The Journal of Community Health Management

133-137

Authors: Nidhi Dinesh Sinha, Badrinarayan Mishra, S C Mohapatra.

Essential or primary hypertension has grown demonic, no country or commune is immune to it. Lot has been revealed and said about this silent killer, what lacks is committed action. A righteous approach to detect, educate and treat is the need of the hour. Present article discuses common and preventable issues concerned with its misdiagnosis poor awareness and missed opportunities.

143-147

Authors: Jagdeep Ramesh, Meriton Stanly.

Introduction: Hypertension is a common Non - communicable disease and is a major contributor of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. Hypertension can lead to complications like stroke, coronary heart disease, renal failure and death if not detected early and treated adequately. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among elderly in a slum population in Chennai and to asses certain risk factors associated with hypertension. Materials & Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which included 100 elderly people above 60 years in a slum of Urban Health Training Centre of Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Porur, Chennai. Details regarding education, income, personal habits, physical activity were obtained. The weight, height and blood pressure of all the participants were measured. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 59% (95% CI 49% - 68%). As the BMI increases the prevalence of hypertension increases (p=0.02). Sedentary lifestyle (p=0.038) were associated with increase of prevalence of hypertension. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize that hypertension is an important public health problem among the geriatric population and that there is definite need for regular screening for hypertension. Community health education and health promotion programs to encourage behavioral changes among the elderly will go a long way in the prevention of hypertension.

153-155

Authors: Sakshi Singh, Tapas K. Ray, Sandeep Kumar.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been observed to be associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. GDM is becoming a public health concern globally as well as in India with fast increasing trend. It affects approximately 14% of all pregnancies. Most of the literature available has focused on traditional risk factors while this article has thrown light on modifiable ones. Objective: To study the modifiable risk factors for developing GDM in pregnant women based on physical examination and personal history. Materials and Methods: A hospital based case control study was conducted in Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospital with a sample size of 104 (52 cases & 52 controls). Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus as diagnosed by abnormal oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) were taken as cases and Pregnant women who have completed 24 weeks of gestation and who tested negative on Glucose Challenge test (GCT) were selected as controls.bThe data was compiled and analysed in SPSS version 12. Results: Pre pregnancy BMI >23kg/m² (OR-12.96), Skinfold thickness >13mm (OR-5.30). OCPs use for more than 5 years (OR-4.71), Physical activity sedentary vs moderate (OR=1.40), consumption of food item with high GI (OR=2.86). Conclusions: The information found in the study regarding the risk factors may contribute heavily to the policy makers to develop strategies to combat the problem of GDM in the community

164-169

Authors: Devika P. Jeeragyal, Sharavanan. E Udayar, Sasidhar M., K. R. John.

Introduction: It was introduced into India by Portuguese. The great Sikh Guru Gobind Singh said, “Wine is bad, Indian hemp (bhang) destroys one generation but tobacco destroys all generations”. Tobacco consumption is a major public health issue and is the major risk factor for six leading causes of death. Most of deaths occur in 35- 69 years age group which is economically productive, due to tobacco use and an average loss of 20-25 years of life. Tobacco use has high impact on growing economy and high expenditure on health. So many cultural practices, beliefs attitudes are contributing to its usage. Aims and Objectives: The study was done with the objective of assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices of tobacco usage among rural population at Kuppam field practice area, A.P. Materials and Methods: KAP study was done at field practice area of Kuppam in A.P. Result: Total 1500 individuals above 15yrs were studied. The overall prevalence of tobacco use among the subjects was 61.3%. The prevalence of smoking, chewing and snuff use was 19.5%, 56.6% and 2.7% respectively. sociodemographic factors, cultural factors, misconception that tobacco releases the tension, worry, helps to overcome the appetite, thirst ect are contributing to tobacco consumption. Their belief, attitude and practices are very much deep routed in this rural area. They believe that tobacco consumption is not a bad and it is accepted by society compare to alcohol intake.

175-176

Authors: Mohammad Atif, Mohd Maroof, Sankalp Yadav.

India is the seventh largest country as per the geographical area, and is the 2nd most populous country after China. Since independence in 1947, there is development in every field in India and so is in the health sector. Health care is an important aspect for every country and health is a basic right of all human being (Alma Ata Declaration, 1978). (1,2) Health infrastructure can be described as back bone of a nation because an unhealthy nation faces a lot of trouble especially financially

85-90

Authors: Saibal Adhya, Arun Tyagi.

Introduction: Potable water is one of the most basic logistics requirements of Armed Forces, in camps, on official as well as personal moves. It directly affects the health of the soldier as well as the combat readiness of committed forces. This study was under taken to assess the effectiveness of major water sterilization formulations available currently and make recommendations regarding usage in the armed forces. Materials and Method: A comparative study was conducted to assess the effectiveness as well as acceptability for use of four water sterilizing formulations: OFWS; Halazone; NaDcc; and Iodine which can be used for purification of water at individual level. Eight regiments in a forward location were selected by random procedure and all personnel proceeding on leave during a three month period formed part of the study. These eight units were then randomized into four groups. Results: NaDcc was most acceptable followed by Halazone and OFWS with Iodine being least acceptable. Iodine users –mentioned inability to understand usage, unacceptable taste and odour, complicated usage, longer duration to act. Halazone and OFWS users mentioned that these were complicated to use and took a longer duration for the formulation to take effect. Halazone was found to have the least acceptable taste followed by OFWS. There was no statistical difference between the protective effectiveness of the formulations as per tests conducted in lab. Conclusion: NaDcc was the most acceptable formulation and its benefits were demonstrated to far outweigh that of older formulations like OFWS, it should be immediately introduced in the Armed Forces.

97-99

Authors: Monu Sarin, Poonam Arora, SC Mohapatra.

Introduction: PCOS exists commonly among women in the reproductive age with an incidence rate of 6-10%.The clinical manifestations of PCOS include oligomenorrhoea, infertility, acne, hirsutism and obesity. There is a significant overlap of symptoms between PCOS and hypothyroidism. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of hypothyroidism in PCOS patients. Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study of clinically diagnosed 50 females of PCOS and another 50 age matched female subjects were studied as the control population. PCOS and Hypothyroidism were diagnosed by Ultrasound (USG) and biochemical parameters T3, T4, TSH, LH, FSH and PRL. Results: The mean TSH, LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio and PRL are sig­nificantly higher in women with PCOS as compared to controls. Conclusion: PCOS is on the rise in hypothyroid patients. Identification of hypothyroidism may help us to treat and prevent fertility complications in PCOS females. Hypothyroidism needs to be early corrected in the management of infertility associated with PCOS which is of major concern these days.

106-108

Authors: JS Poyyamazhi.

Introduction: Vector borne diseases are prevalent all over the world, especially in tropical regions. In India mosquito borne diseases such as malaria and dengue are in steep rise. Community participation plays an important role in controlling the transmission of mosquito borne diseases. Community participation depends on public awareness and knowl­edge towards the diseases and their prevention. Therefore, the present study aimed at determining the knowledge regarding mosquito borne diseases, current mosquito control practices among rural population. Materials and Method: The present questionnaire based cross sectional study was carried out in Thuvakudi government hospital. Study period was for three months (October 2016 to December 2016). Participants were either patients or family members of patients waiting to be seen by a health care official. Data was collected from total 329 people on the basis of systemic random sampling. Results: 329 subjects were included in the study. Most of the study participants were aware of malaria (88.4%) followed by dengue (59.5%) and chickungunya (15.0%). Majority of participants in our study consider dirty stagnant water (47.3%) is the place where mosquitoes breed. 6.2% are not aware of mosquito breeding sites. 16.3% participants considered garbage is the place for mosquito breeding. Liquid vaporizers (40.1%) were found to be the most commonly used method followed by coils/mats (36.6%). Conclusion: Knowledge towards mosquito borne diseases was good with respect to malaria followed by dengue. Knowledge regarding mosquito breeding places was also good, but few participants believe garbage as one of the places of mosquito breeding. All the participants in our study are taking any one of the preventive measures against mosquitoes.

116-121

Authors: S. Ramesh Kannan, Shanthi Kannan, Kalaiselvi Selvaraj, Manikandan.

Introduction: Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a common entrapment neuropathy involving the median nerve across the transverse carpal ligament. The diagnosis is clinical and confirmed by neurophysiological evaluation. Management varies from conservative as well as surgical. Since most of the patients prefer medical management we decided to compare the efficacy of benfotiamine, a neuro protective agent and pregabalin, a third generation anticonvulsant drug used for symptom relief. Aim: The study was conducted to compare the efficacy of pregabalin in combination with benfotiamine, and pregabalin as monotherapy in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and Method: Fifty eight patients with CTS, who were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by nerve conduction study, were included through convenience sampling method. They were allocated to two groups: (i) treatment with pregabalin(n=30) and (ii) treatment with pregabalin in combination with benfotiamine (n=28) by simple randomization method. Symptom severity and functional status of these enrolled patients were compared before the intervention at recruitment and 12 weeks after the intervention using Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). Result: The mean difference in symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale(FSS) scores between two treatment groups were analyzed by intention to treat method. Statistically significant differences were observed after 12 weeks of treatment in the FSS and SSS in both the groups, compared to the baseline.Patients who received combination treatment had higher scores after 12 weeks in the FSS as well as the SSS compared to pregabalin group [12 weeks score in SSS: pregabalin: 0.33±0.29, pregabalin+benfotiamine group: 2.16±0.58, p=0.0001, mean reduction in FSS: pregabalin: 0.14± 0.25, pregabalin+benfotiamine group:1.81±0.24, p=0.0001]. Conclusion: Combining benfotiamine with pregabalin is found to be effective in the conservative management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to the different modalities of action. The long term efficacy of these drugs needs to be studied.

131-132

Authors: Monu Sarin, Sameer Malik, Munish Chauhan, Sandeep Dewan, S.C. Mohapatra.

Each year 2.2 million people develop TB in India and estimated 2,20,000 die from the disease. There are two main types of drug resistant TB: MDR-TB and XDR. Globally in 2015 the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 3.9% of new cases and 21% of previously treated cases of TB were of MDR/RR-TB. Active pulmonary TB is a rare primary cause of acute respiratory failure (ARF) however, high mortality rates have recently been reported in patients with ARF arising from TB. In-hospital mortality of tuberculosis patients remains high, especially among those requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation (MV). Tuberculosis patients requiring ICU care may also develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS severe enough to require ECMO support is estimated to occur in nearly 5 to 10 cases per million populations per year.

38-40

Authors: D. Kumar, TB Singh.

Antenatal care is one of the four pillars initiatives of the Safe Motherhood. The aim of this study was to investigate coverage of antenatal care among Baiga women's in M.P. A Cross- sectional community- based study was carried out in Dindori district. The structured questionnaires were used to gather data from women who had been pregnant within the last five year, or currently pregnant. A sample of 380 women investigated for antenatal care coverage 273, (71.8%) women had taken at least one antenatal checkup by different health professionals. Out of them 23% women had taken antenatal care in the first, 43% in second and 34% in third trimester during pregnancy. Care components were measured during and checkup reported by women as weight (63.9%) height (32.2%), blood pressure (41.8%), hemoglobin (23%) and abdomen examination (51.9%). Antenatal care showed a low coverage among Baiga women's due to low awareness, distance to medical facility, etc. Special IEC strategy needed there for creating awareness.

47-49

Authors: D. Kumar, TB Singh.

Stillbirth is one of undesirable outcomes of pregnancy and considerable marker in determining the disease burden for mother and child. The vital registration statistics on stillbirth is inadequate in India due to many reasons understudied, unreported, etc. The causes of stillbirth may be various medical, social and psychological factors contributing to occurrence. It can be reducing by improving counting & reporting of stillbirths at all levels along with by appropriate strategy prior to events for identifying, monitoring and treatments.

53-55

Authors: Vikas Deep Mishra, Abhishek Pratap Singh.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have many times under-recognized and untreated depression and anxiety symptoms which lead to harmful effects on physical functioning and social interaction. Depression and anxiety are often difficult to identify in patients of COPD. The causes for these associated diseases in COPD are multifactorial including social, behavioural and biological factors. Less than 35% of COPD patients with these co-morbid diseases are receiving appropriate treatment. The factor for this low treatment rate includes patients perceived barrier e.g. reluctance to receive antidepressant drug therapy, poor treatment compliance and deficiency of standardized diagnostic approach. There are inconclusive evidence to support the efficacy of anti-depressant drug therapy in patients of COPD with comorbid depression and anxiety. Promising results are being noticed in pulmonary rehabilitation, psychological therapy and the collaborative care model in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with COPD. But, the main limitations are short term follow up period. More research is required to establish the efficacy of these interventions in randomized control trial with larger samples and longer follow up periods.

58-62

Authors: Prabhakar Akurathi, N. Samson Sanjeeva Rao, TSR Sai.

Introduction: The Godavari River’s Mahapushkaram observed from 14th to 25th July, 2015 drew upto 10 lakh people to Rajahmundry city and neighboring towns. Due to the flocking of such masses, many problems were anticipated; traffic congestion, poor sanitation, air pollution due to vehicles, water pollution etc. There was also an increased need for proper food, milk and water. An effective mass management plan requires an assessment of the current system’s capacity and understanding of hazards and risks. A review of such events can enlighten us with good practices and identify gaps which can be addressed in future such events. Materials and Method: This qualitative study involved PRA techniques like transect walk on all the days and interaction with key informants and in depth interviews with officials, workers and pilgrims. Preparations made for the Pushkaram, good practices and gaps in the arrangements were observed and noted. The information was transcribed in MS word and identified themes are presented. Results and Discussion: Observations regarding planning, facilities, food and water, sanitation, communication, transport, crowd flow, security and safety revealed many good practices. However many gaps were also identified. On the first day a stampede took place at pushkar ghat with 29 people losing their lives. The stampede that took place revealed several lacunae in preparedness for mass casualty incidents. Conclusion: The state has a responsibility to make sure that adequate arrangements are made to meet the large inflow of pilgrims. Accommodation, food, water and sanitation needs were adequately met with good public private coordination. Lacunae were; need for better traffic regulations and diversions, addressing basic needs of people stuck in traffic for long hours and an emergency evacuation system in case of untoward incidents. On site health outposts must be of a reasonably higher level to manage causalities.

70-75

Authors: Sanjeev Davey, Anuradha Davey, Santosh Kumar Raghav, Tauseef Alvi, Nirankar Singh, Jai Vir Singh.

Introduction: The data regarding knowledge and experiences of patients using health helplines available in India is lacking in literature, which makes it inevitable to research this area, as attempted by authors in this article. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice areas of RHTC & UHTC respectively; attached to a medical college in district Muzaffarnagar from July 1st 2016 to March 31st 2017. All age group of Clients in selected area were studied on 12 important toll free health helplines from a simple random sample of 450 Clients (225 each from RHTC & UHTC area). The data was analyzed by appropriate statistical test such as Chi-square test. Results: The % of health helplines literacy for >than 10 helplines known was 0.9% (RHTC area) and 0.4% (UHTC area) and <5 health helplines known were 83.1% (RHTC area) and 85.8% (UHTC area). The most useful health helpline as perceived by clients were HIV/AIDS in both RHTC area (77.3%) and UHTC area(77.1%). However there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) on 3 areas: (a) Utility of 5 Major National health programmes related helplines; (b) The knowledge of helplines among different type of clients & c) Awareness for helplines according to literacy levels. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for focus on many National Health Programme related health help lines in terms of their advertisements at multiple levels and channels, if a sufficient dent needs to be made for improving health care system of India.

83-84

Authors: Vani H C.

Health being multifactorial it’s influenced by various determinants like biological, behavioural, environmental, socio cultural, equity etc. While working as a monitor for the pulse polio programme the author observed various social factors which influenced the children to receive or not to receive the polio vaccine drops. This article describes various social factors influencing the pulse polio programme from a public health specialist point of view.

Page No. 1-4

Authors: Narasimha BC, Ravish KS, Ranganath TS, Sharvanan E

Background: Mother’s milk undoubtedly represents the best nourishment for the child during first months of life. WHO recommends breastfeeding to be initiated within 1 hour after giving birth. Early initiation of breast feeding has lifetime benefits for the mother and the child. In India, breastfeeding in rural areas appears to be shaped by the beliefs of a community, which are further influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. Hence this study was undertaken to know the rate of early initiation of breast feeding and its determinants among Bangalore rural women. Material and Method: 160 lactating women were interviewed by house to house visit by simple random technique and were assessed as per the study objective by pre structured questionnaire. Result: As per our study 48.2% of the mothers were in the age group of 18 – 22 years and 12.50% of mothers were illiterates. Majority of the mothers were 96.3% (154) home makers. As per the number of antenatal visit the mean visits was 6.57. 62.5% of the mothers initiated breast feeding within 1 hour of birth and 96% of the women have given colostrum to their Newborns. Conclusion: 37.5% of newborns were not given breast feeding within first hour of birth, colostrum was not fed in 4.4% newborns, honey and other prelacteal feeds was given in 5.6% newborns.

Page No. 11-17

Authors: Monisha Sahai

Background: A strong referral chain is vital for the proper functioning of any broad base community health care pyramid. Improper referral contributes to high childhood morbidity and mortality. Since this referral chain is as strong as its weakest link, identifying and strengthening the weak links will help provide efficient, effective, affordable and equitable health care to the community. Inadequate evaluation of paediatric patients by the referring physician in the peripheral CGHS(Central government Health Scheme) dispensaries was resulting in a high patient load at the referral hospital where the author was working as a specialist, and frustration in the patient’s caregiver. The associated delay in receiving specialist's care often resulted in aggravation of the basic disease. Material and Methods: In a study conducted in a referral Urban health care system in India (CGHS), primary data collected from 264 referred patients and secondary data of 5 referring peripheral clinics was analysed. Results: Reasons for improper paediatric referral and common conditions requiring referral and specialist's care were identified. Conclusions: Identified lacunae in referral were corrected using a unique "WISH" format, devised by the author. This helped the primary care physician in doing a quicker ,comprehensive and easily reproducible health check-up and rapid referral of the paediatric patient, if required, to a higher centre. This tool will empower the primary care physician in improving patient evaluation at the first link of a referral health care system and ensure early, economic and efficient referral.

Page No. 24-29

Authors: Bhavana R. Hirenath, Chandan N.

Background: Cancer cervix is the most malignant neoplasms striking women at a young age. It is relatively asymptomatic in early stages and in advanced stages the symptoms are vague and can be neglected by women. It is essential to understand the perceptions of women towards cancer cervix and impart knowledge regarding the same. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the women attendees of urban and rural health training centers. Women who consented were interviewed in details to understand their knowledge and attitude regarding reproductive tract infections, cancer cervix screening and prevention. Interview of women was conducted and details regarding sociodemographic characters were collected alongwith knowledge and attitude regarding reproductive tract infections and cancer cervix. Health education was imparted to all women regarding importance of screening (PAP smear) and prevention of cancer cervix. Results: Majority women in both areas had inadequate knowledge regarding cancer cervix and reproductive tract infections. White discharge per vagina was the most common reproductive tract infection reported, 38% in urban and 36% in rural area. Majority women in both areas had not heard about cancer cervix. 20% women in urban area were aware of the availability of treatment for cancer cervix compared to only 2% in rural area. Drugs and surgery were the main treatment options according to them. Only 14% women in urban and 2% women in rural area were aware that cancer cervix was preventable. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding cancer cervix was inadequate among our study subjects. Providing health education and reinforcing importance of self-care proved beneficial as their attitude towards screening was positive.

Page No. 35-37

Authors: Radhika Gupta, Sonu Goel, Md. Abu Bashar, Sudip Bhattacharya, Ranjana Singh

Nursing professionals are in a unique position to exert profound effect in reduction of tobacco use in its different forms including cessation interventions in people using them. The current case study was carried out to understand the level of inclusion of tobacco control education in nursing curriculum of a premier nursing care institute of North India and based on this the readiness of the nursing professionals passing from the institute to successfully deliver cessation interventions. This case study represents the level of Inclusion and extent of teaching of tobacco control education in nursing curriculum in a premiere nursing care institute of Northern India. The nursing faculty and students were interviewed in a single session, individually in proper settings to understand the tobacco control education inclusion and integration in the nursing curriculum. They go for outreach to a local slum for active case finding and then refer them to the Drug Dependent De-addiction Centre (D.D.T.C). The tobacco control and cessation education is taught in lectures, clinical and practical settings. They indicated that teacher’s awareness about tobacco control and easy availability of facilities like D.D.T.C. with high number of patients helps their skill development and competency. This study finding implies that smoking cessation training can be recommended for future nursing guidelines so that India becomes smoke free.

99-100

Authors: Paramita Sengupta, S.C. Mohapatra

Socio-epidemiology, migration

103-107

Authors: Prabhakar Patro, Nakul Kothari, NC Mohanty

Infection contrsuitable for a peripheral newborn care unitol protocol in NICU ,

113-122

Authors: S.P. Singh, Dhiraj Bhawnani, Ajit Parihar, Nirmal Verma

Human lathyrism continues to be a public health problem in central India. While osteolathyrism, as such, is not a public health problem, neurolathyrism is of particular importance especially in central parts of India. In particularly Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Sagar, Seoni, Hoshangabad and Chhattisgarh area of Madhya Pradesh bear the brunt of lathyrism. Ganapathy and Dwivedi (1961) carried out epidemiological study in estate of Vindhya Pradesh (now part of Madhya Pradesh). The sale of L. sativus has been banned in many states in India, but there has not been an effective ban on its cultivation. Lathyrus sativus is hardy crop and survives adverse agricultural conditions. For this reason it has become a main stay of some Indian diets, especially under famine conditions. India farmers continue to grow this pulse despite their awareness of its poisonous nature. It is difficult to provide an alternate crop that would grow under the semi-arid condition of these areas. In recent times, the problem has acquired new dimensions, which hold out possibilities of wider dissemination of the disease. It was probably true that the consumption of Lathyrus seeds had dropped during recent times, but this was probably because other crops like wheat, barley, lentils and Bengal gram had flourished. Material & Method: In order to study the recent trends of lathyrism, the same area and technique have been adopted as were follow by Ganapathy & Dwivedi (1961) and Dwivedi and Prasad (1964). Revisit to study the same area where detail epidemiological work was carried out and reported by Dwivedi & Prasad (1964). They were the following 18 village of Rewa and 10 village of Satna districts. The other part of study included the collection of information of occurrence of cases occurred during the last 10 years period i.e. case occurring from 1975 to 1982. The area of survey restricted to Rewa division to determine those factor responsible for secular variations in the prevalence of disease from the previous I.C.M.R. study spread over a period of 1956 – 1961 (Ganapathy and Dwivedi. 1961). The standard survey protocol was adopted. Only the established form of disease was investigated. The latent form of disease was not investigated. The established form directly affects the man power and in major public health problem. Observations: The prevalence of disease is higher amongst the male in previous studies (1964) as well as in year 1982. The maximum duration of disease was 10 to 14 years (32.72%) in previous study (1964) where as it is only 4.30 percent in year 1982. Cases of lathyrism occur round the year, both studies reveal that maximum cases occurred from June to October. The maximum cases being 58 (32.76%) were among Kole (S.T.) followed by Chamar being 16.38 percent. The cases amongst Kurmi and Brahmins are equally high being 14.12 and 13.55 percent respectively. The disease was mainly present in low socio-economic group of people being 67.79 percent and 26.5 percent had from class IV socio-economic group. Maximum patients i.e. 115 were landless and 47 had land only up to two acres. Out of them 72.34 percent were growing ‘Birri’ i.e., mixture of L. Sativus 25-50 percent. Disease was mainly restricted amongst the illiterate but as the literacy status increases the disease was is decreasing. Conclusion: Though the frequency and the magnitude of lathyrism had been reduced, but sporadic cases do occur in some part of the country. Therefore, it is necessary that prevention of lathyrism shall be integrated in general health care programme on regional basis. Surprisingly researches are going on to develop high yielding and less toxic variety of Khesari dal and certainly one cannot ignore the health of the people which is jeopardized by the use of the poisonous pulse resulting in permanent paralysis simply because they belong to the under- privileged sections of the society.

127-132

Authors: Nimila Elsa Mathews, Paramita Sengupta, Anoop Ivan Benjamin

Effect of Vitamin-D supplementation on blood pressure in post-men A community based interventional studyopausal women,

138-143

Authors: Sunitha Mathai, Harold Andrew Patrick

To identify health related quality of Life (HqOL) of nurses working across three major types of hospitals in Bangalore namely- trust, government and private hospitals. The role of nurses is to provide social and emotional support and care to the hospitalized patients. Investigating the health and well-being of the nursing personnel helps us in understanding the effect of their occupation and surrounding on their health and well-being. Materials & Method: A cross-sectional field survey was conducted by administering the health related QoL (SF-12v2) questionnaire to nurses working in three types of hospitals. The survey had a random sample of healthy nurses (n=115) participating between the age group of 21-50 years. The nurses were met personally in small groups to assign the questionnaire and gather data information. The scale consists of 12 items with varied option for each statement and numbering ranging from 1-5. The final output calculates the health and well-being of the respondents among the three groups. Result: Mental health and well-being of nurses indicated a below average score for Trust and Private hospital that was significantly lower than the Government hospital nurses. While the physical health and well-being was below average not found significant for all the three types of hospital, indicating that the impact to mental well-being (P<0.01) was greater for nurses. Conclusion: Hospital administrators and healthcare consultants must plan better work environment to improve the health of nurses and thus enhance their productivity.