Meghalaya Research Articles

Health matters: a statistical approach to understand childhood illnesses in the North-East States of India, 2019–2021

AbstractThe present study explores the prevalence and socio-economic demographic factors affecting childhood illnesses. Diarrhoea, fever and ARI among under-five children in the North -East states of India using NFHS-5 data Kids file. Results showed that diarrhoea, ARI, and fever among the northeastern states were highest in Meghalaya.For diarrhoea Sikkim has the highest prevalence for children within 6 months while Meghalaya has the highest prevalence in the age groups 6- 12 months and 1- 2 years old children and Arunachal Pradesh has the highest rate in the age group 2- 5 years old children. Meghalaya stands out with the highest prevalence of fever and ARI in all age groups. Compared to Sikkim, the state of Meghalaya had more diarrhoea, ARI and fever, and it was statistically highly significant. However, Tripura and Assam had significantly higher odds of having fever and ARI than Sikkim. There is an association between diarrhoea, fever, and ARI and factors such as the age of the child and caregiver, the wealth status of the household, the quality of sanitation facilities, methods of stool disposal, and the caregiver's educational level.

Comparing the effectiveness of landslide susceptibility mapping by using the frequency ratio and hybrid MCDM models

The present study involved the landslide susceptibility mapping of Indian state of Meghalaya by using the frequency ratio (FR) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)- VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje (VIKOR) (AHP-VIKOR), and the outcomes were validated and compared. Therefore, fourteen landslide conditioning factors were selected after a multi-collinearity test by tolerance and variance Inflation Factor. Based on 70 % of the training data, the relative frequency and predictive rate value was used to generate final output. In opposite, the overall ranking was used to generate landslide susceptibility map (LSM) for the AHP-VIKOR model. Subsequently, the generated LSM was classified into five hierarchical zones from very low to very high based on the natural breaking classification. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics from 30 % of validation landslides shown more predictive accuracy of AHP-VIKOR model than FR model under similar geo-environmental condition. The spatial distribution of landslide susceptibility zones shows that 37 % of the region under the threat of having a high landslip risk. Landslides are primarily found in barren Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, with increased risk near roadsides. This is due to slope cutting for roads, making hilly terrain unstable. Areas with more annual rainfall face greater landslide threats. Therefore, the outcome of the study may contain the useful information that helps the local administration to recognize vulnerability of landslides as well as to take up the hazard mitigative measures.

Genotype × Environment Interaction for Grain Yield and Its Component Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for Varietal Recommendations in Meghalaya State of India

The study aims to evaluate the stability of fifteen wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under varying sowing dates to identify genotypes with superior grain yield and stability in the North Eastern Region of India. The study also seeks to assess G×E using the Eberhart and Russell model and the AMMI model, to recommend suitable genotypes for cultivation in this region. This is a two-year field study conducted during the rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. Fifteen genotypes were sown on six different dates including E1 (27th Oct. 2017-18), E2 (6th Nov. 2017-18), E3 (16th Nov. 2017-18), E4 (27th Oct. 2018-19), E5 (6th Nov. 2018-19), and E6 (16th Nov. 2018-19) to evaluate the stability of these genotypes. This experiment was performed in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. All genotypes exhibited significant differences across the studied environments. The genotype-environment interaction was significant for most traits except days to 50% crop emergence, test weight, and harvest index. RAJ-3765 and HD-2985 were identified as high-yielding and stable genotypes across all environments, while HD-3118 and HD-2733 performed well in favorable conditions. The AMMI analysis revealed that HD-2985 and RAJ-3765 were the most stable, and WR-544 was the poorest performer. Genotypes RAJ-3765 and HD-2985 showed superior stability and yield across diverse environments, making them suitable for broader cultivation in Meghalaya. HD-2733 and HD-3118 were better suited for favorable environments, while WR-544 was the least adapted. These findings suggest the potential for expanding wheat cultivation in the region using these stable genotypes.

A new long-snouted vine snake species in the genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807 (Colubridae: Chrysopeleinae) from India

A new species of long-snouted arboreal snake of the genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807, is described from the Indian states of Bihar and Meghalaya. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using three mitochondrial genes recovered the new species as a member of the A. fusca clade and as a sister the species to A. laudankia. The new species differs from its congeners in bearing an elongate rostral appendage, green or ochre dorsum, orange-brown belly, and moderately keeled vertebral dorsal scale row. This description of a new reptile species highlights the need for systematic documentation of biodiversity in the region.

Exploring Craniofacial Anthropometry in the Ethnic Adult Population of Meghalaya, Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Craniofacial anthropometry is important for identity, diagnosis of congenital anomalies etc. The incidence of craniofacial abnormalities is high in the Southeast Asian region. The population of Meghalaya differs in features from other states of Northeast India and the neighbouring East Asia. The objective was to study the craniofacial anthropometric features of the ethnic adults in the Meghalaya state of Northeast India. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in the ENT OPD. OPD patients of Meghalayan ethnicity were included in the study. Head length (HL), head breadth (HB), Cephalic index (CI), intercanthal distance (ICD), lateral canthal distance (LCD) and ear length (EL) were measured. A total of 104 adults were included. The majority of the individuals belonged to the Khasi community 51 (49%) followed by the Garo community 27 (26%) and the Jaintia community 26 (25%). The mean ± S.D age of the total sample population was 29.5 ± 8.4 years. The mean CI of the total sample population was 79.13 (mesocephalic). No statistically significant difference was noted between male-female CI in the total and subpopulation groups. In our study, the common head types were dolichocephalic (29%), brachycephalic (29%), mesocephalic (21%), hyperbrachycephalic (16%) and ultrabrachycephalic (5%). A statistically significant difference was noted between Khasi and Jaintia in HL, HW, CI, LCD; between Khasi and Garo in HL, ICD, LCD and between Garo and Jaintia in HW, CI, ICD. We believe our conventional craniofacial anthropometry data could add to the pool of regional anthropometry data and be used for future scientific purposes like anthropology, maxillofacial surgeries, designing helmets, forensic analysis, and gender differentiation.

The Hidden Treasures of the Forest: Promoting Forest Conservation through Non-Timber Forest Products in the Eastern Himalayan Region

The study examined the impact of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) on forest conservation by local communities in the study areas. Surveying 250 respondents from 20 villages, a good number of plant and animal-based NTFPs were identified in the states of Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Binary Logistic Regression Model confirmed that income from NTFPs had a positive and significant influence on four forest conservation models in Meghalaya and three forest conservation models in Nagaland. It implied that the extraction of NTFPs can serve as a vital incentive for sustainable forest management. The policy recommendations include supporting NTFP-based livelihoods to enhance community engagement in conservation efforts through local conservation bodies and traditional institutions, including the state forest department.

Strobilanthes khasyana (Acanthaceae): an addition to the flora of Nagaland, India

The present paper deals with the taxon Strobilanthes khasyana reported for the first time from the state of Nagaland, northeastern India. The taxon which was earlier reported to be endemic to the states of Meghalaya, Sikkim, and West Bengal has extended its distributional range to Nagaland state. The detailed morphological description and the photographs are provided for easy identification.

Abusive Language Detection in Khasi Social Media Comments

Abusive Language Detection in Khasi Social Media Comments

Gandhian Intervention and the AFSPA in Northeast India: The Case of Irom Chanu Sharmila

Political violence and conflicts have been predominant features in Northeast India which comprises the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and Sikkim. Resistances in many states arose to counter the perceived loss of land, demographic change, and political, cultural, and economic marginalization of indigenous communities. Some of the resistances had arisen due to the harboring of national visions by groups in Northeast India which were inimical to the visions held by those in the centers of power in the country. There have also been interventions, either official or unofficial or both to resolve these conflicts and violence. Some of these interventions are inspired by Gandhian principles of conflict resolution. This paper intends to provide an insight into one of the Gandhian interventions in Northeast India and discusses Irom Chanu Sharmila’s sixteen years long fast to have AFSPA repealed.

Living with diabetes in Northeast India: An exploration of psychosocial factors in management

PurposeIndia is the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’ and accounts for one in seven adults living with diabetes worldwide. Psychosocial, economic, and cultural correlates of disease have important implications for disease management but are rarely explored in India. The purpose of this study is to address psychosocial and cultural factors in diabetes management in the northeastern region of India which has a high disease burden. MethodsThis study attempts to explore the psychosocial and lived experience of diabetes in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. The sample was selected from individuals attending an outpatient facility of a multi-speciality clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 individuals (13 women and 12 men), above the age of 40 years, who had been diagnosed with diabetes for at least 6 months. The narratives were analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsUsing the social cognitive framework, themes were organized in terms of a thematic map linking knowledge of diabetes to the perception of diabetes as ‘a silent killer’, to coping, leading to self-efficacy. However high self-efficacy, over time, may lead to complacency, disrupting health behaviours and requiring re-establishment of those behaviours. Adequate knowledge along with cognitive adaptation and self-efficacy were important constructs that contributed to behaviour change and maintenance. Elements of the cultural context were observed in the spiritual aspects of adaptation, the socially isolating consequences of diabetes, as well as gender differences in social support and management. ConclusionUnderstanding the lived experiences of patients contributes to planning more effective interventions keeping the social and cultural context in mind for more effective management of diabetes. Additionally, acknowledging and supporting women's needs in diabetes management is called for.

Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Accuracy Assessment of LULC Map and Landslide Susceptibility Prediction for Meghalaya, India

ABSTRACT Through this study, a Landslide Susceptibility Map (LSM) has been developed for the Meghalaya state, India using an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). According to a 2012 Geological Survey of India report, the annual average number of landslides in Meghalaya is nearly 30, which is due to a combination of mountains, steep slopes, and excessive rainfall, leading the state to suffer a huge loss of life and property from landslides. For effective management of the current landslide situation, information about prior landslides is needed. Therefore, the landslide inventory map is prepared with 380 previously occurred events. The Landslide inventory records were separated into training samples (70%) and testing samples (30%) for the purpose of validation. In this regard, the present study has 15 conditioning factors, i.e., slope, rainfall, elevation, relative relief, aspect, distance from the road, curvature, distance from the stream, LULC, lineament density, geomorphology, geology, NDVI, MSAVI, NDWI, which are used to develop susceptibility map. Classification and accuracy assessment of LULC is carried out with segregation as 77% vegetation, 16.4% range land, 3.1% built area, 2.8% crops, 0.4% waterbodies, and 0.3% others (bare land, flooded vegetation, etc.). The Kappa for LULC categorization is 0.92, which is quite satisfactory and suggests that the LULC categorization is reliable. The developed susceptibility map is classified into four different classes, low susceptibility (35%), moderate susceptibility (41%), high susceptibility (20%), and very high susceptibility (4%), and has been verified using physical and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) techniques. Results show that anticipated susceptibility classes are in good match with previous landslide events. The prepared map is reliable and can be used for land-use planning of the state in the future.

GIS-based frequency ratio model for flood susceptibility zonation in the state of Meghalaya, Northeast India

GIS-based frequency ratio model for flood susceptibility zonation in the state of Meghalaya, Northeast India

Survey from 61,748 schools in four States of India on sale of tobacco products near schools.

Children form the most vulnerable strata of the society and the tobacco industry is known to target them. Article 16 of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) calls for prohibition of tobacco sales to and by minors. Although interventions to stop such sales are based on sound science, it is widely acknowledged that many countries find implementation, full of challenges. In India, sales near educational institutions are banned by law, Section 6b of the Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). We conducted a survey of violations in four states [Andhra Pradesh (AP), Karnataka (KA), Meghalaya (ML), Uttar Pradesh (UP)] of India to report the number of violations and to assess if there was an association between the schools with violations and variables such as gender, size, category, location of schools. Schools in these States were asked to report the number of shops selling tobacco within 100 yards on an App circulated to all schools (289,392 in number). Chi-square tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression performed to find association between schools with violations by Category of School, Size of School, Gender of students and location (Urban/Rural). Responses were received from 61,748 (21.3%) schools of which 16,193 (26.2%) reported violations. It was observed that the percentages of the schools with violations were similar to the prevalence of tobacco usage in the state. Four states AP, KA, ML, UP reported violations 22.2%, 17.5%, 42.9% and 31.4% respectively. On chi-square tests, there was a significant association for the states of KA and ML with regards to variables like size, category, location of schools (p-value <0.001). For AP, all variables were significantly different (p-value <0.001) while for UP variables like size and gender were significant. On logistic regression, there was significant association between the variables like size (>100), category (Upper Primary) and location (urban) for tobacco shops violations in both KA and ML except for the school category that was secondary in ML. While for AP and UP, only size (>100), location (urban) of schools have a significant association with the violations of tobacco shops. Logistic regression of pooled data of four states school size (>100) and school category (primary) and location (urban) had significantly higher association of violation of tobacco shops. This is the first large survey with responses from almost all parts of the four states in India. This study shows significant association with the size, category and location of schools. We anticipate that the lists of schools which have such violations can be used by enforcement agencies to take focused action. Such models will help develop effective tobacco control policies in developing countries with large populations where implementation remains a big challenge.

Phryma leptostachya L. (Phrymaceae): an addition to the flora of Western Himalayas, India

Phryma leptostachya L. is reported from Chabba Village in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir,as a new distributional record for the flora of Western Himalayas. In India, the distribution of this species was previously reported only in the states of Assam, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.

Trends in prevalence of unmet need for family planning in India: patterns of change across 36 States and Union Territories, 1993–2021

BackgroundEliminating unmet need for family planning by 2030 is a global priority for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. We estimate the sub-national trends in prevalence of unmet need for family planning over 30 years in India and study differences based on socio-economic and demographic factors.MethodsWe used data from five National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted between 1993 to 2021 for the 36 states/Union Territories (UTs) of India. The study population included women of ages 15–49 years who were married or in a union at the time of the survey. The outcome was unmet need for family planning which captures the prevalence of fecund and sexually active women not using contraception, who want to delay or limit childbearing. We calculated the standardized absolute change to estimate the change in prevalence on an annual basis across all states/UTs. We examined the patterning of prevalence of across demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and estimated the headcount of women with unmet need in 2021.ResultsThe prevalence of unmet need in India decreased from 20·6% (95% CI: 20·1– 21·2%) in 1993, to 9·4% (95% CI: 9·3–9·6%) in 2021. Median unmet need prevalence across states/UTs decreased from 17·80% in 1993 to 8·95% in 2021. The north-eastern states of Meghalaya (26·9%, 95% CI: 25·3–28·6%) and Mizoram (18·9%, 95% CI: 17·2–20·6%), followed by the northern states of Bihar (13·6%, 95% CI: 13·1–14·1%) and Uttar Pradesh (12·9%, 95% CI: 12·5–13·2%), had the highest unmet need prevalence in 2021. As of 2021, the estimated number of women with an unmet need for family planning was 24,194,428. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal accounted for half of this headcount. Women of ages 15–19 and those belonging the poorest wealth quintile had a relatively high prevalence of unmet need in 2021.ConclusionsThe existing initiatives under the National Family Planning Programme should be strengthened, and new policies should be developed with a focus on states/UTs with high prevalence, to ensure unmet need for family planning is eliminated by 2030.

Role of A•gate in Garo Society, Meghalaya

In the landlocked hill state of Meghalaya, one of the largest tribes is the Garos, a Tibeto Burman group. They adhere to a patriarchal and matrilineal structure. Matrilocal is the basis for the residence. After marriage, the groom live with the bride and start a family. Another important part of Garo society is the duty and responsibilities of the A•gate and Chawari towards the clan and family. Compared to the Heiress and her spouse, A•gate and Chawari have distinct roles and responsibilities. In order to establish a family, the Chawari and his spouse must move out of their in-laws' home and construct a new home on the land that has been provided to them. A Nokkrom, unlike a Chawari, will not have to leave the in-laws' home after getting married. In contrast to the Nokna, the A•gate would only receive a limited plot of land on which to construct a home, engage in agriculture, and survive. Sometimes the family does not give A•gate any movable or immovable property. It will first attempt to determine A•gate's and Chawari's roles within the Garo Society. Second, examines into how A•gate and Nokna's responsibilities to the families and clan differ. Lastly, if at all possible, provide any suggestive measures.

Discovery of the cicada genus Becquartina Kato, 1940 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadinae) in India with the description of a new species from Meghalaya

The genus Becquartina Kato, 1940 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) is reported for the first time from India with a new species, Becquartina bicolor sp. nov., along with records of two distinct colour forms, from the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya and located within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot. This paper provides an account of its natural history and bioacoustics. The present discovery extends the distributional range of the genus Becquartina from Southeast Asia into Northeast India and increases the total number of known Becquartina species to seven.

Contribution of NTFPs towards Tribal Income and Employment Generation- A Study in Eastern Himalayan Region

"NTFPs are considered as important source for food, energy, and other aspects of rural livelihood. Around 50 million people in India depend upon NTFPs for their subsistence and cash income. The proposed study was conducted in the Eastern Himalayan states of Meghalaya and Nagaland where two districts from each state were selected purposively i.e., East Khasi Hill and Ri-bhoi districts from Meghalaya and Mokokchung and Peren districts from Nagaland. A total of 250 respondents from twenty villages of 4 Rural Development blocks were selected proportionately based on the availability of number of households. Agriculture income dominated the share in the household income in both the states followed by income from NTFP. However, the major share of cash income among the households was from NTFP in the Eastern Himalayan Region. In case of non-cash income, agriculture contributed the highest followed by NTFP income. The contribution of NTFP to household income was largely from plant-based NTFPs followed by animal-based NTFP. Overall, of the total average of 280 employed days, agricultural activities constituted 44% followed by days involved in NTFP collection (26%). Female attributed more to the collection of plant-based NTFPs followed by fuel wood, while the male spent more time in the collection of animal-based NTFP followed by plant-based NTFPs. Independent factors like adult literacy, income from wage employment, and employment generated from NTFPs significantly influenced the income from NTFPs. Dependency ratio and employment from NTFPs were found significant and positively related to income from NTFPs suggesting that as the number of dependents increased in the households, they favoured going for NTFPs collection. For every one percent increase in dependency, income from NTFPs increased by ` 164.87, and for every one-man-day increase in employment from NTFPs, the NTFPs income increased by ` 368.7"

THE PLACE WITH THE WORLD’S HIGHEST RAINFALL AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION IN A PERIPHERAL AREA OF NORTHEAST INDIA

This study illustrates the temporal dynamics of tourism development in a peripheral region of Northeast India (Cherrapunjee area) with an extreme rainfall. The analysis indicates that tourism development has accelerated in the last two decades as a result of the administrative opening of Meghalaya State and the dynamic development of tourism throughout India. Peripheral locations with curious environmental features may by potentially attractive tourism localities, with a common focal point for development of marketing opportunities and narratives about the location. A local leader in a strong position pointing the way additionally plays an important role in creating a tourism space.

Prevalence and determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women in India: an analysis of National Family Health Survey Data

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes with its first recognition during pregnancy. GDM is a high-risk maternal and neonatal condition which increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes in mothers and their infants. It is essential to detect and treat GDM since its inception when mothers suffer from Type 1 diabetes while carrying the foetus during the gestational period.MethodsThe study analysed individual data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) surveyed in 2015–2016 (4th round) and 2019–2021 (5th round) covering a total of approximately 6 lakhs and 7 lakhs women, respectively. Among them, 32,072 women in 2015–2016 and 28,187 in 2019–2021 were pregnant, of whom 180 women in 2014–2015 and 247 women in 2019–2021 had diabetes during their gestational periods, allowing the percentage prevalence calculation of GDM. The analysis of Poisson regression estimates examined the socioeconomic and demographic risk factors for GDM among pregnant women.ResultsThe overall prevalence of GDM in women showed an increase from 0.53% in 2015–16 to 0.80% in 2019–20 at the national level, and a similar increase in many states of India was witnessed, with a few exceptions. The GDM prevalence has shown a gradient over age, with a low prevalence in 15–19- and 25–29-year-olds and the highest prevalence in 40–44-year-olds. Concerning the rural and urban divide, its prevalence in both urban and rural areas has increased from 0.61 to 0.85% and 0.51 to 0.78% between 2015 and 16 and 2019–21. The results of the Poisson regression analysis reveal that older adults with high Body Mass Index (BMI), thyroid disorder, and heart disease have a greater risk of GDM among pregnant women in India. The states of Kerala, Meghalaya, and Goa show a high prevalence of GDM.ConclusionThe low prevalence of GDM may not be clinically significant but has negative repercussions on the mother and her child cannot be overlooked. Thus, it is essential to curb GDM since its inception and save a generation ahead from the risk of diabetes and other diseases.