Union Territory Research Articles

Suicide and Socio-demography: An Ecological Study from India

Background: Recent studies are coming out assessing the relationship between suicide rates and various ecological variables. However, information on the association between suicide rate and ecological variables in India has been limited. We aimed to measure the association of suicide rate with religion, literacy, gross domestic product, human development index, life expectancy, fertility, urbanization, and unemployment in India. Methods: We extracted 36 states or union territories of India and their suicide rate, the proportion of Hindu and Muslim populations, literacy rate, per capita gross domestic product (GDP), Human Development Index (HDI), life expectancy, fertility rate, urbanization, and unemployment rate. We assessed the association with rate and other ecological variables mentioned. Results: Suicide rates were positively correlated with the percentage of Hindu population in the state (rs = 0.38, p = .022), literacy rate (rs = 0.368, p = .027), and GDP (rs = 0.61, p = .001), whereas they were negatively correlated with fertility (rs = –0.442, p = .039) and unemployment rate (rs = –0.4, p = .015). We did not find any significant association between suicide rate and Muslim populations, HDI, life expectancy, and urbanization. Conclusion: This study’s findings identified several associations between ecological variables and suicide rates. However, based on the nature of the analysis, a cautious interpretation and further investigations are warranted.

Attitude and help-seeking behavior towards suicide among medical students in Jammu and Kashmir

IntroductionThe ongoing training process and medical curriculum of the medical profession are crucial for equipping them with necessary knowledge and skills, but it can also be challenging to balance the demands of a busy learning schedule, making this period stressful. This study has been aimed to determining the attitude towards suicide and their help-seeking behavior among medical undergraduates in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).MethodologyAcross medical colleges of the J&K region, an online survey was conducted among 275 medical undergraduates using Attitude Towards Suicide Scale-20 and General Help-Seeking Behavior Questionnaire. An independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were carried out for statistical analysis in SPSS 25.0.ResultThe mean age of the participants was 22.05 years, including 116 male and 159 female students. Psychiatry posting was attended by 31.3% (N = 86) students. Students showed greater acceptability over suicide is preventable, and it is a cry for help. For personal and emotional problems, subjects preferred seeking help from informal sources, while for suicidal ideations, they exhibited inclination towards formal sources.ConclusionFindings of the result should be utilized in preventing negative mental health consequences and in planning assistance to them. Medical students within the institution should receive counselling services from the psychiatry department in a non-stigmatizing manner.

Sexual dimorphism and pollination mechanism of Zanthoxylum armatum, a vulnerable medicinally important dioecious tree

Among dioecious species, the differential strategy of resource allocation between male and female plants is depicted in their life-history traits and reproductive features. This is classified as sexual dimorphism. The strategies of resource allocation along with the habitat of these species pose an impact on their pollination mechanism and reproductive success. Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Rutaceae) is a small tree with wide economic and medicinal value. The species is naturally distributed in tropical parts of India and other countries. Due to overexploitation of natural populations in India, the species is rapidly declining. To restore the population of the species in the wild and establish commercial plantations, detailed knowledge of its reproductive biology is essential. Thus, the present study was conducted in natural population of Z. armatum growing in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The study revealed sex-biased allocation and sexual dimorphism both in vegetative and reproductive traits. Such traits include more height and higher number of shoots, inflorescences, and flowers in male plants than in female plants. The natural populations of Z. armatum exhibit a male-biased sex ratio, and such biasness appears to be the outcome of resource allocation strategies and other demographic characteristics. Species possibly exhibit presence of ambophilous suite, i.e., a combination of wind and insect pollination in floral features. However, pollen dispersal by wind is up to limited distance, and thus wind may or may not be effective in fruit-set.

Chemometric heavy metal contamination in tropical Indian estuaries: Implications for source identification

The impact of urban and industrial effluents in the tropical Indian estuaries (Ariankuppam backwater and Chunnambar River), east coast of India have been investigated in the present study by determining the degree of heavy metals contamination of the estuarine sediments. A total of 30 surface sediment samples were collected from both estuaries and were analyzed for trace metals, grain size and organic matter. The granulometric analysis reveals that both the estuaries are predominated by silty sand to sandy silt. The significant amount of organic matter (OM) in the Ariankuppam estuary sediment is due to natural (mangroves) and anthropogenic (pollution) organic input. Pearson correlation analysis reveals that there was a strong negative correlation of sand fraction with other sediment variables (silt, clay, and organic matter) and heavy metals, whereas a positive correlation was observed between silt+clay, organic matter, and heavy metals. The significant positive correlation of Fe with Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn presents Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides are the main controlling factor of heavy metals in both estuarine sediments. Cluster analysis and PCA helped to discriminate the station groups along both estuaries according to their sediment components and heavy metals. This study also revealed that sediment grain size is a key factor influencing organic matter and heavy metal accumulation in surface sediments. The calculated pollution indices such as Contamination factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) values indicate that both estuaries are moderate to highly contaminated by Co and low to moderately contaminated by Pb and Zn. Based on the factor analysis, it is presumed that river runoff and industrial and untreated domestic wastes from lands are responsible for increased heavy metal concentration in both estuaries. Increased levels of metal contamination along the Union Territory of Puducherry coastline may increase the risk of human exposure to metals through the consumption of seafood, making the need for tougher regulations on the discharge of metals into the environment even more important.

Study of urban warming in Chandigarh union territory, India: geospatial approach

Study of urban warming in Chandigarh union territory, India: geospatial approach

Hydrology and Sediment Yield Analysis in the Jehlum River in Jammu & Kashmir, Employing the SWAT Model

Abstract: The Jhelum originates in the Indian-administered part of the Kashmir region, in western Jammu and Kashmir union territory, in Vernag, from a deep spring. The river flows through the Vale of Kashmir and meanders northwest from the northern slope of the Pir Panjal Range to Wular Lake in Srinagar, which regulates its flow. The Jhelum emerges from the lake and flows west, forming a valley with nearly perpendicular sides that passes the Pir Panjal at a depth of around 7,000 feet (2,100 meters). The Jhelum meets the Kishanganga River near Muzaffarabad, the administrative hub of Azad Kashmir in the Pakistani-administered region of Kashmir. From there, it bends southward, forming a portion of the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, to the west, and Azad Kashmir to the east

Evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes, ionic sources and land use/land cover impacts in the Kathua region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Kathua is one of the fast-growing industrial districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, northern India. The primary source of water in Kathua is groundwater, which is widely used for industrial, agricultural, drinking, and building purposes. The groundwater system is changing significantly both in terms of quantity and quality in the study area due to recent industrial and infrastructural developments. Thus, 40 groundwater samples were collected from different wells in the pre-monsoon season, May 2022, and analyzed for physicochemical variables to determine the impact of geogenic and anthropogenic activities on the groundwater. The drinking groundwater quality appears to be excellent to good. Of the variables that were examined, two—TH and HCO3—had concentrations higher than the recommended limits of the BIS and WHO guidelines. Groundwater contains alkaline earth metals and weak acids, and its hydrochemistry is controlled by rock‒water interactions (silicate weathering or cation exchange and reverse-ion exchange processes). Several parameters (electrical conductivity, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index, magnesium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, and the Kelly’s ratio) were used to evaluate groundwater suitability for irrigation. The permeability index, magnesium adsorption ratio, and residual sodium carbonate indicate that the groundwater of a few samples is unsuitable for irrigation purposes. Land use/land cover (LULC) change analysis was used to determine the potential impacts of LULC changes on groundwater. Anthropogenic interventions are a major cause of LULC changes that are considerably reducing groundwater recharge zones, increasing surface runoff, and artificially polluting groundwater through domestic and industrial wastes, according to the LULC analysis conducted using satellite data for the year 2017 and 2022. Therefore, to minimize the effects of LULC on groundwater, prompt action must be taken, requiring regular monitoring of groundwater quality and LULC changes. The results of the study may be useful to the general public, farmers, and policy makers in the sustainable development and management of groundwater.

Morpho-molecular analyses and scanning electron microscopy reveal two new species of genus Lactarius from the northwestern Himalaya, India.

One of the largest subgenera of the genus Lactarius, Lactarius subg. Russularia is abundant in the forests of the Himalayas. This article proposes Lactarius crassostipes sp. nov. and Lactarius flavocorpus sp. nov. under the L. subgenus Russularia. It includes comprehensive macro- and micro-morphological descriptions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, drawings, and comparisons with related species. The taxa's novelty is validated using phylogenetic analyses based on nrITS. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: SEM and subsequent nrITS-based molecular phylogeny revealed two novel species (L. crassostipes and L. flavocorpus) of the genus Lactarius subg. Russularia. To further characterize the size, form, and ornamentation of these novel species' basidiospores, SEM analysis is an additional tool. In L. crassostipes "crasso" means thick and "stipes" indicates stipe. In contrast to L. flavocorpus, where "flavocorpus" refers to the golden yellow fruiting body, the name alludes to its unique thick stipe. L. crassostipes sp. nov. and L. flavocorpus sp. nov have been collected from the coniferous and broad-leaved forests of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India, respectively. The diagnostic characteristics, habit, habitat, and similarities to related species are given.

Molecular identification and GC-MS analysis of a newly isolated novel bacterium (Lysinibacillus sp. VCRC B655) for mosquito control.

Mosquitoes are widespread globally and have contributed to transmitting pathogens to humans and the burden of vector-borne diseases. They are effectively controlled at their larval stages by biocontrol agents. Unravelling natural sources for microbial agents can lead us to novel potential candidates for managing mosquito-borne diseases. In the present study, an attempt was made to isolate a novel bacterium from the field-collected agricultural soil for larvicidal activity and promising bacterial metabolites for human healthcare. Field-collected soil samples from the Union territory of Puducherry, India, have been used as the source of bacteria. Isolate VCRC B655 belonging to the genus Lysinibacillus was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and exhibited promising larvicidal activity against different mosquito species, including Culex (Cx.) quinquefasciatus, Anopheles (An.) stephensi, and Aedes (Ae.) aegypti. The lethal concentration (LC) of Lysinibacillus sp. VCRCB655 was observed to be high for Cx. quiquefasciatus: LC50 at 0.047mg/l, LC90 at 0.086mg/l, followed by An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti (LC50: 0.6952mg/l and 0.795mg/l) respectively. Additionally, metabolic profiling of the culture supernatant was carried out through Gas chromatography and Mass spectrophotometry (GC/MS) and identified 15 major secondary metabolites of different metabolic classes. Diketopiperazine (DKPs), notably pyro lo [1, 2-a] pyrazine1, 4-dione, are the abundant compounds reported for antioxidant activity, and an insecticide compound benzeneacetic acid was also identified. A new bacterial isolate, Lysinibacillus sp. VCRC B655 has been identified with significant larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae with no observed in non-target organisms. GC-MS analysis revealed diverse bioactive compounds with substantial biological applications. In conclusion, Lysinibacillus sp. VCRC B655 showed promise as an alternative biocontrol agent for mosquito vector control, with additional biological applications further enhancing its significance.

Adoption of dairy farming practices and productivity status of milch cows in the Union Territory of Puducherry

Adoption of dairy farming practices and productivity status of milch cows in the Union Territory of Puducherry

Transforming Lives Through Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY): A Review

Background: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) program was created in line with the global goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and aims to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare services without suffering financial difficulties. In India, over 60% of healthcare spending is still borne by households, and a significant portion of the population lacks any form of health protection coverage. Discussion: The High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) recommended a shift from supply-side healthcare financing to demand-side financing, leading to the introduction of government-sponsored health insurance schemes. To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) was launched following the recommendations of the National Health Policy 2017. The PMJAY program is the world's largest publicly sponsored social health insurance program, delivering comprehensive healthcare services covering primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels. The scheme covers approximately 12 crore households, including more than 50 crore beneficiaries, offering healthcare coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family annually. PMJAY operates nationwide in India, covering all states and union territories except for a few.. Conclusion: To move forward, PMJAY can play a transformative role in the healthcare landscape, integrate with primary healthcare, contribute to economic development, and expand its scope to include more healthcare services.

Food translation under occupation: Apples, identity, and resistance in Indian-occupied Kashmir

ABSTRACT In 2019, Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was changed from an autonomous region to a union territory by the Indian government. On August 5, 2019 India cut off all internet and phone communication into and out of Kashmir and restricted movement into and out of the country. The shutdown occurred during the height of the apple harvest, and as apples rotted on trees and the harvest was lost, signs of resistance to the shutdown were written on the apples themselves. In this article we explore how apples translate as identity and resistance in the postcolonial context of Indian Occupied Kashmir. Using the communication blackout and ongoing occupation of Kashmir as a focal point, we examine how narratives about apples can be translated as a cultural discourse of agency, even as structured spaces for and means of resistance are increasingly eliminated by the Indian state. Central to our analysis are theoretical frames of translation, postcoloniality, and food system sovereignty and communication. We utilize dialogical narrative analysis as methodology to understand how the meanings of apples, a mundane but central part of everyday life for many, have communicated resistance, identity and agency during the last several years since the shutdown.

Trend, Pattern, and Prevalence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Women of Reproductive Age in India, 1992-2021.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are the most important vital statistics used to assess maternal health and child health statistics. They are an indicator of the quality of maternal and child health care services, i.e., antenatal care, intrapartum care, and medical services. The objective of the study is to analyze the trend, pattern, and prevalence of APOs among women of reproductive age group at the national level over successive NFHS rounds. The current study uses data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), conducted during 1992-2021. The study uses geo-spatial mapping techniques through QGIS software and report analysis to arrive at definitive conclusions. The study finds that the incidence of APOs among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) has increased over the years. Twenty states and union territories have APOs that are below the national average. On the other hand, States like Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala have witnessed their APOs worsening as per NFHS-5 vis-à-vis NFHS-4. The study also finds that apart from the Himalayan belt and the east coast of India, APOs are more prominent in the contiguous regions adjoining these areas. The findings of the study have thrown on very interesting facts. Despite rapid economic development during the intervening period between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5, rising APOs are a testament to the fact that the policymakers in the country need to be more target-oriented and get their acts together.

An Analysis of Radiotherapy Machine Requirements in India: Impact of the Pandemic and Regional Disparities

Aim: This article examines India’s present radiotherapy (RT) machine status and requirements, geographical distribution, and infrastructure need in six regional areas, which include 31 member states and union territories (UTs). It also considers the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on India’s teletherapy sector. Materials and Methods: Data from reliable resources, including Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Global Cancer Observatory, and Directory of Radiotherapy Centres databases, were used to analyze the current status of RT machine (RTM) density, regional disparity, and COVID-19 impact on infrastructure growth-rate. Results: In India, the number of functioning RTM and facilities are 823 and 554, respectively, with an average of 1.5 RTM per institute, of which 69.4% have only one RTM. Over the past 22 years, there has been a paradigm shift towards medical linear accelerator (linac) installation instead of telecobalt machines. Presently, there is a teletherapy density of 0.6 RTM per million population, and there is a shortfall of 1209 RTMs. There is a considerable regional disparity in the distribution of RTMs, ranging from (0.08 RTM/million–2.94 RTM/million) across different regions. There is a significant demand for RTMs in the Northern region (480) and the state of Uttar Pradesh (279). The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily impacted India’s RT growth rate, reducing it from 5% to 1.9% in 2020–2021. Conclusions: New policies must be established to accelerate the rate of RT installation growth. To better serve local populations and save patient costs, this article proposes that RT facilities be dispersed equitably across states.

Floating litter detection at the estuary of Puducherry using Sentinel‐2 data and machine learning model

Marine Floating Litter (MFL) comprises synthetic polymers or plastic that are purposefully tossed out or inadvertently mislaid along rivers, drains, beaches, or other coastal environments that connect the marine ecosystem. Given the adverse impact of the chemicals involved in plastic manufacturing on the marine environment, including marine biota, the need to locate, track, and remove the floating plastic has become demanding. Increasing focus has been placed on remote sensing for its multispectral imaging with high resolution and its capability to monitor large areas systematically. Compared to old-fashioned in-situ observation, satellite imaging products are pecuniary and non-chronophagous. Therefore, the current study exploited the full functionality of open-source Sentinel-2 satellite-retrieved data to detect MFL. The Union Territory of Puducherry (Southern region of India) is the study location. Field measurements were collected from the Ariyankuppam River and the Chunnambar River. A spectral signature profile was created to distinguish other floating debris from floating plastic. The Floating Debris Index (FDI) and Plastic Index (PI) were modeled to validate the performance. It has been proven that FDI performs better at detecting MFL than PI. A Random Forest machine learning model was applied to classify water, plastic debris, and slurry debris. The overall observation of the model details the distribution percentage and accuracy assessment of the proposed model. The accuracy of classifying water, slurry debris, and plastic debris are 64.91 %, 61.6 %, and 96.71 %, respectively, indicating room for improvement in classifying water and slurry debris. The proposed model is used for the first time at the Union Territory of Puducherry and is significantly more efficient compared to in-situ observation in terms of time, cost, and workforce.

Association of anaemia with indoor air pollution among older Indian adult population: multilevel modelling analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional study

IntroductionAnaemia is a disease of public health importance with multi-causal pathways. Previous literature suggests the role of indoor air pollution (IAP) on haemoglobin levels, but this has been studied less due to logistic constraints. A high proportion of the population in developing countries, including India, still depends on unclean fuel, which exacerbates IAP. The objective was to study the association between anaemia and IAP among the older Indian adult population (≥ 45 years) as per gender.MethodsOur study analysed the nationally representative dataset of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI 2017–18, Wave-1). We have documented the association of anaemia (outcome variable) with IAP (explanatory variable). To reduce the confounding effects of demographic and socioeconomic; health related and behavioural covariates; propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted. Nested multilevel regression modelling was conducted. States and union territories were categorised cross tabulated as low, middle and high as per anaemia and IAP exposure. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. SATA version 17 was used for analysis.ResultsMore than half (52.52%) of the participants were exposed to IAP (male (53.55%) > female (51.63%)). The odds of having anaemia was significantly 1.19 times higher (AOR 1.19 (1.09–1.31)) among participants using unclean/ solid fuel. The adjusted odds were significantly higher among participants exposed to pollution-generating sources (AOR 1.30; 1.18–1.43), and household indoor smoking (AOR 1.17 (1.07–1.29). The odds of having anaemia were significantly higher (AOR 1.26; 1.15–1.38) among participants exposed to IAP, which was higher in males (AOR 1.36; 1.15–1.61) than females (AOR 1.21; 1.08–1.35). Empowered Action Group (EAG) states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar had both high anaemia and IAP exposure.ConclusionThis study established the positive association of anaemia with indoor air pollution among older Indian adults through a nationally representative large dataset. The association was higher among men. Further research is recommended to understand detailed causation and to establish temporality. It is a high time to implement positive intervention nationally to decrease solid/ unclean fuel usage, vulnerable ventilation, indoor smoking, IAP and health hazards associated with these with more focused actions towards EAG states.

An exploratory study on perception of adolescent girls towards early menarche in a union territory of India

An exploratory study on perception of adolescent girls towards early menarche in a union territory of India

AN EVALUATION OF STATE-WISE IMPLEMENTATION OF AYUSHMAN BHARAT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA IN INDIA

‘Health for all’ is the fundamental notion of a progressive nation. It assumes accessible healthcare facilities for all residents regardless of their socio- economic differences. Good health and well-being of human beings aim to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) through Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a flagship initiative of government of India targets to achieve universal health coverage for lower income groups and vulnerable classes of population that are 40% of total population. This scheme is implemented in all states and union territories except for Odisha, West Bengal and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This research paper attempts to analyse state wise implementation through Ayushman card created, hospitals empanelment and authorised hospital admissions etc. For this purpose, we are using secondary data from government websites, articles and reports. The results show that the implementation of Ayushman Bharat has been uneven across India's diverse states and union territories. Responding factors for this diverse status are mainly state level governance and implementation procedures. This will provide valuable insight in utilization and adoptability of scheme across states and Union Territories. KEYWORDS: Universal health coverage, Ayushman Bharat PM- JAY, SDGs, India

Educational Status of Tribals of Jammu and Kashmir: A Case Study of Women (Gujjars) in District Budgam

Abstract The education of Scheduled Tribes has become a vital component for the planned development of human resources in India. However, it has been observed that the literacy rates and education levels among Scheduled Tribes residing in Jammu and Kashmir are considerably lower than the national average. For instance, the Gujjars, who lead a nomadic lifestyle in District Budgam, migrate with their livestock to higher altitudes during seasonal journeys. This study utilizes both primary and secondary sources of data to understand the educational challenges faced by these communities. Unfortunately, census data from 2011 reveals that only 25.5% of Scheduled Tribe women in Jammu &amp; Kashmir were literate compared to 34.8% nationally. This disparity can be attributed to several factors such as unawareness, conservative societal norms, traditional lifestyles, poverty, and lack of basic infrastructural facilities that pose significant obstacles to achieving educational attainment. Moreover, the conservative nature of society and stereotypes still prevalent in these sections further exacerbate the issue. To address this problem effectively, it is imperative that government bodies alongside not-for-profit organizations make concerted efforts to expedite progress towards improving education amongst Scheduled Tribes residing in Jammu and Kashmir. This paper aims to examine some fundamental issues faced by women belonging to the Gujjar community on a daily basis in District Budgam within the Union territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir; how can these deprived sections be brought up-to-speed with progress? In conclusion, it is high time that measures are taken to bridge this gap and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals irrespective of their social background or cultural practices. The government must work towards providing better access to quality education along with adequate infrastructure facilities for students belonging to Scheduled Tribes residing in Jammu and Kashmir so that they can break free from age-old traditions and contribute towards building a better future for themselves and their communities as well as for our country as a whole.

Effectiveness of a program to lower unwanted media screens among 2-5-year-old children: a randomized controlled trial.

Limited interventions exist on reducing unwanted screen time (ST) among children from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), so we developed and assessed the effectiveness of the program to lower unwanted media screen time (PLUMS) among children aged 2-5 years in Chandigarh, Union Territory, North India. An open-label randomized control parallel group trial per CONSORT guidelines was conducted among randomly selected 340 families with children aged 2-5 (±3 months) years in Chandigarh, India. PLUMS was implemented at the family level with a focus on modifying the home media environment and targeted individual-level interventions using parent and child modules for 2 months. A post-intervention (immediately) and a follow-up assessment after 6 months was done. During the follow-up period, the interaction was done passively via WhatsApp groups. The control group received routine healthcare services. Validated and standardized tools, including a digital screen exposure questionnaire with a physical activity component, preschool child behavior checklist, and sleep disturbance scale for children, were used to collect data at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up periods. The primary outcome was the mean difference in ST (minutes/day) among children in the intervention group versus the control group. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was performed to adjust for clustering. An equal number of families (n = 170) were randomly assigned to the intervention and control arms. In the post-intervention assessment, 161 and 166 families continued while, at the follow-up assessment, 154 and 147 were in the intervention and control arm, respectively. The mean difference in ST on a typical day [27.7 min, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.1, 50.3] at the post-intervention assessment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the intervention (102.6 ± 98.5 min) arm as compared with the control (130.3 ± 112.8 min) arm. A significant reduction in ST (β = -35.81 min, CI -70.6, -1.04) from baseline (β = 123.1 min) to follow-up phase (β = 116 min) was observed in GEE analysis. The duration of physical activity increased both at post-intervention (β = 48.4 min, CI = +6.6, +90.3) and follow-up (β = 73.4 min, CI = 36.2, 110.5) assessments in the intervention arm. The PLUMS intervention significantly reduced the children's mean ST on a typical day and increased the physical activity immediately post-intervention and during the 6-month follow-up period. These results might guide the policymakers to include strategies in the national child health programs in the Southeast Asia Region to reduce unwanted ST.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CTRI/2017/09/009761.