Salem District Research Articles

Screening of multi-metal tolerant plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) Stutzerimonas stutzeri WA4 and its assistance on phytoextraction of heavy metals (Cu, Ag and Pb)

In the current study, coal fly ash contaminated soil was collected in and around Mettur Thermal Power Station, Salem district, Tamil Nadu. The metal concentrations present in the coal fly ash soil samples were analyzed and also used for the isolation of bacteria. The isolates were screened for their multi-metal resistance against three heavy metals (Cu, Ag and Pb) and plant growth-promoting traits (siderophore, phosphate solubilization, IAA, cellulase, HCN, and ammonia production). Among the 12 isolates, the WA4 strain revealed promising results for both metal-resistant and plant growth-promoting activity. In the in vitro pot experiment, Spinacia oleracea (Palak), Red amaranth (Red spinach), Capsicum annum (Green chilly) and Solanum melongena (Brinjal) plants were grown in ash-contaminated soil treated with different concentrations of selected bacterial inoculum (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) along with a control pot. The results of the study indicated that the ash-contaminated soil treated with bacterial inoculum distinctly increased the growth of plants when compared to untreated soil (control). Thus, the best-performing strain WA4 could be utilized as a good bio-stimulant for promoting the growth of selected plants in the re-vegetation programs of ash-contaminated soil.

Delineation and Mapping of Groundwater Quality Assessment in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India using GIS Techniques

Groundwater is a crucial natural resource with significant economic importance, supporting industrial activities, irrigation, and drinking water supplies. However, its extensive use for these purposes depletes water tables, which diminishes its future availability and leads to increased salinity, stream depletion, and land subsidence. A study was conducted to evaluate and map groundwater quality across different blocks in Salem district viz., Salem, Gangavalli, Thalaivasal, Attur, Pethanaickenpalayam, Valappady, Ayothiyapattinam, Yercaud, Panamarathupatty, Veerapandi, Edappadi, Sankari, Kadayampatti, Kolathur, Konganapuram, Magudanchavadi, Mecheri, Nangavalli, Omalur, and Tharamangalam. Sampling was conducted in February 2024, during which a total of 200 samples were collected and examined for pH, electrical conductivity, cations like Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+, anions like CO32-, HCO3-, SO42-, and Cl-. Based on the ionic concentration, the water quality parameters are derived such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio(SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC). The pH and EC values were ranged from 7.08 to 8.58 and 0.74 to 2.75 dS/m, respectively. The residual sodium carbonate (RSC) concentration ranged from -7.3 to 10.1 meq/L, while the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) ranged from 0.7 to 9.7 meq/L. According to the CSSRI, Karnal Water Quality Classification, approximately 66.5 % of the samples fit into the good quality category, approximately 13% of the samples fit into the alkaline water category, and 20% of the samples fit into the saline water category in the Salem district. Using this classification, thematic maps depicting groundwater quality in the Salem district were generated with ArcGIS software. The study concludes that the majority of the samples are classified as good-quality water, while saline and alkali water emerge as the next major concern. Using this saline water for irrigation can change the soil's physical properties and lower agricultural productivity. Thus, it's crucial to apply soil amendments like gypsum and provide proper drainage to avoid long-term soil damage.

Pollution assessment, ecological risk and source identification of heavy metals in paddy soils and rice grains from Salem, South India

The present study investigated concentrations of metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cd) in paddy soils and rice tissues of nine different widely used indica rice varieties in Salem district, India. The order of DTPA soil available metal contents (mg kg-1) were Fe (33.50) > Mn (8.86) > Cu (2.58) > Pb (1.99) > Zn (1.67) > Ni (1.48) > Cd (0.13). Pollution load index (PLI) levels for Cd (1.28) were ‘moderately polluted’, contamination factor (CF) and enrichment factor (EF) values for all metals showed ‘medium contamination’ and ‘less enrichment’ except for Cu and Pb. Ecological risk factor (ERF) and potential ecological risk index (PRI) values of Cd (31.94 and 287.50) showed ‘moderate risk’ and ‘strong ecological risk’. Bio-accumulation factor (BAF) levels of Cd (48.12) and Pb (27.89) are classified as ‘high concentrators’. Translocation factor (TF) values of Pb (2.9), Cd (2.5) and Ni (1.7) were greater than one for roots to plants. Children had higher target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values for Cd, Pb and Ni than adults. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed with all parameters that they fell within the two primary factors 1 and 2, with an eigenvalue of 4.69 (33.52% variation) and 3.73 (26.66% variation), respectively. However, cluster analysis (CA) revealed three distinct groups between the metals studied. Although the soil metal contents were within the permissible levels, the grain Cd (6.07 mg kg-1), Pb (56.20 mg kg-1), and Fe (116.11 mg kg-1) contents in all the rice varieties exceeded the prescribed limits of 0.4, 0.2, and 15 mg kg-1, respectively. Our findings will provide important data for metal enrichment in soils to implement more effective measures to reduce the contamination of metals in paddy fields.

Evaluation of IPM Module for the Management of Key Insect Pests in Chilli

Chilli is a crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of India, and the crop is attacked by a multitude of pests at different crop stages. The present study revealed that field experiments were laid out with three treatments, viz., IPM module, farmer practice, and untreated control, at Kuttiyagoundanur village of Kolathur block of Salem District, Tamil Nadu. The results of the IPM capsule for the management practices of major pests and diseases, including viral diseases in chillies. The pre-treatment count on thrips/leaf was non-significant in all treatments, and it ranged from 7.20 to 8.40 thrips/leaf. Among the three treatments, farmers practice of chemical control recorded less infestation of 2.93 thrips/leaf, followed by the IPM module recording 3.60 thrips/leaf. Before adoption of treatment, the mite/leaf count was between 17.09 and 19.23 mite/leaf. The IPM module recorded less infestation of 5.32 mites/leaf, followed by farmers practice recording 12.90 mites/leaf. The pre-treatment count of Helicoverpa armigera larvae was between 3.20 and 3.72 larvae/plant. Among the treatments, chemical control recorded less infestation of fruit borer and fruit damage (0.17 larvae/plant) and 1.40 percent, followed by the IPM module, which is 1.17 larvae/plant and 4.91 percent. The leaf curl infection was low in farmers practices. 10.82 percent, followed by the IPM module recorded 15.26 percent. Maximum fruit yield of 11200 kg/ha with a comfortable B:C ratio of 2.96 was obtained in the IPM module, followed by farmer practice with a B:C ratio of 2.91.

Assessment of Entrepreneurial Education Service Quality Among Management Students in Salem District, Tamil Nadu

The quality of higher education is increasingly becoming an important issue as the socio-economic development of a country owes much to it. All over the country, the main aim is to increase the standard of education. Parents and government utilize a huge amount of money on educational system. India has the largest numbers of colleges as well as the largest number of management education institutes and infrastructure in the world. The objective of the study is to study the socio-economic profile of the management students and to measure the level of the entrepreneurial skills, level of satisfaction among the management students in Salem district. A survey was conducted from the target audience, students from the Management studies. 350 sample sizes were collected from 20 selected institutions both Government and Private colleges in Salem district Tamil Nadu, using stratified proportionate random sampling method. Microsoft excel 2019 and JASP (Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistics Program) software was used for data Analysis. The questionnaire instrument scale is based on Likert’s five-point scale. The study adopted descriptive research design. The results reveal a strong correlation between service quality dimensions (infrastructure, faculty support) and student satisfaction. Recommendations are made to enhance entrepreneurial education, focusing on improving physical infrastructure, curriculum relevance, and practical learning opportunities.

Adolescents social capital and academic performance: A comprehensive study on the mediating effect of social belongingness and connectedness

ABSTRACT Adolescence recognised as the peroid of transition characterised by a changing environment. The inadequate attention given to adolescent social relationships and resources makes it crucial for investigation in the field of behavioral sciences. The individual’s instinct for collective survival through the establishment of social relationships enhances the significance of connectedness and belongingness in the process of resource accumulation. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of social belongingness and connectedness in the relationship between social capital and academic performance within the educational context. The research employs a cross-sectional approach utilizing a quantitative descriptive research design and stratified sampling methodology. Approximately, 200 samples were gathered through a questionnaire administered to middle-aged adolescents aged 12-15 years from multiple schools in Salem district. The study findings indicate a statistically significant association between social capital, belongingness, connectedness, and academic performance of the individuals within the school environment. Furthermore, social capital was predicted and mediated by sense of belongingness and connectedness. The study concludes that the dual relationship between individuals’ social capital and academic performance facilitates enhanced access to resources and opportunities, favouring both individuals’ and society as a whole.

The Mediating Role of Self-Regulation and Cognitive Styles in the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Job Placement

The present study explores the mediating role of self-regulation and cognitive styles (i.e., rational and intuitive style) on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job placement. A descriptive survey was conducted among 267 final year undergraduate engineering students of which 124 were males (46.5%) and 143 were females (53.5%) aged between 20 to 23 years with a M age of 21.32 and SD of 0.96 selected from the Salem district of Tamil Nadu state in India. The data was collected using the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS 10), Short Self-Regulation Scale (SSRQ-22), and Personal Style Inventory (PSI). The findings indicated that emotional intelligence has a significant positive correlation with self-regulation and rational style. Similarly, self-regulation positively correlated with both rational and intuitive styles. In addition, job-placed students have higher levels of emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and rational style than job-unplaced students. The mediation analysis showed significant direct and indirect effects of emotional intelligence on job placement through self-regulation and rational style. Findings suggest that emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and rational style can foster employability skills that may help job placement. The study has practical implications for educational institutions, academic faculties and placement trainers who are seeking to maximise their student’s job placement and increase the credibility of their institution. Further, the proposed model examines the variables affecting job placement and whereas the relationship with emotional intelligence has theoretical implications that are discussed.

Mitigation of heavy metal toxicity in pigeon pea by plant growth promoting Pseudomonas alcaliphila strain PAS1 isolated from contaminated environment.

The risk of arsenic contamination is rising globally, and it has negative impacts on the physiological processes and growth of plants. Metal removal from contaminated soils can be accomplished affordably and effectively with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)-based microbial management. From this angle, this research evaluated the mitigation of arsenic toxicity using the bacteria isolated from contaminated site, Mettur, Salem district, South India. The newly isolated bacterial strain was screened for plant growth promotion potential and arsenic tolerance such as (100ppm, 250ppm, 500ppm, 800ppm and 1200ppm). The metal tolerant rhizobacteria was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Pseudomonas alcaliphila strain PAS1 (GenBank accession number: OQ804624). Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) plants were used in pot culture experiments with varying concentrations of arsenic, (5ppm, 10ppm and 25ppm) both with and without bacterial culture, for a period of 45days. At the concentration of 25ppm after the application of PAS1 enhanced the plant growth, protein and carbohydrate by 35.69%, 18.31% respectively. Interestingly, P. alcaliphila strain PAS1 significantly reduced the stress-induced elevated levels of proline, flavonoid, phenol and antioxidant enzyme in pigeon pea plants was 40%, 31.11%, 27.80% and 20.12%, respectively. Consequently, PAS1 may significantly reduce the adverse effects that arsenic causes to plant development in acidic soils, improve plant uptake of nutrients, and increase plant production. The findings of this study reveal that P. alcaliphila PAS1 is intrinsic for phytoremediation by reducing arsenic accumulation in the root and shoot.

Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Passing Bawah Bola Voli Melalui Media Dinding Sekolah dengan Metode Drill Pada Siswa Kelas IV SD Negeri Salem 02

This research aims to improve students' bottom passing skills using school wall media using the Drill method. This research is Classroom Action Research which was carried out in 2 cycles. The research was carried out in April of the 2023/2024 academic year. Researchers collaborate with teachers and colleagues. This research procedure refers to the Kemmis & Mc model. Taggart which includes planning, implementing actions, observing and reflecting. The research subjects were fourth grade students at SD Negeri Salem 02, totaling 20 students, 9 male students and 11 female students. The instruments used are teacher activity observation assessment sheets, student activity observation sheets, and performance assessment sheets. The results of the research showed that there was an increase in cooperation in the first cycle, namely students' bottom passing skills using school wall media. Of the 20 students at meeting 1, there were 10 students (50%) who had entered the criteria for completion, while at meeting 2 there were 12 students (60%) who had entered. in the complete criteria. In cycle II, students' underpassing skills used school wall media. Of the 20 students at meeting 1, 15 students (75%) had entered the completion criteria, while at meeting 2 there were 18 students (90%) had entered the completion criteria. Based on these data, it can be concluded that the use of the Drill method with school walls can improve students' bottom passing skills in class IV of SD Negeri Salem 02, Salem District, Brebes Regency.

The Role of The School Library as A Learning Resource in Wanoja 01 State Primary School, Salem District, Brebes District in Academic Year 2023 - 2024

<p>Penelitian ini membahas tentang Peranan Perpustakaan Sekolah Sebagai Sumber Belajar di SD Negeri Wanoja 01 Kecamatan Salem Kabupaten Brebes.Metode penelitian yang dikenal dengan field research atau penelitian lapangan yaitu penulis terjun langsung meneliti obyek menggunakan beberapa teknik. Hasil penelitian mengenai peranan perpustakaan sekolah sebagai sumber belajar SD Negeri Wanoja 01 menunjukkan bahwa (1) proses pelayanan perpustakaan ada 4 tahap yaitu siswa mengisi buku kunjungan perpustakaan di meja petugas perpustakaan , petugas perpustakaan akan melakukan pencatatan buku pinjaman didalam kartu peminjaman buku siswa, diperuntukkan siswa yang meminjam buku, sebelum keluar ruang perpustakaan siswa wajib menunjukkan buku yang mereka pinjam ke petugas perpustakaan., dan yang terakhir siswa diarahkan oleh petugas untuk mencari buku yang ingin mereka baca atau mereka pinjam. (2) Peran perpustakaan sekolah sebagai sumber belajar SD Negeri Wanoja 01 ada dua bentuk yaitu, penanaman sikap sadar penting membaca dengan penjadwalan dan menjadikan perpustakaan sebagai tempat outdoor lerning dan pemaksimalan fungsi sekolah. (3) Faktor pendukung dalam pemanfaatan perpustakaan sekolah sebagai sumber belajar siswa yaitu sarana prasarana, jadwal kunjungan, semangat guru, antusias siswa, dan kerjasama yang baik antar warga sekolah. Sedangkan factor penghambatnya adalah, tidak adanya kartu kunjungan, tidak ada staf pembantu, mood siswa yang mudah berubah, dan sifat siswa yang berbeda-beda.</p>

Prevalence and epidemiological profile of pulmonary tuberculosis among elderly population residing in old age homes in Salem district, Tamilnadu

BackgroundTuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. One of the high risk groups for tuberculosis is the elderly population due to factors like physiological ageing related changes, presence of comorbidities and immunodeficiency. Objective1. To estimate the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among the elderly population residing in selected old age homes.2. To assess the epidemiological profile of pulmonary tuberculosis among the elderly population residing in selected old age homes. MethodologyAn analytical cross sectional study was carried out among elderly inmates (N – 300) of selected 10 old age homes in Salem district of Tamilnadu. A pre tested semi-structured questionnaire was used as a study tool for data collection. Investigations like CBNAAT and X ray were carried out on individuals with presumptive symptoms. ResultsAmong 300 participants, about 50.7% were between 61 and 70 Years and 60.7% were females. Nearly 4.3% were current smokers, 28.7% were hypertensive and 20.6% were diabetic About 15.6% had cough, 11.2% had fever and 4.8% had hemoptysis Prevalence of tuberculosis was 2.6% (260 per 10,000 popultion) in this study. Tuberculosis was reported more in Females, those with presumptive symptoms, underweight individuals, those living in dormitory and those with comorbidity. ConclusionThe results indicate that the key population should be concentrated for routine screening for tuberculosis. Pro-active interventions to seek and diagnose TB disease among older adults are more effective than traditional passive case-finding as we march towards elimination of tuberculosis in India.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON ORGANISATIONAL CLIMATE IN SUGAR MILLS OF TAMIL NADU

The main aim of the research is to examine the diverse elements that compose organisational climate in the sugar mills of Tamil Nadu. The study is focused on obtaining opinions from the workers working in the sugar mills in the study area of Tamil Nadu. The study has the base of empirical research which is carried out based on the observations in the field. The data was collected using the structure interview schedule which is derived from literature and preliminary investigation in the field. The research follows the methodology adopted in empirical research. The samples used for collecting the data were selected based on random sampling technique. The sample size of the study was fixed to be 209 based on the standard deviation derived from the results of the pilot study. The lists of the population frame were collected from 4 profitable sugar mills that are operating in the study area of Salem District. The collected list were used for randomization of the population out of which 209 workers were selected based on tippet’s table method using simple random sampling. The analysis is composed of confirmatory factor analysis modeling in Analysis of Movement Structure software. The elements of Fair Compensation Policy (FCP), Participative Working Environment (PWE), Supportive Leadership (SL), Workers Welfare and Satisfaction (WWS) and Career Development Practices (CDP) has vital influence on the organisational climate in the sugar mills of Tamil nadu.

Pemberdayaan Perempuan Melalui Kerajinan Batik di Desa Bentarsari Kecamatan Salem Kabupaten Brebes

Women empowerment is a form of empowerment carried out for women in order to achieve a decent life. Empowerment is carried out in the form of women's awareness to develop and is used as efforts in overcoming women's underdevelopment. The empowerment programme in Bentarsari Village (Mawar Batik) aims to improve living standards and alleviate poverty. The study is to analyze how women's empowerment through batik handicrafts is in improving the economy. It also identifies the factors influencing the empowerment programme in Bentarsari Village. The study employed descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation. The data obtained were analysed by using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed the success of women empowerment in Bentarsari Village, Salem District in the batik craft programme. The supporting and inhibiting factors which influence the success are the support of husbands and the willingness to change from the community so that the skills possessed are hereditary and good communication between group members and group leaders.

The role of social media in developing community Awareness among rural youth in some villages of Sidi Salem District - Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate

The role of social media in developing community Awareness among rural youth in some villages of Sidi Salem District - Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate

<I>Phyllanthus tenellus</I> Roxb. (Euphorbiaceae) - an Adventive in Indian Flora and its Typification

Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb., a native of Mascarene Islands, though originally described from a population raised in the Indian Botanic Garden, is reported as an adventive from Salem district in Tamilnadu and from Greater Bombay in Maharashtra. It is also being lectotypified with Roxburgh's unpublished Flora Indica drawings.

Grasses of Shevaroys

An account of 95 species of grasses comprising 52 genera, from Shevaroy hills of Salem District, Tamil Nadu, with a key for their identification, is presented.

On a Collection of Ferns from Shevaroy Hills, Salem District, Madras State

The Shevaroys are situated to the north-east of Salem town at a distance of 26 km., the main bill station being Yercaud. Two seasonal explorations were made in the year 1958 and in all a total number of 51 species of ferns representing 14 families and 35 genera were collected.In Shevaroys, the evergreen moist type of forest is seen where the vegetation is undisturbed and it is interesting to note that all the important fern families are represented here like Ophioglossaceae, Marattiaceae, Osmundaceae, Schizaeaceae, Gleicheniaceae, Hymenophyllaceae, Cyatheaceae and Polypodiaceae (sensu lato). Among the rare and interesting ferns, mention may be made of: Anemia tomentosa (Sav.) Sw, Antrophyum plantagineum (Cav.) Kaulf., Athyrium macrocarpum Bedd., Botrychium daucifolium Wall., B. lanuginosum Wall., Cyrtomium falcatum Presl var. caryotideum Wall., Dryopteris cochleata C., Chr., Hymenophyllum exsertum Wall, Leptochilus decurrens Blume, Lindsaea heterophylla Dry., Lygodium scandens Sw., Niphobolus gardneri (Mett.) Kunze, Osmunda regalis L., Pteris cretica L., P. quadriaurita Retz., var. argentea Bedd., and Trichomanes proliferum Blame.The classification of Copeland is followed and the salient taxonomic features of the ferns collected are mentioned in the enumeration. Out of the plants listed Pteridaceae is well represented, the next in order being Aspidiaceae and Polypodiaceae (sensu stricto). The collections include a number of species which are new distributions to Salem District.

Enhancing workplace spirituality for higher education academicians through human resource practices

PurposeThis study investigates how human resource training and development (HRTD) shapes workplace spirituality in higher education. It delves into key factors impacting spirituality among academics, such as colleague support and e-learning initiatives. Through analytical tools like percentage analysis and Garret ranking, it divides workplace spirituality in academia, exploring the HR strategies that induce it.Design/methodology/approach(a) Type of research – Descriptive research (b) Area of research – The present study is taken up by the academicians as a respondent in selected colleges in Salem district. (c) Sampling technique – Simple random method was adopted. (d) Sources of data collection – The study comprises mixed data method that both types of data were adopted. (i) Primary data – Researcher conducted data by selecting a representative sample of the teaching faculties from various institutions employed in higher education in Salem. (ii) Secondary data – It is mostly gathered through content found on websites. (e) Method of data collection – Structured questionnaires were employed in this research to acquire the data needed for the investigation. Every item it is rated through five-point scale of with 1 denoting “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree,” this includes questions about the job, coworkers, seniors and training. (f) Research tools used – Descriptive statistics, Friedman test and Garret ranking.FindingsFindings highlight the significance of encouraging colleagues, workplace development and online learning in fostering workplace spirituality. Faculty encouragement emerges as the most impactful HR practice, while development initiatives improve the reputation of training for new aspects. Notably, online training significantly affects workplace spirituality, increasing the influence of cultural training.Research limitations/implicationsImplications for future research arise, suggesting potential models for studying workplace spirituality in academia and sparking curiosity about the connection between HR practices and spirituality.Practical implicationsFrom a practical viewpoint, the study offers actionable insights for authorities to improve workplace spirituality by supporting colleagues and emphasizing growth strategies. It outlines clear steps for organizations to create more spiritually enriching work environments.Social implicationsSocially, the study advocates for healthier work cultures that impact society's perspective on work–life balance and employee well-being. It promotes positive work environments that benefit both individuals and society.Originality/valueThis paper's originality lies in its focus on how HRTD contributes to workplace spirituality in higher education. It emphasizes supporting colleagues, fostering growth and utilizing e-learning, offering unique insights into spirituality at work. The methodology, using structured questionnaires and statistical analysis among faculty, provides a distinct approach to studying this area.

Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene film by Bacillus gaemokensis strain SSR01 isolated from the guts of earthworm.

In recent years, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has emerged as an essential component of the routine tasks that people engage in on a daily basis. However, over use of it resulted in environmental buildup that contaminated aquatic habitats and human health. Biodegradation is the most effective way for controlling pollution caused by synthetic plastic waste in a sustainable manner. In the present study, the LDPE degrading bacterial strain was screened from gut of Earthworms collected from plastic waste dumped area Mettur dam, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India. The LDPE degrading bacterial strain was screened and identified genotypically. The LDPE degrading Bacillus gaemokensis strain SSR01 was submitted in NCBI. The B. gaemokensis strain SSR01 bacterial isolate degraded LDPE film after 14days of incubation and demonstrated maximum weight loss of up to 4.98%. The study of deteriorated film using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared revealed the presence of a degraded product. The degradation of LDPE film by B. gaemokensis strain SSR01 was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy analysis for surface alterations. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy test confirmed that the broken-down LDPE film had basic carbon reduction. The present study of LDPE flim biodegradation by B. gaemokensis strain SSR01 has acted as a suitable candidate and will help in decreasing plastic waste.

Internet gaming disorder: The prevalence and associated gaming behavior, anxiety, and depression among 8-12-year-old children of private schools in Salem city, India.

The escalating concern over Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among children underscores the urgency of comprehending its determinants and links to mental health, particularly for interventions targeting school-aged children. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of IGD and its association with depression, anxiety, and behavior among 8-12-year-old children attending private schools in Salem city. A cross-sectional study involving 780 children aged 8-12 years from Salem district was conducted. Schools were randomly sampled, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Data were gathered from children without genetic, systemic, or mental disorders and brain trauma. The questionnaire, adapted from Alhamoud M A et al. (2022), encompassed sections on sociodemographic characteristics, gaming behavior, and scales for assessing IGD, depression, and anxiety. Administration occurred during school hours with a 30-35 min completion time. Data analysis utilized SPSS v23.0, including descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Chi-square tests for intergroup comparisons, and Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine associations. The prevalence of IGD in Salem district was 1.2%, with higher rates of anxiety and depression observed among older children, particularly males. A positive correlation was evident between IGD, anxiety, and depression. Urgent preventive measures have to be warranted to curb the rising trend of IGD, such as limiting screen time and promoting outdoor activities to enhance children's overall health.