Rural India Research Articles

Protocol for the study of bedside CSF analysis by urinary reagent strips and comparison with traditional laboratory measurements in a tertiary care centre in rural India

Protocol for the study of bedside CSF analysis by urinary reagent strips and comparison with traditional laboratory measurements in a tertiary care centre in rural India

How does cybersecurity awareness help in achieving digital financial inclusion in rural India under escalating cyber fraud scenario?

ABSTRACT The remarkable rise of cybercrime and its catastrophic consequences pose a significant threat to global financial and banking institutions. Financial inclusion is essential in fostering economic development and enhancing individual empowerment. Integrating digital technologies in the banking sector, promotes digital financial inclusion. However, the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes poses a significant threat towards digital financial inclusion. Considering the rising cases of cybercrimes, the research model integrates the constructs of UTAUT and DOI theory, along with two additional constructs, viz. cyber fraud and cyber security awareness, in the context of digital financial inclusion through payment banking in rural India. By examining the effect of cybercrimes on trust and adoption intention, the study provides valuable insights into the implications of digital financial inclusion. The findings revealed that cyber fraud harms trust and payment banking adoption. Cyber security awareness, facilitating conditions, and trust positively affect payment banking adoption, ultimately enhancing digital financial inclusiveness in rural India. The structural model suggests that emerging cyber fraud has become a significant challenge to digital financial inclusion. In contrast, cyber security awareness among payment banking users could be helpful for rural digital banking users to protect their bank accounts from cyber fraud.

Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural India: A mixed-method study on perception

Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural India: A mixed-method study on perception

The digital revolution in India: bridging the gap in rural technology adoption

This study investigates the factors that influence the adoption of digital technology in rural areas of India, with a focus on the Digital India Program (DIP). By analyzing the age distribution, education levels, technology adoption rates, and utilization patterns among rural populations, this research provides insights into the effectiveness of the DIP in targeting specific demographics and promoting digital inclusion. Quantitative data were collected from 400 respondents in Kalahandi District in the Odisha state of India. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS. The findings reveal a predominantly young population in rural India, indicating a workforce with significant economic potential and a higher likelihood of embracing digital technologies. Moreover, the study highlights the high levels of education among respondents, indicating a population well-equipped to understand and benefit from digital initiatives. Unexpectedly, the research shows a higher rate of digital technology adoption among female respondents, challenging the perception of gender disparities in technology access. This finding suggests that the DIP has played a vital role in bridging the gender gap and empowering women in rural areas. Additionally, the study uncovers a trend towards mobile-based services over computer-based services, signaling a shift in technology utilization patterns. This emphasizes the need to prioritize mobile technology and improve connectivity in rural areas to ensure wider access to digital platforms.

Evidence of potential impacts of a nutrition-sensitive agroecology program in Andhra Pradesh, India, on dietary diversity, nutritional status, and child development.

While a number of studies have examined the nutritional impacts of agroecological interventions, few have examined impacts on child development, maternal and child anemia, and men's dietary diversity. Moreover, there have been few such evaluations at scale. We evaluated the impact of a large-scale, multi-component food-based nutrition intervention involving homestead food production, nutrition counselling, cooking demonstrations, and crop planning exercises. A cross-sectional assessment was conducted in 2021-2022 of 50 intervention villages where the nutrition-sensitive agroecology program had been implemented since 2018 and 79 control villages where only the agroecology program had been implemented. Data on self-reported dietary intake, caregiver-reported early child development, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin concentrations were collected using standardized procedures by trained Nutrition Farming Fellows, who were also responsible for implementing the program. A sample of 3,511 households (1,121 intervention and 2,390 control) participated in the survey. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) among women and men were mean (SD) 6.53 (±1.62) and 6.16 (±1.65), respectively, in intervention villages and 5.81 (±1.58) and 5.39 (±1.61), respectively, in control villages (p<0.01). DDS among children 6-24 months of age in intervention and control villages was 2.99 (±1.52) and 2.73 (±1.62), respectively (p<0.01). Children <2 years of age were less likely to be anemic in intervention versus control villages (59% versus 69%, p<0.01). Children 18-35 months age in intervention villages had higher child development scores than children in control villages (all p<0.05). Nutrition-sensitive agroecological programs may be effective in improving diets, nutrition, and child development in rural India.

Male Partner Involvement in Birth Preparedness, Complication Readiness and Obstetric Emergencies in Central Rural India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Male Partner Involvement in Birth Preparedness, Complication Readiness and Obstetric Emergencies in Central Rural India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Intercultural education through an online field course during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional field-courses for intercultural education were suspended. In response, we developed and implemented an innovative online field course that leveraged live online field experiences. Drawing from Cognitive Load Theory and Four Components Instructional Design, our aim was to create an engaging online intercultural course that addressed the challenges of remote instruction. The course focused on introducing students to field challenges in rural India, equipping them with the necessary skills for conducting online field research. Throughout the course, we employed Action Research methodologies to study and refine our approach while monitoring student’s progress towards achieving the course objectives. While physical presence in the field is valuable for certain aspects of intercultural education, we found that online field courses, supported by live virtual field visits and online fieldwork, can provide students with a meaningful intercultural experience. To manage the cognitive load experienced by students, we emphasised carefully designed and flexible course content, as well as providing close supervision and feedback.

Impact of COVID-19 on the primary level teaching-learning process in rural India

PurposeCOVID-19 outbreak impacts people globally. It is not simply a global health matter; it has a terrible influence on the social life of humans, counting the worldwide education structure and other phases of present social configurations. Therefore, the present study's objective is to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the online education approach in teachers' perceptions.MethodologyThe study performs a mixed research approach for evaluating the teachers' perspectives in the online education system. The quantitative data are collected with the support of a questionnaire from 175 respondents (Public School teachers), and in-depth telephonic interviews are conducted among 25 schoolteachers using a semi-structured questionnaire for qualitative data. The quantitative analysis is performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and the qualitative analysis is coded and analyzed thematically.FindingsThe quantitative results show that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the online teaching method; teachers' adaptation here seems low. In contrast, communication with school leaders is provided a clear view of online teaching methods. The key findings from the qualitative analysis show that the adaptation online education system is complex owing to various struggles. Some institutions facilitate training sessions to teach in a range of adopting the online education system. Finally, the teachers need help making students actively participate in online classes.DiscussionThe study conducts original survey through both interview and questionnaire. The results are determined through thematic and data analysis.

Geriatric health care in rural India: HR issues and public policy constraints

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the need for holistic geriatric health care in rural India. Many older people in Indian villages suffer from chronic ailments without any relief or intervention because of inaccessible and unaffordable health-care services. This paper explores how holistic health care can be assured for older people in Indian villages. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on reflections of the authors who have had experiences as caregivers to older persons within their respective families rooted in the Indian villages. Besides, they interacted with 30 older persons (18 males and 12 females in the age group of 60–80 years) living in the villages in three states of India, namely, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to develop a comprehensive viewpoint on the need of geriatric health care in rural India. Relevant reports, newspaper articles and research papers were also reviewed while developing viewpoints on such an important topic. Findings Geriatric health-care facilities in rural India are abysmal. The older people in the villages cannot leverage health-care facilities that are generally inaccessible, inadequate and unaffordable. Even the government support for medical treatment is minuscule. Furthermore, there is lack of trained health-care professionals at all levels, namely, doctors, nurses and paramedic personnel. Training opportunities in geriatrics are also negligible. The scenario vis-à-vis geriatric health care in rural India can be upturned by increasing public spending on health-care infrastructure, increasing numbers of health-care professionals and expanding training programmes in geriatrics. Originality/value This paper is based on the critical reflections of the authors as well as their informal interactions with some of the older people in the Indian villages.

Smart Tractor Reinvented for Safe Crops and Pesticides Control

This study addresses the challenges faced by rural Indian agriculture due to labor shortages and the migration of rural populations to urban areas. To mitigate these issues and enhance agricultural productivity, a novel solution is proposed: a GPS-guided autonomous robotic tractor equipped with advanced agricultural functionalities. The system incorporates features such as intruder detection, security measures, irrigation facilities, pesticide spraying, and environmental monitoring capabilities. With agriculture being the primary occupation in many Indian states, the significance of this innovation cannot be overstated. By harnessing autonomous technology, the project aims to optimize crop yields while minimizing labor requirements. The robotic tractor's design integrates basic components including DC motors, intruder sensors, a WIFI camera, and a solar panel for sustainable charging. The mechanical design prioritizes simplicity and functionality to ensure efficient operation in farm fields. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of smart agriculture in rural India, offering a promising solution to the evolving challenges faced by the agricultural sector

Book Review: Semiotics of Rape: Sexual Subjectivity and Violation in Rural India

Book Review: Semiotics of Rape: Sexual Subjectivity and Violation in Rural India

Using spirometry for screening and diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases in primary health care: findings from a community health project in rural India

Background Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Asthma and post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) are a growing public health concern in India. Early diagnosis and management of CRDs require a good quality spirometry test, a technician to conduct spirometry and a chest physician to interpret the results. In India, these are not available at the primary care level. This study reports the feasibility of a large-scale CRD diagnosis and management program in primary care using a unique point-of-care spirometry solution, Briota PFT in a Box™. # Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 15,602 adults in Dindori Taluka (subdivision), Nashik, Maharashtra state. This study was part of a holistic CRD diagnosis and management program SAVE™ (Spirometry Assisted Virtually Early). Make In India point of care solution Briota PFT in a Box™ was used. A House‐to‐house community-based assessment checklist (CBAC) survey, 4-parameter spirometry test, 15-parameter pre and post-bronchodilator spirometry test and a software-assisted medical examination by the medical officer at primary care were conducted. Software was used to generate CRD diagnosis and lung health score (LHS™). The diagnosis was verified by the chest physician. Confirmed diagnosed patients were provided treatment and offered a patient support program. Interviews were conducted with the patients, nurses, doctors and public health officials for understanding feasibility and documenting learning from program SAVE™. # Results Out of 15,602 adults surveyed, total 4,937 (31.6%) were identified as “CRD high risk”. 1231 participants based on medical examination, spirometry tests and software analysis were identified as CRD candidates by medical officers at primary care. 1154 participants out of 15,602 (7.4%) were confirmed diagnosed as CRD patients post independent evaluation by chest physicians. At the time of follow-up, 537 patients (75% of 712 patients enrolled in patient support program) reported improvement in symptoms and high satisfaction with the program. District health officer, Medical officers, nurses, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) from the primary health care centers confirmed ease of use and feasibility of using Briota PFT in a Box™ in program SAVE™. Outcome and learning from program SAVE™ was documented and submitted to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India. # Conclusions CRD diagnosis and management in large scale settings in primary healthcare level using a point of care spirometry solution Briota PFT in a Box™ is highly feasible.

Does reliable electricity mean lesser agricultural labor wages? Evidence from Indian villages

Using a panel of 1,171 villages in rural India that were surveyed in the India Human Development Surveys, I perform a difference-in-differences analysis to find that improvements in electricity reliability have a negative effect on the increase in casual agricultural labor wage rates. Changes in men’s wage rates are found to be affected more adversely than women’s, resulting in a smaller widening of the gender wage gap. I find that better electricity reliability reduces the time spent by women in fuel collection substantially which could potentially increase labor supply. The demand for labor remains unaffected by reliability, which could lead the surplus in labor supply to cause wage rates to stunt. However, I show that electrical appliances such as groundwater pumps considerably increase labor demand indicating that governments could target increasing the adoption of electric pumps along with bettering the quality of electricity to absorb the surplus labor into agriculture.

Driving sustainable mobility: a study of electric vehicle adoption in rural India

Driving sustainable mobility: a study of electric vehicle adoption in rural India

Exploring Community Perceptions on Underreporting of Suicide in Indian Rural settings from Psychosocial and Cultural Perspective

BackgroundThe Indian rural population is recognised as one of the vulnerable segments of the society in terms of reporting suicide. Inconsistencies in the reporting of suicide impede the real suicide case, that in turn hinders efforts to prevent suicide. There are differences in suicide motives in rural areas due to the clear cultural and social borders, that could affect reporting. Very few studies have examined these psychological and sociocultural variables in rural context. Thus, the main goal of the current investigation is to comprehend these aspects and recommend strategies accordingly. MethodThe present study employed in-depth interviewing using focus group discussions on a sample of 93 participants. Through purposive sampling 12 areas were shortlisted from four districts from Bihar State, India. Only those areas were selected, where suicide had occurred in the last one year. All the twelve discussions were finally transcribed and using the thematic analysis approach qualitative data were analysed. ResultsThree themes appeared followed by their subthemes. First theme was apprehensions and fears and the subtheme emerged were society's reaction towards suicide and legal procedure. Second theme was religious belief related to suicide and the subthemes were, soul wandering, unfulfilled desire of the soul, and life after death. Third theme was females were more underreported and subtheme emerged i.e., protecting the honour of the family, and laws related to women social issues. ConclusionFindings of this study suggest that psychosocial and cultural factors serve as barrier in reporting and hinders suicide prevention process. This finding indicates that formulating multisectoral approach in reducing community attitude and stigma of rural population towards suicide.

Association of Sleep Quality with Physical and Psychological Health Indicators among Overweight and Obese, Middle-aged and Older Rural Indians

ObjectiveTo measure the association of sleep quality with physical (i.e., grip strength, functional mobility, balance) and psychological (depression, anxiety) health indicators in an overweight/obese population. MethodsBaseline data of 2,337 participants (1,382 overweight/obese and 955 normal weight) from an aging cohort in rural southern India (CBR-SANSCOG) was analyzed retrospectively. Assessment tools included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, dynamometry for hand grip strength (HGS), timed up-and-go (TUG) for functional mobility, and chair stand test (CST) for lower limb strength, Geriatric Depression scale (GDS-30) for depressive symptoms and Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms. Linear regression models, adjusted for known confounders, were used to examine the association of sleep quality with the health parameters in overweight/obese and normal-weight groups. ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, higher total PSQI score was associated with higher TUG time (β= 0.06 95% CI: 0.004,0.12), higher scores on GDS (β= 1.08 95% CI: 0.96,1.20) and GAD (β= 0.71 95% CI: 0.62,0.79), and lower scores on CST (β= -0.12 95% CI: -0.19,-0.06) in overweight/obese. The sleep disturbance, sub-component of PSQI, was strongly associated with TUG, CST, GDS and GAD. Sleep duration and use of sleep medication showed no significant association with the health parameters in overweight/obese. ConclusionIn summary, concurrent presence of poor sleep quality and overweight/obesity can worsen physical and psychological health in middle-aged and older adults. We have addressed the importance of prevention of sleep problems and necessitate urgent attention towards assessment and treatment of sleep issues in overweight/obese.

Challenges and advantages of modern rural surgery: an experience of two secondary care centres of rural India

Background: Rural surgery refers to the practice of surgery in rural communities and geographically remote areas, facing multiple challenges like limitation of resources and manpower, poverty, multiple co-morbidities and superstitions. Assam has geographical and population diversity with more than 85 percent of rural population. This study was done to analyse the various challenges and advantages faced during surgical practice in two secondary care centres of rural Assam. Methods: This is a retrospective study done from 228 cases which were operated in Teok First Referral Unit and Titabor Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital, both secondary care centres of rural Assam, India between July 2022 to August 2023 by a single surgeon. Inclusion criteria were all patients who were operated following written and informed consent. Patients who opted not to operate and pregnant women were excluded from the study. Data collected were placed in charts and tables and statistical analysis done using IBM statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) statistics version 2.0. Results: Study population has 46 percent adult male, 51 percent adult female and 3 percent children. 1.3 percent (3 patients) were operated under general anaesthesia, 14.5 under regional anaesthesia and 73.2 percent under local anaesthesia. 11 percent (25 patients) opted not to operate. Challenges were lack of manpower, lack of resources, infection control, fatigue, trust issues and socio-political pressure. Advantages are financial relief, homely environment, better diet and care, community support, avoiding unnecessary referral and better follow-up. Conclusions: Rural surgery can be a boon to modern healthcare if available resources and manpower are properly managed and challenges are overcome.

High Body Fat as a Predictor of Osteoporosis Risk in Postmenopausal Women: Insights From a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rural South India

High Body Fat as a Predictor of Osteoporosis Risk in Postmenopausal Women: Insights From a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rural South India

Testicular Regression Syndrome: Histopathological Evaluation of 20 cases from Rural India with Review of Literature

ABSTRACT Context: Testicular regression syndrome (TRS), clinically termed “vanishing testes,” is a condition with atrophy of testes in late fetal or early neonatal life. The spermatic cord ends blindly or into a small fibrovascular nubbin. Histopathology reveals a fibrovascular nodule with associated hemosiderin-laden macrophages and dystrophic calcification. Few cases show the presence of seminiferous tubules and germ cells. The presence of germ cells is associated with the risk of developing a testicular germ cell tumor. Aims: To study the histopathological features of testicular nubbins and to determine the presence of germ cells and associated neoplasm. Settings and Design: It is a retro-prospective observational study carried out on patients referred to a pediatric surgical pathology center in Miraj, who were clinically diagnosed with undescended testis, over a period of 1 year. Data were collected after the study was approved by the IEC-MGCH on December 19, 2022. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with cryptorchidism, undescended testis, or atrophic testis were included. Findings of hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of each case were noted, and Prussian Blue (special staining) was performed in four cases. Statistical analysis used: As this is a descriptive observational study, simple arithmetic calculations were performed. No unique statistical analysis was performed. Results: Among twenty cases of vanishing testes syndrome, 20 cases showed fibrovascular tissue only, and 1 case showed the presence of seminiferous tubules with Sertoli cells. Conclusions: Vanishing testes syndrome is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose on clinical examination, and a definitive diagnosis may be missed if the pathologist is unaware of the condition. Also, there is a risk of germ cell tumor if there are residual germ cells in the testicular nubbin.

Pattern of Ultrasonographic Prescriptions and Findings in Rural Northern India: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract Background: Ultrasonography (USG) is used extensively across countries to diagnose and manage diseases. However, the existing USG services must be utilised rationally and effectively. Aim: Understanding the pattern of USG prescriptions and findings is important for improving the quality of healthcare services delivered by any healthcare system. Patients and Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted at a rural sub-district hospital in northern India to assess the pattern and completeness of prescriptions and USG findings and explore the patient and doctor-related factors influencing the USG prescription practices. Results: Of the 505 patients studied, 324 (64.2%) were females. The median age was 32 years (interquartile range: 24–45 years). The availability of complete medical history and clinical examination recording was 471 (85.7%) and 145 (28.7%), respectively. The indication for USG was mentioned in 436 (86.3%) prescriptions. Of the total, 251 (49.7%) had abnormal ultrasound findings. The abnormal finding was significantly high amongst patients (a) aged 45–59 years (P = 0.015) and (b) referred from surgery, paediatrics and other outpatient departments (P = 0.001) after adjustment to other factors. Patient-related factors such as non-harmfulness, free availability, reassurance of normality and health system/provider-level factors such as absence or low awareness of guidelines and changed clinical practice were the reasons for the current pattern of USG prescriptions. Conclusion: Although the medical history is better recorded, the incomplete recording of clinical examination needs improvement. Placing a guideline for prescribing USG, imposing nominal user fees and patient education and counselling can be tested for effectively utilising the USG services. Further, tracking the change in clinical management following the USG in Indian setting is the need of the hour.