West Delhi Research Articles

Perspectives of health care provider regarding TB-HIV referral strategy and non-uptake of HIV testing in Delhi – A qualitative study

BackgroundDOTS provider and medical officer play an integral role in implementation of RNTCP. Understanding provider perspectives is an integral component of evaluating programme to improve services to identify the areas for quality improvement and universal HIV testing among TB patients. ObjectiveTo describe the perception of health care providers regarding TB-HIV referral strategy and reasons for non-uptake of HIV testing. MethodologyA qualitative study was undertaken at DOTS cum microscopic centre of TB-Chest clinic of Lok Nayak Hospital and DOTS cum microscopic centre of rural area of west Delhi. In-depth interview of DOTS provider and medical officer in-charge at DOTS centre was conducted. A topic outline guide used to assess the perception of study subjects. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was done. ResultsThe source of knowledge regarding HIV testing among DOTS providers were training and monthly review meetings. All the study participants knew the rational of HIV testing and the consequences of not being tested and are highly motivated for referring the patients for HIV testing at the earliest. Some of the barriers to HIV testing reported by the health care providers were lack of awareness, associated stigma, long distance travel by the patients and non-availability of HIV testing kits. ConclusionHealth care providers were motivated for implementation of the strategy. Barriers to HIV TB testing strategy should be addressed.

Analysis of Urban Heat Island (UHI) in Relation to Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI): A Comparative Study of Delhi and Mumbai

The formation and occurrence of urban heat island (UHI) is a result of rapid urbanization and associated concretization. Due to intensification of heat combined with high pollution levels, urban areas expose humans to unexpected health risks. In this context, the study aims at comparing the UHI in the two largest metropolitan cities of India, i.e., Delhi and Mumbai. The presence of surface UHI is analyzed using the Landsat 5 TM image of 5 May 2010 for Delhi and the 17 April 2010 image for Mumbai. The validation of the heat island is done in relation to the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) patterns. The study reveals that built-up and fallow lands record high temperatures, whereas the vegetated areas and water bodies exhibit lower temperatures. Delhi, an inland city, possesses mixed land use and the presence of substantial tree cover along roads; the Delhi Ridge forests and River Yamuna cutting across the city have a high influence in moderating the surface temperatures. The temperature reaches a maximum of 35 °C in West Delhi and a minimum of 24 °C in the east at the River Yamuna. Maximum temperature in East Delhi goes to 30 °C, except the border areas. North, Central and south Delhi have low temperatures (28 °C–31 °C), but the peripheral areas have high temperatures (36 °C–37 °C). The UHI is not very prominent in the case of Delhi. This is proven by the correlations of surface temperature with NDVI. South Delhi, New Delhi and areas close to River Yamuna have high NDVI and, therefore, record low temperatures. Mumbai, on the other hand, is a coastal city with lower tree cover than Delhi. The Borivilli National Park (BNP) is in the midst of dense horizontal and vertical growth of buildings. The UHI is much stronger where the heat is trapped that is, the built-up zones. There are four small rivers in Mumbai, which have low carrying capacity. In Mumbai suburban district, the areas adjoining the creeks, sea and the lakes act as heat sinks. The coastal areas in South Mumbai record temperatures of 28 °C–31 °C; the Bandra-Kurla Complex has a high range of temperature i.e., 31 °C–36 °C. The temperature witnessed at Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport is as high as 38 °C. The temperature is nearly 37 °C–38 °C in the Dorai region in the Mumbai suburban district. The BNP has varied vegetation density, and therefore, the temperature ranges from 27 °C–31 °C. Powai Lake, Tulsi Lake and other water bodies record the lowest temperatures (24 °C–26 °C). There exists a strong negative correlation between NDVI and UHI of Mumbai, owing to less coverage of green and vegetation areas.

Student Satisfaction Towards Service Quality of MBA and PGDM Institute in Delhi: A Comparative Analysis

In higher education the attention is paid on the effectiveness of the teaching and learning but, very little attention has been given to students’ attitude, belief and experiences. Students are the main stakeholders in the higher education. Students’ satisfaction is an important element that decides the fate of the organization in the long run. There satisfaction indicates the overall service provided by the institute which in turn, increases student enrollment and retention.This study assesses management education students’ (PGDM and MBA) satisfaction across the institutes in West Delhi. Survey method is used as a primary source of information. Focus group interview and pretesting of questionnaire was done to identify the quality dimension. Structured questionnaire across nine dimensions namely physical information, behavior of staff, communication and commitment of institute, faculty input quality, guest and visiting faculty, industrial and recreational activity, placement services, and overall satisfaction were distributed to respondents to capture their satisfaction level. Significant differences were found between PGDM and MBA students in all the nine dimension of Institute quality factors. Both PGDM and MBA students were moderately satisfied but, satisfaction of PGDM students were more in comparison to MBA students.It is imperative for institute management to monitor & measure students’ satisfaction on regular basis and incorporate innovative changes to bring out better services to their stakeholders.

Managing Urban Transformations of Refugee Settlements in West Delhi from Camps to Nagars: The Story of Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar

Migration has become a common phenomenon in the contemporary world. In the Post World War II period, due to social and political unrest between conflicting and dividing nations, many countries across the globe saw migrations at different scales. The pressure created by the inflow and outflow of a huge population, within a comparatively short span of time, created various urban dynamics that have been reflected in the urban fabric of cities through largescale creation of camps, refugee colonies, workers’ and migrants’ colonies, urban villages and slums, many of which have survived due to good governance or political and urban development management systems. On the other hand, several others have fallen prey to various social distresses and suffered as underdeveloped or undeveloped archaic areas causing hindrance to development and prosperity of adjacent urban areas.
 The socio-economic condition that developed in New Delhi after the Partition in 1947 saw migration of millions overnight, with the creation of a l arge number of refugee camps in the city. This paper describes the courageous survival of one of these camps at Basai Darapur as well as the ambitious transformation of such camps to the colonies Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar, over time, with proper management, through urban governance, socio-political aid, urban planning visions and urban design guidelines. The paper also attempts to discuss the possible holistic future of Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar in coming times through careful urban management, considering opinions of different urban local bodies, real-estate stakeholders and public participations in different phases of urban development aided by the Delhi Masterplan 2021.

Managing Urban Transformations of Refugee Settlements in West Delhi from Camps to Nagars: The Story of Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar

Managing Urban Transformations of Refugee Settlements in West Delhi from Camps to Nagars: The Story of Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar

Consumers’ preferences for traditional and organised fresh food retailing in India: Evidenceand implications

This study has attempted to investigate consumers’ preferences for purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables and processed food from organised retail chains vis-a-vis traditional retailers and the factors that influence their decisions to buy from alternate supply channels. The analysis was based on a primary survey of 150 consumers in West Delhi in 2010. Broad findings indicate that multiple factors namely economic, social, cultural and psychological shape urban consumers shopping pattern. Despite fast penetration of organised retail chains, consumers would continue to buy fresh and processed food from traditional retailers primarily due to convenience, quality, free home delivery and provision of products on credit. This analysis can serve as a base for initiation of appropriate measures and policies to upgrade the urban retailing systems and address outreach constraint of organised retail chains.

Predictors of prevalence of overweight and obesity in children

Introduction: The world health report in 2002 demonstrated a rise in prevalence in noncommunicable diseases in developing countries such as India. The prevalence of becoming overweight among children has markedly increased over the past 20 years. Body mass index is the most widely used parameter to define obesity. This study was conducted with the aim to find the association in children of higher socioeconomic status who are battling overweight or obesity as a problem and studying in private schools in West Delhi. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in two private schools in Delhi, India, during school hours from July 2013 to June 2014. Students of age group 10–18 years studying in Class VI to XIIth were included in this study. Children with a history of chronic illness were excluded from the study. Results: This study enrolled a total of 1250 students. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two private schools in Delhi, India. Seven hundred and fifteen (57.2%) were males and 535 (42.8%) were females. A maximum number of students (254, 20.3%) were in the category of 11-year age group. In all categories of age groups, male children were more than female children except in 17–18-year age group. Prevalence of overweight children was 11.8% and obese children was 7.5%. Overweight children were maximum in 11-year age group (20.1%) and minimum in 17-year age group (5.3%). While prevalence of obesity was maximum in 18-year age group (15%) and minimum in 15 years of age group (3.2%). Incidence of overweight was more in males (56.5%) than females (43.5%). Obesity was also more in male children than female children. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a higher prevalence among overweight (11.8%) children compared to children who are obese (7.5%). Junk food consumption, dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle of using technology as entertainment, and easy modes of transport to school are perhaps the contributors to give rise to the higher prevalence of health issues in these children. The results of this study can be applicable to similar future studies. Health education regarding prevention of obesity and its risk factors leading to mortality should be included in the curriculum in all schools. Regular health awareness program for parents and children should be conducted from time to time to assess healthier lifestyle motivation among city living population.

A retrospective study of clinico-pathological spectrum of carcinoma breast in a West Delhi, India.

Background:Data on the demographic profile of breast cancer patients from Delhi is scarce and whatever is available is from higher referral center. Our hospital caters to patients from an urban population of the lower socioeconomic strata and is a representation of cases at a tertiary care hospital in west Delhi. In Delhi, breast cancer (26.8%) is commonest cancer among the female followed by cervix (12.5%), gallbladder (7.2%), ovary (7.1%), and uterus (3.3%).Aims and Objectives:A retrospective audit of breast cancer patients presenting at a tertiary referral center from 2004 to 2011.Materials and Methods:A total of 328 cases diagnosed as carcinoma breast on histopathology from year 2004 to 2011 were retrieved and studied retrospectively with regards to demographic profile and their histological features with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Her2neu status.Results:The median age of presentation was 49 years of age. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC, not otherwise specified (NOS)) was the commonest histopathological variant (81.40%) followed by medullary carcinoma (10.36%) and mucinous carcinoma (2.74%). Triple negative were found to be the commonest group comprising 39.4% of all the cases followed by ER and PR both positive. Pathological tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging showed most common group was T2N0M0 (19.5%) followed by T2N1M0 (17.1%) and T2N2M0 (14%).Conclusion:The incidence of breast cancer in the India and include a higher incidence of ER, PR, and Her2neu negative disease in west Delhi.

GIS applicability to assess spatio-temporal variation of groundwater quality and sustainable use for irrigation

Sustainable and safe use of groundwater requires periodical monitoring of its quality. Because of the presence of multiple contaminants, spatial variation of overall groundwater quality is difficult to describe. The present study describes the overall groundwater quality for irrigation using a multi-criteria quality assessment system and sustainability of water use by incorporating the aspect of temporal variation of groundwater quality. The GIS-based multi-criteria system effectively amalgamated different quality parameters into an easily understandable format and assessed the spatial variation of groundwater quality for irrigation in west Delhi, India. The rate of spatial increment of poor quality groundwater within the study period was 3.7 km2 per year. It has been observed that there is deterioration of groundwater quality from southwest to east, along the general groundwater flow direction, and improvement of groundwater quality from west to northeast, due to less urbanization and availability of groundwater recharge zones with good quality water. Temporal variation of groundwater quality is high (V > 20 %) at northern part, moderate (V = 10–20 %) at middle and southern parts, and less (V < 10 %) at some pockets of southern part of the study area. The overall groundwater quality coupled with its variation reveals that while the groundwater use is mostly unsustainable in the southern part, groundwater sustainability is constrained by relatively poor and variable quality in western and northern fringes of the study area.

Electrical resistivity tomography for assessment of groundwater salinity in west Delhi, India

Indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals for intensive agriculture is mainly responsible for deterioration of groundwater quality in west Delhi of India. Geophysical and hydrochemical investigations were carried out to decipher subsurface geologic formation and assess groundwater salinity. Electrical resistivity tomography surveys revealed the presence of potential groundwater zones at 20–30 m below ground level. The groundwater quality was moderate to poor as evidenced from the low resistivity value of the potential aquifer. Only 20.2 % of the study area showed good quality groundwater potentiality, situated at few pockets in eastern, western, and northern parts of the study area. Low resistivity formation at southern part of the study area was due to infiltration of highly polluted drain water along with fertilizer rich surface water to the aquifer. Hydrochemical investigation also confirmed the result. The average electrical conductivity of groundwater was around 5,950 μS cm−1. Longitudinal unit conductance and transverse unit resistance values were calculated and used for delineation of saline groundwater zones. A direct relationship between longitudinal unit conductance and groundwater salinity made it possible to develop empirical equations by which salinity can be predicted from computed longitudinal unit conductance value. It helps for periodic monitoring of the pollution level by spending less labour and money and benefits immensely the policy makers. The article suggests further study and research work that can lead to sustainable exploitation/use and management of groundwater resources in west Delhi.

The Effect of Recession on the Buying Behavior of Consumers in New Delhi during the Economic Slowdown of 2013

research scouts out on the influence of recession on the purchasing deportment of consumers. study was conducted in the West Delhi region. purpose of this study was to examine the effect of recession on buying attitude of consumers, taking into consideration differences in spending in their goods consumption on different food, convenience and luxury items. With further expounding into the enquiry of change in shopping patterns of due to increase in prices or decrease in income and to analyze whether decrease in purchasing capacity of the have adulterated their preference for branded products. results were checked in accordance with whether recession affects the buying behavior or not. Therefore, attempt was put to find out the outcomes of the research that, which factors get affected in recession by a consumer. I. Introduction The paradigm of a smoothly adjusting system of largely competitive markets that produces what consumers want, provides rewards appropriate to effort, and is assured of stable economic growth though Keynesian macroeconomic policies lost its credibility. Rise in prices of food items and basic necessities of life due to inflation, unemployment, and low GDP creates a pre-recessionary situation which slowly and gradually affects the buying behavior of consumer of every market. Any nation going through the period of recession faces not only internal resistance from its business sector and but also external pressure from foreign bodies too. It becomes almost impossible for low income family to fulfill their basic requirements of daily life. Families with average monthly income becomes hand to mouth and savings are almost none. Whereas families having earnings of more than one family member, tries to limit their budget and go for more savings for future, as it becomes very un-predictable (1) . In 2009, global real GDP fell by 0.7%, marking the first decline since the early 1930s and prompting some to compare the current crisis with the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression. Although global GDP rose by 5.1% the following year, fueled largely by strong growth in developing markets, the world's advanced economies continued to suffer from significant job losses, drastic cuts in consumer spending and private investment, as well as alarming dip in global demand for consumer goods and services of all types. Growth is thought to have slowed to 4% in 2013, as consumer confidence remained low in the face of economic uncertainty Lekachman rejects the view of the economy as an engine powered by uncovered inner motivated decisions of legions of ardently competing businessmen and hordes of their customers and the contention that success is ultimately related to individual merit and application .Consumer behavior is the study of when, why, how, what and where consumers do or do not buy the products. It has elements of sociology, social, anthropology, psychology and economics, marketing wherein understanding how and why people behave in different situations with same or different circumstances (2) .

Human Brain Tissue Repository: A National Facility Fostering Neuroscience Research

The lack of appropriate animal models to understand the biology and evolution of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders and the fact that studies on experimental animals cannot substitute evaluation on human tissues has led to the establishment of Human Brain Bank for tissues and tissue fluids as resource centres. These Biobanks, collect, preserve and distribute fresh and fixed human tissue samples collected following autopsy and surgical resection with informed consent of patient/close relatives to bank and use the material for research following scientific ethics guidelines of ICMR. This attempt constitutes “converting biological waste into precious human tissue resource for research”. Many significant discoveries are made in the past utilising the human brain, establishing the usefulness of Biobanking in medical research understanding pathogenesis of human diseases, their genetic basis of neurological and psychiatric illnesses. Continued functioning of such a facility needs close co-operation and commitment of clinical neuroscientists, pathologists and basic scientists. A Human Brain Tissue Repository at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, South India has been functioning for the past 18 years contributing to the progress of neuroscience. With the occurrence of natural and man-made calamities like Bhopal gas tragedy, Co-60 leak in West Delhi, it is imperative for us to learn lessons by banking and analysing the tissues to understand altered biology and face the future events in preparedness. This makes the establishment of Brain Bank and Biobanks in India, a national priority as a planned strategy to face the disease and disaster in well informed and planned way.

Status of Oro-Dental health problems and treatment needs among urban population of South-West Delhi.

Madam, Oral health is an integral part of general health. [1] Two most common oral diseases, dental caries and periodontal diseases are strongly age related; exist in all population; varying only in severity and prevalence; and are irreversible. According to WHO Oral Health Report 2003, oral diseases are fourth most expensive disease to treat in most industrialized countries. [1] Present study was conducted in Raj Nagar part 1 of South West Delhi, between Nov. 2005 and Dec. 2006 to assess the status and pattern of oro‑dental health problems and treatment needs among residents of this area.

The Social Practices of Governing

Delhi’s slums face recurrent and disturbing waste water-related problems: overflowing drains, stagnation of sewerage near or within houses, and subsequent mosquito breeding cause difficulties for everyday life and serious health hazards. The question arises for the affected people as well as administration, how to deal with this tremendous challenge? Governance is defined as ‘exercise of authority, control, management, power of government’ (World Bank, 1992, p. 3) and is used to explain differential outcomes of development interventions. It is widely recognized to be the task of the state, the private sector and civil society conjunctly (UNDP, 1997). Yet, the development debate is suggestive of a rather organized process of governance; of negotiations that lead to the identification of a common goal; and of a rational, technical, and somewhat apolitical management of means of reaching this goal. From this perspective, the waste water situation in Delhi’s slums presents a clear case of governance failure. This article aims at shedding these assumptions and the conclusion they point at, and rather expose the scattered, piece-meal and conflict-ridden character of governance practices and outcomes in the urban everyday. It therefore takes a bottom-up perspective on governance, starting from the empirical evidence of waste water governance in one slum cluster in west Delhi.

Urban microfinance practices in national capital region, India

Microfinance is a tool for inclusive growth, income generating activities, livelihood security and reducing poverty. Geographical area covered for the study was Najafgarh area, South West Delhi. Inferences and conclusions were drawn based on primary data that were gleaned through field survey. Urban microfinance has not been as pervasive as its rural counter parts. SHG bank linkage model is apt for effective delivery of microfinance service in urban areas. In the study area mean age of sample group is 37.8, years and average size of the household is 4.71. 28.3% of sample women members are illiterate. 54% of the members were encouraged by friends and relatives to tag with SHG. There were 82.2% of SHGs have membership size is 20 and 83% members have availed loan. 17% of loans were utilised for investing in microenterprise or business expansion. Average annual return per group is Rs.5774, that of Rs. 296 per member. Average annual income and expenditure were Rs. 70144 and Rs. 60789, respectively per household and mean savings per household is Rs. 9346. About 94 percent of members have acquired sundry asset and 91 percent of the members satisfied with the services of the facilitating NGO, MYRDO.

Ethnographic Mapping of Alcohol Use and Risk Behaviors in Delhi

This paper examines mapping and related data-gathering at geographical locations of vulnerable urban groups with regard to risky sexual behaviors and alcohol/drug use in the capital city of Delhi. The aim is to describe the situations of special geographic locations and sub-groups in relation to alcohol/drug use and risks of HIV/STI infections. The study was part of a community program for alcohol and drug users in slum communities in West and East Delhi carried out by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, India. As part of a WHO multi-centered qualitative study among selected groups, mapping was done at different sites concerning alcohol use, social contexts, involvement in sexual risk behavior, availability of sex partners and related factors. Easy access to alcohol and drugs, accompanied by availability of sex workers appeared as compound risk factors in the study sites. Reported risky sexual behaviors included nonuse or irregular use of condoms, multiple sex partners, group sex, and anal sex with hijras (eunuchs).

An Evaluative Analysis of Service Quality Gap Using SERVQUAL: A Case of Private Bank in West Delhi

Service sector is the most important contributor to the GDP of the developed economy. It is also dominating in the developing country in the era of globalization. The growing importance of service sector in Indian economy has been observed over the past decade. It is growing rapidly with the growth rate 11.18 per cent in 2007. The contribution of service in the GDP accounted 60.7 percent in 2006 which show the emergence and growth of service sector in agrarian country like India, and within service sector the contribution to bank in the GDP Growth is 2.5 per cent in 2008-09, which is likely to increase 7.7 per cent by 2010.Service being abstract in nature can be experienced through deeds and performance. Measuring service quality is difficult because of its subjective nature. The functional quality is usually the primary determinant of customer’s quality perception. The quality and satisfaction is directly related. In today’s increasingly competitive environment, quality service is critical to corporate success. It is assumed that private sector banks provide superior quality thus, this paper attempts to examine the main features of service quality, GAP model, analyse bank’s performance with respect to various service dimensions, how retail customer rates their service quality and to identify the areas where improvement is sought with the help of SERVQUAL analysis. The study is carried out by using the original SERVQUAL questionnaire (22 questions each for expectation and perception for five dimensions of service quality) developed by Parasuram et. al. Weighted average is calculated to accurately evaluate the GAP of various service dimensions as per the importance place by the customers. The methodology adopted is a convenient judgmental sampling with the sample size of 100 retail customers. The data is collected through structured scheduled and questionnaire, the sources are ATMs and bank customers from various areas of west Delhi.The study reveals that frontline employee are very important in service delivery and key to fullfill the expectation of the customer in terms of service quality.

Frequency of β-thalassemia trait and other hemoglobinopathies in northern and western India.

INTRODUCTION:India is an ethnically diverse country with an approximate population of 1.2 billion. The frequency of beta-thalassemia trait (βTT) has variously been reported from <1% to 17% and an average of 3.3%. Most of these studies have been carried out on small population groups and some have been based on hospital-based patients. There is also a variation in the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in different regions and population groups in the country. A high frequency of Hb D has been reported from the North in the Punjabi population, Hb E in the eastern region of India and Hb S is mainly reported from populations of tribal origin from different parts of the country.OBJECTIVES:To study the gene frequency of βTT and other hemoglobinopathies in three regions East (Kolkata), West (Mumbai) and North (Delhi) in larghe population group (schoolchildren) for a more accurate assessment of gene frequency for planning of control programmes for haemoglobinopathies.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study included 5408 children from 11 schools in Delhi, 5682 from 75 schools in Mumbai and 957 schoolchildren from Kolkata who were screened for βTT and haemoglobinopathies. These included 5684 children from 75 schools in Mumbai and 5408 children from 11 schools in Delhi. Children were 11-18 years of age of both sexes. The final report is, however, only on 11090 schoolchildren from Mumbai and Delhi as data from Kolkata was restricted both in numbers and objectives and could not be included for comparison.RESULTS:The overall gene frequency of βTT in Mumbai and Delhi was 4.05% being 2.68% and 5.47% in children of the two cities respectively. In Mumbai, the gene frequency was evenly distributed. Majority of the children with βTT from Mumbai were from Marathi (38.9%) and Gujarati (25%) speaking groups. Gene frequency was >5% in Bhatias, Khatris, Lohanas and Schedule Castes. In Delhi, a higher incidence was observed in schoolchildren of North and West Delhi (5.8-9.2%). The schoolchildren of North and West Delhi comprised predominantly of Punjabi origin compared to children in the South of the city (2.2%, 2.3%). When analyzed state-wise, the highest incidence was observed in children of Punjabi origin (7.6%) and was >4% from several other states. Majority of the traits from Mumbai were anemic (95.1% male and 85.6% in female). The prevalence of anemia was lower (62.7% male and 58.4% female) children with βTT from Delhi. This was a reflection of the higher prevalence of anemia in children without hemoglobinopathy in Mumbai than in Delhi. Nutritional deficiency was probably more severe and rampant in children Mumbai. Gene frequency of Hb D was greater in schoolchildren from Delhi (1.1%) than in Mumbai (0.7%). Hb S trait (0.2%) was observed exclusively in children from Mumbai. A low incidence of Hb E trait (0.04%) was seen in children in Mumbai. A higher incidence is reported from the East. The number of cases studied from the eastern region was small as the data from the East (Kolkata) could not be included in the analysis.CONCLUSION:This study comprises a larger number of children studied for the gene frequency of βTT and other hemoglobinopathies from India. Population groups with higher gene frequencies require screening programmes and facilities for antenatal diagnosis as well as increased awareness and educational programmes to control the birth of thalassemic homozygotes. The overall carrier frequency of βTT was 4.05% and reinforces the differential frequency of β-thalassemia trait in schoolchildren from Delhi and Mumbai and the higher incidence of hemoglobin D in Punjabis as reported previously. The birth incidence calculated thereof for homozygous thalassemics would be 11,316 per year which are added each year to the existing load of homozygous thalassemics. This is much higher than the previously reported number of births annually. Hence suitable control measures need to be undertaken urgently in India.

Domestic violence against women and their mental health status in a colony in Delhi

Background:Violence against women is a major public health and human rights issue in the world today. This study was conducted to assess the consequences of domestic violence on the mental health of women of reproductive age group.Materials and Methods:A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Raj Nagar- I, urban locality in west Delhi near Palam. 350 women of 15-49 years age group residing in the community were selected by stratified random sampling. These women were administered an interview schedule adapted from WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence. They were assessed for the presence of domestic violence. Mental health status of these women was estimated by using self-reporting questionnaire 20. Data were analyzed using SPSS 12 software. The test applied was chi square test for proportion and binary logistic regression.Results:42.8% of the women reported one or the other types of violence. 34.9% of the women reported either physical or sexual violence ever in life. 29.1% of the women reported either physical or sexual violence in past 1 year (current violence). 12% of the women reported mental ill health. Women who had experienced domestic violence were more likely to report mental ill health status and suicidal tendencies as compared to women who had not experienced violence.Conclusions:Domestic violence is associated with mental ill health.

Assessment of groundwater pollution in West Delhi, India using geostatistical approach

The exploration, exploitation, and unscientific management of groundwater resources in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India have posed a serious threat of reduction in quantity and deterioration of quality. The objective of the study is to determine the groundwater quality and to assess the risk of groundwater pollution at Najafgarh, NCT of Delhi. The groundwater quality parameters were analyzed from the existing wells of the Najafgarh and the thematic maps were generated using geostatistical concepts. Ordinary kriging and indicator kriging methods were used as geostatistical approach for preparation of thematic maps of the groundwater quality parameters such as bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, electrical conductivity (EC), magnesium, nitrate, sodium, and sulphate with concentrations equal or greater than their respective groundwater pollution cutoff value. Experimental semivariogram values were fitted well in spherical model for the water quality parameters, such as bicarbonate, chloride, EC, magnesium, sodium, and sulphate and in exponential model for calcium and nitrate. The thematic maps of all the groundwater quality parameters exhibited an increasing trend of pollution from the northern and western part of the study area towards the southern and eastern part. The concentration was highest at the southernmost part of the study area but it could not reflect correctly the groundwater pollution status. The indicator kriging method is useful to assess the risk of groundwater pollution by giving the conditional probability of concentrations of different chemical parameters exceeding their cutoff values. Thus, risk assessment of groundwater pollution is useful for proper management of groundwater resources and minimizing the pollution threat.