Rural Bangalore Research Articles

“Is it time to initiate scrub typhus surveillance in Karnataka?”—Lessons from a seroprevalence survey in a rural district

ABSTRACT Background: Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a commonly occurring, but underdiagnosed rickettsial infection in India. Considering the high incidence of scrub typhus among patients with acute febrile illness in the hospital setting and the paucity of community seroprevalence studies, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of scrub typhus in the community in the Bengaluru Rural District. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and December 2022 among eligible asymptomatic adults from five randomly selected villages of the Bangalore Rural District after obtaining written informed consent. Serum immunoglobin M (IgM) and immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies were tested using the respective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits from InBios International Inc, Seattle, USA. Seroprevalence was defined as positivity to either IgG or IgM antibodies or both. Results: The study reported a seroprevalence of 8.9% (95% CI 4.8%–14.7%) among 146 asymptomatic adults. The IgG and IgM antibodies were positive in 7.5% and 2.1% of participants, respectively. Conclusions: A community seroprevalence of 8.9% warrants further epidemiological surveys and surveillance in the context of climate change, variable clinical presentations of scrub typhus, and the possible need to include this disease in the clinical practice algorithm in the primary care setting. We recommend study designs with “One Health” lens to monitor the trend of this re-emerging public health problem.

Job-Home Balance of Rural Women Employees: An Insight Study from Bangalore Rural District

Job-Home Balance of Rural Women Employees: An Insight Study from Bangalore Rural District

Efficacy of zinc as an adjuvant therapy in acute pneumonia in children of age 2 months to 2 years: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Pneumonia is the most common Illness affecting infants and children globally. Childhood pneumonia has been identified as the major “forgotten killer of children” by UNICEF and the WHO. The WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2013, published the integrated Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) which outlined a framework for ending preventable child deaths due to diarrhoea and pneumonia by 2025. Zinc is a vital micro element that is essential for a variety of fundamental biological processes due to its function as a transition metal, cofactor, structural component, and signalling molecule. Zinc is also an essential component of antibacterial immunity. The impaired immunocompetence due to low zinc states enhances the establishment of a particular infection due to a reduction in the clearance of infectious agents. Recommend zinc nutritional intake is 10-20mg/day for children. It is estimated that 17-20% of the world’s population may be zinc deficient. Zinc deficiency is common among children in developing countries because of inadequate food intake, particularly from animal source and limited bioavailability from local diet. It has been proposed that zinc can be a real potential in the prevention of pneumonia morbidity and mortality. Objective: To study the effect of zinc supplementation as an adjuvant therapy on outcome of pneumonia. Method: We conducted a randomised controlled trial from march 2023 to february 2024. All children in the the age group of 2 months to 2 years, who presented with the features of pneumonia to the department of Paediatrics in Akash institute of medical sciences and research centre Devanhalli, Bangalore rural. Ethics consent was obtained from Institutional ethical committee. Demographic details such as name, age, gender along with clinical profile was taken. After admission, detailed history and physical and systemic examination were carried out and necessary data collected. Sample size being 50 cases, they were divided in two groups as case group (zinc group) and control group by stratified randomisation, 25 participants being in each group. Enrolled children were given standard treatment for pneumonia in the form of oxygen, intravenous fluids, bronchodilators, parenteral antibiotics. Enteral feeds were started once the child respiratory distress improved, oxygen saturations greater than 93%, baby was able to tolerate feed. Zinc group received 20 mg of elemental zinc per day as a single dose for 7 days. Result : Out of the total 50 cases, two groups were divided with 25 cases in zinc group and 25 cases in non-zinc group. In zinc group 6 cases (50%) took 24-48 hours for disappearance of symptoms, another 3 cases (26%) less than 24 hours, in 1 case time for disappearance of symptoms was 48-72 hours, another case which took 72-96 hours. The mean duration of time taken for disappearance of danger signs was 42.33 ± 13.89 hours. In the non-zinc group (36%) 5 cases took 24-48 hours for disappearance of danger signs, 3 cases (22%) which took 48-72 hours and 2 cases (14%) which took 96-120 hours, 2 more cases (14%) which took 120-144 hours. The mean duration of hospital stay in non-zinc group was 62.28 ± 10.84 hours which is comparatively more than that of zinc group. Conclusion: This study concluded that zinc supplementation shortens the time taken for resolution of respiratory distress and resolution of symptoms. However, it was not found to be of much help in improving oxygen saturation. It also did not show any significant decrease in time taken for disappearance of danger signs and duration of hospital stay.

Effects of almond consumption compared with the consumption of traditional isocaloric cereal/pulse-based snacks on glycaemic control and gut health in adults with pre-diabetes in rural India: protocol for a 16-week, parallel-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionAlmonds have prebiotic potential to maintain gut health and regulate glycaemia. Western studies have shown their positive effects on preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, there is...

A Study on the Role of MGNREGA in Fostering Economic Development via Welfare Initiatives, Employment Opportunities, and Asset Formation in Rural Bangalore

Abstract: Over the years, the evolution of the Indian economy has witnessed substantial transformation and enhancement. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has emerged as a pivotal component in fostering the development of rural India, primarily through its dual impact of employment generation and asset formation. This research paper employs trend analysis to investigate the pivotal role of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in driving economic development in rural areas of Bangalore. MGNREGA, a flagship welfare initiative, is examined through its multifaceted impact on welfare enhancement, employment generation, and asset accumulation. The study delves into the effectiveness of MGNREGA in improving the socio-economic well-being of rural communities by providing critical welfare benefits, facilitating employment opportunities, and promoting asset formation. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between MGNREGA initiatives and economic development outcomes in rural Bangalore. By uncovering significant trends and patterns, the research offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to optimize MGNREGA's impact on fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in rural areas

Optimal Planning of PV Sources and D-STATCOM Devices with Network Reconfiguration Employing Modified Ant Lion Optimizer

This research emphasizes a meta-heuristic modified ant lion optimizer (MALO) optimization approach for the simultaneous utilization of DSTATCOM devices and distributed photovoltaic (PV) sources with network reconfiguration in a radial power distribution scheme. In a radial power distribution network with network reconfiguration, the majority of the research is based on constant power model analysis. However, it is noticed that load models have a substantial impact on the distributed PV sources and the DSTATCOM device’s optimal size and position. The effect of the constant power (CP) and polynomial (ZIP) with load growth load models for the simultaneous insertion of distributed PV sources and DSTATCOM devices with network reconfiguration is examined in this research work for power system planning. The penetration levels of distributed PV sources considered for the investigation are 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The principal objective of this research is to reduce network total power losses, enhance the voltage magnitude profile at all buses, and reduce the overall operating cost while adhering to equality and inequality constraints. The proposed algorithm is verified on 118-node test systems. The investigation is carried out for planning network upgrading to a high-voltage distribution system (HVDS) on 317 nodes in the rural Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) radial distribution scheme. The simulated results obtained with this method are validated with the BAT algorithm and techniques available in the literature. It is observed that in the IEEE 118-bus system, via the simultaneous placement and sizing of PV sources considering a 25% penetration level and DSTATCOM devices during network reconfiguration, the total power loss reduction is 41.47% and 42.98% for the constant power model and ZIP with the load growth model. For the 317-bus system, the total power loss reduction observed for 11 kV is 49.77% and 59.34% for the constant power model and ZIP model with load growth. Similarly, for the 22 kV system, the power loss reduction observed is 51.69% and 55.75% for the constant power model and ZIP with the load growth model.

Spatiotemporal Land use/Land cover Changes in Bangalore Rural District, Karnataka

Determining land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the Earth's surface and is crucial for a variety of purposes. To monitor changes in agricultural land to optimize land use, manage crop rotations, and enhance sustainable agricultural practices LULC used. LISS III and LISS IV satellite images for 2010 and 2020 were used to generate the LULC map and compared to analyse the changes. Landforms in five categories Agriculture land, Built-up, Wasteland and Water bodies were analysed in the four taluks of Bangalore rural District. In Nelamangala and Hosekote built-up increased by 3 % of total area, where as in Devanahalli built-up area increased by 7 % of total area. Agricultural land has reduced 2 % of total area in Devanahalli but whereas 2 % of agricultural land reduced in Devanahali in a decade time reflecting the Kempegowda international airport in Devanahalli. Provide recommendations for sustainable land use planning and development based on the study's findings. Analysis involves a combination of remote sensing, GIS, and fieldwork to comprehensively understand and manage spatiotemporal land use changes in a specific region. Future scope of this study is Use models to project future land use changes based on different scenarios and Provide recommendations for sustainable land use planning and development based on the study's findings. Keywords: Agricultural Land, Landuse/Landcover, Satellite Image, Spatio-temporal, Sustainable planning

Development of Scheduled Caste Farmers through Integrated Farming System in Bangalore Rural District, India

The study was conducted in Bengaluru Rural district of Karnataka State, a total sample of 275 respondents was selected for the study and the data was collected by using pretested structured interview schedule and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. It was observed that, the livelihood security of the respondents under ‘highly satisfied’ category was improved from 23.64 per cent from the bench mark data to 38.18 per cent. In ‘less satisfied’ category it was decreased to 32.73 per cent from 41.82 per cent after implementation of the project. Out of seven dimensions of livelihood security, maximum increase was noticed in employment security (69.84%) followed by ecological security (60.96%), living amenities (52.39%), economic efficiency (51.76 %), coping strategies against stress (45.35%), assets (37.13 %) and social equitability (28.03%) and overall livelihood security increased by 48.17 per cent after implementation of the project. The personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the beneficiaries; land holding, cropping pattern, livestock possession, innovativeness, mass media exposure, management orientation, level of aspiration, training undergone, participation in development programme, access to extension personnel and access to resources exhibited positive and significant relationship with livelihood security.The R2 value of 0.324 indicated that all 18 variables had contributed to the tune of 32.40 per cent of variation in Livelihood Security of respondents. Hence, the concerned development departments should promote and strengthen the IFS activities to enhance the livelihood security of resource poor framers. The positive and significantly related characteristics needs to be considered while selecting the farmers for IFS programs to enhance their livelihood security.

Constraints and strategies of smallholder farmers for successful protected cultivation of capsicum: A critical appraisal

The study was framed to assess the challenges/constraints in protected cultivation of capsicum by small holder farmers in Karnataka state, India and provide strategies for sustained profitability. Ex-post-facto research design was followed for conducting study in three districts (Bangalore Rural, Bangalore Urban and Chickballapur) of Karnataka. From each district, 50 smallholders capsicum cultivation farmers under protected cultivation were selected through purposive random sampling, constituting 150 respondents. Garrett’s ranking technique was adopted to analyse the constraints faced by the farmers in the study area. The various constraints experienced by the farmers were broadly grouped in to production constraints, market constraints, financial constraints, technological constraints, institutional constraints, weather-based constraints, health and labour constraints. These finding demonstrated urgent need to intervene towards the constraints experienced by the smallholder capsicum grows under protected cultivation, which not only ensures to get stable income but also sustain their livelihoods.

Inclusion of Sexual Health Education for the Wellbeing and Dignity of Secondary School Children: An Indian Rural Perspective

The study investigates students’ perspectives on incorporating sexual health education into the curriculum of secondary schools in rural Bangalore. Focused on assessing how such education impacts students’ physical and psychological well-being, confidence, and ability to make informed decisions, the research collected data from 981 students across 6th to 10th grades. A structured questionnaire, measured on a five-point Likert scale, explored students’ perceptions of sexual health education and its outcomes. After a meticulous data cleaning process, which included outlier removal, the study utilized a final sample of 900 students. IBM SPSS 25 and AMOS 25 facilitated the statistical analysis. The findings underscore the significant positive effect of sexual health education on students’ confidence levels. It highlights how this form of education aids in maintaining personal hygiene and fosters balanced decision-making skills among students. The study’s results advocate for the implementation of sexual health education in schools, emphasizing its role in enhancing student wellbeing and confidence. Additionally, it contributes to defining the scope and framework of a sexual health education curriculum from the students’ perspective in rural Bangalore schools, aligning educational objectives with the actual needs and perceptions of the student body.

Determining Adoption of Agritech by Farmers in Rural Bangalore

The use and dissemination of agricultural technology has sparked widespread attention across disciplines since it is seen as a solution to food shortages, low productivity, income, and yields in farming, particularly in developing nations such as India. As of mid-2021, there are approximately 226 AgriTech startups in Bangalore, Karnataka, out of 700 in India. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors (age, educational level, economic status, farmer category) that influence the adoption of AgriTech startups services in Karnataka's rural Bangalore district. This study was conducted in Byrasandra and Byadarahalli in Namangala taluk of Rural Bangalore among farmers who had adopted AgriTech and who had not adopted agritech services provided by agritech startups. A descriptive analysis such as chi square and cross tab was used to examine the objectives using a random sample of 100 farmers. From the result it was evident that farmer’s age, educational level, economic status and farmer category plays a significant role in the rural Bangalore uptake of AgriTech given by AgriTech startups. The study recommends the future studies on adoption of AgriTech in India to widen the range of variables used by researchers.

CLINICAL PROFILE OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN

Introduction:Constipation causes physical, psychological morbidity and poor quality of life Data from developed countries shows that prevalence of childhood constipation in general population ranges from 0.7-29.6%. Various studies have showed pain of passing hard stools in infancy and early childhood is the principal contributing factor for acute childhood constipation, leading to constipation and soiling in adulthood. Because of lack of awareness regarding common occurrence of childhood constipation and its proper management, it is often underdiagnosed and sub optimally managed. Hence, this study was conducted to study the frequency of constipation and risk factors in children attending tertiary care hospital in rural Bangalore. Materials and methods: A total of 50 children attending pediatric OPD with constipation were surveyed at MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore. Children who fulfilled the ROME III criteria for constipation were analyzed for demographic profile, socio-economic status, psychosocial aspects and dietary habits affecting bowel pattern. Data was collected and recorded from the parents in pre-fixed proforma which also included Stool frequency and type of stool passed . Results: A total of 50 children fulfilled the ROME III criteria for functional constipation. The constipation in children had male preponderance and majority were aged 2-4 years. Majority of constipated children (62%, n=31) had retention behavior in the form of abnormal posturing. In children with constipation, the average number of stools passed in a week is 2.05. Conclusions: Constipation is an iceberg disorder. Skipping breakfast, early toilet practicing, low intake of vegetables and fruits , marital disharmony, sibling rivalry ,temper tantrums , school phobia , aversion to use school toilet were factors leading to constipation.

A study of surgical management of intestinal obstruction

Background: Intestinal obstruction is one of the more challenging emergency that a general surgeon can come across. However, mortality ranges from 3% with simple obstruction to as much as 30% when there is vascular compromise/perforation of the obstructed intestine, despite improvements in diagnostic tools, fluid and electrolyte correction immediately, effective antimicrobials, and surgical therapy. Methods: There were 50 cases of intestinal obstruction studied from October 2020 to October 2022 at MVJMC&RH (Rural Bangalore) and relevant investigations were sent and operative procedures were performed and data was collected. Results: In this study, intestinal obstruction is more common in the age group of 30-60 year. Male and female are nearly in equal ratio. Small bowel obstruction is more common. Pain abdomen and abdominal distension was the most common presentation. Most common etiological factor is postoperative adhesions. Malignant obstruction is more common in large bowel. Most common operation performed was resection-anastomosis. The mortality in intestinal obstruction is high in individuals who developed strangulated/perforated bowel, those present beyond 72 hours and in those are having pre-existing associated diseases and elderly people. Conclusions: Intestinal obstruction remains still a common and important surgical emergency. Obstruction due to adhesions increasing in incidence due to increased abdominal & pelvic surgeries. The obstruction due to external hernias decreasing due to early elective surgeries. The morbidity and mortality depends on the age of the patient, etiology of obstruction, site of obstruction, state of hydration, viability of the bowel, delay in diagnosis and surgical intervention and associated medical illness.

Scalp Reconstruction Techniques for the General Surgeon – A Case Report

Scalp injuries are extremely common and although most scalp lacerations/ injuries can be primarily repaired, few require flap coverage. This article discusses the various ways in which we have reconstructed the scalp. This article is a case series of six different cases that required flap reconstruction where six different techniques were used to obtain wound cover with good outcomes. Patients who presented to various smaller hospitals/nursing homes with availability of only a general surgeon and no super specialists in Rural Bangalore with the need for scalp reconstruction were considered for the study. The operative outcome of six different methods of scalp reconstruction/ repair that include four different local flaps, a split skin graft with a wig and a pericranium burr hole drilling followed by split skin graft coverage have been studied.
 All six cases were followed up for a period of one month post intervention and all of them had good functional and cosmetic outcomes with no complications. There was no incidence of surgical site infection, seroma, or flap/graft failure in the 6 cases included in our study. Both grafts and flaps are equally good modalities in scalp reconstruction, but the choice for which to use should be based on the need of the patient and the type of wound. Grafts can be considered in conditions where there is adequate soft tissue cover over the scalp and in wounds with larger surface area. Grafts have the advantage of being technically simpler and are associated with fewer complications/failure but cannot be used in injuries where the bone is exposed. Flaps have better cosmetic outcome but are technically more challenging.

Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women – A Community Based Descriptive Study

Background and Objective Menopause is one point in a continuum of life stages for women and marks the end of their reproductive years. Menopause is associated with physical psychological and uro-genital symptoms which are known to affect the quality of life of postmenopausal women. The aim of the study was to determine the intensity of menopause symptoms and quality of life of postmenopausal women.Method The study was conducted in selected community villages in rural Bangalore. A total of 116 postmenopausal women who were available at the time of data collection and fulfilled the study inclusion criteria were assessed using demographic proforma Menopausal rating scale MRS and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire MENQOL.Results The study results showed hot flashes depressive mood dryness of vagina and poor sexual desire as the most predominant symptoms among all domains of MRS. In the domains of MENQOL hot flashes experiencing poor memory and presence of vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse were reported as the most predominant symptoms.Conclusion Healthcare professionals should understand the complexity of menopausal symptoms for providing suitable health interventional remedies. There is a considerable lack of awareness about the effects and treatment of menopausal symptoms among Indian women especially among rural women in India.

A Critical Analysis of the Digital Divide and ICT Literacy of Grama Panchayati Libraries Supervisors and Users in Bangalore Rural District, Karnataka

A Critical Analysis of the Digital Divide and ICT Literacy of Grama Panchayati Libraries Supervisors and Users in Bangalore Rural District, Karnataka

Does Bangalore Rural People Aware of Financial Literacy? An Exploratory Study

This project aims to understand the level of financial literacy among the rural respondents from five adopted villages by CMRIT. It also focuses on the socio-economic factors of the respondents including age, gender, level of education, work experience, marital status, number of children and sector of work and level of income from five adopted villages. This project is basically dependent on the primary data and the study in descriptive in nature. The convenient sampling method was adopted and the 500 sample were collected from five villages using a survey method. For analysing the sample data, percentage analysis, cross tabulation, correlation analysis and regression analysis was applied. It found that majority of the respondents are aware about financial literacy and financial product and majority of the respondents have bank account also. All the respondents are aware about financial products and investment avenues to invest for their savings. Based on the analysis, most of the respondents are availed loans from the Govt promoted schemes and participating in the other schemes.

Knowledge regarding the ill effects of Grain Dust Exposure on Respiratory System and its Prevention among Flour Mill workers in Bangalore Rural

Grain dust is the dust produced during harvesting, drying, handling, storage or processing of wheat, oats, rice, barley or maize. Grain dust is composed of a large number of materials including various types of grain and their disintegration products, silica, fungi, insects and mites. The study aims to assess the knowledge and determine the relationship regarding the ill effects of grain dust exposure on respiratory system among flour mill workers. The research approach for this study is explorative and descriptive survey. The researcher planned to explore the knowledge regarding the ill effects of grain dust exposure on respiratory system and its prevention. The structured interview schedules were tried out with flour mill workers in selected flour mill at Bangalore rural. Split half method was done and co- efficient correlation was found (r= 0.82) which indicates high degree of reliability. Finding of the study showed, knowledge score of the flour mill workers 82% of them were having below average knowledge and 10% of them were having average knowledge and 8% of them only having good knowledge regarding the ill effects of grain dust exposure. The study concluded that the knowledge of mill workers is a basic education programme in community area such as occupational health. The primary task of nursing education is to improve the knowledge and practices to prevent the ill effects among occupational development among the community.

Seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 among children after the second surge (June 2021) in a rural district of South India: Findings and lessons from a population-based survey.

To determine the seroprevalence of SARS COV 2 among children in the Bangalore Rural district. We conducted a cross-sectional study after the second surge of COVID-19 from 14 June to 13 July 2021 and recruited 412 children through house to house visits from four villages in a rural district. We administered a questionnaire to collect demographics and details of COVID-19 infection and used the ABCHEK Antibody Card test (NuLifecare,India) which is an ICMR approved test for detecting antibodies (IgG & IgM) by immunochromatography using the finger prick method. We used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 for analysis. Our participants had an age group ranging from 11 months to 18 years. There was an almost equal distribution of boys (48.3%) and girls (51.7%). We estimated seroprevalence of 45.9% (95% CI: 41-50.8) among children. Seroprevalence was significantly associated with a history of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 in the past, the seropositive status of the parents, and any other family members being tested positive. Age and gender of the child, education and occupation of the parents were not associated with the seropositivity status of the child. Seroprevalence of COVID-19 among children corresponds to adult seroprevalence during the same time interval. This knowledge can be of practical application where adult prevalence is documented. Unvaccinated children in low-resource settings need special attention with respect to monitoring for new mutations as well as managing endemic needs.

Pests and predators interference on the stingless bee population inhabited at different habitats amidst south-eastern Karnataka, India

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are called ‘Dammar bees’ live under cryptic conditions at diversified ecosystems. Stingless bees are one of the most important species, playing pivotal role as ‘Keystone Pollinators’ for various flowering plant species. Besides, they are cultured in the name of ‘Meliponi culture’ at various man-made agro-ecosystems. Reports on biological constraints of stingless bees is limited at south-eastern Karnataka, hence in the present study commonly occurring constraints and their per cent interference on stingless bee population under natural conditions from 2017 to 2019 in Bangalore Rural, Chikkaballapura and Kolar districts, Karnataka was made. The Megachile bee, Megachile (Callomegachile) disjuncta, beetle, Bitoma siccana, spider, Menemerus bivittatus, Crossopriza lyoni and Pholcus phalangioides, greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, wall lizard, Hemidactylus species, garden lizard, Calotis versicolar and Psammophilus dorsalis acted as important constraints of stingless bee population and impacted more for their decline. Further, burning, hunting, closing their colony entrance by cow dung and cement, road construction and destruction of buildings and other man-made activities have created huge impact on stingless bee population. Stingless bee’s conservation is required to restore for conservation of local vegetation, to produce medicinally important honey and hence their natural colonies need special attention cum protection at their preferred abode.