The impact of Covid-19 in Chhattisgarh, India: A descriptive study.

Background: India is among the most severely affected countries in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, second to the USA. Until July 2022, there were 43 million confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 0.53 million Covid-19 deaths in India. Chhattisgarh, the twelfth-highest affected state by Covid-19 disease, has had an enormous mortality toll, with 14,046 deaths by 15th July 2022. This study is a descriptive analysis of the Covid-19 deaths across Chhattisgarh from September 2021 to February 2022 (the third pandemic wave). Materials and Methods: All Covid-19 deaths that occurred between September 2021 to February 2022 were line-listed, and family members of all who died in the hospital were interviewed. Results: 356 Covid-19 deaths were included in the present study. The top three districts which observed maximum deaths (63.48%) were Raipur (27.53%), Durg (15.45%), and Bilaspur (7.87%). Around 50% of the deceased were of age 65 years or above. The male deaths were twice as compared to the female deaths. The RT-PCR was the most used testing method, followed by RAT. Most of the admissions (58%) were in a government facility. Among the deceased, 60% had one or two associated comorbidities. Hypertension and Diabetes were the most common comorbidity identified. Almost 90% of patients were symptomatic. Breathlessness was the most common symptom. Half of the deceased were not vaccinated. The median expenditure on Covid-19 management was ₹ 50,000 (€ 565.13). Conclusion: The deaths in the study were urban-centric. Higher Covid-19 mortality was observed in unvaccinated older men (≥65 years) with one or more comorbidity.

Prevalence and factors contributing to stunted growth in young children of Khordha district, Odisha: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Stunting, indicating chronic malnutrition in children, remains a pressing concern globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. India, despite substantial efforts, continues to grapple with high rates of stunting, impacting child development and health outcomes. Understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to stunting is crucial for targeted interventions and policy formulation. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Balipatana, Khordha district, Odisha, India among 400 children. A survey employing structured questionnaires and WHO Anthropometric guidelines for data collection was used. Statistical analyses including Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to uncover significant associations. Results: The study revealed a stunting prevalence of 28% among children under five, with 7% severe and 21% moderate stunting. Regression analysis revealed key risk factors included low birth weight (1.5-2.5 kg), parental illiteracy, lower household income (Rs. 1000-15000), inadequate toilet facilities, and specific drinking water sources. Conclusion: The findings align with global concerns about stunting, emphasizing the complex interplay of socioeconomic and environmental factors. Interventions targeting parental education, household economic status, and improving sanitation and drinking water facilities are imperative. By addressing these factors, focused efforts can be made to reduce childhood stunting, ensuring a healthier future for the nation's children.

Adverse reactions after Covid-19 vaccination in persons affected by leprosy: A scoping review.

Background: Leprosy reactions are the main pathway leading to severe nerve damage and disability. These reactions can occur at any time. The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic led to a catastrophic loss of human life and has had a devastating impact on persons affected by leprosy. Objective: To achieve deep insight into the subject of adverse reactions acquired after Covid vaccinations in persons affected by leprosy through a literature review. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in the studies published between July 2021 and June 2022 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Results: Using the search strategy, a total of 130 articles were found, of which five were relevant to the study. The adverse reactions were acquired mostly in males [9 (81.8%)]; the majority of them belong to borderline tuberculoid [4 (36.4%)], and most of them were released from treatment (multi-drug therapy) [7 (63.6%)]. Conclusion: Surveillance and management of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are essential; even minor AEFI should be reported and documented in a line list.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in Elderly Healthcare: Enabling Independence and Quality of Life.

We are being urged to redefine aging and only use positive terminology when discussing it. It is unacceptable to use a derogatory term like "aging tsunami." This is unfortunate because it comes at a time when geriatrics is precariously balancing itself. Geriatricians are growing far too slowly to supply an adequate number of medical professionals to meet the needs of the rapidly aging senior population. The global aging population poses significant challenges for healthcare systems and providing elderly care. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have emerged as promising technologies to address these challenges by enabling independence and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. This review article examines the applications of AI and robotics in elderly care, focusing on their role in promoting independence, monitoring health, helping, and enhancing social interaction. The article also discusses the ethical considerations, challenges, and future directions in implementing AI and robotics in elderly care.

An Analysis of COVID-19 Mortality in Chhattisgarh: A Two-Year Study on Demographics, Trends, and Impacts.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus, has had a profound impact on global health, significantly affecting demographics worldwide. As India's twelfth most affected state, Chhattisgarh has experienced substantial COVID-19-related fatalities. This study aims to analyze the temporal, geographical, and demographic distribution and trends in COVID-19 mortality reported by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Chhattisgarh, spanning from the onset of the pandemic until March 2022 (two years). Methods Data about all COVID-19 deaths recorded between March 2020 and March 2022 were collected from the State Surveillance Unit, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Chhattisgarh, and subsequently compiled in a Microsoft Excel sheet (Microsoft, Redmond, Washinton) for analysis. Results A comprehensive dataset of 14,038 deaths was examined during the study period. Of these, 24.5% (3446), 72.2% (10141), and 3.3% (451) occurred in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. The top five districts in Chhattisgarh with the highest COVID-19 mortality rates were identified as follows: 1) Raipur (23.5%), 2) Durg (13.4%), 3) Bilaspur (8.9%), 4) Raigarh (7.05%), and 5) Janjgir Champa (6.25%). The mean age of the deceased individuals was determined to be 55.44 years, with a standard deviation of 15.14 years. Furthermore, the impact of the pandemic was found to affect males compared to females in Chhattisgarh disproportionately. Conclusion Over the two-year study period, three distinct waves of COVID-19 were observed, with the second wave being the most devastating, particularly for the elderly population. Understanding the demographic characteristics and trends in COVID-19 mortality is crucial for implementing targeted public health measures and interventions to mitigate the impact of future infectious disease outbreaks.

Situational Analysis of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Health-care Facilities of a District in Central India.

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in health-care facilities is fundamental for providing quality, people-centered care and critical to achieving quality and accessible health services. This study aimed to assess the status of the WASH infrastructure in health-care facilities of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, India. Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out in all public health-care facilities of Abhanpur block, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, India, between 2019 and 2020 using an adapted version of joint monitoring program's (JMP) core questions, indicators, and service ladder framework. Results: A total of 2 community health centers (CHCs), 7 primary health centers (PHCs), and 34 subhealth centers (SHCs) were included in the present study. All CHCs (100%) had essential water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management services. Among PHCs, 85.7% had water from improved and hygienic sources, only 57.1% had basic sanitation, and 100% had vital essential waste management services. Among SHCs, 55.9% had essential water, 2.9% had basic sanitation, 20.6% had basic hygiene, and 35.3% had necessary waste management services. Overall, it was found that 62.8% of health-care facilities had necessary water services, 16.3% had basic sanitation services, 34.9% had essential hygiene services, and 48.8% had basic waste management services. Conclusion: The status of WASH infrastructure in health-care facilities of Raipur district is either limited or not available, especially concerning sanitation services, hygiene, and waste management services. It is the need of the hour to ensure a coordinated response that in all health-care facilities, WASH services are made available and accessible.

"Vaccinate every child against COVID-19": A scientific or socioeconomic need?

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has created havoc worldwide. By the first week of December 2021, 0.26 billion COVID-19 infected cases and 5.2 million deaths have been reported globally.[1] United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) reports that more than 10,000 children and adolescents have died from COVID-19, with a case fatality rate of 0.3%. Out of 299 vaccine candidates, 28 are available to the general population in less than 1 year.[2] For children, WHO permitted vaccine Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinovac, and Sinopharm, Drug Controller General of India's approved ZyCov-D and Covaxin, and the Cuban government approved Soberna 2, and Soberna plus are available.[3] Italy, Germany, France, Norway, Switzerland, Israel, Dubai, Japan, Canada, and the US have already started vaccinating their children. This step may decrease the transmissibility and mutations of the virus and thus restore normalcy. For India, it is a question of "To be or not to be?" Indian researchers have warned of the long-term impact of the pandemic on the health, development, learning, and behavior of children, thus pushing the agenda of vaccination and opening of schools. All attempts at opening schools have failed in the last 2 years. Vaccinating children is not easy as it has taken nearly 1 year to vaccinate half of the adult Indian population. In these circumstances, rather than "vaccine for all," "vaccine for (chronically) ill" is the only feasible solution for children.

COVID-19 mental health challenges: A scoping review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disordered the lives of millions in an unprecedented way. A state of mental health crisis has emerged across the globe. The lifestyle and well-being of the individual and social integrity have been adversely affected. One-third of US citizens and one in five Indian citizens suffer from depression due to this pandemic. This scoping review aimed to estimate the mental health challenges and their possible solutions in the recent two years (2020-2021). Our search strategy used search engines such as Medline, Google Scholar and PubMed. The search strategy used the MeSH keywords "Mental Health AND Covid-19". The findings emerged in the following key points: anxiety and depression, social isolation and quarantine, and vulnerable or high-risk groups. Out of 216 articles screened, 20 were found eligible to meet the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies focused on psychological anxiety, stress and mental disorder during the pandemic. Psychosocial assessment and monitoring in the context of COVID-19 should include inquiries about stressors related to COVID-19, like exposure to infected sources, infected family members, loss of loved ones, physical distance; secondary adverse events like economic loss, psychosocial effects like depression, anxiety, psychosomatic preoccupations, insomnia, increased substance use, domestic violence; and indicators of vulnerability like pre-existing physical or psychological conditions.