Middle Class Socioeconomic Status Research Articles

Adverse Childhood Experience, Parental Bonding, and Fatherhood as Parenting Vulnerabilities to Social Anxiety Severity.

Background: The present study aims to elucidate the association between adverse childhood experiences, parental bonding, fatherhood, and social anxiety symptoms among emerging adults within an Iranian context. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study utilized self-reported assessments to evaluate fatherhood, parental bonding, anxious thoughts, and childhood trauma. The study was administered to 242 university students exhibiting social anxiety symptoms. Among the participants, 181 (74.8%) were boys and 61 (25.2%) were girls between the ages of 18 and 29. In terms of educational background, 64.9% of them held a bachelor's degree, and 35.1% held a master's degree. A majority of them (84.3%) were of middle-class socio-economic status, 6.6% were of low income, and 9.1% were of high income. Results: Analysis via multiple linear regression revealed that individuals with adverse childhood experiences exhibited heightened levels of social anxiety symptoms (R2 = 0.32) compared to their counterparts without such experiences. Furthermore, fatherhood (R2 = 0.28), paternal bonding (R2 = 0.26), and maternal bonding (R2 = 0.26) were all significantly and equally associated with variance in social anxiety symptoms. The findings underscored the substantial correlation between ACEs, fatherhood, and both maternal and paternal bonding with social anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Conclusions: Accordingly, the study emphasizes the importance of thoroughly assessing the multifaceted contributors to social anxiety. Such insights are pivotal for the design and implementation of community-based preventive interventions aimed at reducing the societal burden of social anxiety disorders.

Demographic Profile and Outcome of Covid- 19 Obstetric Patients Undergoing Caesarean Section in a Tertiary Care Government Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Pregnancy itself is a hypercoagulable state. COVID-19 infection makes it more deleterious. As a consequence of exaggerated inflammatory response in COVID 19 infected mothers, there is alterations of coagulation system occurs, causing thrombi (micro and macro) in various organs reducing blood flow in capillaries , followed by emboli formation mainly in lung, heart, brain and kidney, resulting in multiple organ failure even death. The present study aims to observe retrospectively the clinical outcome of parturients with COVID-19 infection undergoing caesarean sections. Methods: This observational study was done in the COVID dedicated operation theatre of Department of Anaesthesia, Pain, Palliative and Intensive Care, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, between May 2020 and December 2021. A total 640 obstetric patients undergoing caesarean section (both COVID positive and suspected) were observed. The demographic and outcome data of mothers ( transferred from post-operative ward to parent ward/ICU) were collected. Informations of ultimate fate (alive/death) of operated mothers were also noted. Demographic (sex) data and outcome data of newborn baby (alive/dead) were also included. The statistical analysis was carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 for Windows. Results: In this study, the age of the most (n=532, 83.13%) of the pregnant mothers belongs to 18-30 years of age group, remaining 16.86% patients are within the age group of 31-45 years (n=108). Although 18.75% study subjects were illiterate below class VIII(31.25), SSC(17.97%), HSC(16.40%), Graduate(12.5%), masters(3.13%)], miscellaneous type of occupational status [home-maker(70%), service holder(19.85%), entrepreneurship(1.56%) & others(8.59%. and came from different category of social class[ most of the patients belong to lower(54.68%) and lower middle class (27.81%) socioeconomic status]. Among total study sample (n=640), 55.63% (n=356) patients were infected with COVID 19 virus confirmed by RT-PCR and 44.38% (n-284) mothers were clinically COVID infected or suspected cases. The majority of the pregnant mothers (n=565. 88.28%) experienced sub-arachnoid block or spinal anaesthesia whereas only 6.09% (n=39) patients got experience of general anaesthesia. Apparently, 93.44% (n=598) of mothers come back to the parent ward after observing in post-operative ward. Of them, (n=640), 2.19% of mothers were not survived in operation theatre or post-operative ward and 4.34% (n=21)of patients had to go to Covid dedicated Intensive Care Unit. Survivors mothers (n=619, 96.72%) were greater than that of non-survivors (n=21, 3.28%). Among the delivered new born babies, the number of female babies (n=330, 51.56%) were slightly higher than that of male (n=310, 48.44%). In a total 640 babies, 560 babies (87.50%) were survived but 12.50% (n-=80 ) of babies were not survived. Conclusions: This observational study represents that among 640 number of COVID positive or suspected pregnant mothers who were undergoing caesarean section , 93.44% of mothers come back to the parent ward, 2.19% of mothers were expired in operation theatre or post operative ward because of complications. Unfortunanely, 4.34% of mothers had experience to go to Intensive Care Unit. Survivors mothers were greater than that of non-survivors. New born babies of confirmed and suspected COVID mothers were slightly female predominant. Total of them, 87.50% of babies were survived. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2022; 31(2) : 187-193

IJCM_95A: To Assess the knowledge and practice regarding reproductive tract infection among female of reproductive age group in Raipur city Chhattisgarh

Background: Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is a global health problem among women, especially in South East Asia Region (SEAR) countries. They may progress to serious complications and cause a high degree of morbidity during the sexually active period of life. More than a million women and infants die of the complications of RTI every year. RTI has become a silent epidemic that devastates women’s lives. Globally, three different types of RTI cause significant amounts of morbidity and mortality among women – sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomonas, and HIV infections); endogenous infections resulting from the overgrowth of organisms normally present in the reproductive tract (such as candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis); and iatrogenic infections related to medical procedures (such as menstrual regulation, abortion or IUD insertion). The presence of STI increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection by three to five times. Objectives: 1- To Assess the knowledge of female what is reproductive tract infection how it occur and spread among residents of Raipur City, Chhattisgarh. 2- To Assess the Factors associated with Knowledge among residents of Raipur City, Chhattisgarh. Methodology: This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted in Raipur City of Chhattisgarh state during the month October 23-January 2024. A pre-designed, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Systematic Random sampling technique was adopted to select the 350 Study participants. Results: The majority of subjects were between the age of 15-34 year. Most of the subject were of lower middle class socioeconomic status. Additionally, 37.8% of participants were graduates, 59.4% were married and 70% were unemployed. 30.3% subjects had not heard about Reproductive tract infection. 50.6% subjects don’t know about symptoms of RTI, almost half 49.4% subject don’t have knowledge about effect of RTI on health and only 84% female believed that good personal hygiene prevent RTI. 45.1% subjects did not wash their private part after urination, 10.5% female did not wash their used cloth daily after each use. 63.9% female used feminine hygiene products to maintain personal hygiene, 10% female did not change their cloth daily, 33.1% women did not change their pad/ cloth within every 4–6-hour interval during menstruation. Conclusion: Educate women through camps about genital hygiene practices to reduce the risk of RTI. For increased usage of Sanitary pads, more number of sanitary vending machine should be installed in schools, colleges, and health facilities. Implement awareness programs, promoting regular check- ups and safe sex practices to mitigate the risk of RTI.

Assessment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia, Associated Risk Factors and Clinical Correlates

Background: The presence of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) are associated with hospitalization, rapid cognitive decline, poor quality of life and higher caregiver burden. Thus, we aim to characterize the BPSD symptoms, its relationship to dementia-related risk factors and their predictive value, if any.Methodology: In 48 adults (mean age: 70.27 ± 10.08) with major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) as per diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th edition and with Hindi mental status examination scores less than or equal to 23 were recruited. Patients were assessed for cognition by hindi Montreal cognitive assessment (HMOCA) and the clinical dementia rating scale (CDR). BPSD and caregiver burden were assessed using the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) and burden assessment schedule (BAS). The correlation of NPI scores with socio-demographic variables and clinical variables was assessed. A forward stepwise linear regression (using p-value < .05) was used to identify possible predictors of the NPI scores.Results: The majority of participants were predominantly males, 25 (52.1%), from urban regions, belonged to middle-class socio-economic status and had severe grading (HMOCA (< 10) of MNCD (25 (52.2%) but had moderate caregiver burden (25 (52.2%)). The most common MNCD type was due to Alzheimer’s disease (22 (45.8%)). Cortical atrophy and ischemic infarcts were the most common neuroimaging abnormalities reported (7 (14.9%)). Mean HMOCA, clinical dementia rating scale (CDR), NPI and BAS scores were 9.13 ± 6.96, 1.50 ± 1.05, 41.79 ± 27.06 and 68.65 ± 22.84, respectively. The most common BPSD domains were sleep disturbance (60.4%) and hallucinations (56.25%). Among the established risk factors, hypertension was present in the highest proportion (21 (43.8%)). As per the stepwise logistic regression model CDR scores, smoking status and HTN were predicted risk factors (R²: 0.452; p = 0.045).Conclusion: Irritability/agitation is most prevalent BPSD. The severity of MNCD, smoking and hypertension may help in the prediction of BPSD and their role may have to be explored in further studies.

Nutritional Status and Anganwadi Services Utilization Among Under 5 Children in Aligarh: A Cross Sectional Study

Child health should be of prime concern. Their protection is the greatest investment for the country’s economicand political stability. This cross sectional study was conducted at the Anganwadi centres under registered areasof the Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Aligarh Muslim University,Aligarh. The study was conducted from July, 2017 to June 2018 among 400 children of age 3-6 years registeredat the Anganwadi centres of field practice area. It was found that although the age group distribution amongregistered population was almost equal, majority of the children were found to suffer from stunting. along withthis, children belonging to lower middle class socio economic status had the most registeration under ICDS scheme.The statistical association between underweight, stunting and socio-economic status was found to be statisticallysignificant (p<0.05) while it was not associated with wasting (p>0.05). It can be understood that socio economicstatus also has role to play in access of these services. It is therefore necessary that people are made aware of ICDSprogram and motivated to reap benefits of the same for improved nutritional outcome of their children.

Chronological Age Estimation by Physiological Changes in the Teeth Among Deceased Human Adults

Background: Age can be estimated from the teeth by various methods like eruption of teeth which is known tobe a good indicator of the age of the person.Aims & Objectives: The current study aimed to estimate the chronological age by physiological changes(Modified Gustafson’s method) occurring in teeth and also to find out the effect of the diet, other habits andsocio demographic factors on physiological changes in the teeth.Materials and Method: Present study was done by using the teeth extracted from the deceased bodies sent forpost mortem examination to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati,during the period of January 2016 to December 2016. A total of 70 cases were studied in the age group between25 to 60 years. Six physiological changes were studied in each case that were Attrition, Periodontosis, Secondarydentin deposition, Root resorption, Transparency of the root and Cementum opposition using modifiedGustafson’s formula.Results: The mean score of these physiological changes was directly proportional to age. Male to female ratioand non-vegetarian to vegetarian ratio was 3:1. The mean total score was high among males, urban residents,belonged to upper middle-class socio-economic status and alcoholics. However, means total score was lowamong smokersConclusion: Thus, in our study we found that when all the six physiological age factors were scored and usedtogether collectively, we will get better results, rather than using a single physiological factor for estimation ofage. Socio demographic factors, diet and habits have no effect on age estimation.

PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION ANXIETY AND STRESS AMONG ORPHAN YOUNG ADULTS LIVING IN BAHAWALPUR: GENDER AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ARE IN FOCUS

Current research was carried out to investigate the level of depression, anxiety and stress among orphan young adults living in Bahawalpur City. The core aim of the research was to compare these variables among orphans in connection with their socio-economic status and gender. To collect the responses from the orphans DASS-21 scales was administered on (N=200) orphans via purposive sampling. This was a quantitative research with cross-sectional research design. The results from the collected data depicted a significant high level of psychological distress among the orphans belonging from middle class socio-economic status. This also depicted that the level of stress and depressiveness were higher in male orphans instead of female orphans. Furthermore, on the basis of the results it concludes that parental loss is a worse stressful life event to which no one can cope. It is long lasting mental stressor. Hence, the orphan needs social support from others. The results of this study are a message for authorities, psychologists and educationists to provide social help or support program to heal the stress, anxiety and depression of the orphans. Keywords: Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Orphan etc.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Functionality Level among Patients

Background: In recent years, there has been a greater focus on the rise of noncommunicable diseases, i.e., chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and their impact in low- and middle-income nations. Due to raised number of noncommunicable cases, functionality level of patients are affected so much. The present study aimed as exploring chronic kidney disease impact on level of functionality of patients. Materials and Methods: The current study used a purposive sampling strategy to survey 399 CKD patients who were visiting the dialysis unit of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India. Results: The mean age of study patients was 50.4 years. Majority of patients were female (58%), married (80%), and belongs to urban community (84%). Majority of patients belonged to lower middle class (49%) socioeconomic status and were overweight (64%). Patient's functionality on Chronic Illness Scale showed that 55% patient's had a low impact of chronic illness on their life. Overall chronic kidney patients showed a medium (59%) functionality level on the Chronic Illness Scale. Conclusion: Chronic diseases have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life. As the patient advanced through the stages of CKD, his quality of life decreased. During the course of the disease, physical domains are severely impacted, which has an impact on mental quality of life as well.

A cross-sectional study on epidemiology and clinical profile of cleft lip and palate at a tertiary care hospital in Manipur, India

Background: Cleft lip (CL) and palate have a complex etiology with both genetics and environment playing a role. The risk factors such as folic acid deficiency, maternal age, and maternal smoking have been linked to the development of clefts. Objectives: The objective of this study is to study the different types of CL and palate with respect to age distribution, gender, caste, religion, socioeconomic status, and the clinical factors such as congenital anomalies, blood group, and the relationship with maternal addiction during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The present study conducted among 260 patients of Manipur with primary CL, palate, and orofacial clefts of any age group. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by the descriptive statistics as mean, standard deviation, percentage/proportions, etc. For the qualitative data, the association between various variables was done by applying one-way Chi-square test at 5% (P = 0.05) level of significance. Results: Female (51.2%) children are more affected with CL and palate. Association of A +ve blood group is statistically significant. 36.2% belongs to lower middle class socioeconomic status. The proportion of consanguineous marriages was higher. 60% of mothers smoke cigarettes or consume tobacco at the time of pregnancy in association with CL and palate. Majority of the cases had left-sided CL and palate and 47.3% were Group III CL and palate. There was significant association of congenital anomalies (38.5%) among CL and palate patients. Conclusion: There is a strong association of maternal smoking or tobacco consumption, maternal alcohol consumption, consanguineous marriages, and A +ve blood group in relation to CL and palate.

Poisson Regression Modeling of Diarrhea Events in Pasuruan Regency with Maximum Likelihood Estimates and Generalized Method Moment.

Context:Diarrhea characterized by a frequency increased of defecation more than 3 times/ day accompanied by changes in consistency (becoming liquid). The causes of diarrhea can be divided into 2 parts, which are direct causes and indirect causes that can facilitate or accelerate the occurrence of diarrhea, including bacteria, nutritional conditions, hygiene and sanitation, social culture such as population density, economic status, low birth weight, and immunization.Aims:The purpose of this study to examine the factors that influence the incidence of diarrhea.Methods:This research used secondary data, the prevalence of diarrhea and risk factors in Pasuruan Regency Health Center. Poisson regression approach with maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) estimation and Generalized Method Moment (GMM) used in this study.Results:The results showed that GMM estimation method in the Poisson regression model gave better performance in terms of significance parameters compared to the MLE method.Conclusions:Factors affecting the increase of diarrhea occurrences in area with an estimated MLE Percentage of non-exclusive breastfeeding and Percentage of normal nutritional status. Whereas the GMM estimation is the percentage of non-exclusive breastfeeding, the percentage of low birth weight, the percentage of population density, the percentage of smokers among family members in the house, the percentage of incomplete immunizations, the percentage of under-five years old children less than 2, the percentage of normal nutritional status, and the percentage of middle class socioeconomic status.

Association of Demographic Predictors with Multidimensional Aspects of Students’ Engagement and Their Academic Performance In High Schools of Southern Punjab, Pakistan

The present study addressed the major demographic predictors affecting the integrated paradox of students’ engagement and their academic performance in high schools of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. By using multistage sampling technique, N=2758 high school students were sampled out through cross sectional survey research design. The findings of the study revealed that students of highly educated parents i.e. up to tertiary level, residing in family size of 5-10 members and having middle class socio-economic status were more engaged in studies and performed better in exams. In conclusion, gender, parental education, socio-economic status, family size, family type and geographical residence were the major demographic factors affecting students’ academic outcomes. Usage of social constructionism strategies, analytical thinking and multifarious instruction techniques can be helpful in increasing the students’ academic outcomes.

Utilization of antenatal services among mothers and its impact on birth weight: a community based cross-sectional study

Background: Safe motherhood initiatives was a worldwide effort launched by WHO in 1987 with an aim to reduce the number of deaths of women associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Appropriate antenatal care (ANC) is one of the pillars of this initiative and an important component of reproductive and child health. The present study was conducted to assess the utilization of antenatal care services, its contributing factors and its impact on birth weight of new-born.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 3 months at Ankuli, field practice area of urban health training centre, Department of Community Medicine. A total of 138 mothers (delivered within 2 years) were included by cluster sampling. Women who were sick and did not give consent were excluded from the study. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection and analysed in SPSS version 16. Chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression was applied at p value <0.05.Results: About 55.07% of mothers were in 25-34 years of age group, 47.82% had studied secondary education and 36.23% mothers belonged to lower middle-class socioeconomic status (SES). About 60.87% of mothers had availed antenatal services completely. Education of the participant and her husband, SES and family type were significant contributors of ANC service utilization. There was a significant association between complete ANC utilization and birth weight of the baby (p<0.05).Conclusions: The utilisation of the antenatal services was low among the mothers in our study which can be increased by proper IEC activities.

Risk Factors of Drug Resistance among Tuberculosis Patients of Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Introduction: India is leading in the burden of Tuberculosis (TB) according to the new report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the disease. Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases have been increasing in India. About half of the world’s MDR-TB cases are present in India. Aim: To assess the incidence of drug resistant TB in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, in the second quarter of the year 2019 and to determine the risk factors that are responsible to develop drug resistance to anti-tubercular drugs in the study population. Materials and Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1st to June 30th in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. All the registered drug resistant TB cases in Prakasam district who gave consent during the study period were taken as sample. The diagnosed drug resistant TB patients were interviewed and proportions of different variables were calculated and chi-square test was used to test significance of results. Results: Out of 209 TB patients, 88 patients were having drug resistant TB in Prakasam district. Prevalence of Drug resistant TB in Prakasam district was calculated as 5.64 per one lac population. In the second quarter of the year 2019-2020, i.e., from April 1st to June 30th, 88 new cases were identified. Incidence of Drug resistant TB in Prakasam district was calculated as 2.38 per one lac population. Male persons (76%), having the age 20-40 years (42%), 40-60 (38.7%) belonging to middle class (45.5%) and migrating for work (85%) are at more risk of developing drug resistant TB. Most of the patients are developing drug resistant TB directly (70.5%) which is an alarming signal. The rifampicin resistant patients were also developing psychological complications (22). Drug toxicity was observed in 55% of the cases. Conclusion: Incidence of drug resistant TB was more in male persons, above 20 years of age, belonging to middle class socio-economic status and migrating for work. Most of the patients developed drug resistant TB directly without previous history of TB. Drug toxicity was observed in half of the cases. Psychological complications were observed in rifampicin resistant patients. Surveillance activity should be addressed properly to combat the risk factors.

Differences In Students' Motivation by Socio-Economic Status Of Parents And Their Implications In Guidance And Counseling

Motivation to learn is a strong impulse in students that raises activities for learning, guarantees the continuity of learning activities, one of the factors that influence students 'learning motivation is parents' socio-economic status. this research aims to : (1) learning motivation of students in schools with the condition of the upper and middle class socioeconomic status, (2) learning motivation of students in schools whose parents' social status is up and down, (3) learning motivation of students in schools with a condition of middle-class parents with lower social status, (4) identify differences in student learning motivation based on parental socio-economic status and its implications in guidance and counseling.This type of research is quantitative research with descriptive comparative method. The population of this study was as many as 800 students of Banuhampu Middle School 01 District. Agam and a sample of 187 students were selected by proportional random sampling technique. The instrument used was a questionnaire form of Likert scale. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and test different techniques (analysis of variance) with SPSS for Windows version 20.00.The findings showed that: (1) The students' motivation social status on the high category, (2) The students 'motivation medium social status in the high category, (3) the social status of students' motivation under the category of being, and (4) there is a significant difference between students' motivation social status upper, middle and lower.

Association Between Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate and Family History of Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL ± P) are among the most common congenital anomalies. Nevertheless, their etiologies remain poorly understood. Several studies have demonstrated increased rates of cancer among patients with CL ± P and their relatives, as well as increased risk of CL ± P among family members of cancer survivors. In addition, a number of possible genetic associations between cancer and CL ± P have been identified. However, these studies are limited by confounding factors that may be prevalent in these patients, such as tobacco exposure and perinatal complications.The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the association between family history of cancer and development of CL ± P in the child. A case-control study was conducted at the Cleft Hospital and the Bashir Hospital in Gujrat, Pakistan from December 2015 to December 2016. All new cases of CL ± P at the Cleft Hospital were included. Sociodemographically similar patients without congenital malformations at the Bashir Hospital served as controls. Risk factors associated with CL ± P were identified through bivariate analyses. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios of developing CL ± P. There were 137 patients with CL ± P and 147 controls in the study. The following factors were statistically significantly associated with development of cleft: history of cancer in the family (P < 0.001), complications during pregnancy (P = 0.02), maternal hypertension during pregnancy (P = 0.01), mother not on any medications (P < 0.001), consanguineous marriage (parents are first or second cousins) (P = 0.03), lower socioeconomic status (P < 0.001), having a parent who smokes (P = 0.001), and history of miscarriage (P = 0.01). After adjustment for these variables, having a history of cancer in the family was independently associated with a 5.19 times increased odds of the child being born with CL ± P (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-17.03). Middle-class socioeconomic status (compared with lower) (odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.83), having a smoking parent (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.05-4.28), and history of miscarriage (OR, 4.60; 95% CI, 1.21-17.54) were also statistically significantly associated with CL ± P within this model. This study provides evidence for a relationship between CL ± P and cancer that has been adjusted for confounders traditionally associated with patients with CL ± P, thereby supporting the evidence of shared environmental and/or genetic etiologies.

Public Awareness on Cord Blood Banking in Saudi Arabia.

Background In the last decade, cord blood (CB) has proven to be a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation to treat many hematological disorders. Since then, many CB banks have been established worldwide. Our aim was to estimate the level of public awareness of CB banking in Saudi Arabia. Study Design and Methods A self-administered questionnaire of 22 multiple choices was conveniently distributed, consisting of demographics, awareness measure, attitude toward banking preference, and donation for research data. Results A total of 1146 participants have completed the questionnaire. The majority were young female 19–25 years old (26%), who are college graduates (57%) with middle class socioeconomic status (82%). The subjective assessment of the overall knowledge was inadequate (66%). For the objective assessment, 12 questions were asked about CB source, collection, storage, and usage. Only half of the subjects (52%) knew that CB is a source of stem cells. More than half did not know the main use of CB. About half did not know about the method of collection nor the condition of storing. Conclusion This study shows a high lack of knowledge about CB banking. More than half of the subjects were unaware of CB banking and its uses. However, most subjects are accepting CB storage, which anticipates great impact and efficacy on educational programs. Moreover, the data demonstrated that health professionals were not the source of knowledge. We recommend having comprehensive educational campaigns with clear information about CB banking to facilitate positive perspectives towards donation and scientific research.

Are good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding the cigarettes and other tobacco products act prevalent among rural Indian adults?

Background: Cigarettes and other tobacco products (COTPA) Act is a legislation passed to curb tobacco use in India by imposing restrictions on tobacco products. This study appraised knowledge and attitudes regarding COTPA Act among adults in a rural area and elicited socio-demographic predictors of knowledge and attitudes regarding COTPA Act among study participants.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2014 on adults (aged ≥18 years) in a rural area of Coastal Karnataka. A pre-designed, pre-tested proforma was used to collect information from study participants regarding their knowledge and attitudes about COTPA Act. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed. A score of ≥4 was good knowledge and ≥3 was regarded as positive attitudes.Results: Nearly 49.14% had good knowledge, while 51.29% displayed positive attitudes. Those belonging to upper and upper middle socio-economic class (Class I+Class II) had higher odds for good knowledge (AOR=2.09, 95% CI=0.82-5.92), when compared to their counterparts belonging to other socio-economic classes. Age ≥60 years (AOR=3.80, 95% CI= 0.30-9.98), education beyond primary school (AOR=2.88, 95% CI=1.24-6.19), upper and upper middle class socio-economic status (AOR=3.68, 95% CI=1.34-7.02) were the key predictor variables for positive attitudes.Conclusions:Nearly half the study participants had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards COTPA Act. High socio-economic status could predict good knowledge, while age ≥60 years, education beyond primary school and a high socio-economic status were the key variables predicting positive attitudes. Educational campaigns can help improve knowledge. Assessment of knowledge and attitude is imperative prior to implementation of policies to ensure effectiveness.

Evaluation of the associations between childhood asthma and prenatal and perinatal factors.

To identify prenatal and perinatal risk factors for childhood asthma. A retrospective case-control study was undertaken among children aged 7-14years in Tehran, Iran, between March 2009 and November 2014. Data for children with asthma (Iranian nationality, non-smoking parents, and middle-class socioeconomic status) were compared with those for an equal number of age- and sex-matched non-asthmatic children. Prenatal and perinatal risk factors were evaluated via complete data sheets of maternal pregnancy and delivery. Forward logistic regression analysis was performed. Both groups contained 134 children. Risk of asthma was shown to be associated with maternal history of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 11.62, 95% confidence interval 1.38-96.93; P=0.024), vaginal bleeding during pregnancy (aOR 3.76, 95% CI 1.86-7.57; P<0.001), antibiotics during pregnancy (aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.52-6.67; P=0.002), and maternal age 30years or older (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.30-4.95; P=0.006). Breastfeeding was protective against childhood asthma (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.151-0.575; P<0.001). History of maternal asthma was the most influential factor on development of childhood asthma, followed by vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, antibiotic exposure in utero, and older maternal age.

Door to Door Survey cum Health Camp in Tribal Population of Northern India

Context: In India, a Sub-Centre is the most peripheral and the lowest rung of the three-tier health care delivery system. As part of the various services offered by the Sub-Centre, Door to door surveys and field camp are important activities that bring the health care system to the door step of the community. Door to door surveys and health camps in the adjoining areas of Sub-centres which are located in backward, far flung or tribal areas is a good method to reach the tribal population in particular. Methods and Material: The door to door survey cum health camp which was conducted by the department of community medicine in collaboration with NSS in the field practise area of Government Medical College, Srinagar. With an intention to organise the health camp for the tribal population, Sub-Centre Faqeer Gujree was selected purposively so as to evaluate the health standards of the tribal population in particular. Results: Socio-demographic characteristics of the community subject’s show male predominant population with a ratio of 89 women to 100 men. 40% of the population is illiterate and only 4% individuals having acquired education above higher secondary. 90% of the total households belong to upper lower to upper middle class socioeconomic status. The community has 247 eligible couples with 23 pregnant women. Total births in the year 2016 were 40. 30% of the population uses contraceptive methods for birth spacing with 100% immunization coverage in the area. Crude death rate of the area is 4.71 per 1000 population and infant mortality rate is 50.00 per 1000 live births with 9.83 per 1000 population as hospitalization ratio. Conclusions: Door to door surveys is a good method to reach the tribal community in particular and such surveys should be carried out every year to determine the health status and health care delivery services provided to the tribal community.

Public Reproductive Health Facilities: A Client-Satisfaction Survey

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;INTRODUCTION:&lt;/strong&gt; Understanding clients’ perspectives on quality improvement programs is essential to achieve the goals of health services. Determining client satisfaction could help decision makers to implement programs fit to their needs as perceived by service providers and clients. This study aimed to assess the level of satisfaction among women attending health centers regarding the services received in governmental health facilities in Shiraz, southern Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;METHOD:&lt;/strong&gt; This cross-sectional study was performed in 24 urban health centers. Using systematic random sampling method, 8 clinics were assigned to each group. Then questionnaires were distributed among 240 married women in 15-49 year-old age group who had referred to selected clinics for receiving some services. For data analysis, SPSS version 15 software and Chi-square statistical procedure were used to evaluate clients’ satisfaction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RESULTS:&lt;/strong&gt; Data showed that 101 out of 240 respondents were completely satisfied with the personnel as well as the health center. Furthermore, satisfaction was found to be the highest among clients of those centers ranked as middle class socioeconomic status, while no significant difference was found between centers based on their socioeconomic status.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CONCLUSION: &lt;/strong&gt;The results of the present study would enable policy-makers to effectively improve the quality of health care, keeping a balance between providers’ and patients’ perspectives on the quality of health care.&lt;/p&gt;