Probability Proportional To Size Research Articles

Disability and socio-economic impact of mental disorders in the state of Punjab, India: Findings from national mental health survey, 2015-2016.

Mental illness results in a plethora of distressing issues, has tremendous socio-economic impact and causes socio-occupational dysfunction in the individual as well as the caregivers. There is a felt need to explore the disability caused by mental illness and the associated socio-economic impact at the population level in a developing nation like India. To elucidate the disability and socio-economic impact associated with mental illness at the individual and household levels for the state of Punjab in India. This was a multisite cross-sectional study carried out during 2015-2016 (as a part of the National Mental Health Survey of India) in three districts and one urban metro area of Punjab. The sample was selected using multi-stage, stratified, random cluster sampling technique, with random selection based on Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) at different stages. A validated set of questions was used to assess the socio-economic impact of mental illness and the Sheehan Disability Scale was used to document self-perceived disability among individuals with mental morbidity. Median (IQR) and proportions were used to summarize quantitative and qualitative data, respectively Results: Subjects with any mental morbidity reported disability of varying severities across different domains of life; family life was affected the most (70.1%). One in every six persons reported that their mental illness interfered with their daily activities to a large extent. Economic burden was high and a typical family would spend about INR 1500/month (US$23) towards the treatment of its member with mental morbidity. Family members had to forego their work for at least 7 days in 3 months to take care of their relative with mental illness. Mental illness causes disability in the individual and has tremendous socio-economic impact on the family, incapacitating a family's productivity to a large extent and thus affecting the society.

Household Food Insecurity and Mental Health Among Teenage Girls Living in Urban Slums in Varanasi, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study was undertaken to investigate the relation between household food insecurity and mental health problems in teenage girls living in urban slums. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 urban slums in Varanasi, India, between September 2016 and July 2017. A probability proportion to size (PPS) method was employed to select 5 of 210 urban slums at a first stage, and in the second stage, 418 teenage girls were chosen randomly from selected households. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and mental health inventory tools were employed to assess food insecurity and mental health status. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between household food insecurity and mental health status. Of 418 respondents, 47.6% were food insecure; 64.1%, 57.7%, and 58.4% had high levels of anxiety, depression, or psychological distress, respectively; and 57.2% exhibited a medium level of loss of behavioral control. Furthermore, teenage girls from food insecure households were more likely to have high levels of anxiety, depression, loss of behavioral control and psychological distress than those living in food secure households. This study shows food insecurity is independently associated with mental health problems among teenage girls. Food insecurity in Indian slums should be addressed by specific public health intervention programs that provide access to sufficient safe, nutritious food.

Stunting was not associated with overweight among children aged 24-59 months

<p><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p><em><strong>Background:</strong> Stunting was associated with cognitive development, morbidity and productivity in later life. Several studies and analysis also showed that stunting was related to overweight. In Indonesia, prevalence of stunted-overweight in children was 7.4% in 2007, then increased to 7.6% in 2010.</em></p><p><em><strong>Objective:</strong> To understand the relationship between stunting and overweight among children aged 24-59 months.</em></p><p><em><strong>Methods:</strong> Cross-sectional design was used in this study. Study location was Sedayu Subdistrict, Bantul District. Participants were a total of 185 children selected by probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling technique. Main variables included nutritional status of stunting, overweight, and energy, protein and fat intakes. Analysis used was chi-square test with the level of significance 0.05.</em></p><p><em><strong>Results:</strong> The prevalence of stunting was 30.8%, whereas overweight prevalence was 10.3%. Bivariate analysis indicated that there was no significant relationship between stunting and overweight among children aged 24-59 months (OR= 1.3; 95%CI: 0.5-3.6). Energy, protein and fats intakes were not confounding variables, but effect modifier in the association between stunting and overweight.</em></p><p><em><strong>Conclusion:</strong> There was no relationship between stunting and overweight in children aged 24-59 months.</em></p><p><em><strong>KEYWORDS:</strong> stunting, overweight, children</em></p>

Relationship between physical activity and hyperglycemia in kyai and teachers in Islamic boarding school in Yogyakarta

<p><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Riskesdas 2013 stated that 15 provinces had a prevalences of Diabetes Melitus disease above national prevalence. DIY province is one province with high prevalence of DM disease as many as 3,0%. Hyperglicemia is a sign of DM disease. Physical activity is one of the management programs in hyperglycemia patients. Physical activity plays a role in controlling the body’s blood glucose by turning glucose into energy.</p><p><strong>Objectives:</strong> To know the correlation between physical activity and hyperglikemia on Kyai and teacher in Islamic Boarding School in Special Region Yogyakarta (DIY).</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was an observational analytic study with Cross Sectional design. Population in this research was Kyai and teacher at Islamic Boarding School of DIY which amount 579 people. The minimum number of samples obtained was 184 respondents with probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling technique. Bllod Glucose data using <em>Easy Touch </em> and physical activity data using International Physical Activity Questionaire (IPAQ) questionnaire. Data analysis in the form of frequency distribution, mean different test (<em>T-</em>test) and Chi Square test is done by using SPSS software.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Based on <em>T-test </em>showed that there was a difference of blood glucose between group of physical activity less with group activity enought but the difference was not significant with t-value = 0,446, p-value = 0,656, and mean different = 3,127, and result of <em>Chi Square </em>test showed no significant correlation between physical activity and hyperglycemia with p-value = 0,969.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> There was no correlation between physical activity and hiperglikemia.</p><p><strong>KEYWORDS:</strong> hyperglicemia, Islamic Boarding School, Kyai, physical activity teacher</p>

Stunting was not associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 36-59 month in Sedayu Subdistrict

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Results of Riskesdas in 2013 showed the prevalence of stunting by 37%. Stunting is a growth disorders such as chronic malnutrition will cause linear growth of troubled children. Stunting apart from the impact of the development of IQ, cognitive and motoric sector but also on emotional development. Hyperactivity disorder or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the emotional problems in children.</p><p><strong>Objective</strong>: The general objective of this study was to determine the relationship between stunting with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children aged 36-59 months in the Sedayu Subdistrict, Bantul District, Yogyakarta in 2017.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This study used a cross-sectional approach. The samples studied amount 185 samples retrieval techniques probability proportional to size (PPS). Variable examined included stunting and hyperactivity disorder.\</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The prevalence of stunting in this study was 34,2%, meanwhile the prevalence of hyperactivity was 28,8%. Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between stunting with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (OR=0,98; 95%CI: 0,50-1,91).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> there was no association between stunting and hyperactivity in young children.</p><p> </p><p><strong>KEYWORDS: </strong>stunting, hyperactivity, ADHD, children </p>

The Taiwan Adolescent to Adult Longitudinal Study (TAALS): Methodology and Cohort Description.

The objective of the study was to introduce the methodology and report on cohort description of Taiwan Adolescent to Adult Longitudinal Study (TAALS). TAALS is the first nationwide longitudinal survey among Taiwan adolescents, linked with the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to obtain complete medical records of respondents in the future. The TAALS project employed the principle of probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method. Data were collected by questionnaire from 18 064 school students participating in 2015 formal survey, with good sample representation via a goodness-of-fit test after weighting adjustments. Through expert evaluation and statistics tests, TAALS shows a well nationally representation, validity, and reliability. Results indicate that the vocational school students had poor healthy behavior than other education systems, supporting the hypothesis that different learning environment will develop different health behaviors. TAALS can serve as a foundation for analyzing health trajectories of Taiwan adolescents.

Mean blood pressure among the adults in China 2010-2012: based on the results of mercury sphygmomanometer and converted electronic sphygmomanometer

Objective: To analyze the average systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among adults aged 18 years old and above in China between 2010 and 2012; and to compare the difference in the results measured by mercury sphygmomanometer and converted electronic sphygmomanometer. Methods: The data was collected from Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012. 120 428 adults aged 18 years old and above were selected from 150 survey counties (districts) of 31 provinces in China Mainland, by multi-stage stratified and probability proportion to size (PPS) cluster randomization sampling method. The average blood pressure value was calculated from three systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings measured by mercury sphygmomanometer. The value of Electronic Sphygmomanometer was converted by regression formula. Age-standardized results were calculated incorporating a complex sample weighting using the population data from the National Bureau of Statistics in 2009. Results: The overall adjusted mean of SBP based on the value of mercury sphygmomanometer among Chinese adults aged 18 years old and above was 122 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), 124 mmHg in men and 120 mmHg in women. The average SBP value was separately 115, 127, and 137 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. The average SBP was 122 mmHg in urban and 122 mmHg in rural areas. Mean DBP was 78 mmHg, 79 mmHg in men and 76 mmHg in women. The average DBP was separately 75, 81, and 81 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. The average DBP was 78 mmHg in urban and 77 mmHg in rural areas. The overall adjusted mean of SBP based on converted electronic device was 129 mmHg,130 mmHg in men and 127 mmHg in women, respectively. The mean of SBP was separately122, 134, and 143 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. Mean SBP was both 129 mmHg in urban and in rural areas. Mean DBP was 76 mmHg, 78 mmHg in men and 75 mmHg in women, respectively. The average DBP was separately 74, 79, and 79 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. The average DBP was both 76 mmHg in urban and rural areas. Conclusion: The average SBP and DBP was different between the mercury sphygmomanometer and converted electronic device. However, the results from both measures showed that the blood pressure was higher in men than in women, the blood pressure increased with the increase of age, and there was no difference between urban and rural areas.

Uniform random sampling not recommended for large graph size estimation

The norm of data size estimation is to use uniform random samples whenever possible. There have been tremendous efforts in obtaining uniform random samples using methods such as Metropolis–Hasting random walk or importance sampling [2]. This paper shows that, on the contrary to the common practice, uniform random sampling should be avoided when PPS (probability proportional to size) sampling is available for large data.To develop intuition of the sampling process, we discuss the sampling and estimation problem in the context of graph. The size is the number of nodes in the graph; uniform random sampling corresponds to uniform random node (RN) sampling; and PPS sampling is approximated by random edge (RE) sampling. In this setting, we show that for large graphs RE sampling outperforms RN sampling with a ratio proportional to the normalized graph degree variance. This result is particularly important in the era of big data, when data are typically large and scale-free [3], resulting in large degree variance.We derive the result by giving the variances of RN and RE estimators. Each step of the derivation is supported and demonstrated by simulation studies assuming power law distributions. Then we use 18 real-world networks to verify the result. Furthermore, we show that the performance of random walk (RW) sampling is data dependent and can be significantly worse than RN and RE. More specifically, RW can estimate online social networks but not Web graphs due to the difference of the graph conductance.

Supports From Parents, Optimism, and Life Satisfaction in Early Adolescents

This study examined influences of father and mother support, and optimism on life satisfaction in early adolescents (n = 814; mean age = 13.66 years old) in Malaysia, as well as its variation across gender. Participants were recruited using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method from secondary school of four educational zones in Kuala Lumpur. Questionnaires comprising demographic items and measures of the social support, optimism and life satisfaction were self-administered by the students at their respective schools. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via AMOS. Adolescents who received greater support from their parents reported better life satisfaction. Optimism has an indirect effect on relationship between support from mother and life satisfaction. The model was found as not stable across gender. Support from mother contributed to optimism, and optimism contributed to life satisfaction among adolescent boys, while effect was not found among adolescent girls. Findings imply the importance of considering these variables in prevention and intervention efforts involving early adolescents.

Post-reforms training needs of frontline managers in Indian power distribution companies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the training needs based on top management view point for the development of frontline managers (FLM) of Indian power distribution companies (DISCOMs).Design/methodology/approachDISCOMs’ top managers were interviewed to develop questionnaire items. A total of ten items were identified; the response from the middle managers and FLM were collected with the help of a questionnaire on a five-point Likert type. The Cronbach’s alpha, face and content validity of instrument were performed. The sample population was 364 based on stratified probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. The statistical tool used for data analysis was chi square through SPSS package.FindingsTop management of DISCOMs for developing training program emphasizes on 10 organizational items. Which when assessed with middle and FLM of DISCOM, the results indicated a disagreement between their opinions suggesting practical implications on training need analysis at these DISCOMs.Research limitations/implicationsThe emphasis of top management for identifying the FLM training needs only acknowledges the work environment and customer requirements, whereas the personal and task related factors (other than customer services) affecting their performance are overlooked.Originality/valueReforms in the Indian power sector have been introduced only 26 years back. This study explicitly focuses on the DISCOMs at the central India. Present viewpoint of top management on the competency and training needs of their FLM. The Cronbach’s alpha and discriminant validity has been performed.

Exposure to Hardship Financing for Healthcare among Rural Poor in Chhattisgarh, India

Background: This article examines the exposure of hardship financing in a cross-section of households in four blocks of Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh state, India. We define hardship financing as having to borrow money with interest or to sell assets to pay out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Methods: We used survey data of 4,600 low-income rural households using a three-stage cluster sampling procedure. In first stage, blocks were selected purposively, the second stage involved selection of villages using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling and lastly, households were randomly selected. Binary logistics regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of exposure to hardship financing related to out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare. Results: About 14.9 per cent of the total households were exposed to hardship financing. Hardship financing occurs not only for hospitalization (nearly 10 per cent) but also for outpatient care (7.91 per cent) and maternity (around 10 per cent). Our logistics regression revealed that health expenditure in the last year was positively associated with the risk for hardship financing. Other correlates of hardship financing included education-level of the head of the household, in-house toilet facility and place of residence/blocks. Conclusion: Rural households, especially the poorer households, spend higher average healthcare payments and are exposed to hardship financing on health.

Development of Activity and Participation Norms among General Adult Populations in Taiwan.

Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), The Functioning Disability Evaluation Scale-Adult version (FUNDES-Adult) began development in 2011. The FUNDES-Adult was designed to assess the difficulty level of an individual’s activities and participation in daily life. There is a lack of research regarding the profile of activity and participation for the general adult population. The purposes of this study were to establish activity and participation norms for the general adult population in Taiwan and to describe, discuss, and compare the activity and participation profile with other population. Method: A population-based survey was administered in 2013 using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system (CATI system). Using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling and systematic sampling with random digit dialing (RDD), 1500 adults from Taiwan’s general population were selected to participate in the survey. The FUNDES-Adult with six domains and two dimensions (performance and capability) was used to obtain data on activities and participation levels. A higher domain score indicated higher participation restriction. Results: Approximately 50% of the respondents were male, and the average age of the respondents was 45.23 years. There were no significant differences in the demographic features between the sample and the population. Among the six domains, the self-care domain score was the lowest (least restriction) and the participation domain score was the highest (most restriction). Approximately 90% of the sample scored were less than 15, and only 0.1% scored more than 80. This is the first cross-national population-based survey to assess norms of activity and participation relevant to the general population of Taiwan. As such, the results of this survey can be used as a reference for comparing the activity and participation (AP) functioning of other countries and subgroups.

Rationale and Design of Khuzestan Vitamin D Deficiency Screening Program in Pregnancy: A Stratified Randomized Vitamin D Supplementation Controlled Trial.

BackgroundAlthough there have been marked improvements in our understanding of vitamin D functions in different diseases, gaps on its role during pregnancy remain. Due to the lack of consensus on the most accurate marker of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the optimal level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, for its definition, vitamin D deficiency assessment during pregnancy is a complicated process. Besides, the optimal protocol for treatment of hypovitaminosis D and its effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes are still unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester of pregnancy and to compare vitamin D screening strategy with no screening. Also, we intended to compare the effectiveness of various treatment regimens on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Masjed-Soleyman and Shushtar cities of Khuzestan province, Iran.MethodsThis was a two-phase study. First, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted; recruiting 1600 and 900 first trimester pregnant women from health centers of Masjed-Soleyman and Shushtar, respectively, using stratified multistage cluster sampling with probability proportional to size (PPS) method. Second, to assess the effect of screening strategy on maternal and neonatal outcomes, Masjed-Soleyman participants were assigned to a screening program versus Shushtar participants who became the nonscreening arm. Within the framework of the screening regimen, an 8-arm blind randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare the effects of various treatment protocols. A total of 800 pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency were selected using simple random sampling from the 1600 individuals of Masjed-Soleyman as interventional groups. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were classified as: (1) severe deficient (<10ng/ml), (2) moderate deficient (10-20ng/ml), and (3) normal status (>20ng/ml). Those with severe and moderate deficiency were randomly divided into 4 subgroups and received vitamin D3 based on protocol and were followed until delivery. Data was analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle.ResultsRecruitment commenced in July, 2014, and as estimated, nearly 3.5 years is needed to complete the study. Results of this study will (1) provide reliable information regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy using universal vitamin D screening approach and (2) determine the beneficial effects of universal screening and compare the various treatment protocols in terms of pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionsSince vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent disorder in pregnancy among Iranian population, this study will ensure creation of reliable evidence-based findings and will enable clinicians to better evaluate and treat vitamin D deficient pregnant women.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 2014102519660N1; http://www.irct.ir/searchresult.php?keyword=&id=19660&number=1&prt=7805&total=10&m=1 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6p3lkqFdV)

Praktik Kolaborasi Perawat-Dokter dan Faktor yang Memengaruhinya

Introduction: Collaboration is basically discuss about togetherness, cooperation, sharing tasks, equality, responsibility, and accountability. Purpose of this research was to learn the collaboration practice beetwen nurses and physician and the factors affecting. Method: Design of this research was correlational and comparational study, and population were the physician who work in Ngudi Waluyo Blitar hospitals, intensive cooperation with the nurse in the room, not holding structural positions and not studying, there are 19 peoples taken by total population and nurses who work in Ngudi Waluyo hospitals, not holding structural positions (Head of Division or Head of Section), having relationship with the physician and the samples were 31 peoples taken by probability proportional to size (PPS). Methods of data collection by giving questionnaire about the characteristics of respondents (nurses and physician) and practice of collaboration scale. Data characteristics and attitudes of nurses and physicians about the practice of collaboration is analyzed with descriptive statistics, to know the differences between nurses and physicians attitude using mann whitney u test. To know affecting characteristic with nurses and physician attitude by multivariate analysis. Result: Results of mann whitney test p value is 0.611, which means that there is no difference between nurses and physician attitude in practice collaboration, and result of multivariate analysis the influence of nurse characteristics (age, education, functional potition, length of working) with attitude are 0.460 or 46%, while 54% influenced by other factors, and the influence of physician characteristics (age, education, length of working) with attitude are 0.435 or 43.5%, while 56.5% influenced by other factors. Discussion: Further need to study other factors that influence and research by observation the impact of collaboration between the nurse with physician on the service quality.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults in 2010-2012

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese adults. Methods: Cross-sectional data on 104 098 men and women aged 18 years or above was gathered from 150 monitoring sites from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities from the China National Health and Nutrition Surveillance (2010-2012) Project. Data was randomly selected by multi-stage stratified and Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) cluster random sampling method. Prevalence of MS was defined under the diagnostic criteria of China Diabetes Society (CDS). Complex sampling weighing method was used with demographic data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China in 2009, when calculating the prevalence and its 95%CI of MS. Results: The overall prevalence rate of the MS among adults was 11.0%, more seen in urban than in rural areas, and in men than in women. The prevalence showed a parallel increasing trend with age. As was observed in the comparison between the prevalence of four components of MS, the prevalence rates of dyslipidemia (33.7%) and overweight or obesity (32.3%) showed more serious than in hypertension (22.4%) or hyperglycemia (16.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of MS among adults in China showed an increasing trend which had already become a significant public health problem, in the country.

Age of onset of substance use and psychosocial problems among individuals with substance use disorders

BackgroundSubstance use is generally initiated in adolescence or early adulthood and is commonly associated with several physical, psychological, emotional and social problems. The objective of this study is to assess the age of onset of substance use differences on psychosocial problems among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) residing in drug rehabilitation centers.MethodsA descriptive cross sectional research design was carried out. Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling technique was used to select the drug rehabilitation centers and all the respondents meeting the inclusion criteria of the selected seven rehabilitation centers were taken as a sample and comprised of 221 diagnosed individuals with SUDs. A semi structured self administered questionnaires were used to collect the information regarding demographic and substance use related characteristics. A standard tool Drug Use Screening Inventory-Revised (DUSI-R) was used to assess the psychosocial problems among individuals with SUDs. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Multivariate general linear model (MANOVA and MANCOVA) was used to evaluate differences in psychosocial problems between early vs late onset substance users.ResultThe age of onset of substance use was significantly associated with psychosocial problems. The mean psychosocial problem scores were higher in early onset substance user (17 years or younger) than late onset substance user (18 years or higher) in various domains of DUSI-R even after controlling confounding factors. The two groups (early vs late) differed significantly in relation to age, gender, occupational status, current types of substance use, frequency of use, mode of substance use and relapse history.ConclusionThe study indicated that early onset substance users are at higher risk for psychosocial problems in various areas of life such as Behavior Pattern, Psychiatric disorder, Family system, Peer relationship, Leisure/Recreation and Work adjustment compared to late onset substance users. It highlights the need for early prevention, screening, and timely intervention among those individuals.

Some Risk Factors for Hypertension of Khmer People Aged From 25 to 64 Years in Tra Vinh Province, Viet Nam

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,200 Khmer people aged 25-64 years living in Tra Vinh province to propotion of hypertension some related factors. 30 communes (clusters) were selected by probability proportional to size (PPS) method, evaluating their risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the next 10 years using Framingham scale in face-to-face interviews. Results showed that propotion of hypertension was 33.5%, inside, having 37.3% people don’t know that they are getting hypertension disease. About some risk factors: 83.6% of participants had diet with less fat, 26.2% had adequate fruit and vegetable consumption, 10.6% had less-salt diet, 85.2% were non-alcohol abuse, 62.5% were non-smokers and 79.3% had moderate physical activity. About coronary artery disease: 79.7% of respondents have low risk, 16.3% with moderate risk and 4.0% with high risk of CAD in the next 10 years according to Framingham scale. The risk increases proportionally to the age and higher among men than women.

Health Risk Behavior among College Students: A Mixed Method Approach

The global prevalence of HIV appears to have been stabilized in this decade, but risk of infection already spread and unknown aerostats of different demographics still looms large. There is difference in the pattern of risk behavior leading to transmission of diverse type of sexually transmitted infection in different populationgroups. Youth and young adults aged 15-24 years account for 45 percent of new infection worldwide and continuing spread of new HIV infections in this age group is still a cause for major concern for everyone. Early research in this regard focused on major routes of transmission of virus to evolve preventive strategies. Keeping inview the continuing higher rates of HIV infection in this younger age group, present study intends to identify psychological factors and health risk behavior among college going youth and young adults.The psychological variables of life stress, anxiety and satisfaction with life and self-efficacy were assessed using standardizedinstruments and input on health risk behavior was obtainedthrough Focus Group Discussions (FGD). One hundred boys and girls college students (50 females and 50 males in each group,age range 19-22 years) were randomly selected using probability proportion to size (PPS) method. The result revealed that femalesreport experiencing higher negative impact of life changes thantheir male counterparts in general (t=2.79, df =98, p<.01). Themale students report significantly higher (t=2.67, df =98, p<.05)self-efficacy, in effect reflecting stronger belief in their potential todeal with life’s demanding situation. Six focus group discussions(FGD) (three each with females and males) were conducted. The FGDs results revealed gender specific stresses. While femalesreported more familial stress and stress associated with preferential treatment to boys in the family, boys reported more stress related to interpersonal relationship linked to love relationships. Although, both the groups reported negative emotions to be an antecedent for health risk, girls however, tended to express more stable emotions than the boys. Peer pressure was reported as a major issue by both genders, boys however reported to have stronger sense of self belief and reported being more confident in handling demanding situations.

A cross-sectional study to identify the factors associated with utilisation of healthcare for non-communicable diseases in a southern part of India

Background: In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a serious threat to human resources, as the recent data suggests that one in four Indians are at a risk of dying of NCDs before they reach 70 years of age. Healthcare utilisation is a major policy issue to tackle the threat of non-communicable diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the factors and build a regression model that shows how the various factors affect health care service utilisation for non-communicable diseases across rural and urban households of Udupi taluk, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done to study the objective. Two-stage cluster sampling technique was used in both rural and urban areas. Thirty villages and 30 urban wards of Udupi taluk were selected by the probability proportional to size (PPS) technique. Result: On univariate analysis, the factors found to be significant (p-value < 0.05) were the residence; health insurance; health care provider preference; income; education; waiting time; and distance to the health centre. To adjust for confounders, a multivariable analysis was done with binomial logistic regression which found that health insurance and distance to the health centre were the significant factors that affect outpatient health care utilization for NCD patients in Udupi taluk. Conclusion: The results of this study show that it is important to concentrate on health insurance for access to health care for chronic diseases and strengthen the primary health care system. The main focus should be on insuring the vulnerable population and concentrate on the primary care of NCDs treatment.

Cost of milk production of beneficiary farmers of organized dairy (cooperative and private) in Lucknow region of Uttar Pradesh

Indian dairy industry emerged as an important sector for income and employment generation, and is contributing as well in the country’s economy besides improving the health standards. The output from dairy sector has increased at more than 4.0 % per annum since 2010-11. The changing economic scenario an entrepreneur has to be very alert and should always keep an eye on the cost and returns of the scarce resources of an entrepreneur in order to keep himself profitable. Dairying in our country dominated by the small holders. Now the producers are scaling up their capacity by incorporating newer technology. One hundred and sixty milk pourer farmers were selected randomly using probability proportional to size (PPS) from the list of producers who were supplying milk to organized dairy (cooperative or private) purely and exclusively from eight village level milk chilling units of Lucknow and Hardoi district purposively selected from Lucknow region. Average variable cost varies from 88.72 small, 88.95 medium, and 92.38 large farmers and rest 11.28, 11.05 and 7.62 were the fixed cost for small medium and large category farmers respectively. The cost of milk production was higher for Rs 18.02, Rs 16.30 and Rs 15.85 per liter for small medium and large farmers respectively. The average milk selling price was found to be almost at par for small Rs 27.77, Rs. 27.31 and Rs. 27.11 for small, medium and large category farmers. Whereas, the average income generated by investing one rupee was found lowest for small Rs. 1.56 followed by medium Rs.1.71 and large Rs. 1.75 farmers respectively. However, the farmers have generated average annual income of Rs 70334.21, Rs. 128671.1 and Rs.230510.8 by small medium and large category farmers respectively.