Young Indians Research Articles

A Multifaceted Approach to Understand the Problem of Internet Addiction Among the Young Indian Students

There is a broad consensus in the health literature regarding the positive and prolific effects of Internet technology on well-being, though several studies also describe the negative consequences in terms of emerging new pathological conditions among users. This article explores the prevalence, determinants and effects of Internet addiction among young Indian students. Using the questionnaire-based survey data from a cross-section of 1050 young Internet users, it reports evidence of Internet addiction among Indian students, which can be associated with Internet overuse and physical, psychological and behavioural indicators. It also highlights the psychological issues both, as a cause and effect, of longer Internet usage.

Paediatric Medicine in India and Bottlenecks of Development in Nurturing Demographic Assets

This article argues that the poor state of paediatric medicine in India still restrains and often prevents the healthy development of far too many young Indians. Infants as junior-most citizens deserve diligent care, as they have legal entitlements to specialised medical services, ensuring their survival and healthy growth, ultimately for the benefit of the entire nation. The article first traces the somewhat stunted colonial institutional development of paediatric medicine in India. It then proceeds to perform a critical analysis of the continuing harm of negligence concerning the health and upbringing of India’s vulnerable infants, challenging the state to become more committed to integrated child development.

What are young Indians saying about mental health? A content analysis of blogs on the It’s Ok To Talk website

ObjectivesThis study used thematic content analysis to examine submissions to a youth mental health website, www.itsoktotalk.in, in India.SettingWe considered submissions made to the It’s OK to Talk web platform during...

2106-P: Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Has a Stronger Association with Prediabetes than Visceral Fat in Young Indians

Background: India is the world’s capital of ‘thin-fat’ phenotype and young onset diabetes. Abdominal adiposity is a possible explanation. We studied the association of abdominal fat distribution by MRI with glucose-insulin metabolism. Methods: Young adults [18 years, n=595 (308 boys), PMNS cohort] were classified by ADA 75 g OGTT as NGT and prediabetic. We measured anthropometry, total body fat (DXA), and glucose-insulin parameters (HOMA, Insulinogenic and Matsuda index), and visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) abdominal adiposity by MRI. Results: Prediabetic boys were shorter, had a higher BMI, WHR, VAT and SAT compared to NGT boys. Conversely, prediabetic girls had similar BMI, VAT and SAT. SAT was twice as strongly associated than VAT with glucose, insulin resistance, triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations. On multiple regression SAT remained strongly and independently associated. Conclusion: Unlike in Europeans, SAT has a stronger ‘detrimental’ association with cardio-metabolic risk factors compared to VAT. This may indicate a different adipose biology in Indians and needs further investigation. Disclosure R.H. Wagh: None. R.U. Bawdekar: None. W. Alenaini: None. E.L. Thomas: None. J.D. Bell: None. C.S. Yajnik: None.

Association of Arsenic Exposure With Cardiac Geometry and Left Ventricular Function in Young Adults.

Arsenic exposure has been related to numerous adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective association between arsenic exposure with echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) geometry and functioning. A total of 1337 young adult participants free of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease were recruited from the SHFS (Strong Heart Family Study). The sum of inorganic and methylated arsenic concentrations in urine (ΣAs) at baseline was used as a biomarker of arsenic exposure. LV geometry and functioning were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and follow-up. Mean follow-up was 5.6 years, and median (interquartile range) of ΣAs was 4.2 (2.8-6.9) µg/g creatinine. Increased arsenic exposure was associated with prevalent LV hypertrophy, with an odds ratio (95% CI) per a 2-fold increase in ΣAs of 1.47 (1.05-2.08) in all participants and of 1.58 (1.04-2.41) among prehypertensive or hypertensive individuals. Measures of LV geometry, including LV mass index, left atrial systolic diameter, interventricular septum, and LV posterior wall thickness, were positively and significantly related to arsenic exposure. Among measures of LV functioning, stroke volume, and ejection fraction were associated with arsenic exposure. Arsenic exposure was related to an increase in LV wall thickness and LV hypertrophy in young American Indians with a low burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The relationship was stronger in participants with prehypertension or hypertension, suggesting that potential cardiotoxic effects of arsenic might be more pronounced in individuals already undergoing cardiovascular adaptive mechanisms following elevated systemic blood pressure.

Recognition in India’s new service professions: gym trainers and coffee baristas

ABSTRACTHow do employees in “new services”, such as coffee baristas and gym trainers in India, see their jobs? In this paper, we build on extensive fieldwork in gyms and coffee chains that cater to the emerging Indian middle classes. Our research highlights the importance of respect and recognition in making service interactions more meaningful for new service workers. Generally hailing from the lower middle classes, new service work offers important opportunities to interact with and learn from English-speaking upper middle-class customers and clients. Besides the opportunity to interact and learn, the acknowledgement they receive for their skills and (bodily) accomplishments make such professions attractive as well. Even if this holds the potential for upward socioeconomic mobility, our findings also point at the resilience of social hierarchies. Drawing on literature on service interactions and new middle-class formation in India, this paper provides important insight into how young Indians navigate and negotiate the opportunities and pitfalls that come with the country's changing socioeconomic landscape.

Association Between Physical Activity, Menstrual Cycle Characteristics, and Body Weight in Young South Indian Females

Objectives: Physical activity is considered as an essential component of a woman’s ability to maintain or improve her level of wellness. Nevertheless, women, particularly young girls, usually pay less attention to health-promoting behaviors such as regular physical activity. Given the significance of physical activity in woman’ health status, the present study aimed to determine the influence of such activity and body mass index (BMI), especially on menstrual characteristics and menarche age among young females according to their socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and Methods: Data collection included two parts. First, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 healthy and young females aged 11-28 years and standardized self-reporting questionnaires were used to obtain relevant information. Then, purposive sampling technique was utilized to compare the information pertinent to physically active and inactive females or those with sedentary behavior. The data were later analyzed using the chi-square test by SPSS 16. Results: Based on the results, the majority of the young female population were physically inactive and only 121 women (12.1%) enjoyed exercising at least for 30 minutes three times a week or more. In addition, there was a significant correlation between BMI, SES, and physical activity involvement. The cycle length, the regularity of periods, and the severity of dysmenorrhea exhibited a positive association with involvement in physical activity. Conclusions: Overall, physical activity had a positive influence on menstrual characteristics in young females. Therefore, it is important to educate women for regular physical activity in order to modify or reduce menstrual cycle disturbances.

A Single Point Assessment of Prevalence and Pattern of Sports Injuries among Young Indian Adults

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Introduction:</strong> Participation in sports entails a risk of injury for all athletes. Sports injury ranks among the major public health problems because substantial morbidity and cost goes parallel. This study aims to assess the prevalence and patterns of sports injuries among young Indian adults. <strong>Methodology</strong>: This crosssectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire conducted at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Punjab, India. The data obtained from 146 participants from sister institutions across the country is presented. A complete enumeration of the study subjects was performed. The data was computed using Microsoft excel&reg; and free version of SPSS. <strong>Results:</strong> The studied sample had 46.5% of prevalence of sports injuries. Males were mostly affected by injuries. 40.1% of prevalence was reported among those participants who were devoid of coaching facilities. The practice of preventive measures was also low. Participants played lawn tennis followed by kabaddi and volleyball suffered more injuries. Injuries are not covered by any insurance policy; and, out of pocket expenditure was high. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Lack of technical expertise in sports injury management is a matter of concern as large of participants reported lack of coaching facilities. The results of this study also demand that attention be paid towards preventive measures and periodic health screening to promote youngsters to continue to enjoy sports in a safer way. Finally, it may pave way for sensitization in young students at the college/school level. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong> Key words:</strong> Injury, Sports, Financial Dimension, Athlete.

Evidence of higher intramyocellular fat among normal and overweight Indians with prediabetes

BackgroundThe rise in prevalence rates of Type 2 Diabetes among Indians is well recognized. The research focus has been primarily to understand the changes in insulin sensitivity and beta cell dysfunction among Indians with Type 2 Diabetes. However, no data are available on the role of peripheral tissue, in particular intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content and its impact on glucose homeostasis among Indians with prediabetes.Methods28 male subjects (20–40 year) were studied. 13 with prediabetes (BMI ranging from 25.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2) and 15 controls (BMI ranging from 24.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were recruited. Body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion rates were derived using the minimal model of C-peptide secretion and kinetics rates and skeletal muscle strength of the lower limb (quadriceps) was assessed using Isokinetic dynamometry. From muscle biopsy samples of the vastus lateralis, IMCL fat content (Oil red O staining) was determined.ResultsThe prediabetes group were older compared to controls (P < 0.01), but had similar BMI. The muscle to fat ratio, plasma Insulin, C peptide, HOMA-IR and HOMA % B were also comparable between the groups. IMCL fat content (%) was significantly higher in the prediabetes group compared to controls (7.0 ± 0.7% vs. 2.0 ± 0.3%, P < 0.01). This difference persisted even after controlling for age. Overall the IMCL fat content (%) was positively and significantly associated with HbA1c (r = 0.76, P < 0.01). HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with central (android, trunk) adiposity (kg) (r = 0.71, P < 0.01) but not with IMCL (%).ConclusionsThis is the first direct evidence of existence of significantly higher lipid levels within skeletal muscle cells among normal and overweight young Indians with prediabetes. However, there was no association between IMCL and HOMA-IR among the prediabetes group.

The Young Myocardial Infarction Study of the Western Indians: YOUTH Registry

BackgroundMyocardial infarction is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young adults around the world. ObjectivesIn the YOUTH (Young Myocardial Infarction Study of the Western Indians) registry, we aimed to evaluate risk factor profile and angiographic outcomes of reperfusion therapies of infarct-related artery in young western Indians (≤40 years) having ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. MethodsA total of 1,179 consecutive patients aged ≤40 years who presented with ischemic heart disease from June 2012 to December 2014 were enrolled in the YOUTH registry. A total of 787 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were further evaluated. Categorical data was assessed using chi-square test, whereas continuous data was assessed using Student's t test. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the strength of association. ResultsIn the YOUTH registry, the study population was predominantly male (93%) with tobacco consumption as major prevalent risk factor (49.7%). Of 787 patients, 451 (57.31%) were thrombolyzed, 326 (41.42%) did not receive any reperfusion therapy, and 10 patients (1.27%) underwent primary angioplasty. Younger age, window period <6 h, and lower lipoprotein (a) level were observed in patients with a recanalized infarct-related artery. Regression analysis showed window period of thrombolysis as strongest predictor (odds ratio: 1.790, 95% confidence interval: 1.144–2.802; p < 0.011) of successful reperfusion. Patients (n = 235) being thrombolyzed in a window period of <6 h, had higher rate of infarct-related artery recanalization (77%) as compared to those with ≥6 h window period (23%). In-hospital mortality was 0.38% (n = 3), whereas bleeding complication was noted only in 1 patient. ConclusionsWe herewith conclude that acute short-term outcome is favorable in young ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients, particularly in those who had received timely thrombolytic therapy. Though tobacco consumption was a major contributor of risk in young adults, prevalence of other risk factors was low in young Western Indians.

"The Packaging Is Very Inviting and Makes Smokers Feel Like They're More Safe": The Meanings of Natural American Spirit Cigarette Pack Design to Adult Smokers.

The aim of this investigation was to identify which design elements on Natural American Spirit packs are salient to (i.e., noticed by) U.S. adult smokers and what meanings smokers derive from these elements. We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data from a study of cigarette packaging design. U.S. adult smokers ( n = 33) from all nine census regions participated in six telephone-based focus groups in March 2017. We used constant comparison analysis to identify key themes. Four themes were identified, two focused on salient design elements and two focused on design element meanings. The themes of "bright and flashy color" and "the American Indian logo" were identified as key design elements, while the themes of "healthy and safer" and "targeting at-risk smokers" were identified as meanings smokers derived from design elements. Pack design elements influence smokers' perceptions about reduced health risk of Natural American Spirit cigarettes and may be especially dangerous to vulnerable populations, including young adults and American Indians. Findings from this study suggest that the banning of text descriptors may not be enough to address misconceptions about "healthier" cigarettes.

Influence of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Promoter Gene Polymorphisms (-174G>C, -572G>C, and -597G>A) on IL-6 Plasma Levels and Their Impact in the Development of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Young Indians.

This study aimed to determine whether there is an influence of interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene promoter polymorphisms on IL-6 plasma levels and its role in the development of ischemic stroke in young Indians. One hundred young patients with ischemic stroke (age ≥ 45 years) and equal number of age- and sex-matched controls were genotyped for 174G>C, −572G>C, and −597G>A promoter polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma IL-6 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients as compared to controls (patients: 28.61 ± 8.61 pg/mL, controls: 7.60 ± 4.10 pg/mL, P = .001). Both −174G>C (allelic χ2/P value: 4.79/.028, genotypic χ2/P value: 5.3/.021) and −572G>C (allelic χ2/P value: 9.63/.00113 Genotypic χ2/P value: 74/.0002) polymorphisms exhibited genotypic as well as allelic significant association with the disease phenotype. Comparison was made between patients and controls for all 3 polymorphisms using a recessive model with respect to plasma IL-6 levels; no polymorphism showed any significant correlative association with the increased IL-6 levels (P = .31, .51, .32). Interleukin 6 is an inflammatory marker that is considerably influenced by nongenetic factors and is not a good candidate gene for studying genetic components associated with ischemic stroke. It seems that the variability in IL-6 levels is an integrated effect of nongenetic influences and the inflammatory events that follow ischemic stroke instead of being its cause. It is suggested that there is no direct association between −174G>C, −572G>C, and −597G>A polymorphisms and elevated IL-6 levels in the development of ischemic stroke.

Distribution of conventional lipids in Indians with premature coronary artery disease: A substudy of the premature coronary artery disease registry

Context: Conventional lipids in young Indians with Coronary Artery Disease. Aims: To study distribution of conventional lipids and their quantification in demographic subgroups of Indians with Premature Coronary Artery Disease (PCAD). Settings and Design: PCAD Registry is a Prospective Multisite Descriptive Observational study of Indians aged below 40 years with Coronary Artery Disease. This Lipid sub study is based on preliminary data of first year of the PCAD registry. Methods and Material: Of 1380 patients registered in PCAD registry, 1061 satisfied entry criteria. Conventional lipids were estimated using commercially available kits. Each of risk factor subgroups were compared by statistical analysis of lipid values. Statistical significance was derived by independent t-test or one-way ANOVA wherever appropriate. The distribution of different lipid profile parameters was visualised by nonparametric density plot. The data was analysed by statistical software R version 3.5.0. Results: A total of 1380 patients were registered. of which 1061 patients satisfied the entry criteria and were enrolled for the lipid analysis study. The mean age of all patients registered was 34.27 (±4.30) years. Mean total cholesterol of entire study population was 171.95 ± 47.11, LDL was 116.39 ± 84.81 mg/dl, HDL was 34.50 ± 9.64, TG was 165.18 ± 87.11, non-HDL was 138.09 ± 46.18. Conclusions: Among all the conventional lipid parameters, low HDL-C along with high TGs seems to be more relevant for premature coronary artery in Indians. Primary cardiovascular disease prevention for Young Indians cannot be solely on the basis of LDL-C. All risk factors should be considered together. Larger sample population studies are needed to draw population specific cutoff values for risk factors and to discover novel risk factors (CTRI/2018/03/012544).

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in young Indians: An autopsy study

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis, the cause of CAD, is emerging as the single largest disease accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths in India. A study to evaluate the Microscopic Grading of CAD in young individuals and to find its relationship with the age and sex was done for one year. Tissues of coronary artery from 55 cases of medico legal autopsy were collected and studied for Histopathology. The findings were graded as per guidelines of American Heart Association. Out of 18 patients in the age group less than 30 years, 16 (77.8%) were males and 2 (22.2%) were females. Out of 37 cases (30–39 years), 26 were males (70.3%) and 11 females (29.7%). Out of 37cases belonging to the age group of 30–39 years, 7(18.9%) 2 cases had type I-III changes while30(81.1%) cases had type IV-VI changes [χ (5) = 30.65 p = 0.000 (confidence interval 95%)]. According to our study, young Indians dying due to non-cardiac causes show significant positive CAD changes. This is quite high in comparison with corresponding non-Indian cohorts. Majority affected were males (40/55: 72.7%) as compared to the females. The high Incidence of CAD in young people is quite alarming. The data obtained may form a baseline for the forthcoming studies of CAD, especially if done on a multi-centric basis.

Gender Dynamics in Morality of Alcohol Addict and Non-Addict Young Indian College Students

Gender Dynamics in Morality of Alcohol Addict and Non-Addict Young Indian College Students

Validation of a diabetes knowledge test for Indian children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionDiabetes knowledge has a large impact on glycemic control. There is a pressing need for creation of validated tests of knowledge for different ethnic groups. ObjectiveTo create and validate a diabetes knowledge test (DKT) for young Indians with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). MethodsWe created a 34 item Hindi language DKT, with basic (19-questions) and advanced (15-questions) components. It was administered to 77 consecutive patients who had previously received in-hospital diabetes education. We hypothesized that the test scores would be higher for patients residing in urban regions, for patients with higher maternal education, and those with lower HbA1c. Cronbach’s alpha (α) was used to calculate the test reliability. ResultsThe DKT score was significantly higher in families with higher (>class 12th) maternal formal education compared with lower [70.0 (95% C.I. 67.2–73.5) vs 54.2 (95% C.I. 44.0–57.3), p<0.001] and urban residence compared with rural [68.5 (95% C.I. 63.4–70.6) vs 54.5 (95% C.I. 42.5–61.7), p<0.001]. It had negative correlation with HbA1c (r=−0.268, p=0.019). The Cronbach’s α was 0.87 for the entire test, and for the basic and advanced components was 0.78 and 0.74 respectively. ConclusionThe DKT India is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate diabetes knowledge in Hindi speaking Indian children, adolescents and young adults with T1DM.

Prevalence of hypertension and risk factors among young Indians

Prevalence of hypertension and risk factors among young Indians

PO262 Lipid Profile of Coronary Artery Disease In Young (

PO262 Lipid Profile of Coronary Artery Disease In Young (<30 Yrs) South Asian Indians : A Sub-study of the P.C.A.D Registry

Behavioural Aspects Influencing Decision to Purchase Apparels amongst Young Indian Consumers

The study of consumer buying behaviour is essential for marketers to understand the key elements such as what is purchased, from where it is purchased, the quantity of purchase, how much money is spent and other related variables affecting buying behaviour. The purpose of this article is to assess the consumer buying behaviour for apparels. The study makes substantial effort to recognize the variables which affect decision of apparel purchase among youth. Theoretical foundation of the study is based on secondary sources such as research papers, articles, magazines and articles on consumer buying behaviour. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is performed to extract factors which affect consumer buying behaviour and subsequently purchase decision. Total 6 factors were extracted with 20 prominent indicators. CFA confirms that all the obtained values of the indicators are model fit and comply with the standardized criteria. The findings show that consumer buying behaviour in apparel such as purchase frequency, average spending, preferred store type and preferred brand mostly depends on various demographic variables. Hence, the study validates the significance of segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) for marketers of apparel. The present article reveals that all types of domestic and worldwide brands are available in Indian market and are purchased by consumers as long as those are perceived to deliver value to consumers. The study recommends that marketers must segment the market and target those segments which can be served expeditiously. Marketers must target a particular segment of consumers for which they can offer better value. The findings and recommendations of the study might be useful for academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs and managers of apparel industry to understand industry trends and formulate appropriate strategies.

P4439Environmental influence on cardiovascular risk in young Indians across continent, time for action

P4439Environmental influence on cardiovascular risk in young Indians across continent, time for action