Background: Air pollution is the fourth leading global risk factor for human health and is associated with major causes of mortality, including stroke. Developing nations bear a greater burden of its health and economic consequences. Emerging evidence indicates that air pollution also negatively impacts mental well-being, with prolonged exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5 linked to emotional distress and impaired cognitive and social functioning. Methods: The present study employed a cross-sectional correlational design with a sample of 257 college students. Data was collected between October 2025 and January 2026. Participants completed the Beck anxiety inventory, perceived stress scale, and mood and feelings questionnaire. Data was analyzed using t tests, Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression in SPSS. Results: AQI showed a significant positive correlation with mood and feelings scores. Anxiety was strongly and positively associated with both perceived stress and mood disturbances. Female participants reported significantly higher anxiety and perceived stress than males. Participants residing in areas with poor to severe AQI demonstrated higher anxiety and mood-related scores compared to those in satisfactory AQI areas. Conclusions: The findings suggest that deteriorating air quality may be associated with adverse psychological outcomes among young adults. Although the associations were modest, they highlight the importance of environmental factors as contributors to mental health and underscore the need for further research.
Background: Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus faced physical symptoms like mild to moderate respiratory distress but recover without requiring special treatment and also experienced psychosocial barriers like fear stress and stigma related to this pandemic. Methods: A Phenomenological study for COVID-19 positive patients was conducted during 2nd outbreak of COVID-19 at tertiary care hospital. Purposive sampling technique (maximum variance) was employed to collect information from COVID-19 patients admitted in COVID-19 isolation ward. Sample size was based upon data saturation which was achieved after 8 interviews. Participant’s inclusion criteria as aged above 18 years, one COVID-19 positive report by RT-PCR method and admitted in IPD. Questionnaire was administered through WhatsApp video call using ‘cube call recorder’ and it will be recoded with consent of the patient for the purpose of assessing data validity at later stage of research. Ethical permission was obtained from research review board of the institute. Results: Patients admitted in COVID-19 ward narrates mixed emotions of physical parameters health like severe body ache, respiratory problems like dyspnea, fever, weakness and cough as well psychological stress, tension and fear of loss of life. Opposed to this study our study participants narrate that doctors and nurses assist patients in their daily activity of living like provide timely medication food and warm water and assists during urination and defecation as patients unable to do so. But patients were experienced marginalization due VIP culture in the ward and hospital. Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 experienced physical as well as psychosocial issues during hospitalization and at home due to lack of COVID-19 related information.
Background: Traditional beliefs continue to influence maternal dietary practices during pregnancy and may affect food choices despite access to antenatal health education. One such belief is that consuming saffron strands with milk during pregnancy contributes to a fairer complexion in the newborn baby. This report describes field observations regarding saffron consumption practices and associated beliefs among pregnant women in Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India. Methods: This descriptive field observation report is based on routine maternal health surveillance activities conducted in Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, between January 2016 and December 2022. Observations were made during antenatal counselling sessions and community interactions with pregnant women registered under the National Health Programme. Results: Among approximately 50-65 pregnant women registered each month, 8-12 women (approximately 16%-18.5%) reported consuming saffron strands with milk during pregnancy. This practice was observed across different educational and socioeconomic backgrounds and was commonly described as a family tradition passed down through generations. Participants believed that saffron consumption during pregnancy would influence the complexion of their newborn baby. Conclusions: This report documents a traditional dietary belief observed among pregnant mothers during routine community health activities. Although saffron consumption with milk during pregnancy was believed to improve newborn complexion, available scientific evidence does not support this association. Newborn skin complexion is primarily determined by genetic factors rather than maternal dietary practices. These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive health education and behaviour change communication during antenatal counselling to address misconceptions and promote informed pregnancy-related dietary practices.
During puberty, adolescents may face challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, irritability, and fear of rejection. Factors such as family environment, peer relationships, academic pressure, and social media exposure can influence emotional health. Understanding puberty helps reduce fear and confusion, enabling children to accept these changes as a normal part of growth. The objective was to promote healthy development, to provide accurate and age-appropriate information and to adopt healthy lifestyle. Opinion box system for emotional expressions, holistic adolescent support framework, a “guru–student” model, yoga into daily school assembly, short mindfulness before start of every class, prayers or value-based readings such as Thirukkural can enhance moral development. Integrated puberty education and protection model, community-based child safety display model contributes to broader goals of national development and child protection. Studies on Innovative technology using Artificial Intelligence, Role-play-based research helps to create awareness and build confidence in real-life situations. Collaboration between the health and education sectors can facilitate the development of school health programs, adolescent-friendly services, and community awareness initiatives. Puberty education is highly relevant in the Indian context, where cultural values, family systems and social expectations strongly influence a child’s development.
Background: Initially an educational and entertainment tool, the internet has become additive, impairing time management, circadian rhythm and sleep quality. The objective of the study is to observe the frequency of internet addiction (IA) and poor sleep quality among university students of Karachi, Pakistan and to determine the association of IA with sleep quality. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from 15th July 2025 to 21st January 2026 among 373 university students of Karachi. Students from public and private sector institutions were recruited through convenience sampling. Internet addiction test and pittsburgh sleep quality index assessed IA and sleep quality. The correlation between IA scores and sleep quality scores was accessed using Spearman's correlation test. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of poor sleep (vs. normal sleep) based on p<0.25 selection criterion. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Of 373 participants (median age 21 years, 71.3% male), the prevalence of internet addiction was found to be 85.7% while 60.3% of our study participants reported poor sleep quality. A statistically significant, weak positive correlation was found between IA and sleep quality, rs=0.295, p<0.001. Univariate analysis showed female sex (OR=2.18), asthma, other illnesses and IA severity were significantly associated with poor sleep (p<0.05). Multivariable regression identified female sex (AOR=2.29), other illnesses (AOR=2.20) and moderate-to-severe IA (AOR=5.58) as independent predictors of poor sleep. Conclusions: Internet addiction and poor sleep were highly prevalent, while moderate-to-severe internet addiction was the strongest independent predictor of poor sleep.
Background: Body image concerns are an escalating public health issue among medical undergraduate students, a cohort facing intense academic pressure and heightened social scrutiny. Social media exposes this vulnerable group to idealized appearance standards, contributing to body dissatisfaction and detrimental social comparisons. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 medical students. Data was analysed using Jamovi 2.6. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square tests, and binomial logistic regression was applied. Results: 60.2% of students reported requiring a break from social media due to mental health impact. ANOVA found that mere usage duration was not a significant predictor of body image perception (p=0.361). Chi-square confirmed strong behavioural links between following influencers and the intention to modify appearance (χ2(2)=47.6, p<0.001). Regression identified photo-editing (aOR=2.90, p<0.001), following influencers (aOR=2.34, p=0.001), and higher BMI (aOR=1.67, p=0.043) as significant positive predictors of body image dissatisfaction. Conversely, following influencers (aOR= 0.50, p=0.015; SCS: aOR=0.40, p=0.003) and photo-editing (aOR=0.39, p=0.001) acted as significant negative predictors of social comparison and body shape concerns, suggesting a complex, paradoxical effect in these domains. Conclusions: Content quality and active engagement are the primary influences, not duration. High distress prevalence and an observed Gen Z digital literacy paradox highlight the urgent need for colleges to implement targeted digital health literacy and de-stigmatized student wellness programs to foster healthier self-perception.
Major limb amputation remains an important cause of disability worldwide and is associated with substantial physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, etiology, and regional variation of major limb amputations in India. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1980 to March 2026. Of 150 records identified, 14 studies met inclusion criteria. A total of 7,272 patients were analyzed. Trauma accounted for 5,316 cases (73.1%) and non-traumatic causes for 1,956 cases (26.9%). Males represented 81.3% of reported patients and lower-limb amputations accounted for 90.8% of all reported amputations. Major limb amputation remains a significant public health challenge in India. Strengthening injury-prevention initiatives, improving management of diabetes and vascular disease, and expanding access to rehabilitation and prosthetic services may help reduce the burden of limb loss in India.
Background: Gym-related anxiety, including social physique anxiety and performance-related concerns, can act as a barrier to participation in physical activity despite its well-documented benefits. Limited evidence exists from Indore, India, regarding members’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to gym anxiety. Objective was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to gym-related anxiety and determine its prevalence among gym members in urban Indore. Methods: A cross-sectional KAP study was conducted among adult gym members (≥18 years) from four randomly selected gyms in Indore between August and October 2025. A total of 384 participants were included, based on an assumed prevalence of 50%, 95% confidence interval, and 5% margin of error. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the social physique anxiety scale (SPAS-12). Analysis included descriptive statistics and regression methods. Results: Among participants, 52% were male and 48% female, with a mean age of 28.4±6.5 years. Awareness of gym-related anxiety was low (31.6%). However, 52.6% identified body image concerns and 63.2% fear of judgment as contributing factors. Over half (52.6%) reported that anxiety affects exercise participation. Supportive attitudes were observed, with 88.9% favoring trainer support and 72.2% beginner-friendly hours. Avoidance behaviors were reported by 27.8%, while 94.4% preferred less crowded hours. The prevalence of high gym-related anxiety was approximately 36%. Conclusions: Gym-related anxiety is a common yet under-recognized issue. Improving awareness and supportive gym environments may enhance participation.
Anthropometric evaluation of head and craniofacial dimensions is a cornerstone of human biological research with important applications in forensic science, clinical medicine, ergonomics and anthropology. South Indian populations exhibit substantial biological and sociocultural diversity making population-specific cranial reference standards. This review critically synthesizes existing literature on head anthropometry in South Indian adults focusing on biological determinants, regional variability and practical applications. The evidence indicates that adult head dimensions demonstrate relative post-maturity stability with limited age-related remodeling. The review highlights the relevance of head anthropometry in forensic identification, including sex determination, population affinity assessment and disaster victim identification. Emerging directions such as multicentric studies, three-dimensional imaging, artificial intelligence based morphometric analysis.
Background: Leprosy remains an important public health challenge in India despite achieving elimination status at the national level. Delayed diagnosis contributes to disability, deformity and continued transmission. This study assessed the epidemiological and clinical profile of leprosy patients attending a tertiary care center in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: A retrospective record-based study was conducted among 186 clinically diagnosed leprosy patients attending the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology of a tertiary care teaching hospital over a two-year period. Data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features, nerve involvement, disease classification, bacteriological status, lepra reactions, disability grading, treatment status and outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Most patients belonged to the 21–40 years age group (43.6%) and were from lower socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The mean duration of symptoms was 11.8±7.4 months. Peripheral nerve involvement was observed in 78.5% of patients and sensory loss in 90.3%. Multibacillary disease accounted for 59.1% of cases and slit-skin smear positivity was observed in 59.1%. Lepra reactions occurred in 29.0% of patients, predominantly Type I reactions. Grade 0 disability was present in 58.1% of patients, while visible deformities were identified in 17.2%, with claw hand being the most common deformity. Most patients were receiving multidrug therapy and 69.9% demonstrated clinical improvement. Conclusions: The predominance of multibacillary disease, extensive nerve involvement and disability suggests delayed diagnosis and ongoing transmission. Strengthening early case detection, public awareness, surveillance and treatment adherence may reduce disability and improve leprosy control outcomes.
Background: Urban slum communities in developing countries face significant water quality challenges, with inadequate supply and contamination posing major public health risks. This study assessed water quality parameters and their association with waterborne disease burden in Keshavpuri Basti, an urban slum in Doiwala block, Dehradun, located near the polluted Song River. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 systematically sampled households. A total of 87 water samples were collected using stratified spatial gridding from household taps, storage containers, public handpumps, five Song River sites, and commercial water tankers. Physical and chemical parameters were assessed using EPA-compliant methods. A semi-structured questionnaire collected socio-demographic information and residents' two-week disease history. Results: Water quality analysis showed that pH (6.3), hardness (216.67 mg/L), mercury (0.0024 mg/l), sulphate (256.57 mg/l), and alkalinity (200.64 mg/l) exceeded permissible limits. Lead and nitrate levels approached safety thresholds. Among 180 households, diarrhoea was reported by 34.44% of respondents, skin problems by 28.34%, and ear infections by 11.11% during the preceding two weeks. Under-5 mortality was 11.11%. Notably, 96.11% of residents used no recognized water purification method. Conclusions: The findings indicate substantial water quality degradation and a considerable disease burden in Keshavpuri Basti. Urgent interventions are needed to improve water infrastructure, promote household water treatment, and strengthen public health policies targeting vulnerable urban slum populations.
Background: Adolescence is a critical period of growth during which dietary habits strongly influence health and nutritional status. Unhealthy eating practices contribute to both undernutrition and overweight/obesity among adolescents. This study assessed the dietary habits and nutritional status of adolescents in an urban slum area of Ludhiana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents in an urban slum area of Ludhiana. Data on dietary habits were collected using a pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were recorded to assess their nutritional status. Results: Among 202 adolescents, 51.5% were girls and the mean age was 14.99±1.09 years. Overall, 50.0% had normal BMI, 37.6% were thin and 12.4% were overweight/obese. Thinness was significantly higher among boys (48.0%) than girls (27.9%), while girls had a higher prevalence of normal BMI (61.5%) (p=0.003). More than half (52.0%) of the adolescents skipped breakfast, with significantly higher prevalence among girls (p=0.001). Junk food consumption was reported by 84.2% and carbonated drink intake by 68.3% of participants. Fruit and vegetable intake was higher among younger adolescents (p=0.043), while carbonated drink consumption increased with age (p=0.016). Conclusions: Unhealthy dietary habits, particularly junk food consumption and breakfast skipping, were common among adolescents. These behaviors may contribute to malnutrition and future health risks. School-based nutrition education and healthy food policies are needed to encourage healthier dietary practices.
Background: With the increase in life expectancy, the proportion of elderly individuals in India is rising, leading to a greater burden of chronic diseases and functional disabilities. Activities of daily living (ADL) reflect well-being. Assessing ADL dependency helps identify elderly requiring supportive care. This study assessed ADL dependency among elderly attending a Rural Health Training Centre and examined socio-demographic and morbidity-related factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 elderly individuals aged ≥60 years attending the RHTC. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Functional ability was assessed using the barthel index. Descriptive statistics summarized dependency levels, while the Chi-square test assessed associations. Results: The mean age was 69.3±8.1 years, and 52% were females. The mean Barthel Index score was 90.7±17.4. Overall, 57% were independent, 11% mildly dependent, 23% moderately dependent, 6% severely dependent, and 2% totally dependent. Dependency was more common among participants aged ≥70 years, females, illiterate individuals, and those with chronic morbidities, family stress, or financial dependence. Conclusion: Nearly half of the elderly demonstrated ADL dependency, with mild-to-moderate dependency predominating. Advanced age, poor education, chronic diseases, and family stress were significant predictors. Integrating geriatric assessment, rehabilitation, and supportive services into rural health training centres could promote healthy ageing, preserve functional independence, and improve quality of life among rural elderly.
Background: While evaluating the various etiologic factors, most of the studies had attributed the development of oral cancer (OC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) to oral habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing of smokeless tobacco, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of oral habits in patients with OC and OPMDs. Methods: This is a hospital‑based cross‑sectional study. The patients attending the outpatient department of this tertiary care hospital were selected after thorough clinical screening with a view to detect the presence OPMDs and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). After obtaining written informed consent, all the details including habit history were recorded in a specially prepared clinical record sheet through active interrogation and proper clinical examination. This data was tabulated in the excel sheet to facilitate further statistical analysis. Results: While analyzing the oral habits among male subjects, significant number (65.5%) had tobacco-chewing habit, 52.2% had tobacco smoking habit while 35.4% had the habit of alcohol consumption. On the other hand, 66% of 53 female subjects had only tobacco chewing habit. There was an increasing trend of Gutkha use among both sexes. The tobacco chewing habits were more prevalent in the third, fourth and fifth decades of life among the study population. Frequency of habit‑associated OC or OPMDs was also statistically significant. Conclusions: The study proves a definite association between smokeless tobacco habit and OC and OPMDs and necessitates appropriate interventions.
Background: Sleep is vital for physical and mental health, yet medical students are prone to poor sleep due to academic stress and irregular schedules. Poor sleep quality and hygiene negatively impact learning, mood, and well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 medical students at a tertiary medical college in Navi Mumbai, India. Data were collected using a self-administered Google form containing the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), sleep hygiene index (SHI), and questions on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi version 2.6, applying the Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression to determine associations and predictors. Results: Poor sleep quality was reported by 56.5% of participants, while 53.9% exhibited poor sleep hygiene. Satisfaction with academic performance, family history of sleep disorders, headaches, self-medication, comorbidities, strained relationships, physical activity and number of rooms at the place of stay were significantly associated with poor sleep quality (p<0.05). Factors significantly associated with poor sleep hygiene were accommodation, academic satisfaction, family history of sleep disorders, headaches, self-medication, strained relationships, and weekend screen time (p<0.05). Logistic regression showed students with poor sleep hygiene were nearly twice as likely to have poor sleep quality (OR 1.5-2.5, p<0.05). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality and hygiene are highly prevalent among medical students. Interventions targeting stress management, time regulation, and healthy sleep habits are essential.
Background: Rib fractures are common injuries associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and management improve outcomes. This study evaluated the role of arterial and venous blood gas parameters in the diagnosis and prognosis of rib fractures. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study included 66 patients with rib fractures who underwent blood gas analysis at King Abdullah Medical Complex Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2016 and 2022. Results: Most patients were male (84.8%), with a mean age of 40.56 years. Older age was associated with a greater number of fractured ribs, higher arterial blood gas (ABG) PCO2, higher anion gap, and lower venous blood gas (VBG) O2 saturation. The mean hospital stay was 12.49 days. Higher ABG PO2 was associated with shorter hospitalization, whereas lateral chest involvement, flail chest, and hemopneumothorax were associated with longer hospital stays. The median number of fractured ribs was 3. A greater number of rib fractures correlated with lower VBG pH, higher PCO2, and lower HCO3. Pneumothorax (39.4%) was the most common associated injury, followed by hemothorax (18.2%). Right-sided rib fractures occurred in 62.1% of patients, and 83.3% of hemothorax cases were right-sided. Road traffic accidents accounted for 57.6% of injuries. Conclusions: ABG and VBG parameters may assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of rib fractures. Pneumothorax was the most common associated injury, followed by hemothorax, while road traffic accidents were the leading mechanism of injury. The mean hospital stay was 12.49 days.
Background: Adolescent fatherhood among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is an underexplored public health issue in India. Existing research has focused predominantly on adolescent mothers, leaving pathways to early fatherhood among tribal boys largely unexamined. This study explores the socio-cultural and economic determinants of adolescent fatherhood among PVTGs in Jharkhand. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted from December 2025 to February 2026 in Patamda block, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand. Thirty-four males (aged 14-34 years) from Sabar, Birhor, and Pahariya PVTG communities were enrolled using purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were conducted; thematic analysis continued until saturation. Results: Early marriage was identified as the primary and socially normalised pathway to adolescent fatherhood, with 51.6% of participants having married before the age of 18 years (mean age at marriage: 18.0±3.5 years). All 34 participants (100%) reported no awareness of family planning methods prior to becoming fathers. Tobacco use was reported in 91.2% and alcohol use in 82.4% of households. Educational discontinuation was near-universal (97.1%), with financial constraints and early entry into wage labour as predominant reasons. A substantial proportion reported peer (64.7%) and sibling (61.8%) exposure to adolescent parenthood. All participants (100%) expressed a desire that the next generation should not become adolescent parents. Conclusions: Adolescent fatherhood in this context is shaped by structural poverty, early marriage norms, educational discontinuation, and absence of reproductive health services. Gender-inclusive, community-embedded interventions engaging adolescent boys, and improvements in education, livelihood, and health systems are urgently needed.
Leptospirosis is a significant zoonosis in India, especially in southern regions, where it causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Verbal autopsy is a structured interview used to determine probable cause of death from caregivers or next of kin. Objectives were to identify factors associated with fatality among probable leptospirosis patients admitted to a tertiary centre in North Kerala. A hospital-based descriptive study was conducted at Government Medical College Kannur. Twelve probable leptospirosis deaths reported between January and December 2024 were included. Case records and telephonic interviews with relatives were used to collect data on disease course. Mean age of the deceased was 49.88±11.6 years, with male predominance (75%) and most being agricultural workers (58.3%). Chronic alcoholism was present in 50%, while 91.7% had no prior comorbidities. Common features were fever (100%), myalgia (58.3%), and reduced urine output (41.7%). Liver derangement occurred in all cases and renal impairment in 66.7%. Mean patient delay was 2.1 days; diagnostic and treatment delays were 0.9 days each. Although doxycycline prophylaxis was issued to 50%, none had taken it. Sepsis/ multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (58.3%) and cardiac complications (41.7%) were leading causes of death. Most fatalities occurred in the economically productive age group (40-60 years). Deaths happened despite early diagnosis, treatment, and few pre-existing comorbidities, suggesting rapid progression to multi-organ failure. High occupational exposure among agricultural workers, chronic alcoholism, and poor prophylaxis adherence were present. These findings suggest the need for improved public health awareness and preventive strategies for high-risk populations.
Disease related malnutrition remains a major problem in hospitalized and critical patients, contributing significantly to prolonged hospitalization; prone to susceptibility to infections, delayed wound healing, muscle wasting, and increased mortality. Optimizing nutritional therapy has therefore become an important component of multidisciplinary clinical care. High-protein, peptide based nutritional supplements have gained an attention because they are designed to improve nutrient absorption rate, preserve lean body mass, support gastrointestinal tolerance, and enhance metabolic recovery. Among these specialized formula supplementation, OriPro 2.0 is a high calorie, high protein, peptide based oral and enteral supplement formulated with whey protein hydrolysate, concentrated whey protein, medium-chain triglycerides, dietary fiber, prebiotics, vitamins and minerals. This review summarizes current scientific evidence regarding the nutritional composition, physiological function, glycemic characteristics, and potential clinical applications of OriPro 2.0. Particular importance is placed on the role of peptide based nutrition in critically ill patients, individuals with gastrointestinal dysfunction, postoperative patients, geriatrics with sarcopenia, and patients experiencing disease-related malnutrition. Available evidence indicates that peptide-based formulations improve protein digestion, amino acid absorption, nitrogen balance, and gastrointestinal tolerance compared with conventional polymeric formulas in particular patient populations. Furthermore, the glycemic index study of OriPro 2.0 showed a low GI value (36±5), suggesting that the formulation may contribute to improved postprandial glucose control while maintaining adequate caloric and protein intake. The combination of derived peptides from whey, complex carbohydrates, medium chain triglycerides, soluble fiber, and micronutrients provides strong physiological functions for its use in medical nutrition therapy. However, despite promising nutritional characteristics, direct clinical evidence evaluating OriPro 2.0 remains limited. Most available data supporting peptide-based nutrition originate from studies evaluating similar formulations rather than OriPro 2.0 itself. Large multicenter randomized controlled trials are therefore required to establish its efficacy, safety, cost effectiveness, and prolong clinical outcomes across varieties of patients. Overall, OriPro 2.0 represents a promising specialized nutritional supplement with potential applications in metabolic support and clinical nutrition. Future evidence-based investigations should determine its effectiveness in improving nutritional status, glycemic control, gastrointestinal tolerance, inflammatory responses, and functional recovery.
Background: In India, health care providers thought they had vanquished leprosy in 2005. But it lived on, cloaked in stigma and medical mystery. Leprosy causes well-defined deformities and imposes a massive social stigma which in turn, makes the disease harder to detect and banish. To assess and compare the quality of life, knowledge, attitude, regarding leprosy among adults residing in selected leprosy colony and urban slum. Methods: Quantitative research approach was used with descriptive comparative design. Tool used were Wisconsin quality of life client questionnaire, structured interview schedule on knowledge and 5-point Likert scale on attitude. The study was conducted in leprosy colony and urban slum. Total of 200 samples were selected 100 from leprosy colony and 100 from the urban slum through convenient sampling technique. Results: The results showed that the adults residing in leprosy colony have a better quality of life than the adults residing in the urban slum. Adults in leprosy colony were having average knowledge whereas in urban slum were having poor knowledge. In leprosy colony there is favorable attitude whereas in urban slum were having neutral attitude. A significant weak negative correlation between quality of life and knowledge in leprosy colony and a strong negative correlation between quality of life and attitude in urban slum. Conclusions: To achieve the eradication of the disease it is necessary to provide regular health awareness programs in the local community and slums as inadequate knowledge and unfavorable attitude towards the disease condition give rise to its incidence.
