Risk factors for cardiovascular disease among adults in rural Lucknow: A community-based study

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world, and in addition to the complexity of CVD management, there are well-documented risk factors whose different effects dictate the need for region-specific research. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the risk factors of CVD among adults in rural Lucknow. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 1 to December 31, 2018. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric data, and blood pressure were recorded. Individuals who were at least 18 years of age residing in the study area minimum 2 years and on condition that participants gave their written consent for enrollment in the survey. Data analyses were done using Microsoft Excel. Results: The study participants comprised of 364 adults, with average age of 35 ± 16 years, 200 (54.9%) were males and 164 (45.1%) were females. The mean values of hip circumference, waist circumference, waist and hip ratio, and diastolic blood pressure were higher among females than males. Waist and hip circumference in male participants whereas in female participant’s body mass index with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly correlated. Conclusion: Rural females were at more risk of higher than-normal blood pressure, compare to males. The significant incidence of CVD risk factors in rural areas, particularly among those who are overweight or obese, necessitates early clinical identification. CVD screening, prevention, and control must be prioritized in health initiatives.

Impact of Playing Violent Video Games Among School Going Children

Introduction: Children who play violent video games can become violent and aggressive. An aggressive emotional change in their behavior and deviation in academic performance is usually noticed. Aim: To assess the impact of violent video games playing among school going adolescents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 400 adolescents recruited from four selected English medium schools of a City of Northern India by convenient sampling. Each student was interviewed by using a self-structured questionnaire which covered demographics, video gaming behaviors, and effects of video game playing on adolescents. Statistical Analysis: Collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and subjected to suitable statistical tests. Results: 83.75% of the participants play video games while 1/3rd preferred to play violent games. 72.24% of the parents did not monitor the video game content of their children. Both boys (58.56%) and girls (17.12%) got aggressive during parent’s interference while playing violent video games. Most of the male (62.07%) were willing to apply actions of violent video games in real life. About 63.21% male violent video gamers showed poor academic performance as compared to girls (33.33%). Conclusion: Adolescents and their parents should be updated about the negative impact of excessive video game playing on health and psychosocial functioning.

Does Maternal Factors Have A Bearing On The Health Of Their Offsprings.

Abstracts: Background: The development of the child is dependent on the mother and if the health of the mother suffers, the child's growth and development are in turn affected. The mother is also the first teacher of the child, and that is why the mother and child are treated as one unit. A mother is the principal provider of the primary care that her child needs during the first six years of his/her life. The type of care she provides depends to a large extent on her knowledge and understanding of some aspects of basic nutrition and health care. This begins at conception and continues until infancy, teenage and adulthood. Therefore, mothers are key players in the growth and development of children. Methodology: The study was carried out in the villages under RHTC, field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Dehradun. A sample of 500 mothers with children in the age group of 0-36 months living in the registered population of RHTC were included, where mother's demographic profile, parity, diet during pregnancy were recorded. Results: Maternal factors as maternal age, education, parity diet & supplementary nutrition during pregnancy, emerged as significant predictors of under nutrition. Conclusion: The findings confirms the association of maternal factors with malnutrition of their children. This may involve public health enlightenment campaign discouraging teenage pregnancy and high parity of mothers which predisposes to poor nutritional status, poor diet during pregnancy which further increase the risk of poor outcomes both for the mother and the child. There is also need to increase female education as this will make them receptive to health interventions that will improve their nutritional status along with their children.