Abstract India’s tribal communities, though rich in cultural heritage, face persistent challenges in achieving good oral health. This review draws on literature from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and government reports, using appropriate MeSH terms and keywords. Data extraction was carried out independently by two authors and thematically analysed. To address these disparities, a multilevel approach rooted in the upstream–midstream–downstream model is proposed. Upstream efforts should include inclusive health policies and fiscal regulations that honour tribal traditions while promoting evidence-based care. Midstream actions must focus on empowering communities through the training of local health workers. Downstream strategies should ensure timely, accessible treatment via primary healthcare centres, mobile clinics and outreach programs. Improving tribal oral health goes beyond infrastructure; it requires a culturally sensitive, community-led approach grounded in social justice, inclusion and respect for traditional knowledge.
Abstract Introduction: Integrating digital health like eSanjeevani, India’s national telemedicine, may enhance healthcare delivery and learning outcomes during Family Adoption Program. Therefore, a study was planned to appraise the application of eSanjeevani OPD in the Family Adoption Survey. Subjects and Methods: Multiphasic cohort study was conducted across rural and tribal areas from October 2023 to October 2025. In Phase I, students’ knowledge about telemedicine was assessed. Phase II involved a cross-sectional survey of family members. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: Knowledge of digital health improved significantly post-sensitisation. Of 231 surveyed family members, 29.87% had heard of eSanjeevani and only 20.28% of those who had heard were actually using it. Reported difficulties were login-issues (50%), complex terminology (42.86%) and poor connectivity (21.43%). Despite low utilisation, 68.84% perceived telemedicine as more convenient than physical visits. Around two-thirds, 74.64% expressed willingness to register for Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID), while 18% showed willingness to use eSanjeevani OPD. Conclusions: One-third of family members had heard about eSanjeevani, while very few were utilising it for consultations. A higher proportion know about ABHA ID. Most of the participants preferred the mobile app over the website. There is a need to raise awareness about telemedicine services in people.
Abstract Background: Unintentional injuries are a global public health concern. Each year, unintentional injuries cause about 855,000 deaths in children and young adults. This study was conducted with objective to To find out the proportion of participants who suffered unintentional injury and to explore their perspectives regarding causes and ways of preventing unintentional injury. Materials and Methods: The mixed-method study amongst rural adolescents utilised simple random sampling for quantitative interviews (analysed via SPSS 21.0) and purposive sampling for qualitative focus group discussions. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Good Reporting of Mixed Methods Studies (GRAMMS) guidelines. Results: One hundred and eleven (73.02%) participants had suffered from unintentional injuries in the last year. Bruises were the most common form of injury and playgrounds were the most common site. Themes such as risk taking behaviour, carelessness and multitasking were the common causes. Infrastructural developments and personal prevention were the popular ways of prevention. Conclusion: The study revealed about three-fourths of the adolescents had suffered from unintentional injury and were mostly treated at home with no medical consultation.
Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to estimate the impact of long working hours among Information Technology (IT) professionals. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online community-based study was conducted in Urban Bangaluru. Data were collected by a convenient sampling technique from 150 study subjects who were IT professionals using a pre-designed structured pro forma by sharing Google Forms online. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between long working hours, depression, job satisfaction and comorbidities. Results: Out of 150 participants surveyed, 84 (56%) had working hours per week ≥48 h. The majority, 87 (58.0%) of study subjects had ambivalent attitudes towards their job satisfaction. There was a significant statistical association between depression, alcohol consumption, tobacco usage, comorbidities, job satisfaction and working hours. Conclusions: Long working hours were associated with a higher likelihood of depression, alcohol consumption, tobacco usage, comorbidities and job dissatisfaction. Implementation of effective policies regarding working hours and the management of psychosocial working conditions among IT professionals can be a successful way to reduce psychosocial stress responses and improve their physical, mental and social health. Prioritisation of workplace-related health promotion programmes is crucial.
Abstract Background: Recreational activities are essential for physical and mental well-being, yet rural adolescent girls often face gender-based barriers to participation, increasing their risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Methodology: A qualitative study using Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) techniques – including daily activity schedules, force field analysis (FFA), Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted. Thematic analysis identified key themes, while force field analysis ranked enablers and barriers based on participant weightage. COREQ-32 items checklist was used for reporting of the findings. Results: Adolescent girls engaged in diverse recreational activities (indoor/outdoor games and cultural activities), recognising benefits such as improved fitness and emotional well-being. However, excessive mobile use and boredom were the noted drawbacks. Key facilitators included education, family support and school encouragement, while major barriers were academic pressure and gendered household responsibilities. Conclusion: Despite awareness of recreation’s benefits, rural adolescent girls’ participation is limited by sociocultural norms, household duties and inadequate school/community facilities. Gender remains a critical determinant in access to recreation, although gradual shifts are occurring. Interventions should address structural barriers to promote equitable recreational opportunities.
Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, often detected at advanced stages. Dermatoglyphics, the ridge patterns of fingers and palms formed early in foetal life, may reflect developmental instability and could serve as low-cost, non-invasive markers of risk of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Authors systematically searched PubMed and Embase databases, along with Google Scholar, for forward citation tracking to August 2025 for Indian case–control studies comparing dermatoglyphic traits in histopathologically confirmed breast cancer patients and healthy controls. Eligible traits included fingerprint patterns, ridge counts (total finger ridge count [TFRC] and absolute finger ridge count), pattern intensity index, palmar angles and fluctuating asymmetry. Risk of bias was appraised with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JB checklists, findings were narratively synthesised. Results: Ten studies with 964 cases and 964 controls were included. Significant associations included higher ulnar loops and fewer whorls in cases (Singh et al ., 67.9% vs. 15.3% and 24.7% vs. 50.8%, P < 0.001), ≥6 whorls in cases (Chintamani et al ., 40.5% vs. 3.1%, P < 0.05), and lower TFRC (Raizada et al ., 23% vs. 1%, P < 0.001). Palmar angle findings were inconsistent across centres. Conclusions: Dermatoglyphic traits show reproducible associations with breast cancer in Indian women but require standardisation, larger prospective studies and digital methods before clinical application.
Abstract Background: Adolescence can be particularly predisposed to mental health issues due to the physical, psychological and sexual changes that take place during this time. Mental Health Conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression often show up early and tend to recur. Aim: To assess the severity of depression, anxiety and stress (DAS) in adolescents and determine the associated factors. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study study conducted on 560 randomly selected school adolescents by stratified random sampling in Schools of Gohana block, Haryana, India. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was utilised for socio-demographic profiles as well as the DAS Scale-21 to assess depression, stress and anxiety. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel software and analysed using R software (version 4.3.2). The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The overall prevalence of DAS was determined to be 34.6%, 34.3% and 20.4%, respectively. The statistically significant factors for depression and anxiety were class and parental arguments ( P < 0.01), stress was significantly associated with age, class, socio-economic status ( P < 0.001) and alcohol intake by the father ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: The growing incidence of DAS among adolescents who endure parental expectations to perform better mandates parent–student counselling sessions.
Abstract Introduction: It is estimated that about 900 million people globally need access to ATs. In India, the population is ageing, and the need for ATs is expected to be as high as 700 million by 2030. The study aims to find access and availability of assistive technology in an urban population of India. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in Raipur, multistage cluster sampling with simple random sampling to choose the wards. Twenty wards were selected from all 10 zones of Raipur; every ward was sampled until an adequate sample size was reached from each ward. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: A total of 3833 individuals were searched from 849 households in Raipur. The prevalence of AT use was 23.92% in the city of Raipur, and the most used AT was Spectacles (96.72%). Hearing aids had major unmet needs, whereas significant satisfaction was observed with visual aids. Conclusion: The study found that every fourth individual in the general population needs an AT. The use of AT was significantly associated with type of AT as well as the sociodemographic factors.
Abstract Global Cancer Observatory has predicted a staggering 57.5% rise in cancer cases in India by 2040, amounting to an increase of 2.08 million cases. This ever-rising trend of cancer necessitates that we have continuous, robust and unbiased data regarding the occurrence of cancer. An ideal method for this would be compulsory reporting of cancer cases to the public health authorities. For this review, we did a thorough literature search primarily focusing on cancer notification, but we also included documents related to health policies and healthcare challenges faced during cancer care and treatment. Key words searched were ‘cancer’, ‘notification’, ‘mandatory’, ‘compulsory’, ‘notifiable’, ‘statistics’, ‘burden’, ‘cost’, ‘facts and figures’ and ‘policies’. Having cancer as a notifiable disease, we will have reliable and valid data, thereby enabling us to devise our own treatment and management protocols. Accordingly, investment in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment could yield substantial health and economic benefits. Until December 2024, only 16 Indian states have made notification of cancer mandatory. The coordinated efforts from all the stakeholders will help in establishing a robust cancer surveillance and epidemiological data, marking a pivotal step toward combating the cancer epidemic.
Abstract Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of preventable female deaths in Nigeria, and most cases are associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 adolescents. A validated structured instrument was utilized to collect data. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% level of significance. STROBE guidelines were used for reporting. Results: Most of the respondents 214 (54%) were in the age range 13-14years (13 ± 2.1 years). More than half 58.5% of the participants had good Knowledge of HPV vaccine with only 25% of the respondent indicating uptake. There is a significant association between HPV vaccine uptake and knowledge (p= 0.000) and a significant relationship between HPV vaccine uptake and age of the respondents (p value = 0.044). Conclusions: Adolescents have good knowledge of HPV vaccine. Some factors implicated in the uptake were knowledge, age, cost of vaccine among others. Therefore, it is imperative that health professionals provide adequate information on HPV vaccination with emphasis on the importance of uptake.
Abstract Introduction: Schools are critical environments influencing the physical, cognitive and emotional development of children. Balanced nutrition and healthful living practices during childhood lay the foundation for long-term health and well-being. Methodology: A school-based descriptive observational study was conducted among 250 students aged 10–16 years in a public school in South Delhi. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The mean age was 13.8 years (±1.7 standard deviation), the mean weight was 43.2 ± 9.8 kg, the mean height was 150.4 ± 10.2 cm and the mean body mass index was 18.9 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 . Five per cent of children were overweight, 5% were obese, 5% were thin, 2% were severely thin and stunting was found in 2% of the children. Low protein intake and regular breakfast skipping were significantly associated with unfavourable nutritional status ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings highlight a double burden of malnutrition and unhealthy lifestyle practices, underscoring the need for strengthened school-based interventions for a healthy transition from childhood to adulthood.
Abstract Introduction: Anaemia is a major public health concern amongst women of reproductive age, particularly in low-resource settings. Nutritional anaemia is the most common form of anaemia, predominantly iron-deficiency anaemia. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in 300 women aged 15–49 years. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured using a portable digital haemoglobinometer (TrueHb). Results: The prevalence of anaemia in the study population was 58%. Amongst the anaemic women, 25% had mild anaemia, 28% moderate and 5% severe anaemia. Higher prevalence was noted amongst women aged 15–29 years and those with more than two children. Significant associations were found between anaemia and poor dietary intake, history of heavy menstruation and recent childbirth ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Anaemia is highly prevalent amongst women of reproductive age in the Subcenter Abidal area, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional and public health interventions.
Abstract Objectives: To assess the levels of maternal knowledge regarding neonatal diarrhoea and to identify factors affecting awareness in mothers attending a tertiary care hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted on 378 mothers selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire for the knowledge of diarrhoea. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The mean maternal knowledge score was 5.65 (standard deviation = 2.02). While 57.67% of mothers had prior experience with oral rehydration salts, a high prevalence of misconceptions was noted specially belief that teething causes diarrhoea (77.51%). Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with nuclear family type (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–3.4, P = 0.013), hospital delivery (AOR: 5.72, 95% CI: 3.34–9.80, P = 0.00) and >4 postnatal care visits (AOR: 10.24, 95% CI: 4.17–21.9, P = 0.00). Conclusion: Maternal knowledge on neonatal diarrhoea depends on residence, number of family members, employment status and healthcare access. Increasing maternal education through health education programmes, in rural areas, is important to reduce neonatal diarrhoea.
Abstract Background: Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) covers more than 12 crore socioeconomically vulnerable families in India, as identified by the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011. In Chhattisgarh, this initiative is implemented through the Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana (DKBSSY). The present study aimed to assess the level of awareness, enrolment, utilisation and satisfaction with DKBSSY among beneficiaries in Chhattisgarh. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2024 among 371 participants selected using multistage random sampling. All divisions of Chhattisgarh were included; one district was randomly selected from each division, followed by the selection of three urban and two rural areas using simple random sampling techniques. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: Overall, 90% of participants were aware of the scheme, and 75% were enrolled. Among those enrolled, 52.3% had utilised the scheme, and 88% reported satisfaction with the services availed. Moderate awareness was most prevalent in Rajnandgaon (24.9%), while low awareness was highest in Raipur (35.4%). High awareness levels were comparatively low across all districts. Conclusion: Despite a predominantly moderate level of awareness, enrolment and utilisation of DKBSSY remain suboptimal. Awareness was found to be a key determinant of enrolment and utilisation, underscoring the need for targeted information, education and communication strategies to strengthen the effectiveness of the scheme.
Abstract Background: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones offer rapid delivery of medicines, vaccines, testing kits and emergency supplies, transforming healthcare access in remote and underserved regions. They have demonstrated strong potential for integration into public health systems, with several countries successfully piloting drone-assisted programs. Materials and Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar identified articles published between May 2020 and May 2025. Search terms included ‘drone technology’, ‘unmanned aerial vehicles’, ‘public health’, ‘healthcare delivery’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘medical logistics’ and ‘emergency response’, combined with Boolean operators. Eligible publications were peer-reviewed articles, reviews or case studies addressing drones in medical delivery, surveillance, health data collection or other public health functions. SANRA guidelines were followed for drafting of the manuscript. Results: Twenty-two publications were reviewed. Drones were widely deployed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic for transporting medical supplies, supporting search and rescue in inaccessible regions, enhancing emergency response and enabling real-time data collection and monitoring. While cost-effective, implementation faces challenges, including training skilled operators, flight coordination, equipment maintenance and compliance with safety protocols. Conclusions: Regulatory restrictions and concerns over privacy, safety and misuse remain major barriers. Advances in drone design, supportive policy frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration will be essential to expand applications and establish drones as integral tools in global public health strategies.
Abstract Background: This study was done to assess the quality of life and determine the association between sociodemographic factors and disability-related factors with the quality of life among caregivers of children with disabilities. Materials and Methods: This was conducted among 100 caregivers of children with disabilities going to Special schools in the urban areas of Prakasam district. A pre-designed and pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the sociodemographic characteristics. WHO questionnaire (WHO-BREF) and Zarit Burden Interview were used to assess the quality-of-life (QOL) and measure the burden of caregiving, respectively. Results: Out of 100 study participants, the mean score in the physical domain was 62.78 ± 20.04, the psychological domain was 58.95 ± 18.5, the social domain was 57.77 ± 21.13 and the environmental domain was 51.46 ± 15.24. Conclusions: Most affected domains were the environmental (51.46 ± 15.24) and social domains (57.77 ± 21.13). Mean scores in the physical domain were comparatively higher, i.e. 62.78 ± 20.04, as most participants experienced a better quality of life in this domain.
Introduction: This study was done to assess medication adherence and its association with sociodemographic variables, amongst patients with type II diabetes residing in rural and urban populations of Dehradun, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 400 type II diabetes patients aged 30 years and above. Data were collected on sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics and medication adherence measured by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Statistical analysis involved Chi-square test to determine the associations between adherence and other variables. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The prevalence of medication adherence was 43.5%. Significant associations were found with education, residence, type of family, body mass index (BMI), family history of diabetes and tobacco intake. Barriers to adherence included forgetfulness, perceived absence of symptoms and lack of time to visit health centres. Conclusions: Medication adherence amongst type II diabetes patients in Dehradun is suboptimal and influenced by addressing the modifiable factors such as BMI, tobacco use and education.
Introduction: Lead is a potent neurotoxin that poses serious risks when it contaminates consumer products accessible to children. Toys, which are essential for fostering cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth during childhood, can become dangerous sources of lead exposure, along with children’s jewellery and certain cosmetics. Objectives: This study investigates lead contamination in children’s toys, jewellery and cosmetics available in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Purposively collected 250 children’s products (toys, jewellery and cosmetics primarily made of colourful plastic, metal and painted wood) from major markets in Dhaka city, Bangladesh were analysed. The samples were analysed using a Portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyser. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics to assess the prevalence and severity of lead contamination in the samples. The percentage of samples exceeding the 90-ppm safety threshold was calculated. Results: Lead was detected in 62.8% of samples, and 58.6% exceeded 90 ppm safety threshold. Toys constituted the majority of lead (82.8%), followed by cosmetics (12.1%) and jewellery (5.1%). Plastic materials were the most common source of lead contamination (80.9%). Conclusions: There is an urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement and increased public awareness to protect children in Bangladesh from lead exposure in consumer products.
Introduction: Nutrition gardens at the household level have emerged as an effective strategy, contributing to nutrition security, particularly in rural settings. The paper presents the impact of Nutrition-Sensitive Integrated Farming Systems (NSIFS) model implemented under Swabhimaan (2016–2020) programme by Bihar State Rural Livelihoods Mission (JEEViKA) with support from UNICEF in increasing dietary diversity amongst women and adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: A series of cross-sectional surveys (2016–2021) were conducted in Kasba and Jalalgarh blocks in Purnea district of Bihar, India, using the difference-in-difference technique and 24-h recall method. It showed a positive association between promotion of the household NSIFS model and improved Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) among adolescent girls (10–19 years), pregnant women (15–49 years), and mothers of children under 2 years. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: From Baseline to Endline survey, adolescent girls with minimum DDS increased from 12.3% to 50.0%, pregnant women with high DDS from 13.6% to 52.8% and mothers of children under 2 years from 9.2% to 50.0%. Conclusion: The findings recommend a gradual scaling up of the NSIFS model with community-led behaviour change interventions for enhancing dietary diversity and nutrition outcomes.
