Rural Community Of West Bengal Research Articles

A Study to Identify Extent of Difference between Son and Daughter Preference, Gender Discrimination and its Socio Demographic Predictors among Currently Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Selected Rural Community of West Bengal

A Study to Identify Extent of Difference between Son and Daughter Preference, Gender Discrimination and its Socio Demographic Predictors among Currently Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Selected Rural Community of West Bengal

KNOWLEDGE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS FOR USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG MARRIED WOMEN OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Use of contraceptive and family planning methods are help in fertility pattern and also helps to improve reproductive health. It is important to have proper knowledge about the contraceptives and identified the associated factor for the use of contraceptives by the married women. A study was conducted to assess the knowledge and the associated factor for the use of contraceptives among married women in the selected rural community of West Bengal. Non-probability purposive technique was used to collect data from 162 married women residing at the selected rural community. It was collected by using structured knowledge questionnaire and structured questionnaire for identify associated factor. The study revealed that 16.67% married women’s had poor knowledge, 12.34% married women’s had good knowledge. It observed that 48.76% married women belonged to the married life of 5-10 years. 72.22 % married women got contraceptives from Subcenter.38.89 % married women used Oral contraceptives pill.83.34 % married women’s were using contraceptives by couple choice.74.70 % married women’s advice taken from Health worker.42.85 % married women used Oral contraceptives pill because of Decision of couple.92.60 % women used Condoms because of because of Decision of couple.65.62% women used Injectables because of easily available .52.5 % married women used CU-T because of easily available. There was statistically significant association between knowledge of contraceptives and their demographic variables like, the religion, marital age.

Burden of frailty and its correlates among the elderly: a cross-sectional study in a rural community of West Bengal.

With the ageing of Indian society, providing a healthy life among older people is a public health precedence. Therefore, beforehand discovery and possible forestalment of frailty may help promote healthy ageing and dwindle the social, mental and financial burden of their families and caregivers. The study aimed to assess the proportion of frailty and its associated factors among the elderly aged 65 years and above in a rural community of West Bengal. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 elderlies selected from 15 villages out of a total 64 villages of Singur under the Hooghly District of West Bengal from January 2019 to February 2020. Cluster sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested structured schedule including Fried frailty phenotype (FFP), geriatric depression scale short form (GDS 15) and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) tool. Associated factors of frailty were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression using SPSS version 16 software and MS Excel 2019. The proportion of frailty was observed to be 23.7% and that of prefrailty 40.7%. Frailty was significantly associated with increasing age [AOR(CI) 1.2(1.1-1.3)], decreasing years of schooling [AOR(CI) 1.3(1.1-1.5)], loss of spouse [AOR(CI) 4.2(1.2-15.2)], financial dependency [AOR(CI) 19.3(2.7-139.0)], staying at home [AOR(CI) 16.3(2.7-98.2)], presence of anaemia [AOR(CI) 3.6(1.3-9.5)], at risk of malnutrition [AOR(CI) 6.5(1.9-22.3)], increasing number of falls in the last 1 year [AOR(CI) 4.3(1.2-15.6)], presence of 3 or more chronic diseases [AOR(CI) 154.7(12.1-1981.9)] and depression [AOR(CI) 8.3(2.5-27.0)]. The burden of frailty among the study population is relatively high. It's an intimidating situation that needs bettered screening provisions for early discovery with special stress on nutritive upliftment. Screening for depression should also be done regularly.

Risk Factors of Impediment of the Early Childhood Development in Rural Bengal

Abstract Background: Early childhood development (ECD) is the foundation of future life starting from conception and depends on biological and environmental factors. Seventy-four percent of these children reside in villages; many are underserved and marginalized. Enabling young children to achieve their full developmental potential is a requisite for sustainable development, but globally, 43% of children are still at risk to do so. The problem of ECD is grave for underprivileged rural population in India. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to identify the key risk factors that are prevalent in a marginalized rural community in West Bengal and to observe the impact of these impeding factors on ECD, thereby helping in priority setting in service delivery to optimize ECD promotion. Methods: In this community-based cross-sectional observational study, a random sample survey of 609 households with children 0–6 years was conducted in Purulia district, West Bengal, India, using a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey III-based questionnaire followed by data analysis. Results: Lack of stimulatory home environment, poor learning opportunities, and inadequate responsive parental care were major hindrances. The cumulative effect of multiple other health and hygiene factors was also hindering ECD. Most factors were strongly influenced by poor maternal education. Conclusion: Education of caregivers, especially parents by dedicated health workers on early learning opportunities, showed the path of applied sciences in pediatric clinical practice. To modulate socioeconomic adversities with responsive parental care, ECD can be fostered.

Scourge of out-of-pocket expenditure on health: A study on its burden and predictors in a rural community of West Bengal.

Globally, one-third of current health expenditure had been out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). The health system financing of almost all low- and middle-income countries including India rely heavily on out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for health care. OOPE on health payments is particularly hard on any community, especially the poor leading to incomplete or even no treatment during their ill health. This study estimated OOPE among residents of a rural community in West Bengal and explored the associated factors with high OOP expenses. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural community in Singur, West Bengal from June 2019 to February 2020. The study was done among 398 villagers selected from 15 clusters or villages. Households were randomly selected in each village. All members of the selected households were interviewed. SPSS was used for data analysis both for descriptive and inferential statistics. Only 14.6% of morbid persons had catastrophic expenditure. The incidence of catastrophic expenditure was higher among those who opted for private practitioners and or ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha, and homeopathy (AYUSH) facilities. There was zero catastrophic expenditure for the unqualified sector. There was an increasing trend of OOP payments among the lower socioeconomic groups. Again, low-income individuals had a higher share in cumulative expenditure (Gini coefficient of 0.35). Most of the participants (78.4%) had no health insurance coverage. Promotion for higher utilization of public health facilities may reduce the burden of OOP expenses. Government health insurance schemes must be widened with the inclusion of coverage of outpatient services. Integrating AYUSH services in the public sector is another option to reduce OOP expenses.

Self-Medication Practices and Health Seeking Behaviour among Residents of Selected Villages in A Block of West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction: Self-medication can lead to problems such as adverse effects and antibiotic resistance. This study was conducted to estimate the proportion of self-medication practice, to elicit the reasons for practicing self-medication, to find the factors associated with self-medication practice and to assess the health seeking behaviour among a rural community of West Bengal. Method: A study with mixed-methods approach was conducted among 212 households from four selected villages in a block of West Bengal. Focussed Group Discussions were held with respondents who were practising self-medication. Data were analysed using SPSS 25.0 and Atlas ti 7.0. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to find the factors associated with self-medication practice. Results: The proportion of self-medication practice was found to be 41%. Allopathy was most commonly preferred system of Medicine (78.8%). Statistically significant factors associated with self-medication practice were education upto Middle school (aOR 3.59) and Secondary level (aOR 10.71), Class III socio-economic status (aOR 5.03) and presence of acute illness (aOR 28.92). Conclusion: Proportion of self-medication practice among rural population was high. This needs to be addressed and health education should be provided to them.

Assessment of Facilitating Factors and Barriers Faced by the Mothers for Prevention of Home Accidents among Preschool Children: A Comparative Study in Selected Urban and Rural Community of West Bengal

Introduction: A comparative survey was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020 to assess and compare facilitating factors and barriers faced by mothers of preschool children for the prevention of home accidents among conveniently selected 120 mothers in the selected urban and rural communities of West Bengal. Method: Data were collected using semi-structured and structured questionnaires, 3-point rating scale, and an observational checklist. Result: The study results stated that there was no significant difference in knowledge score and stated practice between urban and rural community mothers (‘t’ = 0.984 at p ˂ 0.05) and (‘t’ = 1.718 at p ˂ 0.05) but there was a significant difference in observed practice between urban and rural community mothers (‘t’ = 6.505 at p ˂ 0.05). There was no significant difference between the barriers of urban and rural community mothers (‘t’ = -0.833 at p ˂ 0.05). In this study, there was a significant association between the knowledge score of participants and information received about home accidents, facilitating factors and type of family, and between barriers and mother’s age in the rural community. In the urban community, there was a significant association between the knowledge score of participants and information received about home accidents, and between facilitating factors and mother’s age. There was no significant association between the barriers and any demographic variable. Conclusion: Child safety is a social value that demands attention hence, this study findings therefore call for prompt and target group interventions.

Time and temporality in a religious utopia: Migration to rural safe haven as the world ends

As alternatives to and critiques of capitalist modernity, utopian communities have long been of interest to social scientists. But most of these endeavours do not survive past one generation, fuelling suspicion about their utility or merit. Those that do survive hold a common thread in that there is a strong religious or philosophical component tying the community together. But the role of religion in contemporary utopias has not been a consistent focus of analysis. This paper explores the case of Mayapur, a rural community in West Bengal, India that is the spiritual homeland of the Gaudiya Vaishanavism strand of Hinduism, a centuries-old religion that spread around the world in the counterculture era and inspired many to convert and migrate to Mayapur. The community recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and boasts its third generation of children. Core elements contributing to the continuity of this utopia project are Hindu understandings of space and time, including karma and reincarnation, which inform devotees’ critique of the dystopic present of Western modernity and motivate their migration to the Bengali countryside.

Vulnerability toward the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 among adults from a rural community of West Bengal, India

PurposeIndia has over half a million diabetics, with many others at risk. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple and validated tool used for mass screening of diabetes mellitus type 2 at the community level. This study assessed the vulnerability of developing diabetes in adults of a rural community of West Bengal using the IDRS and finds out the relationship of the risk of developing diabetes with socioclinical variables.Design/methodology/approachMulti-stage sampling was employed to select one eligible nondiabetic adult from selected families residing in the rural field practice area of a medical college in West Bengal. They were interviewed with a predesigned and pretested data collection schedule and examined.FindingsAmong 197 participants, 83.8% were female, 51.8% were illiterate and 57.4% came from Class IV of Prasad's socioeconomic scale. Of participants, 22.8% had existing known morbidities, and 23.9% had some form of substance addiction. In total, 46.8% of the participants on whom the IDRS could be applied (n = 175) were at high risk of developing diabetes (Score = 60). Gender and existing comorbidities significantly predicted a high risk of diabetes.Originality/valueA large proportion of the Indian population yet to be diagnosed with diabetes are at a high risk of having the disease. Early detection of the disease can help curtail its complications and reduce its clinical, social and economic burden. Mass screening tools like the IDRS thus become a very important tool in India's attempts to fight diabetes.

Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice regarding Prevention of Worm Infestation among Mothers of Children in a Selected Rural Community of West Bengal

A research work was undertaken to analyse the knowledge and practice regarding prevention of worm infestation among the mothers having children between 2-12 years of age. The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and practices of mothers regarding prevention of worm infestation as measured by structured interview schedule. The conceptual framework adopted for the study was based on “Health Belief Model”. Data was collected from 100 mothers using convenient sampling technique. Validity of the tool was evaluated by 10 experts. Reliability of the tool was established by Karl Pearson’s product moment correlation coefÀ cient formula. The study result revealed that 13 percent of mothers have excellent knowledge, 59 percent good, 27 percent average and 1 percent below average knowledge regarding prevention of worm infestation, 37 percent of the mothers had poor practice. Association was found out between knowledge of mothers and selected demographic variables. The study has various implications in nursing services, nursing education, nursing administration and research. This study can be replicated on large sample, so that À ndings can be generalised to a large population.

Factors Associated with Intention and Attempt to Quit: A Study among Current Smokers in a Rural Community of West Bengal.

Context:Tobacco smoking is one of the preventable causes of death. Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 report showed that 19% Indian males were current smokers. It is important to find out factors which help smokers on smoking cessation, ultimately to prevent of lung and other morbidities. There are few community-based studies on intention and attempt to quit smoking in rural area.Aims:The present study aimed to determine the factors associated with intention and attempt to quit smoking among current smokers.Settings and Design:A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2019 among 198 male daily smokers residing in the rural field practice area of AllH and PH, Kolkata.Subjects and Methods:After cluster sampling, data were collected by predesigned schedule by the face-to-face interview.Results:151 (76.3%) study subjects intended to quit smoking. 63 (31.8%) study subjects attempted to quit in last 1 year. Thirty-one (47.5%) showed high-to-medium nicotine dependence. There was a significant association of intention to quit with agriculture as occupation (acquisitive crime [AOR]-2.17, confidence interval [CI]-1.01–4.63), low nicotine dependence (AOR-2.98, CI-1.43–6.21), doctor's advice (AOR = 2.84, CI-1.27–6.33), and family pressure (AOR = 2.16, CI-1.07–4.38). Attempt to quit was significantly associated with low nicotine dependence (AOR = 5.85, CI-2.85–12.00), family pressure (AOR = 2.94, CI-1.47–5.91).Conclusion:Along with counseling to reduce nicotine dependence, comprehensive approach both from family members as well as health care providers, is vital to escalate the quitting behaviour in smoking habit.

AWARENESS OF MOTHER'S REGARDING UNDER FIVE DANGER SIGNS IN ASELECTED RURAL COMMUNITY OF WEST BENGAL

Background: The first five years constitute the foundations of the child’s physical, mental growth and development. Mortality and morbidity are higher among this age group. Early detection of danger signs are very crucial to prevent such. The objectives were to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding under-five danger signs & explore the association and causal effect between such knowledge with selected factors. Methodology : A descriptivestudy was conducted in a rural community of West Bengal from Jan’2018 to Sept’2018. Total study sample was 110 mothers having under five children. Door to door data collection was done by using interview technique & data has been analyzed by both manually and computer feeding.Results :Out of total study sample, majority (60%) belongs to age group 18- 25 years followed by 31% among 26- 33 age group, then 16% were more than 33 years . Out of total mothers majority (40%) belongs to higher educated group, (37%) secondary group , followed by (10%) has primary education and (13%) were illiterate. Knowledge score was more than 50% among higher educated group (64%). Out of total respondents 61 (55.5 %) mother’s were not able to identify any danger signs whereas (35.5%) mothers identified 1-2 danger signs and (9%) mothers able to identify 3-4 danger signs. Knowledge score about danger signs was more who visited antenatal clinic more than 4 times (61%).Conclusions :Awareness regarding under five danger signs are more among higher educated mothers. Number of antenatal visits also influence knowledge score.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome, vitamin D level, and their association among elderly women in a rural community of West Bengal, India

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome, vitamin D level, and their association among elderly women in a rural community of West Bengal, India

Why are our elderly distressed? A cross-sectional study in a rural community of West Bengal.

Context:Population across the globe are aging rapidly due to demographic transition. More than 50% of the elderly in India suffer from one or more chronic diseases and psychological distress is one of the most common morbidities among them.Aims and Objective:This study was conducted with the objective to assess the status of psychological distress among the elderly.Settings and Design:A community based, cross-sectional study among 347 elderly aged 60 years and above.Methods and Materials:This study was done in 30 villages (clusters) in Singur block of West Bengal. A predesigned and pretested schedule was used to collect data.Statistical Analysis:Data were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:The mean (± SD) age of the elderly was 67.67 (± 7.15) years, majority (67.4%) were in the 60–69 years age group. Most (62.8%) of the elderly were suffering from psychological distress which is significantly associated with below primary education level [AOR (95% CI)] = [25.09 (11.88-52.96)], living without spouse and child [AOR (95% CI) =7.88 (3.90-15.89)], financial dependence [AOR (95% CI) =20.23 (7.58-54.00)], dependent functional activity (assessed by ADL) [AOR (95% CI) =3.84 (1.25-11.76)], and decision for healthcare taken by others [AOR (95% CI)] = [3.84 (1.25-11.76)].Conclusions:Alarmingly, the proportion of psychological distress was found to be high among the elderly of this rural area. Therefore, all steps must be taken with special focus on the mental health of the old people so that they may continue to contribute to the upliftment of the society.

Cognitive impairment and its predictors: A cross-sectional study among the elderly in a rural community of West Bengal.

Context:With the aging of Indian society, maintaining salubrious cognitive health in late life is a public health priority. Early detection and possible prevention of cognitive impairment (CI), thus, will help in increasing the quality of life of elderly people and decreasing the social, psychological, and economic burden of their families and caregivers.Aims:The study aimed to assess proportion of CI and its predictors.Settings and Design:This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 elderly people selected from 15 villages out of a total 64 villages in rural field practice area Singur of AIIH&PH, Kolkata.Methods and Material:Cluster sampling technique was used and villages were selected according to probability proportional to size method. Data was collected using a predesigned, pretested structured schedule, which included sociodemographic and behavioral variables, Montreal cognitive assessment tool, Geriatric depression scale short form (GDS 15), and mini nutritional assessment tool.Statistical Analysis Used:Predictors of CI were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression using MS-Excel 2016 and SPSS version 16 software.Results:Mean age of the study participants was 67.03 ± 6.7 years with 51.9% of them being females. Proportion of CI was observed to be 48.1% which was significantly associated with increasing age [AOR = 1.1 (1.02–1.13)], decreasing years of schooling [AOR = 1.1 (1.01–1.2)], depression [AOR = 2.7 (1.3–5.8)], and malnourished group [AOR = 4.5 (1.01–20.3)]Conclusion:The burden of CI among the study population was found to be quite high. It is an alarming situation which needs improved screening facility for early detection. Nutritional upliftment and screening for depression should also be done on a regular basis.

A cross-sectional study on prevalence and determinants of anemia among women of reproductive age in a rural community of West Bengal.

Context:Anemia is a serious public health concern especially in women of reproductive age (WRA) as it causes a high burden of morbidity and mortality and persists through intergenerational cycle. As most of the risk factors are preventable, a thorough understanding of its risk factors is necessary to design better interventions.Aims:Current study aimed to estimate the burden of anemia as well as explore determinants of various grades of anemia among WRA in a rural area.Settings and Design:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant, non-lactating women of reproductive age in rural field practice area of All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health.Methods and Materials:House to house visit was conducted for interviewing with pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire along with blood hemoglobin and anthropometric measurement.Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics and test of significance like multinomial logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis test (with post-hoc) were used.Results:Majority (70.8%) of participants were anemic. Proportion of mild, moderate, and severe anemia were 24.16%, 37.5%, and 9.16%, respectively. Different levels of anemia were significantly associated with higher age, lower education, poor iron-rich food intake, lack of dietary diversity, and adiposity. Significantly low hemoglobin level in both underweight and obesity was noticed suggesting U shaped relationship between BMI and anemia.Conclusion:Periodic screening for anemia among WRA especially in both extremes of malnutrition, i.e., undernutrition and obesity should be considered at the policy level. Year-round behaviour change communication campaigns must be carried out for the promotion of necessary food groups in diet.

Cognition of emergency contraception: an assessment among WRA in a rural community of West Bengal

Background: Emergency Contraception (EC) is an important option for women exposed to unprotected sex to prevent unintended pregnancy and induced abortion. EC has a potential to offer women an important option for fertility control. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge about Emergency Contraception among currently married women of reproductive age in a rural area of West Bengal.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted on 608 currently married women of reproductive age for 1 year from May 2017 to April 2018. Questionnaire was administered to women on knowledge of emergency contraception (EC). Data was analyzed in SPSS version 16.Results: Among the study participants 66% had knowledge of emergency contraception. A small number (8.9%) of the total participants ever used EC to prevent pregnancy. Only 65.3% of them had correct knowledge regarding timing of EC. Effectiveness of post-coital pill was known to them while none of these women were aware of the existence of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) insertion as an option for EC.Conclusions: Marked lacunae were observed regarding knowledge and practice of emergency contraceptives among the WRA. Proper and correct knowledge on Emergency Contraception is of urgent need among all sexually active women especially in this country for population stabilization.

A study on risk factors of hypertension among females residing in a rural block of West Bengal

Background: A systematic review on the prevalence of HTN in India, for studies published between 1969 and July 2011, reported a range between 13.9 to 46.3% and 4.5 to 58.8% in urban and rural areas of India, respectively. Females are more negligent as far as health seeking behaviour is concerned. No study was found to report the status of risk factors of hypertension solely among the female population in this rural community of West Bengal. Thus, this study was undertaken with the purpose to highlight the status of known risk factors of hypertension among adults female population of a rural community of West Bengal.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study with systematic random sampling was conducted among 174 adult women residing in a rural area of West Bengal. Informed consent was obtained from the study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on various risk factors of hypertension. Analysis was done using SPSS (v 16).Results: Among 174 study participants, 54% were found to be hypertensive at the time of examination. Score according to number of risk factors was calculated and found to range from 2-10, the attainable score being 0-14. Median Systolic and diastolic Blood pressure was found to be more in group of individuals with more score.Conclusions: Modifiable risk factors were found to be present in considerable proportion of the study participants.

Risk Factors During Pregnancy and Early Childhood in Rural West Bengal, India: A Feasibility Study Implemented via Trained Community Health Workers Using Mobile Data Collection Devices.

Objectives This study measures the prevalence of risk factors among pregnant women and young children aged 12-24 months in a rural community in West Bengal, India. Methods Community health workers (CHWs) enrolled women and children into this 2015 cross-sectional study. Pregnant women were evaluated for underweight, anemia, and abnormal blood pressure. Children were evaluated for underweight, abnormal head and upper arm circumferences, and low scores from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Data were collected on smartphones and tablets or by paper. Results More than half of the 279 women (59.9%) had a risk factor during pregnancy: 48.7% were anemic, 35.1% had low blood pressure, and 7.5% were underweight. Among the 366 children, 59.3% had a risk factor, including 24.0% with low ASQ scores and 49.7% who had abnormal anthropometric measures. Conclusions for Practice Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and young children, needed a greater connection to doctors in this rural community. This study demonstrated the feasibility of CHWs to listen to health concerns and connect underserved populations with health care services.

Probable psychiatric disorder in a rural community of West Bengal, India.

India faces multiple challenges to mitigate a high burden of psychiatric disorders. The risk of developing psychiatric disorder among the rural Indian population is poorly investigated. This study aims to understand the factors associated with probable psychiatric disorder (PPD) among a select rural Indian population. Data from the Birbhum population project of the society for health and demographic surveillance, West Bengal, India, were utilized. Cross-sectional data covering a sample of 31,135 respondents (male 15,384 and female 15,751) aged ≥ 16years were used. The General Health Questionnaire-28 was administered and the responses were computed into three categories: psychological case, psychological caseness, and normal. Bivariate and multivariate ordered logit regression analyses were applied to attain the study objective. Of the total population, 26% of respondents were identified with PPD. People aged ≥ 60 years, females, divorced/separated/widowed individuals, the unemployed and people with no formal education, individuals from the poorest economic group, and people with a history of selling or mortgaging assets towards their healthcare expenditure had a higher prevalence of psychiatric case within their respective group. A high burden of PPD was estimated in the select rural community. While designing an intervention for measuring and addressing psychiatric disorders, the socioeconomic gradient of PPD could be helpful.