeconomic status (P value=0.001) of the participants based on the Modified Kuppuswamy scale. Our study using the OKAT-H scale revealed a significant knowledge gap regarding osteoporosis among individuals with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as their caregivers. This lack of awareness increases the risk of fractures and related complications. To address this, targeted educational programs should be implemented in the OPD of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation departments, focusing on improving knowledge of osteoporosis, raising awareness of its risks and prevention, and educating individuals on fall prevention measures, the use of mobility and orthotic aids, and necessary home and workplace modifications.

Barriers to Mental Health Services Utilization

The use of health services is defined as the process of seeking professional healthcare and submitting oneself to the application of regular health services with the purpose to prevent or treat health problem .Person suffering from mental illness usually face different barriers . The problem of underutilization of mental health services may be due to: (1) barriers to initiation of mental health services and (2) barriers to persistence in treatment once it is sought. People with a number of unmet needs are likely to experience poor quality of life as well. Any mental health service that aims to improve the quality of life of patients’ needs to actively assess for these factors as early recognition can help in optimizing planning of treatment and implementation of care ensuring effectiveness of psychiatric care. It also plays a critical role in mental health rehabilitation Such an identification could lead to implementation of targeted stigma reduction strategies in addition to regular management plan. Methodology A cross sectional study was performed in Mental Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal. People suffering from mental illness who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited and BACE scale was administered along with relevant details of participants . Results Most of the participants were from Bagmati Province (65.1%, n=192) whereas least participation was from Sudurpaschim Province (2.1%, n=6). The mean age of participants was 35 years with majority belonging to the age group of 26-35 years (37.3%, n=109). The participation of males (54.5%, n=159) was greater than that of females (45.5%, n=133). The participation of divorced and widow/er was very less (2.4%, n=7) compared to those who were married (71.2%, n=208) or unmarried (26.4%, n=77). A vast majority were Hindus (77.4, n=226) followed by Buddhist (12%,N=35 and Christians (9.6%, n=28 ) and others (1%,n=3). Majority of the participants had completed their higher secondary (38.4%, n=112) and secondary (19.5%, n=57) education followed by no formal education (13.4%,n=39) and those with post graduate education and above (1.7% ,n=5). Regarding occupation, the number of unemployed (36.6%, n=107) was highest followed by service holders (17.8%, n=52), others (16.1%, n=47 ),farmer (15.8%,n=46) and business owners (13.7%, n=40) respectively. Socioeconomic status was measured using Kuppuswamy scale and it was found that most of the participants belonged to middle (63.4%, n=185) followed by upper (22.6%, n=66) and lower (14%, n=41) socioeconomic status. Among the patient reported barriers related to stigma ,the most reported concern was “ concerned that I might be seen as weak for having a mental health problem “(33.6 %),followed by “concern that I might be seen as crazy “ (26.4%) ,followed by “Concern that my children may be taken into care or that I may lose access or custody without my agreement “ (22.6%) and ” feeling embarrassed or ashamed “ (21.6 %) . Among the reported instrumental barriers in BACE scale , “having no one who could help me get professional care (18.2)“ was the most reported major barrier followed by “ being unsure where to get professional care “(17.8)“ followed by being too unwell to ask for help “ (14.4%). Among the different attitudinal components in BACE scale “wanting to solve problem on my own” (21.9%) was the most reported barrier followed by “dislikes of talking about my feelings, emotions or thought “(19.5%) and “thinking that I don’t have problem”(17.8%). Conclusion Thus, it can be concluded that people people suffering from mental illness also experience different barriers during help seeking . This barriers is found more on people below 45 years of age and people with low socio economic status . This barriers influences the quality of life in terms of decline in physical health and environment.

A Study on Tapentadol Misuse and Abuse among Heroin Users Attending a Deaddiction Center in Kashmir

Abstract Background: Tapentadol is a powerful opioid receptor agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, making it a centrally acting analgesic. In India, where the government is trying to combat an ongoing opioid crisis, the lack of scheduling of tapentadol creates an easy opportunity for its misuse. We aim to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of heroin users who also abuse tapentadol concurrently through our cross-sectional study done at the drug-deaddiction center situated at the community center of SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, Kashmir. Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study done at the Community Centre of SMHS hospital Srinagar, which houses the drug deaddiction centre run by the Psychiatry Department of GMC(Government Medical College) Srinagar. From 1st June 2023 until 30th November 2023, we gathered data for our investigation. After gaining informed consent, all the first-time heroin-dependent patients at the deaddiction facility who admitted to using tapentadol were included in the study. Patients’ age, sex, marital status, family composition, and level of education were analysed in accordance with a predefined proforma. In addition, the modified Kuppuswamy scale was used to categorise patients based on their socioeconomic status. Parameters such as the pattern of tapentadol use, the route of heroin use, and the comparison of the psychoactive effects of tapentadol and heroin were recorded using a proforma to create a clinical profile of such patients. Results: Our sample comprised 100 participants. The prevalence of tapentadol abuse among heroin users in our study came out to be 16%. The average age of our study participants was 25.11 ± 2.99 years. The vast majority of our patients were male (97%). The vast majority (58%) of our participants were from lower socioeconomic status. Ninety-eight percent of our subjects used oral tapentadol while there were 2 (2%) instances of intravenous tapentadol use. The majority of participants used the “Tapal” brand (60%). Tapentadol was mainly obtained either through a chemist’s shop (35%) (with or without a prescription) or through a friend (37%). Half of the subjects (50%) obtained tapentadol for the purpose of managing heroin withdrawal. Thirty-five percent of participants used tapentadol in a dependent manner, while the remaining 65% either misused or abused the drug. Conclusion: The continued heroin usage crisis, lenient tapentadol procurement regulations, and the use of nonevidence-based drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder all contribute to the problem of tapentadol abuse in our region.

EFFECTS OF SOCIOECONOMIC AND CLINICAL FACTORS ON TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES PATIENT: FOCUS ON INHALATION THERAPY

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a persistent blockage of airflow that requires bronchodilator medication for the rest of one’s life. The goal of the treatment can only be met when the patient is adhering to the prescribed medicine. This study identifies and analyzes how clinical and socioeconomic factors affect COPD patients’ drug adherence to given therapy. The impact of our findings will reduce socioeconomic inequality in COPD management which will improve adherence to drugs and overall physical well-being. Methods: The hospital-based cross-sectional studies were conducted at the Department of TB and CD for 6 months in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 55 patients diagnosed with COPD participated in the study after signing the informed constant. The individual patients were interviewed using MMAS-8 and Kuppuswamy scale questionnaires. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test to determine the correlation between medication adherence and socioeconomic status in patients with COPD. Results: Among 55 COPD patients included in the study, their mean age was 62.2(+10.76) years. Out of the total participants: Significant associations between the medication adherence scale (MMRS-8) scores and the Kuppuswamy scale were found as p<0.0001, indicating that medication adherence was influenced by the patient’s socioeconomic status. In addition, the BORG scale which is used to measure exercise tolerance in COPD that found to have a significant correlation with an MMAS-8 score of p=0.03. Conclusion: Our study found that a person with low socioeconomic levels will have poor adherence to inhaler therapy, leading to poor health outcomes like exacerbation and low physical activity due to shortness of breath.

A cross-sectional study on utilization and barriers of eSanjeevani telemedicine services in rural areas of South India: Curing at a distance

Background: Telemedicine services are essential in a country like India, where the doctor-to-patient ratio and hospital-topopulation ratio are lower than the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended ratio. To prevent the long waiting time for doctor appointments, diagnosis, and treatment plans in person, an alternative system such as eSanjeevani telemedicine is necessary to tackle medical emergencies in a populated country like India. Objectives: To assess the utilization and barriers affecting the utilization of eSanjeevani services among residents of rural areas in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional community study was conducted in the rural areas of south India, using a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule. Multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 400 households. The collected data has been expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages. Results: The study identified that most of the study participants were from lower middle class as per the modified Kuppuswamy Scale. Only 34.8% were aware of the eSanjeevani services and among them 22% utilized eSanjeevani services in which General medicine services (86.3%) were used the most. Major barriers for utilization included network issues (29%) followed by no room for queries/questions (20%). Conclusion: Telemedicine has the potential to enhance the availability and accessibility of healthcare to everyone. At the moment, lack of awareness, low network connectivity, and inherent technological limits pose major challenges for accessing telemedicine. Utilization of telemedicine can be increased by making people aware about the advantages of using it through strong Information, Education and Communication and media publicity

Study of Nutritional Anemia in Children Admitted to Pediatric Department in Rural Teaching Hospital of Telangana

Abstract Background: Globally, around 600 million preschool and school aged children are affected by anemia. According to World Health Organization, 65.5% of preschool children in southeast asia are anemic. Nutritional anemia is the commonest cause of anemia resulting from deficiencies of nutrients essential for red blood cell formation. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency amounting to 50%, followed by vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. This study is conducted to study the incidence of nutritional anemia among hospitalised children in a territory care teaching hospital in rural Telangana, in the age group of 6 months to 18 years and to bring awareness regarding the diet requirements in children in order to prevent deficiencies thereby the consequences of nutritional deficiencies. Method: This was a prospective hospital-based study conducted to study the incidence of Nutritional anemia along with clinical and hematological profile of nutritional anemia amongst children admitted to the Department of pediatrics in the age group of 6 months to 18 years at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, Telangana, from January 1st 2020 to June 30th 2021. All the children who had satisfied the inclusion criteria after taking consent from their parents were included in the study. Result: The incidence of nutritional anemia in the present study was found to be 52.08%, with both males and females equally affected. The age group of 6–12 years was particularly impacted, accounting for 49.3% of the cases. A significant 94% of the cases were associated with inadequate protein intake as per ICMR guidelines. Children from socio-economic classes 2 and 3, as per the Kuppuswamy scale, were more frequently affected. Severe anemia was observed in 8.7% of the cases. Peripheral smear analysis revealed microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells in 64.4% of the cases, with 94% of the children showing decreased serum iron levels. Conclusion: Nutritional anemia is the major cause of anemia in hospitalised children affecting majorly children in the age group of 6-12 years. Inadequate protein intake is the major contributor accounting to 94%, which can be prevented with proper dietary measures

Update of modified Kuppuswamy scale for the year 2024

Update of modified Kuppuswamy scale for the year 2024

A Study on Spectrum of Clinical Variables on the Patients Attending Psychiatry Outpatient Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objectives The objective of the study is to determine the spectrum of clinical variables of the patients attending psychiatry OPD in a tertiary care hospital and to determine the association of those variables with various sociodemographic factors.The study was conducted in the psychiatric Out-patient Department(OPD) of a tertiary care hospital Barak Valley region in the Northeastern part of India. Material and Methods Retrospective observational study where we assessed 1827 consecutive patients asking for psychiatric services, attending psychiatry OPD of Silchar Medical College & Hospital in the one-year period. Out of a total of 1827 cases, 1200 cases were enrolled for the study, meeting the study criteria. Data regarding sociodemographic profile, duration of illness, and provisional diagnosis were also collected, and self-design proforma was used. For socioeconomic class Modified Kuppuswamy Scale is used. The patients were diagnosed and classified on the basis of ICD-10 Criteria by consultant psychiatrists. The patient’s complete profile and data were presented in tables with the use of Microsoft excel. The data obtained was entered and analyzed by using SPSS Version 21. Any case attending psychiatry opd with psychiatric problems and who were provided psychiatric services. Results Out of a total of 1200 patients, most patients were in the age group of 21–40 years, followed by 41– 60 years. The mean age is 34.5. Majority of them were male (59.4%) belonged to Hindu religion (56.08%),were married (44.41%),and educated upto primary school level (26.75%), living in nuclear family (64%), belonged to lower class socioeconomic status (33.5%). It was seen that the majority of the patients (31.25%) belonged to the ICD-10 category of F20-F29, and Schizophrenia (F20) was the most common diagnosis (21.75%). The majority of patients in diagnostic categories of F10-F19, F20-F29, F30-F39, F40-F48, G43, and G44, were in age group 21–40 years, while among MR and G40 were of age < 20 years. Looking at the individual diagnostic category, we found that the majority of the cases belonging to the categories of F10-F19 (19.49%), F20-F29 (35.20%), F30-F39 (14.02%), G40 (3.16%), G44 (14%), and others (2.24%) were males. while majority of cases having the diagnosis of F40-F48 (30.8%), MR (13.96%) and G43 (5.54%) were females. Conclusion This study has reflected the pattern of clinical variables of the patients attending the tertiary care center. It has helped us to understand the nature and extent of psychiatric disease burden in the community with an aim to facilitate designing and planning for providing better mental health care to the community as a whole.

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Dental Caries Among Adults in India: A Scoping Review

Background: It is well documented that India is an example of the unequal distribution of dental caries among different population groups, as higher prevalence and incidence have been reported among people with a low socioeconomic level. The objective of this review was to systematically map the scientific literature on the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on dental caries among adults, identify the research gaps in this area, and propose recommendations for future research. Methods: This scoping review was conducted based on the updated framework recommended by Joanna Briggs Institute. Relevant studies undertaken in India were identified by searching Medline/PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. The search strategy was limited to journal articles published between January 2012 and October 2022. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full texts were reviewed by two reviewers independently. Results: The scoping review comprised 7 cross-sectional studies and 1 cohort study. Most reviewed studies used the Kuppuswamy scale or its modifications to assess the SES. Four studies determined the caries status regarding mean values according to SES and reported higher DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) among the middle and lower-class SES. Three studies employed regression analysis to determine the association, and all found that the DMFT score was significantly associated with socioeconomic status. Conclusion: The findings of this review confirm the existence of inequalities in caries experience in adults from different socioeconomic backgrounds. More high-quality and follow-up studies are needed to establish the magnitude of the scientific evidence regarding the association between socioeconomic status and dental caries among adults in India.

Awareness about Cochlear Implantation in Parents of Deaf Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pune

Introduction: A cochlear implant (CI) is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of hearing to profoundly deaf people. Objective: The objective is to evaluate the level of awareness among the parents of deaf children about cochlear implantation, to know their willingness toward implantation, and to correlate their knowledge with their socioeconomic status. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 parents of deaf children who came to tertiary care hospitals for treatment in. They were telephonically interviewed by a structured questionnaire with emphasis on their knowledge about the implantation. They were also enquired about their socioeconomic characteristics. Data were collected and analyzed using the Kuppuswamy scale, Microsoft Excel, and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results and Discussion: The mean awareness of parents was only 59.5%. Twenty-two percent of parents belonged to the upper middle, 24% to the lower middle, and 54% to the lower class. The median awareness among the lower class was 5 (1–8) while among upper middle and lower middle-class parents was 8 (7–10) and 8 (6–9), respectively. It can be observed that the maximum population of the sample size belonged to the lower socioeconomic group, but they had the lowest awareness, and this finding was statistically significant with P = 0.01. Conclusion: The knowledge and utilization of CI have to be increased in the lower socioeconomic group by conducting similar studies in multiple centers and by conducting awareness campaigns.

IJCM_332A: Factors affecting quality of life among antenatal women seeking health care in tertiary care hospitals of Mangaluru

Background: QOL is defined as “individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” Pregnancy is a physiological state associated with several emotional and physical changes, and the antenatal period is the moment of preparation of the woman for the childbirth and maternity. Thus, poor quality of life can have adverse effects on mother and the fetus. In order to develop methods to improve the quality of life of pregnant women, the factors affecting it should be understood; and our study aims at providing such understanding. Methodology: A hospital based Cross-sectional study of the pregnant women seeking antenatal health care in Government Lady Goschen Hospital and KMC, Attavar. The data collection was done from 14-03-16 to 31-03-16 using a questionnaire consisting of 4 parts-participant details, WHO QOL- BREF, QIDS and modified Kuppuswamy scale. Results: The study was done among 195 pregnant women, and the mean QOL-BREF score was found to be 73.60. 60.5% participants belonged to lower socioeconomic status, and had a lower QOL in physical, psychological and environmental domains. 54.6% participants showed symptoms of depression and had a lower QOL in physical domain. Other factors like parity, history of abortion and complications in the current pregnancy did not show a significant association with QOL score. Conclusion: The QOL of antenatal women seeking health care in tertiary health care setup was found to be good. The factors that significantly affected the quality of life were depression and lower socio-economic status. They had a negative impact on the quality of life.

Study of Clinical Profile of Patients with Surgical Site Infections in Operated Cases of Perforation Peritonitis

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are defined as infections occurring till 30 days after surgery (till one year after surgery in patients having implants) and involving the incision or deep tissue at the surgical site. SSIs are an important clinical issue and contribute to both post operative mortality and morbidity. The incidence of SSIs has been reported to be high as 20%. Material & Methods: It is a retrospective observational study conducted in our surgical unit of a tertiary care centre. A total of 520 patient records were analyzed. Out of these 98 patients were found to have SSI and were included in the study. Results: SSI patients presented with various clinical attributes. Discharge from the wound was present in 100% patients out of which 51% patients had discharge from infra umbilical area and 36.7% had discharge from only supra umbilical area. Fever was present in 28.6% of patients and pain was present in 33.7% patients 30% patients had history of alcohol intake and 22.4% had history of intravenous drug abuse. 46.9% patients of SSI had small intestine as the site of perforation and 40.9% had stomach and duodenum as the site of perforation.67.3% patients had BMI above 30kg/m2. 75.5% patients were from lower socioeconomic status(as per modified Kuppuswamy scale 2021). 56% patients were female and 44% were male. 55% patients were from urban areas whereas 45% were from rural background 28.6% patients were less than 30years of age and 22.4% were above 60 years of age. Conclusions: Many of the risk factors for SSI are modifiable and a concerted effort by the patient and physician surgeon can improve outcomes.

IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ON ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Introduction: Cerebral palsy is disorder of movement and posture caused by non-progressive disturbances in developing brain caused by number of factors. (1,2) Prevalence of malnutrition among children with cerebral palsy is higher than that in normal children (4-7). Some studies suggest an association between socioeconomic status and cerebral palsy whereas others refute it. Our study will discuss the impact of socioeconomic status on various anthropometric indices. Objectives: To study the relation between socioeconomic status and anthropometric indices in patients with cerebral palsy. Materials And Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Srinagar from January 2021 to November 2022 which enrolled inpatient cerebral palsy children aged 1-18 years old. Height for age (stunting), weight for age (underweight), weight for height (wasting), BMI for age were derived and z scores were assessed through WHO Anthroplus and WHO anthro 3.2 softwares. Socioeconomic status was assessed by modified kuppuswamy scale updated for the year 2019. The data was analyzed with Jamovi 2.3.21. Nutritional status of children was classified as per WHO standards for z scores (i.e., -2 SD to +2 SD : Normal -2 SD to -3 SD : Moderately undernourished and <-3 SD : Severely undernourished). Relation between categorical variables was analyzed by chi square test. Statistical significance was assessed and p values < 0.05 were considered significant. The study was approved by ethical committee of our institute Results: 35 out of 102 participants (34.3%) belong to upper lower socioeconomic class. 25 out of 102 participants (24.5%) patients belong to lower middle socioeconomic class. 19 out of 102 participants (18.6%) belong to upper middle class. 14 out of 102 participants (13.7%) belong to lower class and 9 out of 102 participants (8.8%) belong to upper class.

Anemia Prevalence and Socioeconomic Status among Adolescent Girls in Rural Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Anemia poses a significant challenge among Indian adolescent girls due to their heightened vulnerability, resulting from increased micronutrient requirements, rapid physical growth, menstrual blood loss, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, along with socioeconomic and nutritional statuses among adolescent girls attending rural public schools in Pune, India. A sample of 400 girls was selected from 22 villages through Symbiosis International University. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using the HemoCue 201 system, while standardized protocols were employed for height, weight, and BMI-for-age measurements. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy scale. The findings revealed an overall anemia prevalence of (42.75%), comprising severe (2.5%), moderate (21%) and mild (20.25%) cases. Additionally, a substantial proportion (74.6%) of girls were classified as underweight. Socioeconomic analysis disclosed that 64.25% of families belonged to the lower middle class, and 27% in the upper lower class. Anemia was more prevalent in young adolescent girls (10-14 years) and in the families of adolescents who had low income, were illiterate, unemployed, and belonged to the lower-middle class and upper-lower-class socio-economic status (SES) and did not have a bank account. Anemia was prevalent in adolescent girls and associated with low SES. This study underscores the limitations of relying solely on the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets to combat anemia. A holistic strategy is imperative, encompassing improvements in SES of families (literacy, employment and income), as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of adolescent girls.

Body mass index, socioeconomical status, and physical activity among school-going children: A correlational study

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is currently one of the major concerns in the pediatric field. Socioeconomic status (SES) and physical activity (PA) are key factors in achieving efficient weight status and help them to prevent obesity in the future. Hence, the present study was undertaken to find out the relationship of body mass index (BMI), SES, and PA among school children. METHODOLOGY: A correlational study was carried out on randomly selected 120 children studying in the 6th, 7th, and 8th standards from two different schools in Surat city. The underweight, healthy weight, and overweight–obesity status were based on BMI percentiles for age and sex. SES was assessed using the Kuppuswamy scale based on parameters such as the head of the family’s educational status, occupational status, and overall aggregate income of the whole family. PA during the previous 7 days was assessed using the Gujarati version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C [G]). Spearman’s correlation test was applied to find out the correlation of BMI, SES and PA among all the students. RESULTS: Overall, boys have higher PAQ-C scores as compared to girls. Inadequate PA was noted among all children. Results of the present study showed that there was a statistically significant weak positive correlation of SES with BMI (r = 0.34, P < 0.05), a statistically significant moderate positive correlation of SES with PA (r = 0.65, P < 0.05) but a statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found for BMI and PA (r = −0.46, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study concludes a significant relationship between BMI, SES and PA among school children.

Relationship between Sleep Deprivation and Daytime Sleepiness in different Groups of the Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Research consistently indicates that insufficient sleep, whether it is a persistent or short-term issue, can result in daytime sleepiness among the general population. Contributing factors include demanding work schedules, social commitments, and the habit of using electronic devices before bedtime. Aim: To find the relationship between sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness, and socio-economic status, and their association among teachers, bachelor’s and master’s students, and medical practitioners. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included the assessment of daytime sleepiness and quality of sleep among different populations using the Eppworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. The socio-economic status was assessed using the modified Kuppuswamy Scale (mKS). The participants were categorised into three groups: teachers, students, and medical professionals according to their profession. In the analysis, to find the linear relationship between age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and the other three outcomes, Pearson’s correlation was used. Results: There were 65 (38.5%) males and 104 (61.5%) females among the respondents. On analysis, considering the overall results, it was found that there was a moderate positive correlation between age and BMI (r-value=0.232, p-value<0.05) and no significant correlation between age and ESS, PSQI, mKS. There was a moderately negative correlation between mKS and ESS (r-value=-0.205, p-value=0.016), suggesting that the lower the SES, the more the chances of daytime sleepiness in students’ group. In the teacher’s group, there was no significant correlation between age and BMI, ESS, PSQI, and mKS in any of the groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that daytime sleepiness was related to socio-economic status in students, such that they are inversely proportional to each other. Medical practitioners experienced the most daytime sleepiness compared to other population groups.

A cross-sectional study on quality of life of survivors of sexual assault.

Sexual assault is a grave violation of an individual's fundamental rights and has a profound impact on their physical and mental health. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the quality of life (QOL) experienced by survivors after such incidents. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the QOL of survivors of sexual assault and determine the factors that affect their physical and psychological domains. The study included 32 survivors, and data were collected using the WHO-QOL questionnaire and the modified Kuppuswamy scale. The results showed that survivors experienced poor QOL in both physical and psychological domains. Factors such as physical injuries, pregnancy following the assault, education, and psychiatric counseling significantly influenced survivors' QOL. The findings underscore the importance of routine psychiatric counseling, follow-up care for physical illnesses, rehabilitation, continuation of education and employment, and early detection of pregnancies to improve the QOL for survivors of sexual assault.

Clinico-etiological profile of atopic dermatitis in Northeast India

Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder with relapsing and remitting course affecting all age groups and has multifactorial pathogenesis. As multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of AD, its prevalence and presentation vary among different ethnic groups residing in different geographical areas. This study was conducted to study the clinical profile and aggravating factors in cases of AD attending a tertiary hospital in Meghalaya, India, and to find a correlation of disease with serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Material and Methods: Patients suspected of AD were diagnosed on the basis of Hanifin and Rajka criteria and included in this study. All relevant demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data were collected as per a preset pro forma. Serum IgE levels were tested for every patient using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: A total of 50 diagnosed cases of AD were included in our study with ages ranging from 5 months to 61 years, and the median age for the study population was 7.9 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1:1.17. Urban patients (66%) outnumbered rural patients and the majority of these patients (90%) belonged to the upper middle class (class II) according to the modified Kuppuswamy scale. The disease was aggravated in winters in 70%, in summer in 10%, due to wool in 48%, and due to food items in 22% of patients. Allergic rhinitis was found to be coexisting in 8% of patients, whereas asthma was found in 2% of patients. The predominant site of involvement was the face (91.9%) in children and the flexor surface (92.3%) among adults. The most common clinical presentation included pruritus (100%) and xerosis (98%). Serum IgE was raised in 58% of patients. Conclusion: Atopic dermatitis of chronic type with predominant facial involvement in children and predominant flexural involvement in adults was common in our study population. Seasonal changes, food items, and woolen clothes were common causative and exacerbating factors. Some atypical presentations included posterior thigh eczema, infra-auricular fissures, retroauricular fissures, eyelid eczema, genital dermatitis, juvenile plantar dermatoses, infranasal fissure, and follicular variant of the disease.

Association between oral health-related quality of life and oral health status in people with spinal cord injuries during the COVID pandemic: a crosssectional study

Aim: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious medical disorder that frequently causes significant morbidity and long-term disability. Untreated oral disease is more common in people with physical limitations. Evidence suggests that dry mouth increases the risk of dental caries by encouraging the growth of dental plaque. Therefore, this study is being considered to determine the association between oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among SCI patients during the COVID pandemic. Materials & methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 SCI patients. The sample size was determined using G*Power software (version 3.1).Information on demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status was also obtained using the Modified Kuppuswamy scale, 2021. OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Proforma, 2013, was used to record oral health status. Descriptive statistics can be used to compute percentages, means, and standard deviations. Wilcoxon-signed ranks testing was done to compare the association between mean OHIP and oral health status. Results: 11 of them had complete spinal injuries, while the other 39 had incomplete spinal injuries. Patients with incomplete injuries had more decaying, missing, and filled teeth, gingival bleeding, periodontal pockets, and OHIP scores than patients with complete injuries. The mean OHIP was 20.73. The study participants' mean OHIP and oral health status showed a significant association (P=0.000). Conclusion: SCI patients appear to have poor oral health. The association between oral health status and OHRQoL was statistically significant. It is crucial to support and facilitate patient’s and caregiver’s education on oral health-related issues.

Mental Health Morbidities and their Correlates among the Adolescents in Kamrup (Metro), Assam: A School-Based Study.

India has the largest adolescent population worldwide, and among this group, mental health issues account for 16% of the total global burden of disease and injury. Disturbingly, approximately half of these health conditions manifest before the age of 14 years. To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress along with its correlates among the adolescents in the schools of Kamrup (Metro) district, Assam. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 randomly selected high schools in the study area among the adolescents selected from 8th to 10th standards in the age group of 14 to 17 years. A pre-designed, pre-tested interview schedule, the modified Kuppuswamy scale, and 'Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 Items' (DASS 21) questionnaire were used for data collection. The mean ± 2SD age of the adolescents was 14.74 ± 1.58 years. Among the adolescents, the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found to be 22.2%, 24.4%, and 6.9%, respectively. The occurrence of mental health morbidities among adolescents is notably widespread, yet researchers have largely overlooked this aspect. This underscores the need for comprehensive investigations into the factors that contribute to these mental health issues.