Population Of Chandigarh Research Articles

Air pollution trend in Chandigarh during 2019-2022: status and influence of meteorological factors.

The degradation of ambient air quality is a pressing global concern, and India, as a developing nation, has witnessed a rapid surge in industrial activities in recent decades. This surge has resulted in numerous Indian cities ranking among the world's most polluted urban areas. Chandigarh, strategically positioned within the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP), has not escaped this distressing trend, experiencing a significant spike in air pollution levels. This study focuses on comprehending and addressing the air quality issues in Chandigarh, shedding light on the evolution of air pollution trends and their dependence on meteorological factors. Notably, the study reveals that, with the exception of O3, pollutant concentrations surge during the rice stubble burning season. These pollutants persist in the atmosphere for prolonged periods, exacerbating the situation during winter due to lower temperatures and heightened use of fossil fuels for heating by low-income households. In contrast, the wheat stubble burning period does not significantly impact pollutant concentrations. The study also identifies a spring peak in surface O3 concentrations, attributed to favorable high temperatures that promote the photochemical reactions responsible for this phenomenon, a distinctive feature in South Asia and the Himalayas. An examination of the connection between pollutant concentrations and meteorological parameters underscores that elevated pollutant levels, except for CO, are linked to lower relative humidity and temperatures. This suggests that current development patterns have contributed to the escalation of air pollution in Chandigarh, necessitating urgent interventions to preserve the city's aesthetics and the health of its residents. Furthermore, to model and monitor pollutant behavior in Chandigarh, more extensive and extended studies are imperative. Both short-term and long-term investigations into the environmental and health impacts of air pollutants, including primary and secondary pollutants, are of paramount importance. These endeavors are essential for the well-being of both the environment and the population of Chandigarh.

Assessing awareness and practice towards Surgical Mask Regulations among the Population of Chandigarh: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical masks have become a crucial protective measure to prevent the spread of the virus. While they are regulated as medical devices to ensure their effectiveness, the high demand for masks has led to an increase in counterfeit products that pose a threat to public health.
 Materials and methods: In Chandigarh, India, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 350 individuals aged 15 and above who had access to social networks. An online questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on knowledge, practice, and demographics was used to collect data through convenience sampling with a chain-sampling method. Descriptive statistics and correlation and linear regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 29.0 to find a statistically significant relationship between knowledge, practice, and demographic variables.
 Result: Of 350 participants in the survey 26.0% were aged 15-29, 32.6% were aged 30-39, 13.4% were aged 40-49, and 28.0% were aged 50-80. In terms of gender, 49.1% were male and 50.9% were female. The majority had a master's degree (45.7%) and were employed in the private sector (49.4%). Education had a significant impact on knowledge (t-value of 11.375, significance level < .001), but job type did not (t-value of -1.740, significance level .083). Participants' knowledge and practice had a strong positive correlation (Pearson Correlation coefficient of 1.000, significance level < .001). The constant (intercept) was significant in predicting practice, while age, gender, and job were not (significance levels > .05).
 Conclusion: The study found that the community had satisfactory awareness and practice of using certified and licensed surgical masks. However, there is a need for reinforced education on the topic. The researchers recommend mass media campaigns and strict government regulation to ensure the use of certified masks and prevent the use of counterfeit ones. Continuous education is also necessary to help the public understand the importance of using certified and licensed masks for maximum protection.

Measles seroprevalence in persons over one year of age in Chandigarh, India

ABSTRACT Measles continues to result in focal outbreaks in India, despite over three decades of universal infant vaccination. The aims of this study were to examine measles immunity in the population of Chandigarh, India, and to compare immunity by vaccination vs. natural infection. In a cross-sectional study of individuals 1–60 years selected from 30 communities within Chandigarh during 2017–2018, measles immunity was assessed using serological surveys. Seropositivity was compared across demographic groups, and by prior history of vaccination and natural history of infection. Among those 1–20 years old, measles seropositivity, and histories of measles vaccination or prior measles diagnosis were separately assessed as outcomes in logistic regression models, with demographic factors as independent variables. Among 1690 participants, 94% were seropositive, and 6% had borderline or negative antibody levels. Of those positive, 30% had prior vaccination, 16% had a history of natural infection, and 54% had an unknown history. Over 50% of individuals among those >20 years old, had unknown history of immunity. In the multivariable regression models, vaccination was more common in younger ages (P < .0001), and in males compared to females (P = .0220), and in those with more education (P < .0001). The majority of the population was seropositive, and seropositivity increased with age. Older age groups were more likely to be protected because of previous natural infection, whereas younger age groups were protected by vaccination. There was inequity in vaccination coverage by gender, and maternal education status.

Economic and Lifestyle Factors Associated with the Vitamin D Deficiency among the Adult Population of Chandigarh

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a matter of global concern. Various economic and lifestyle factors are associated with Vitamin D deficiency. However, the knowledge regarding the factors associated with Vitamin D deficiency is limited in consideration with the Chandigarh population, especially among adults. Aim and Objective: The present study aims at assessing the association of the Vitamin D deficiency with various economic and lifestyle factors among the adult population of Chandigarh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 individuals of age group 30–70 years by adapting random sampling procedure. Economic and lifestyle particulars were collected using a detailed questionnaire. Vitamin D levels were analyzed using chemiluminescent immunoassay method. Results: The mean value of the Vitamin D level for the deficient, insufficient, and normal categories was reported to be 14.03 ± 3.41 ng/ml, 25 ± 3.16 ng/ml, and 36.96 ± 4.96 ng/ml, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with occupation (P &lt; 0.001), intake of multivitamin (P &lt; 0.05), exposure to sunlight (P &lt; 0.001), and type of food intake (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Working in closed environment, inadequate exposure to sunlight, lack of supplementation of multivitamin, and type of intake of food were possible factors significantly associated with the Vitamin D deficiency.

The Social Capital among Elderly Population of Chandigarh: Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Social capital is defined as social cohesion among communities. This refers to processes between people which establish network, social trust and co-operation and mutual benefit. The present study was conducted to know the status of social capital among elderly population of Chandigarh city, India. Methods: The study was conducted from January to April 2017. The study was community based using convenience sampling. A total of 300 elderly subjects were selected for interview from the electoral rolls. The survey instrument was modified Onyx and Bullen scale consisting of 30 items with responses on likert scale from 1-4. Results: Mean age of respondents was 66.47 years. Male: Female ratio was 1.4:1. 45.7% owned their residence whereas 54.3% lived as tenants. Social capital score of majorities of elderly was good (63.7%) followed by average (19.3%).Highest mean scores were received for questions namely: would you help someone if their vehicle breaks down (3.03±0.69), do you agree to helping yourself when you help others (3.15±0.78) and have you visited your neighborhood in the past week (3.01±0.82). Poorest scorewere received for questions: while on shopping, are likely to run into friends (1.11±0.53) and have you done a favor for a sick neighbor in last 6 months (1.33±0.53). Conclusion: Social capital status among elderly of Chandigarh city was good andhigher scores were seenamong males. Highest mean scores were seen in factor 4 (proactivity in social context) and lowest among family and factor 5 (friend’s connections).

Food Choices and COVID-19: A Study of Traditional Dietary Habits in Chandigarh, India

The study aims to understand the traditional dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic and to comprehend the role of societal norms associated with gender in the context of Chandigarh, India. The present paper reports the findings from a cross-section survey conducted in September-October 2020 in Chandigarh in India. In total, there were 70 participants for the primary survey. A five-point Likert scale was used for the primary survey on a scale anchored with Strongly Agree (5) to Strongly Disagree (1). We conducted a Chi-square test and Regression Analysis to test the hypothesis. The result proved that socio-cultural and gender norms are significant for food choice during pandemics. The study will benefit the policymakers while framing the policy dealing with pandemic considering the local socio-cultural perspective. The sample size was very small. Therefore, the outcomes of the study may not be generalized for the whole population of Chandigarh, India.

E-waste generation and management practices in Chandigarh, India and economic evaluation for sustainable recycling

The boom in the electronic industry and the faster pace of changing technology has resulted in the generation of huge quantities of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE or E-waste). The present study investigates the generation of E-waste and various management practices being followed in Chandigarh, India using a standardized questionnaire and physical survey of 300 households of different income groups. Outcomes from these households were extrapolated to represent the whole population of Chandigarh. An inventory of E-waste was prepared by recording the type and number of electronic appliances in each household. The outcomes of the questionnaire revealed that only 30% of the respondents know about E-waste and its environmental hazards. Further, only 10% of respondents had an idea about the location of E-waste collection bins around the city, and only 2% of the respondents were using them. It was also observed that on an average each household in Chandigarh generates 17 kg of E-waste annually resulting in the annual generation of 4100 t of E-waste from all the households of Chandigarh. It was indicated that about 63 t of valuable heavy metals such as Fe, Al, Cu, Cd, Ag, Au, Pd, and Pb could be extracted annually having the potential of urban mining. Precious metals composition of E-waste offers urban mining as an efficient E-waste management strategy in Chandigarh. E-waste generated in Chandigarh can reimburse benefits of over $65,000 annum−1. It was also observed that most of the E-waste generated in Chandigarh is handled by informal sectors. Poor working conditions in informal units can expose workers and the surrounding population to hazardous chemicals leading to adverse health effects. The study also provides suggestions to enhance the collection of E-waste for sustainable recycling.

Kawasaki disease incidence at Chandigarh, North India, during 2009-2014.

The aim of this study was to estimate incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Chandigarh, North India, during 2009-2014. Diagnosis of KD was based on American Heart Association guidelines. Records of all children diagnosed with KD below 15years at a large tertiary care referral centre from North India for paediatric immunology were analysed from January 2009 to December 2014. Children residing in Chandigarh were identified. Incidence rates were calculated based on population of Chandigarh in National Census 2011. Methodology was similar to our previously reported study from 1994 to 2008. Incidence of KD in children below 5 was also computed. A total of 258 children were diagnosed to have KD. Of these, 54 (43 boys, 11 girls) resided in Chandigarh. Coronary artery abnormalities on echocardiography were noted in 6. Incidence rate varied between 1.11 (in 2012) and 4.71/100,000 children below 15 (in 2009). In children below 5, incidence rate varied between 1.0 (in 2012) and 9.1/100,000 (in 2009). Peak incidence of KD was in third year of life. There was clustering of cases in February, April, June and October with a nadir in July. While the overall number of KD cases has increased, the 2009-2014 Chandigarh incidence is comparable to our previous figures. Our study is based on hospitalized children with KD and may be missing patients diagnosed elsewhere but that number is likely to be small. Further, patients in whom the diagnosis has never been made would also be missed. Median age at diagnosis has reduced as compared to our previous study. This is probably a reflection of increased awareness about KD amongst paediatricians and physicians in the region as a result of which the proportion of infants and young children diagnosed to have KD has shown a significant increase. Seasonal pattern of occurrence of KD is consistent with our previous observation.

Integrated non-communicable disease control program in a Northern part of India: Lessons from a demonstration project in low resource settings of a developing country

Summary Background Chandigarh healthy heart action project (CHHAP) was initiated in 2004 to increase awareness in the community for the major NCD risk factors by health promotion, training of health staff for CVD risk assessment and management, and surveillance of NCD risk factors. Methods Key strategies included capacity building, health promotion in different settings, risk factor surveillance and advocacy. Educational materials for the project included modules for doctors, health workers and school teachers; brochures, WHO protocol charts for CVD risk assessment and management, handbills and posters. Multiple health promotion activities were undertaken. An intersectoral committee for policy issues and a coordination committee for technical issues were also constituted. Results Most of doctors in public (245) and private sectors (150), health workers (227), school teachers (190) and pharmacists/staff nurses (181) were trained for CVD assessment and management in batches during 2005–07. NCD risk factor surveillance encompassed 2763 individuals in the population of Chandigarh. The prevalence of smoking was 10.2% (20.1% among males and 0.8% among females). Alcohol was consumed by 14.2% (26.8% males and 1.2% females). A sedentary occupation was identified in 94.2% in Chandigarh. Due to strong advocacy, Chandigarh was declared a smoke free city from July 2007, which is a first in the developing world, and the project was up scaled to an integrated State NCD control program in the 11th 5-year plan (2007–12). Conclusion CHHAP is a large-scale implementation of the WHO CVD risk management package, implemented as a routine in the health care delivery system.

Mineral Factors Controlling Essential Hypertension—a Study in the Chandigarh, India Population

Essential hypertension (EH) is a major public health problem world over and in India. Recent data on EH in the population of Chandigarh (Union Territory and capital of Punjab and Haryana States of India) revealed that the prevalence of EH has become double in the last 30 years in the residents of Chandigarh (26.9 to 45.80% in the year 1968 and 2002). Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn) in the serum are considered important in maintaining the human hypertension. The high Zn intake was considered to increase the blood pressure (BP) and to affect the other mineral status in the body. Recent survey on the trace metal status of different vegetables in the State of Punjab around Chandigarh (India) revealed that Zn level is significantly higher (40 mg/kg or more in above ground vegetables and 120 mg/kg or above in underground vegetables) in underground water-irrigated vegetables, but the levels of Cu and Mg are within prescribed limit. The present study was conducted on Chandigarh population to evaluate the levels of Zn, Cu, Mg, and Mn in the blood and urine of normotensive (NT) control and hypertensive (HT) subjects matched with number, age and sex. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer studies reevaluated that the levels of serum Zn, Mg, and Mn were significantly higher (p < 0.001), but the level of Cu was low in the HT subjects (BP = 160/93) compared to NT control (BP = 140/83). Higher levels of urinary Zn, Cu, Mg, and Mn were observed in the HT subject vs NT control (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were evaluated between the levels of serum Zn, Mg, and Mn vs systolic and diastolic pressures (DP and SP), respectively (r = 0.928, 0.863, 0.876, 0.808, 0.404, 0.326, p < 0.01), but negative and positive nonsignificant correlations between the serum Cu with SP and DP were recorded (r = -0.032, r = 0.024). Positive correlations were also evaluated between urinary levels of Zn, Cu, Mg, and Mn vs SP and DP (r = 0.718, 0.657, 0.750, 0.681, 0.630, 0.578, 0.516, 0.461, p < 0.01). Prevalence of essential hypertension may be due to higher Zn level in the food chain that makes the individuals vulnerable to other diseases over the time related to essential hypertension.

Incidence of double occipital hair whorls in twins and singletons.

A sample of 122 twin pairs and 166 singletons from the urban Punjabi population of Chandigarh was studied. The observed frequency of double occipital hair whorls was higher in twins than in singletons (P less than 0.01). The possible association between twinning and double occipital hair whorls is discussed.