Applying visual mapping techniques to promote learning in community-based medical education activities.

BACKGROUND: Teaching and learning Community-Based Medical Education (CBME) requires the active engagement of students in various activities to cover planned curricular content. CBME being multifaceted involves careful application and formation of links when attending to community health problems and public health issues. Students often depend on factual recall rather than 'engaging in', to counteract the broad and comprehensive nature of CBME. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Visual mapping techniques as a learning tool in a CBME program for the subject Community Medicine and thereby assist medical undergraduate students in overcoming identified learning challenges. METHODOLOGY: An interventional study was conducted where medical undergraduates were randomly assigned to two different groups (each group = 30). After sensitization, a broad theme was taught to both the groups as a part of community-based teaching (CBT), each week for a month. The students in the intervention group were given the assignment to draw visual maps using the mind mapping & concept mapping techniques, after each CBT session, while the control group had Question-Answer session with built-in discussion (Conventional method) by an equally qualified, experienced faculty with no mapping assignments. A surprise written examination was conducted on the topics taught, and scores of both the groups were compared. Feedback was obtained from the intervention group. RESULTS: Mean score of the examination by the intervention group (29.85 ± 3.22) was significantly higher than and that of the control group (23.06 ± 4.09) (t = 7.14 and p < 0.05). The students shared that the assignment of drawing mind and concept maps for topics taught helped in attempting questions of the written examination by facilitating easy recall of the information learned. It aided to frame the answers to descriptive questions in a structured way with the use of keywords. However, identifying the concepts and establishing relationship between them was slightly challenging. CONCLUSION: 'Visual mapping' in the form of Mind and Concept mapping was found to be an effective learning tool for multifaceted CBME especially in promoting meaningful learning and facilitating rational thinking by the medical undergraduates.

Unlocking the Potential: A Systematic Literature Review on the Impact of Donor Human Milk on Infant Health Outcomes.

Human mother milk is considered the most healthy and best source of nutrition for both premature and full-term infants, as it possesses many health benefits and is associated with its consumption. Some of the mothers are not able to produce an adequate quantity of milk to meet the required needs of the infants, particularly in cases involving premature births or facing challenges in breastfeeding. Especially for the most vulnerable premature infants, donor human milk (DHM) provides a helpful bridge for effective breastfeeding. Even with the advancement in baby formulas, no other dietary source can match the bioactive matrix of benefits found in human breast milk. This literature review discusses the risks associated with prematurity and explores the use of DHM in the care of premature infants. It helps prevent substantial preterm complications, especially necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and late-onset sepsis, which are more commonly seen in infants who are given formulated milk made from cow's milk. It gives insights into the benefits of DHM, such as immunological and nutritional benefits, which is a basic infant's need. When medical distress prevents mothers from producing enough breast milk for their infants, pasteurized human donor breast milk should be made accessible as an alternative feeding option to ensure infants remain healthy and nourished. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases and other sources. A total of 104 articles were searched, of which 35 were included after identification, filters were applied, eligibility was checked, and references out of scope were excluded. Human milk banking should be incorporated into programs encouraging breastfeeding, highlighting lactation in mothers and only using DHM when required.

Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning in Undergraduate Medical Course: A Mixed-Methods Study in a Medical College in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Critical thinking is considered as the essential set of skills for medical practice, particularly during emergencies. However, there is lack of conceptual clarity around it and it was not explicitly included in the undergraduate medical curriculum in India. The present study has been planned to assess the critical thinking disposition and clinical reasoning skills among medical undergraduate students in a medical college in West Bengal, India. The perceived definition and attributes of critical thinking in medical education will be explored and the contexts where application of critical thinking skills may be crucial for medical practice will be identified. The content validity index, test-retest agreement; internal consistency and construct validity of the Critical Thinking Disposition Assessment Questionnaire (CTDAQ) will be assessed through step-by-step procedure. CTDAQ and the case-based objective-type questions for the clinical reasoning skills will be applied to around 200 medical undergraduate students. Their perception and experience on critical thinking in medical education will be assessed with structured open-ended questions. In-depth interviews with medical teachers of the second and third phases of undergraduate medical curriculum will be conducted to assess their perception and experiences on critical thinking. The quantitative analysis will be conducted with MS excel and R software using the relevant packages. The qualitative data will be transcribed and translated in English, close to the participants' verbatim. The thematic analysis will be conducted with inductive coding and memoing. The study will be conducted maintaining ethical standards for epidemiological studies. The present study, one of the first a few studies in India, will help to meet the conceptual gap in understanding the attributes of critical thinking, its association with clinical reasoning and the contexts of preferred application in medical practice.

Perceptions of Stakeholders and the Way Forward to Implementing the Family Adoption Programme in Medical Education: A Study From Assam, India.

Background The Family Adoption Programme (FAP) has been introduced under the competency-based medical education curriculum wherein each medical student adopts families. The objective of this study was to determine the stakeholders' perspective and to suggest measures to make it relevant for Indian medical graduates. Methodology A mixed-method study was conducted among the faculty, undergraduate students, and community using prestructured, validated instruments. The quantitative data were entered into Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) and analysed, while the qualitative data were coded and analysed thematically. Results All faculty members (12, 100%), the majority of students (49, 44.30%), and the community members strongly agreed that the policy decision to introduce the FAP was 'right'. The benefits mentioned were that FAP helps improve knowledge, psychomotor skills, attitudes and communication, attitude and behaviour skills, understanding of the social structures, health status of the community, and health-seeking behaviour of the families and provides an appropriate early clinical exposure. The challenges mentioned were selecting a site, gaining cooperation from family, communication, arrangement of logistics and transportation, getting support from teachers, difficulties in managing students in the community and coordinating among faculty, staff and students. Most faculty members recommended that the FAP should be started later in the curriculum and there should be restrictions on the number of families to be adopted. The students suggested that adequate logistics be provided as well as a reduction in the number of family visits. Conclusion The programme has been welcomed by most stakeholders. It requires the necessary support from the institution authorities, prior planning of visits, judicious utilization of social media, and coordination with government field-level health workers e.g. Accreditated Social Health Activists (ASHA). A comprehensive program evaluation and formulation of a standard operating module will further strengthen the programme.

Effectiveness of Healthcare Interventions on Smoking Cessation in Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review.

The smoking epidemic is the greatest threat to global public health that has ever existed. Teenagers constantly perceive smoking as a way to communicate with friends and express their emotions. Adolescent smokers should be noticed immediately before the extended period of tobacco addiction and being resistant to the interventions. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of healthcare interventions targeting smoking cessation in adolescents within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to summarize the options, benefits, and affordability of interventions for quitting smoking that may be implemented in LMICs. The review highlights the effectiveness of various pharmacological interventions, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, nortriptyline, varenicline, and cytosine, shedding light on their respective success rates in aiding smoking cessation. Additionally, the study delves into the realm of behavioral interventions, emphasizing the significant impact of counseling, brief advice, and automated text messaging in promoting smoking cessation among adolescents. Furthermore, the review examines the influence of external factors, such as an increase in cigarette prices and changes in the smoking environment, on smoking habits. It underscores the importance of creating smoke-free areas and leveraging community involvement to enhance the effectiveness of interventions. The study also evaluates the affordability and sustainability of smoking cessation interventions, emphasizing the need for a balanced combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral support. The advantages of quitting smoking will improve the nation's health and boost economic productivity.

A Comprehensive Review on Trends and Patterns of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors in India.

This review explores the trends and patterns of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in India, with a focus on tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Drawing upon existing literature and data, the review highlights the substantial burden imposed by NCDs and their associated risk factors on public health and healthcare systems in India. Key findings reveal the widespread prevalence of these risk factors, particularly among certain demographic groups and in urban areas. Socioeconomic disparities also play a significant role in shaping the distribution of NCD risk factors across the population. The review underscores the importance of addressing NCD risk factors through evidence-based interventions and policies tailored to the Indian context. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, academia, industry partners, and communities to mitigate the NCD epidemic effectively. By mobilizing collective efforts and resources, India can make significant strides in preventing and controlling NCDs, thereby enhancing population health and well-being.

Assessing Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors Among Healthcare Workers in a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital in Wardha, India: A Study Protocol.

Background Cardiometabolic diseases pose a significant public health challenge globally, particularly among healthcare workers, who often face heightened occupational stress and lifestyle challenges. This study aims to assess the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and their determinants among healthcare workers at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in rural Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving the recruitment of healthcare workers from various job roles. Data on demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and mental health status was collected using standardized instruments and procedures. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, inferential tests, and multivariate analyses to identify significant associations and predictors of cardiometabolic risk factors. Expected results Anticipated findings include a notable prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among healthcare workers, including elevated BMI, fasting blood glucose, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Behavioral risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are expected to be prevalent. Additionally, varying degrees of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress, are anticipated. Significant associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and demographic variables are expected to be identified. Conclusion The study findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and determinants of cardiometabolic risk factors among healthcare workers in a rural setting. These insights can inform targeted interventions and public health strategies aimed at improving the cardiovascular health and overall well-being of healthcare workers, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural areas.

Role of Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Public Health: Its Advantages and Challenges.

The modern hospital setting is closely related to engineering and technology. In a hospital, modern equipment is abundant in every department, including the operating room, intensive care unit, and laboratories. Thus, the quality of treatment provided in hospitals and technology advancements are closely tied. Robotic systems are used to support and improve the accuracy and agility of human surgeons during medical procedures. This surgical approach is commonly referred to as robotic surgery or robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). These systems are not entirely autonomous; they are managed by skilled surgeons who carry out procedures with improved accuracy and minimized invasiveness using a console and specialized instruments. Because RAS offers increased surgical precision, less discomfort after surgery, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery time, all of which improve patient outcomes and lessen the strain on healthcare resources, it plays a critical role in public health. Its minimally invasive technique benefits patients and the healthcare system by lowering problems, reducing the requirement for blood transfusions, and reducing the danger of infections related to medical care. Furthermore, the possibility of remote surgery via robotic systems can increase access to specialized care, reducing regional differences and advancing fairness in public health. In this review article, we will be covering how RAS has its role in public health.

Public Health Strategies in the Face of Crisis: A Comprehensive Review of the Zika Outbreak in India.

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the public health strategies employed during the Zika outbreak in India, focusing on the identification, surveillance, and containment efforts. The multifaceted approach, including vector control measures, healthcare infrastructure enhancement, and public communication strategies, played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of the virus. Government policies and international collaborations emerged as influential factors, underscoring the significance of a coordinated response to infectious disease crises. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness in public health systems, acknowledging the dynamic nature of emerging infectious diseases. The Zika outbreak in India serves as a valuable case study, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of crisis management responses. As the global community faces ongoing health challenges, the lessons learned from this review contribute to refining strategies, improving coordination, and fostering a proactive and resilient approach to safeguarding public health.

A Mixed-Method Study of the Utilization and Determinants of Private Health Insurance Schemes in the Residents of Rural Communities in Central India: A Study Protocol.

Background Private health insurance plays a critical role in healthcare financing, yet its utilization and determinants in rural settings still need to be studied, particularly in Central India. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the utilization and determinants of private health insurance schemes among residents of rural communities in Central India. Materials and methods A convergent parallel mixed-method study design, consisting of quantitative and qualitative approaches, will be employed. Quantitative data will be collected through structured questionnaires administered to residents aged 18 and above within the field practice area of a tertiary medical college hospital. Qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. Statistical analysis will include descriptive and inferential statistics, while thematic analysis will be employed for qualitative data (CTRI Number CTRI/2024/06/069155). Conclusion The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the utilization and determinants of private health insurance schemes in rural communities of Central India. By identifying barriers and facilitators to insurance uptake, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to improve healthcare access and affordability in rural areas. In addition, the study will contribute to the existing literature on private health insurance utilization in India, informing future research endeavors and policy initiatives.

Addressing the Challenge: A Review of Effective Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity in India.

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in India, with rising prevalence rates and associated health risks. This review examines effective prevention strategies for addressing this issue. Through a comprehensive analysis of research findings, policy initiatives, and community-based interventions, the review identifies critical components of successful prevention efforts. These include multi-sectoral collaborations, tailored interventions addressing socioeconomic and cultural factors, and the involvement of families and healthcare professionals. The importance of addressing childhood obesity in India is underscored, given its significant impact on health outcomes, healthcare costs, and quality of life. The review concludes with a call to action for stakeholders and policymakers to prioritise prevention efforts, allocate resources, and implement evidence-based interventions to combat childhood obesity effectively. By working together, India can mitigate the adverse effects of childhood obesity and promote a healthier future for its children.

Beyond the Chair: Exploring the Boundaries of Teledentistry.

Teledentistry, a blend of dentistry and telecommunications used to provide dental care from a distance, holds great promise in enhancing public health, especially in reaching communities with limited access. However, putting it into practice has its own set of obstacles and background variables. It is frequently difficult to obtain dental treatment, especially in rural or economically underdeveloped areas. By removing geographical constraints and offering virtual consultations and diagnostics, teledentistry provides a solution. The quick development of technology, such as portable electronics and high-speed internet, has increased accessibility and efficiency in communication, which has aided in the acceptance of teledentistry. Getting traditional dental care can be costly, particularly for people without insurance. As an affordable substitute for traditional dental care, teledentistry may lower overhead expenses related to physical dental offices. Early interventions and preventive care can greatly enhance oral health results and lessen the need for later, more invasive procedures. There are disparities in the availability of digital gadgets and internet connectivity. The laws that control telehealth services might differ greatly between nations and areas. While teledentistry can help with remote consultations and triage, it might not be able to do thorough examinations or other diagnostic treatments that need in-person attendance. Delivering dependable, top-notch telemedicine services in developing areas can pose challenges. Certain dentists might hesitate to utilize teledentistry due to concerns about the quality of care, liability issues, or potential impacts on their traditional practice models. It could be difficult to get patients to accept and use teledentistry services. This review is undertaken to assess the effectiveness of teledentistry in public health as well as legal and regulatory considerations for practicing teledentistry. Teledentistry might be the future of the oral health sector, thus fully capitalizing on this enormous opportunity to change how oral therapies are administered. Patients, dentists, and the dental community at large will need to have highly open minds. For the community's well-being and to gain its trust, ethical considerations are crucial. The outcomes of teledentistry can be attained by overcoming the obstacles and using comprehensive methods and approaches. It was noted that teledentistry is a potential strategy that combines dental care with telecommunication technology to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare inequalities, and expand access to oral health services. The delivery of oral healthcare is being revolutionized by teledentistry, especially in light of contemporary issues including geographic restrictions, lack of access to dental treatment, and the ongoing global health crisis.

Assessment of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis elimination in the Armori and Chamorshi blocks of Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study.

Context: Medical colleges regularly examine mass drug administration (MDA) programs to determine their effectiveness and pinpoint areas for development. These analyses frequently show a discrepancy between the program's coverage and actual drug use. This study was conducted in the Chamorshi and Armori blocks of the Gadchiroli District in Maharashtra. Aim: This study aimed to find out the coverage and compliance of MDA in the Chamorshi and Armori blocks of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Settings and Design: This study was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Thirty houses from each of the three randomly chosen villages and a ward were surveyed in each implementing unit. Thus, a total of 120 households' worth of data were gathered and examined. Information was gathered from each individual in the chosen home at the individual level. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were collected and duly filled out on questionnaire forms, which were then entered in Microsoft (MS) Excel. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 (Chicago) was used as a statistical tool in the analysis. Results: Consumption rates in rural areas were much higher than in urban areas. A minimum consumption rate was found in the 2- to 5-year-old age range. Conclusions: In this study, the percentage of coverage and compliance rates was 89.5% and 99.4% and 90.81% and 99.2% for the Armori and Chamorshi blocks, respectively. In comparison, coverage was better in rural areas than in urban areas. The MDA program must therefore be significantly strengthened in urban areas, particularly by guaranteeing improved compliance through monitored drug consumption.

Menstrual Hygiene Problems and Challenges Faced by Adolescent Females in Rural Areas: A Narrative Review.

Menstruation is a vital sign of reproductive health and development. Menstrual hygiene practices are consequently a significant public health issue. However, menstrual practices are still tainted by taboos and other sociocultural constraints, which adversely affect health since adolescent females in rural areas are unaware of the scientific facts regarding menstrual hygiene practices. The Indian government has recognized the significance of menstrual hygiene and developed and implemented several programs and schemes for menstrual hygiene management (MHM). But due to a lack of, little, or inaccurate knowledge and cultural practices and socio-economic status, adolescent females face many obstacles and suffer from health issues. A comprehensive literature and data search was done using key databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and other sources such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Google to identify the relevant articles and reviewed publications using full-text search. A total of 40 articles out of 1,461 were selected for review after the screening and elimination of repeated articles. The objective of this literature review is to assess the awareness and knowledge of the importance of menstruation, the understanding of safe menstruation practices, the significance of properly disposing of menstrual products, and the knowledge of how to guard against reproductive system infection and its consequences and also to identify the problems and challenges faced by adolescent females during their menstrual hygiene practices or management. The core of many health issues is misinformation, myths, erroneous beliefs, lack of awareness, and incomplete or incorrect knowledge about menstruation. Therefore, it is essential to teach adolescent females about hygienic behavior and safe menstrual practices.

Self-Medication Practices Among the Geriatric Population: A Systematic Literature Review.

The ageing population is increasingly using self-medication due to comorbidities. Most people who self-medicate use over-the-counter (OTC) medications bought from private pharmacies as their primary source of medicine. The use of self-medication may lead to an increased risk of unfavourable health outcomes. People over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Our article aims to gain insights into self-medication in the geriatric population. We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The PubMed search technique was customised for each database and was as follows: (self-medication (Title/Abstract)) AND (geriatric (Title/Abstract) OR elderly (Title/Abstract) OR old (Title/Abstract)). Also, we used other databases like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MOHFW) under the Government of India, etc. The keywords used for the search strategy were 'over-the-counter drugs', adverse drug reactions', self-prescribed drugs', and non-prescription drugs'. Articles that were not relevant to the review topic are excluded. Through our review, we found that most geriatric people use self-medication because of their previous experience with that medication, a lack of seriousness regarding the consequences of using OTC medications, and suggestions from family members, friends, or neighbours. Abdominal pain, headache, cough, joint pain, and fever are the conditions for which the geriatric age group mainly uses self-medication. The primary source of self-medication is directly from the pharmacy, and the most commonly consumed drug for self-medication is analgesics. Most people know about the risks associated with self-medication. However, people continue to participate in this risky self-medication behaviour to get quick relief from a mild illness. This issue can be resolved by providing such a group with free consultations or medical insurance. Pharmacists' role in self-medication is also important. Counselling regarding the hazards of self-medication and selling the drugs to consumers without a doctor's prescription must be avoided.

Does the Graphic Health Warning on Tobacco Products Have an Influence on Tobacco Consumers in India? A Scoping Review.

It is now a legal requirement in India that all tobacco products carry graphic health warnings on their packaging. The Government of India has taken steps to reduce the number of people using tobacco products by introducing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. This law states that all tobacco products must display health warnings on their packaging. Despite this, many people in India still use tobacco products. Graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging and labeling can be an effective way to spread awareness about the risks associated with smoking. Pictures or pictograms should be included on all products, as this can be particularly helpful for those with limited literacy skills. This way, everyone can understand the dangers of tobacco use, even if they cannot read. This review examines the effectiveness of pictures on cigarette and other tobacco product packages as health warnings in India. To assess the impact of these graphic warnings, research from India was reviewed, along with information from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare websites and the World Health Organization. The results indicate that the images on packages have some positive effects. However, they need to be made more visible and easier to comprehend to have a more significant influence on discouraging people from taking up smoking.

Towards Ideal Health Ecosystem With Artificial Intelligence-Driven Medical Services in India: An Overview.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has immense power to set up an ideal health ecosystem through "intelligent medicine" i.e., a combination of human and machine intelligence. However, the application of AI in healthcare is still unclear. Currently, India is facing huge challenges such as the scarcity of medical resources and the uneven distribution of medical services. This also highlights the opportunities linked to challenges and risks. The most recent pandemic has accelerated this process by acknowledging that medicine stands on the brink of an AI revolution. Incorporating the evidence on the role of precision medicine, cost-effective healthcare, and expanding humanistic and medical services, this paper demonstrates the digital health interventions for the "enhancement" of capabilities, "efficiency," "extension of services" and upgrading "experience" in the health sector. Through thorough literature searches from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other reliable sources, this study aims to understand the evolving needs, and greater control and to bridge gaps in access to healthcare through AI. Also, India is currently developing the potential to automate multiple tasks and calling for more human interventions. The future of AI in healthcare looks promising with digital health interventions that eventually offer flexibility and convenience to both the patient and the provider. This paper will help public health professionals address ethical considerations and policy-making where AI plays a significant role in setting up an ideal health ecosystem.

Kangaroo Mother Care for Low-Birth-Weight Babies in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review.

In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), the infant mortality rate is much higher than the high-income countries (HICs). The higher infant mortality is due to low birth weight (LBW) a combination of intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and prematurity, which are risk factors for acquiring infectious diseases amongst newborns. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a neonatal procedure that is carried out in newborn infants, especially in preterm babies and LBW babies. It is skin-to-skin contact between a mother's bare chest and a stable infant. KMC is an important intervention in reducing infant mortality rates in LMICs. A comprehensive literature and data search was done using key databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 42 articles out of 1,168 articles were selected for review after screening and elimination of the repeated articles. Through this review we have tried to analyse the benefits of KMC in newborns, the need for the participation of fathers and family members, and the need for implementation of this practice at a broader level by policy formulation in LMICs. We have also discussed the need for KMC for the prevention of infant mortality in LBW newborns in LMICs.

Assessment of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors of Diabesity in an Urban Population in Central India.

Background Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of adult obesity has doubled. International awareness of the body mass index (BMI) as a benchmark for identifying and categorizing overweight and obesity has grown. This study was conducted to assess the socio-demographic factors of the study participants, assess the prevalence of obesity amongst the study subjects, find an association between risk factors and diabesity, and assess obesity using the percentage body fat and waist-hip ratio of study participants. Methods This study was undertaken among diabetes patients residing in the field practice area of the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC), Wadi, affiliated with the Datta Meghe Medical College, Nagpur, from July 2022 to September 2022. Two hundred and seventy-eight diabetic people were included as study participants. Systematic random sampling was used to identify study subjects visiting UHTC, Wadi. The World Health Organization's step-by-step approach to the surveillance of risk factors for chronic diseases served as the model for the questionnaire. Results Among the 278 diabetic study participants, the prevalence of generalized obesity was 76.61%. Obesity was more prevalent in subjects with a family history of diabetes. All hypertensive subjects were obese. Obesity was more prevalent among tobacco chewers. In obesity assessment using body fat percentage when compared with standard BMI, the sensitivity was found to be 84% and specificity was 48%. Conclusion Body fat percentage is a simple estimation that can identify obesity among diabetic individuals who are non-obese by BMI. We can change the behavior amongst non-obese diabetic individuals by giving health education, thereby reducing insulin resistance and improving compliance and adherence to the treatment.

Understanding the Factors Contributing to Suicide Among the Geriatric Population: A Narrative Review.

A critical health concern for older adults is suicide, particularly for those above the age of 60 years. Despite this, research on suicide in this age group is relatively scarce compared to studies on younger populations. This article is intended to summarize the existing literature on etiological/risk factors, including problems with one's physical and mental health, social isolation, money, and life changes like retirement and the death of a spouse and methods for preventing suicide specific to the geriatric population. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify the original reports and reviewed publications through various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and the CDC. We gathered information on Google from reputable sources such as the WHO and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Our review found that the risk factor of suicide in the geriatric population includes physical illness, familial issues, financial issues, and hopelessness. The suicide rate for older adults declined, dropping from 16.17 per 100,000 individuals to 14.25 per 100,000 individuals aged 50 to 69 years and from 27.45 per 100,000 individuals to 24.53 per 100,000 individuals for those over 70 years. A more significant proportion of elderly suicide attempters come from rural than urban locations. Young individuals have better professional opportunities in urban areas, but older people are dispersed to underdeveloped or rural areas, where they are more likely to experience social isolation. By systematically identifying these risk factors, we can develop prevention and intervention strategies to decrease the suicide rates among the geriatric population.