Non-communicable diseases risk factors and their determinants: A cross-sectional state-wide STEPS survey, Haryana, North India.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have documented high variation in epidemiologic transition levels among Indian states with noncommunicable disease epidemic rising swiftly. However, the estimates suffer from non-availability of reliable data for NCDs from sub populations. In order to fill the knowledge gap, the distribution and determinants of NCD risk factors were studied along with awareness, treatment and control of NCDs among the adult population in Haryana, India. METHODS: NCD risk factors survey was conducted among 5078 residents, aged 18-69 years during 2016-17. Behavioural risk factors were assessed using STEPS instrument, administered through an android software (mSTEPS). This was followed by physical measurements using standard protocols. Finally, biological risk factors were determined through the analysis of serum and urine samples. RESULTS: Males were found to be consuming tobacco and alcohol at higher rates of 38.9% (95% CI: 35.3-42.4) and 18.8% (95% CI: 15.8-21.8). One- tenth (11%) (95% CI: 8.6-13.4) of the respondents did not meet the specified WHO recommendations for physical activity for health. Around 35.2% (95%CI: 32.6-37.7) were overweight or obese. Hypertension and diabetes were prevalent at 26.2% (95% CI: 24.6-27.8) and 15.5% (95% CI: 11.0-20.0). 91.3% (95% CI: 89.3-93.3) of the population had higher salt intake than recommended 5gms per day. CONCLUSION: The documentation of strikingly high and uniform distribution of different NCDs and their risk factors in state warrants urgent need for evidence based interventions and advocacy of policy measures.

Use of collagen as a biomaterial: An update.

Biomaterial science is an expanding area, which encompasses a wide range of medical knowledge involving arthroplasty, cochlear implants, heart valves designing, lenses, dental fixation and tissue engineering. Within this context, in vitro cell culture on polymer scaffolds is one of the adopted strategies for tissue creation. It consists of a specific cell line that is seeded onto a particular substrate. This scaffold should provide excellent biocompatibility, controllable biodegradability, appropriate mechanical strength, flexibility as well as the ability to absorb body fluids for delivery of nutrients. Collagen certainly fulfils these demands; therefore, it is often chosen as a biomaterial. Moreover, this protein is abundant in the animal kingdom and plays a vital role in biological functions, such as tissue formation, cell attachment and proliferation.

Impact of behavior change communication among pregnant women regarding neonatal care.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the behavior of pregnant women regarding neonatal care. Also to implement and assess impact of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) package among pregnant women regarding neonatal care. METHODS: This community based intervention study was conducted in field practice area of Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh Muslim University (A.M.U), Aligarh (UP), India. Two hundred pregnant women were included. Epi Info version 3.5.1. Percentages, and Chi square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Due to implementation of BCC package, institutional deliveries improved (RR = 2.47, P < 0.05), delivery practices significantly increased (RR = 2.47, P < 0.05). There was significant difference regarding breastfeeding practices on 7th and 28th d of delivery. More (80 %) deliveries were conducted in warm room (RR = 1.87, p < 0.05), bathing to the baby was delayed (RR = 0.81, p < 0.05) and decreased, vigorous removal of vernix caseosa was observed (RR = 0.45, p < 0.05). Correct knowledge about danger signs and physiological conditions in newborns were increased (RR = 2.5.0, p < 0.05 for cold to touch, RR = 1.22, p < 0.05 for peeling of skin). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant impact of BCC package on the behavior of pregnant women regarding neonatal care.