Assessment of Blood Lead Level of School Children in 10 Cities of India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the blood lead level (BLL) of school children in 10 cities of India. METHODS: This multi-centric cross-sectional study enrolled participants from randomly selected schools. Data on demographic details, socioeconomic status (SES) and anthropometric indicators was collected. Samples were collected for assessment of lead level in blood. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry technique was used to assess BLL. RESULTS: From April 2019 through February 2020, 2247 participants were recruited from sixty schools (62.6% government schools) with equal gender distribution. The overall median (interquartile range) BLL was 8.8 (4.8, 16.4) µg/dl. The highest median (interquartile range) BLL was in Manipal 30.6 (23.0, 46.7) and lowest in Dibrugarh 4.8 (3.2, 7.0). Overall, 82.5% of participants had BLL above ≤4 µg/dl. Significant negative correlation was observed between BLL and SES (correlation= -0.24, p <0.001), anthropometric indicators (correlation= -0.11, p <0.001), hemoglobin level (correlation= -0.045, p = 0.03) and multivariate regression model showed association with gender, SES and anthropometric indicators. CONCLUSIONS: BLL are elevated in urban school going children and there is intercity variation. Hence, urgent focus is needed to reduce exposure to lead in India.

Association of dietary intake with micronutrient deficiency in Indian school children: a cross-sectional study.

Adequate nutrition is necessary during childhood and early adolescence for adequate growth and development. Hence, the objective of the study was to assess the association between dietary intake and blood levels of minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium) and vitamins (folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and vitamin D) in urban school going children aged 6-16 years in India, in a multicentric cross-sectional study. Participants were enrolled from randomly selected schools in ten cities. Three-day food intake data was collected using a 24-h dietary recall method. The intake was dichotomised into adequate and inadequate. Blood samples were collected to assess levels of micronutrients. From April 2019 to February 2020, 2428 participants (50⋅2 % females) were recruited from 60 schools. Inadequate intake for calcium was in 93⋅4 % (246⋅5 ± 149⋅4 mg), iron 86⋅5 % (7⋅6 ± 3⋅0 mg), zinc 84⋅0 % (3⋅9 ± 2⋅4 mg), selenium 30⋅2 % (11⋅3 ± 9⋅7 mcg), folate 73⋅8 % (93⋅6 ± 55⋅4 mcg), vitamin B12 94⋅4 % (0⋅2 ± 0⋅4 mcg), vitamin A 96⋅0 % (101⋅7 ± 94⋅1 mcg), and vitamin D 100⋅0 % (0⋅4 ± 0⋅6 mcg). Controlling for sex and socioeconomic status, the odds of biochemical deficiency with inadequate intake for iron [AOR = 1⋅37 (95 % CI 1⋅07-1⋅76)], zinc [AOR = 5⋅14 (95 % CI 2⋅24-11⋅78)], selenium [AOR = 3⋅63 (95 % CI 2⋅70-4⋅89)], folate [AOR = 1⋅59 (95 % CI 1⋅25-2⋅03)], and vitamin B12 [AOR = 1⋅62 (95 %CI 1⋅07-2⋅45)]. Since there is a significant association between the inadequate intake and biochemical deficiencies of iron, zinc, selenium, folate, and vitamin B12, regular surveillance for adequacy of micronutrient intake must be undertaken to identify children at risk of deficiency, for timely intervention.

Perceptions and Experiences of Informal Caregivers of Breast Cancer Patients in South India: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to explore the prevailing perceptions and experiences of caregiving burden among informal caregivers of women living with breast cancer in South India. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted among breast cancer care-receivers (n=35) and their informal caregivers (n=39) and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Informal caregiver in the context of this study was defined as one who takes up the responsibility of an informal caregiving role, and were either self-identified or acknowledged by the care-receivers. RESULTS: Four main inductive themes in the domains of: emotional culpability, financial and workplace liability, psychosocial affliction, physical strain and health system demand were identified, that were associated with caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: Informal caregivers form an integral part of the cancer care continuum in India. It is recommended to factor in the identified themes while developing a caregiver needs assessment model in the context of caring for breast cancer patients in the Indian setting.

Micronutrients and cognitive functions among urban school-going children and adolescents: A cross-sectional multicentric study from India.

BACKGROUND: Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is associated with deficits in cognitive functioning of children. However, no comprehensive multicentric study has been conducted in India to explore the role of multiple MD in cognition of children and adolescents. The present study aimed to explore association of MD with level of general intelligence and specific cognitive functions, in urban school-going children and adolescents across ten cities of India. METHOD: Cross-sectional multicentric study, enrolled participants aged 6-16 years. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, folate, vitamin A, D and B12. Colored Progressive Matrices / Standard Progressive Matrices (CPM/SPM), Coding, Digit Span and Arithmetic tests were used for the assessment of cognitive functions of participants. Height and weight measures were collected along with socio-economic status. RESULTS: From April-2019 to February-2020, 2428 participants were recruited from 60 schools. No MD was found in 7.0% (134/1918), any one MD in 23.8% (457/1918) and ≥ 2 MD in 69.2% (1327/1918) participants. In presence of ≥ 2 MD, adjusted odds ratio (OR) for borderline or dull normal in CPM/SPM was 1.63, (95% CI: 1.05-2.52), coding was 1.66 (95% CI: 1.02-2.71), digit span was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.06-2.25) and arithmetic was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.17-2.53), controlling for gender, socioeconomic status and anthropometric indicators. CONCLUSION: Since ≥ 2 MD were found in more than 2/3rd of participants and was associated with impairment in cognitive function, attempts must be made to ameliorate them on priority in school going children in India. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2019/02/017783.

Perception and attitude towards online clinical modules: a cross-sectional study among medical students from two countries.

COVID-19 has deeply affected the world in various aspects including the education system worldwide. In this study, we intended to explore the merits and demerits of online clinical learning and its effect on medical education from a student's perspective. The study also assessed the perception and attitude of final-year medical students towards online clinical modules. This observational study was carried out in the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC) in collaboration with King's College London, UK (KCL). In our study, a total of 42 students were enrolled, with 37 students from KMC and 5 students from KCL. 81% of students reported that they were not willing to continue the online mode of learning. The abrupt switch to e-learning without prior preparedness has exposed some pitfalls that must be attended to. Contrary to other fields, the medical field places high importance on offline clinical teaching which has recently been impacted by online teaching. The survey responses were analyzed for improvisation of online clinical modules as well as to come up with better ideas and outcomes since this mode of learning may have to continue till the spread of the disease is under control.

Can serum autoantibodies be a potential early detection biomarker for breast cancer in women? A diagnostic test accuracy review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of breast cancer necessitates the need to explore alternate screening strategies that circumvent the setbacks of conventional techniques especially among population that report earlier age at diagnosis. Serum autoantibodies is one such potential area of interest. However, their ubiquitous presence across cancer types limits its applicability to any one specific type of cancer. This review was therefore carried out to explore and consolidate available evidence on autoantibodies for early detection of breast cancer and to identify those that demonstrated a higher sensitivity. METHODS: A diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) review was carried out to ascertain serum autoantibodies that could be used for early detection of breast cancer among women. All relevant articles that investigated the role of autoantibodies in early detection of breast cancer were included for the review. MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, Ovid SP, and Cochrane Library were searched extensively for eligible studies. Quality of the included studies was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 tool. RevMan 5.3 was used for exploratory and MetaDTA 2019 for hierarchical analyses. The review helped identify the most frequently investigated autoantibodies and a meta-analysis further consolidated the findings. RESULTS: A total of 53 articles were included for the final analysis that reported over a 100 autoantibodies that were studied for early detection of breast cancer in women. P53, MUC1, HER2, HSP60, P16, Cyclin B1, and c-Myc were the most frequently investigated autoantibodies. Of these P53, MUC1, HER2, and HSP60 exhibited higher summary sensitivity measures. While the individual pooled sensitivity estimates ranged between 10 and 56%, the panel sensitivity values reported across studies were higher with an estimated range of 60-87%. CONCLUSION: Findings from the review indicate a higher sensitivity for an autoantibody panel in comparison to individual assays. A panel comprising of P53, MUC1, HER2, and HSP60 autoantibodies has the potential to be investigated as an early detection biomarker for breast cancer.

Multiplexed rapid technologies for sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review.

Multiplexed technologies for sexually transmitted infections offer a convenient diagnostics option to screen, confirm, and treat multiple pathogens simultaneously. Due to scarce published real-world diagnostic performance data, we did a systematic review. Two reviewers searched major databases for data published between Jan 1, 2009, and April 20, 2020, and abstracted and analysed sensitivity and specificity data from 24 studies, which assessed 17 multiplex rapid nucleic acid amplification test platforms and seven multiplex immunochromatographic devices. Overall, these studies evaluated 19 sexually transmitted infections in 26 126 individuals. High sensitivity and specificity were shown for rapid nucleic acid amplification platform tests and immunochromatographic devices, with performance varying by pathogen, device, seropositivity, and subpopulation screened. As most devices yielded more than 95% sensitivity and specificity, immunochromatographic tests and rapid nucleic acid amplification test platforms can be advised for screening and confirmatory use. These highly accurate devices are appropriate for integrated, rapid screening initiatives for sexually transmitted infections to screen and treat many of these infections simultaneously, for antimicrobial stewardship, and for disease elimination programmes.

Prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies in urban school going children and adolescence of India: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood and adolescence require adequate amount of micronutrients for normal growth and development. The primary objective of study was to assess the prevalence of deficiencies of Vitamins (Vitamin A, 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folate) and minerals (Calcium, Zinc, Selenium and Iron), among urban school going children aged 6-11 and 12-16 years in ten cities of India. Secondary objective was to find the association between micronutrient deficiencies with sociodemographic and anthropometric indicators. METHODS: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted across India. Participants in the age groups of 6 to 11 years (group 1) and 12 to 16 years (group 2) were selected from randomly chosen schools from each center. Data on socio economic status, anthropometric measures was collected. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of micronutrients. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals was used to assess the prevalence of deficiencies. Associations were observed using chi square, student t test and ANOVA test. RESULTS: From April 2019 to February 2020, 2428 participants (1235 in group 1 and 1193 group 2) were recruited from 60 schools across ten cites. The prevalence of calcium and iron deficiency was 59.9% and 49.4% respectively. 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 39.7% and vitamin B12 in 33.4% of subjects. Folate, Selenium and Zinc were deficient in 22.2%, 10.4% and 6.8% of subjects respectively. Vitamin A deficiency least (1.6%). Anemia was prevalent in 17.6% subjects and was more common among females. CONCLUSION: One or more micronutrient deficiencies are found in almost one half of school going children in urban area. Hence efforts must be made to combat these on priority. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2019/02/017783.

Risk factors for melioidosis in Udupi District, Karnataka, India, January 2017-July 2018.

We initiated an epidemiological investigation following the death of a previously healthy 17 year-old boy with neuro-melioidosis. A case was defined as a culture-confirmed melioidosis patient from Udupi district admitted to hospital A from January 2013-July 2018. For the case control study, we enrolled a subset of cases admitted to hospital A from January 2017- July 2018. A control was resident of Udupi district admitted to hospital A in July 2018 with a non-infectious condition. Using a matched case-control design, we compared each case to 3 controls using age and sex groups. We assessed for risk factors related to water storage, activities of daily living, injuries and environmental exposures (three months prior to hospitalization), using conditional regression analysis. We identified 50 cases with case fatality rate 16%. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was present in 84% cases and 66% of cases occurred between May and October (rainy season). Percutaneous inoculation through exposure to stagnant water and injury leading to breakage in the skin were identified as an important mode of transmission. We used these findings to develop a surveillance case definition and initiated training of the district laboratory for melioidosis diagnosis.

Health status of Koraga community: A pilot study among a particularly vulnerable tribal group of Udupi District, Karnataka, India.

Background & objectives: Undertaking tribe-specific assessment of health status provides the required data for planning appropriate interventions. Hence, a study was conducted to assess the health profile of the Koraga tribe. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a particularly vulnerable tribal group, the Koragas residing in the Udupi district. Data were collected using a pro forma and were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16.0. Results: A total of 273 participants aged ≥18 yr and 94 children aged ≤17 yr were recruited through screening and referral services organized in Koraga hamlets of the Udupi district. Among the adults, 59.7 per cent were females and their median age was 35 yr. About 13.9 per cent had elevated blood pressure and 18.4 per cent had impaired/elevated random blood sugar levels. About 47.6 per cent were underweight and 35.2 per cent were anaemic. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with morbidities were more likely to be aged ≥45 yr [45-60 yr: adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=4.3; 95 per cent confidence interval (CI)=1.3-13.8 and >60 yr: AOR=6.4; 95 per cent CI=1.7-23.7] and overweight or obese [23-24.9 kg/m[2]: AOR=8.1; 95% CI=1.3-48.2 and >25 kg/m[2]: AOR=7.9; 95% CI=1.6-38.4]. Of the 26 Koraga children aged ≤5 yr, 30.7 and 42.3 per cent had their height for age and weight for age below the third percentile, respectively. Further, 15.3 per cent of under-five children and 27.9 per cent of 6-17 yr old children were severely wasted. About 21.2 per cent of the children aged ≤17 yr were found to be anaemic and 56.3 per cent had symptoms of respiratory tract infection in the past 15 days. Interpretation & conclusions: Malnutrition was prevalent among Koraga adults and children, which warrants designing and implementing appropriate social and health interventions in this population.

Multiplexed technologies for sexually transmitted infections: global evidence on patient-centered and clinical health outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional care packages around screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) entail multiple clinic visits and precipitate losses to follow-up. To prevent these losses, multiplexed technologies for STIs (immunochromatographic tests/devices/assays and molecular assays that can screen multiple pathogens or multiple strains of one STI) can yield same-day results in a single visit. Research evidence of patient-centred (preference, satisfaction) and clinical health outcomes (feasibility, case positivity, uptake, impact) has not been synthesised. We conducted a systematic review to fill this gap. METHODS: For the period 2009-2020, two independent reviewers searched PubMed and Embase, retrieved 4440 citations and abstracted data from 42 relevant studies. RESULTS: Of 42 studies, 10 (23.8%) evaluated multiplexed immunochromatographic and 32 (76.2%) molecular assays. Outcomes were reported as follows: preference (n=3), satisfaction (n=2), uptake (n=1), feasibility (n=2), case positivity (n=42) and impact (n=11). Screened populations included various at-risk groups. A majority (86.1%-92.4%) of participants preferred (60.2%-97.2%) multiplexed technologies (over conventional testing). Compared with conventional lab-based testing, test uptake improved by 99.4% (hepatitis C), 99.6% (Trichomonas vaginalis), 78.6% (hepatitis B) and 42.0% (HIV). Varying case positivities were documented depending on populations screened: HIV (1.8%-29.3%), hepatitis B (1.1%-23.9%), hepatitis C (0.5%-42.2%), Chlamydia trachomatis (2.8%-30.2%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (0.0%-30.3%) and T. vaginalis (0.0%-32.7%). Regarding impact, 70.0%-100.0% of screened participants were linked to care, with result turnaround times ranging from 14 min (immunochromatographic assays) to 300 min (molecular assays). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional lab-based testing, rapid multiplexed technologies were preferred by testees and led to quicker turnaround times for many STIs yielding same-day results thereby allowing to initiate rapid linkages to care. They were further shown to be highly feasible and impactful for detection and treatment facilitation. Based on these promising results, multiplexed technologies offer potential to screen at-risk populations to reduce onward STI transmission worldwide.

Increasing Engagement for Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment: The "ICANTREAT" Community of Expertise Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of breast cancer and associated mortality are on the rise globally. Breast cancer incidence in India is on the rise and also accounts for a staggering 50% mortality rate among women. Health illiteracy, socio-economic and cultural barriers in addition to lack of an organized nationwide screening and prevention programme contribute to poor patient outcomes. Thus, it is imperative to strengthen the existing screening and treatment facilities to address the increasing cancer burden. In this regard, we conducted a workshop to investigate the scope of a multi- stakeholder engagement in breast cancer screening and treatment. METHODS: A stakeholder workshop grounded in an established co-design methodology  was convened in a semi-urban coastal district in South India with active participation of physicians, surgeons, occupational therapists, community leaders, programme officers, public health professionals and breast cancer survivors. Shiffman and Smith's framework was adapted to highlight barriers to screening and role of stakeholders in the co-design of solutions. RESULTS: Deliberate and active discussions marked the workshop proceedings resulting in the identification of   individual and systems level barriers, facilitators and implementation strategies. Social stigma and non-existent standard protocols for screening and referral were recognised as critical barriers, while community engagement and a dedicated patient advocate were the proposed facilitators. CONCLUSION: This workshop was an important step in bringing together key stakeholders and marked the beginning of the ICANTREAT initiative and a Community of Expertise. The outcomes highlight the importance of stakeholder involvement in the cancer- care pathway for breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Opportunities and Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening in a Rural Community in Coastal Karnataka, India: A Qualitative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is reported to be the most common cancer among women in India with a high mortality to incidence ratio. Late presentation, driven by lack of awareness and limited accessibility to health services are some of the stated reasons for this. Given this context, this qualitative study was carried out to understand the perception of rural women towards the disease and factors that influenced utilization of available screening services among them. METHODS: Forty-four rural women aged 20-60 years from a coastal province in southern India participated in four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) that were conducted to understand their perception, attitudes and barriers towards breast cancer screening. Participants were identified from the community through purposive sampling and constituted of home makers and working women. The FGDs were led by trained facilitators and the discussions recorded. Ideas and concepts that emerged were listed as codes. Related and similar codes were grouped to form six themes. RESULTS: Women in the study belonged to low- and middle-income households with a mean age of 42.8 ± 7.8 years and almost all had attended school. Although the respondents exhibited fairly good knowledge about the disease, cultural inhibitions, forgetfulness, economic constraints and apprehension towards tertiary health care facility were some of the barriers reported in the uptake of screening services. Participants hailed the role of female health care providers as motivational figures and stressed the need for easily comprehensible information dissemination strategies besides expecting an equal participation of men in issues involving women's health. CONCLUSION: Involving cancer survivors as educators and empowering men on women's health in addition to the felt need of a patient advocate to improve accessibility were some of the highlights of the discussions. Addressing these could go a long way in improving the cancer care continuum in the region.
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Impact of health information technology optimization on clinical quality performance in health centers: A national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Delivery of preventive care and chronic disease management are key components of a high functioning primary care practice. Health Centers (HCs) funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have been delivering affordable and accessible primary health care to patients in underserved communities for over fifty years. This study examines the association between health center organization's health information technology (IT) optimization and clinical quality performance. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Using 2016 Uniform Data System (UDS) data, we performed bivariate and multivariate analyses to study the association of Meaningful Use (MU) attestation as a proxy for health IT optimization, patient centered medical home (PCMH) recognition status, and practice size on performance of twelve electronically specified clinical quality measures (eCQMs). Bivariate analysis demonstrated performance of eleven out of the twelve preventive and chronic care eCQMs was higher among HCs attesting to MU Stage 2 or above. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Stage 2 MU or above, PCMH status, and larger practice size were positively associated with performance on cancer screening, smoking cessation counseling and pediatric weight assessment and counseling eCQMs. CONCLUSIONS: Organizational advancement in MU stages has led to improved quality of care that augments HCs patient care capacity for disease prevention, health promotion, and chronic care management. However, rapid technological advancement in health care acts as a potential source of disparity, as considerable resources needed to optimize the electronic health record (EHR) and to undertake PCMH transformation are found more commonly among larger HCs practices. Smaller practices may lack the financial, human and educational assets to implement and to maintain EHR technology. Accordingly, targeted approaches to support small HCs practices in leveraging economies of scale for health IT optimization, clinical decision support, and clinical workflow enhancements are critical for practices to thrive in the dynamic value-based payment environment.

Impact of oral health service expansion funding at health centers in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the impact of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) investment in oral health through the HRSA FY16 Oral Health Service Expansion (OHSE) funding on workforce, access, and quality in health centers (HCs) from 2015 to 2017. METHODS: Analyses were conducted using data from the Uniform Data System from 2015 and 2017, and the 2015 Area Health Resource File. Change in indicators of oral health workforce, access, and quality of care by the receipt of OHSE funding received by HCs in 2016 were examined. Regression models for 1,345 HCs were developed to conduct a difference-in-difference analyses of the comparative change from 2015 to 2017 in the dependent variables among OHSE and non-OHSE awardees while controlling for confounders. RESULTS: OHSE awardees showed a significant difference in the oral health workforce with a higher mean number increase by 0.6 full time equivalent (FTE) dentists, 0.4 dental hygienists, 1.1 dental assistants, and 2.3 for other dental staff compared to non-OHSE awardees. Compared to non-OHSE awardees, OHSE awardees showed a mean increase of 712 dental patients served who received 1,402 dental visits, representing a 9-percentage point increase in the percentage of HCs that had an oral health program and a 3-percentage point increase in the ratio of dental patients to total patients. CONCLUSIONS: Funding dedicated to oral health service expansion in HCs may result in outcomes ranging from increasing workforce to reduction in access and financial barriers. Retrospective analysis demonstrated improved capacity for oral healthcare delivery attributable to HRSA support to HCs.

HIV Testing Trends at Visits to Physician Offices, Community Health Centers, and Emergency Departments - United States, 2009-2017.

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) initiative to end the U.S. human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic by 2030. A critical component of the EHE initiative involves early diagnosis of HIV infection, along with prevention of new transmissions, treatment of infections, and response to HIV outbreaks (1). HIV testing is the first step in identifying persons with HIV infection who need to be engaged in treatment and care as well as persons with a negative HIV test result and who are at high risk for infection and can benefit from HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other prevention services. These opportunities are often missed for persons receiving clinical services in ambulatory care settings (2). Data from the 2009-2016 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and 2009-2017 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) were analyzed to estimate trends in HIV testing at visits by males and nonpregnant females to physician offices, community health centers (CHCs), and emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. HIV tests were performed at 0.63% of 516 million visits to physician offices, 2.65% of 37 million visits to CHCs, and 0.55% of 87 million visits to EDs. The percentage of visits with an HIV test did not increase at visits to physician offices during 2009-2016, increased at visits to CHC physicians during 2009-2014, and increased slightly at visits to EDs during 2009-2017. All adolescents and adults should have at least one HIV test in their lifetime (3). Strategies that reduce clinical barriers to HIV testing (e.g., clinical decision supports that use information in electronic health records [EHRs] to order an HIV test for persons who require one or standing orders for routine opt-out testing) are needed to increase HIV testing at ambulatory care visits.

Exploring perceptions and practices of cancer care among caregivers and care recipients of breast cancer in India.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer care is physically and psychologically challenging for both care recipients and caregivers. Caregiving in cancer is an area that needs urgent attention in India. Much of caregiving literature in India is limited to mental illnesses. This study thus examines the perceptions and practices of psychological caregiving among caregivers and care recipients of breast cancer in India. METHODS: Participants were interviewed with the aid of a semistructured qualitative interview guide. Participants included 39 caregivers and 35 care recipients in different breast cancer stages. Interviews were transcribed, translated to English, and coded, and themes were derived for further analysis. Informed consent from participants and ethical clearance and permission from a tertiary hospital were obtained prior to data collection. RESULTS: Psychological caregiving as perceived by the participants included actions such as encouraging, convincing care recipients, companionship, and maintaining a stress-free environment. Caregivers in particular felt that psychological caregiving meant reacting calmly to sensitive queries of nonfamily members, providing emotional support to other family members, and involvement in religious activities. Taking on such diverse responsibilities gave rise to several unmet psychological needs such as motivation and support in decision making from other family members. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the status (caregiver or care recipient), participants in this study felt the need for structured counselling services to be incorporated into the standard care protocol. This is an area that needs to be further explored in the context of the breast cancer caregiver and care recipient dyad.

HRSA-funded Health Centers Are an Important Source of Care and Reduce Unmet Needs in Primary Care Services.

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates the unmet need for primary care services including medical, mental health, and dental care is greater among uninsured and Medicaid beneficiaries than privately insured individuals, many of whom use Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers (HRSA HCs). OBJECTIVE: We examined differences in rates of unmet need between low-income uninsured and Medicaid patients of HRSA HCs and safety-net clinics in general or private physicians. RESEARCH DESIGN: We used logistic regression models to compare the predicted probabilities of unmet need for uninsured and Medicaid individuals whose usual source of care is HRSA HCs versus clinics in general or private physicians. SAMPLE: We used a nationally representative survey of low income, adult patients who identified HRSA HCs as their usual source of care. We used the National Health Interview Survey to independently identify low-income individuals whose usual source of care was clinics (National Health Interview Survey clinics) or physicians (National Health Interview Survey physicians) in the general population. MEASURES: Dependent variables were unmet need and delay in medical care, and unmet need for prescription medications, mental health, and dental care. The primary independent variable of interest was the usual source of care. We controlled for potential confounders. RESULTS: We found the probability of unmet need for medical and dental care to be lower among HRSA HC patients than individuals whose usual source of care were not HRSA HCs. CONCLUSIONS: HRSA HC patients have lower probabilities of unmet need for medical and dental care. This is likely because HRSA HCs provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive primary care services. Expanding capacity of these organizations will help reduce unmet need and its consequences.

Prevalence of Oral Premalignant Lesions and Its Risk Factors among the Adult Population in Udupi Taluk of Coastal Karnataka, India

Objective: Globally oral cancer is one of the ten most common cancers with prevalence being high in Central and South East Asian countries. This survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of oral pre-malignant lesions (OPML) and to identify their risk factors. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 2033 individuals aged ≥18 years. A questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic characteristics, various risk factors for oral cancer and presence of its symptoms. Oral cavity of all the participants was examined in detail by the study investigator as per WHO guidelines for the early diagnosis of oral neoplasia. Result: The prevalence of OPML was found to be 3.73%. Among those with OPML, all were ever tobacco consumers and had poor oral hygiene. A significant association was observed between OPML and younger age group (OR=2.56, 95% CI 1.08-6.02), males (OR=26.76, 95% CI 8.40-85.19) and low socio-economic status (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.20-3.02). Tobacco (p<0.001), alcohol (OR= 7.92, 95% CI 4.77-13.14) and areca nut consumption (OR = 5.48, 95% CI 3.42-8.77) were strongly associated with OPML. On multivariate analysis among ever tobacco users, OPML was associated with younger individuals, males and those using smokeless forms of tobacco (p <0.05). The study showed that the participants with OPML were more likely to be never married (OR=1.6, 95% CI 0.92-2.96),to be unskilled workers (OR= 1.45, 95% CI 0.61-3.43), to have suffered from oral trauma (OR =1.30, 95% CI 0.75-2.26), to have consumed hot and spicy food frequently (OR=1.53, 95% CI 0.96-2.24), to have consumed fruits infrequently (OR=1.53, 95% CI 0.90-2.59) and to report family history of any cancer (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.58-2.87) . However, these associations were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The study reinforces that use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol and areca nut are the modifiable risk factors for OPML.

Factors Associated With Social Isolation Among the Older People in India.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors associated with social isolation among older people using the data from Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) survey. METHODS: Multiple logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used to identify the factors associated with social isolation using data from BKPAI survey. An individual was regarded as socially isolated if the response was "never" to all 4 activities in the last 12 months: (1) attending public meeting, (2) attending any group/club/organizational meeting, (3) attending any religious program, and (4) visiting friends or relatives. RESULTS: Among 9836 older people, 19.7% were observed to be socially isolated. From multiple logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85 for age 80 to 89 years and OR = 2.67 for age ≥90), religion (OR = 0.54 for Christians compared to Hindus), duration of stay in current home (OR = 0.64 for 6-10 years compared to >10 years of stay), number of activities of daily living (ADLs) for which the assistance was needed (OR = 2.09 for 1 or 2, OR = 3.14 for 3 or 4, and OR = 12.05 for 5 or 6), and Alzheimer's disease (OR = 1.65) were identified as factors associated with social isolation. Number of ADL for which the assistance was needed and self-reported health status were the factors identified through CART analysis. DISCUSSION: Requiring help in performing ADL, advancing age, and Alzheimer's disease were the likely factors for socially isolation among elderly patients in this surveyed population.