Ten-year risk of cardiovascular events among the adult population of West Tripura District of India by the Framingham risk score: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Predicting the 10-year risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) may save lives through timely intervention. Framingham risk scoring (FRS) can effectively predict this risk. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the 10-year risk of CVE using FRS and to estimate the prevalence of CVD risk factors and their associations with FRS among adults in the West Tripura District of India. Methodology: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 November 2019 to 30 November 2021 in the West Tripura District of India, using FRS 2008 and a pretested interview schedule among 290 individuals aged ≥ 30 years chosen by multistage sampling. Result: The majority, that is 61.7%, of the study subjects had low risk, 18.6% had intermediate risk and 19.7% had high risk of CVE within 10 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 55.6%; diabetes mellitus, 55.9%; smoking, 96.2%; dyslipidaemia, 34.3%; alcohol consumption, 96.2%; physical inactivity, 54%; and obesity, 64.6%. The bivariate analysis detected a significant association of FRS with age, sex, residence, literacy, marital status, obesity, smoking, alcoholism, blood pressure (BP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and glycaemic status of the study subjects. The logistic regression analysis has identified age >50 years, male sex, hypertension, smoking and diabetes mellitus as significant determinants of high FRS. Conclusion: Adults living in the West Tripura District of India have a high prevalence of CVD risk factors. About one-fifth of this population has a high risk of CVE in 10 years. Controlling hypertension, smoking and diabetes mellitus may help reduce this risk.

Knockdown of capsid protein encoding novel ATPase domain inhibits genome packaging in potato leafroll virus.

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) uses powerful molecular machines to package its genome into a viral capsid employing ATP as fuel. Although, recent bioinformatics and structural studies have revealed detailed mechanism of DNA packaging, little is known about the mechanochemistry of genome packaging in small plant viruses such as PLRV. We have identified a novel P-loop-containing ATPase domain with two Walker A-like motifs, two arginine fingers, and two sensor motifs distributed throughout the polypeptide chain of PLRV capsid protein (CP). The composition and arrangement of the ATP binding and hydrolysis domain of PLRV CP is unique and rarely reported. The discovery of the system sheds new light on the mechanism of viral genome packaging, regulation of viral assembly process, and evolution of plant viruses. Here, we used the RNAi approach to suppress CP gene expression, which in turn prevented PLRV genome packaging and assembly in Solanum tuberosum cv. Khufri Ashoka. Potato plants agroinfiltrated with siRNA constructs against the CP with ATPase domain exhibited no rolling symptoms upon PLRV infection, indicating that the silencing of CP gene expression is an efficient method for generating PLRV-resistant potato plants. In addition, molecular docking study reveals that the PLRV CP protein has ATP-binding pocket at the interface of each monomer. This further confirms that knockdown of the CP harboring ATP-binding domain could hamper the process of viral genome packaging and assembly. Moreover, our findings provide a robust approach to generate PLRV-resistant potato plants, which can be further extended to other species. Finally, we propose a new mechanism of genome packaging and assembly in plant viruses.

Developmental delay among children under two years of age in slums of Burdwan Municipality: A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT: Development is an ongoing process through which an individual acquires competence to function adequately. Developmental delay is said to occur when a child fails to reach the age-appropriate anticipated milestones. This imparts long-term direct as well as indirect effects on the health of a community obviating routine measurement of its prevalence especially in high-risk populations. AIM: To find out the prevalence and correlates of developmental delay among children under two years of age in slums of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study was conducted between September-November 2019 among 240 study subjects selected by multistage simple random sampling. Data were collected by interviewing the respondents using a predesigned, pretested schedule. Developmental status was assessed by applying Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart (TDSC). Chi-square test and logistic regression was done to find associations. RESULTS: Prevalence of developmental delay was 6.6%(95%CI 3.6-9.8) and proportion was more among male infants. Chi square test revealed gender (p = 0.03), mothers' education (p = 0.00), socio-economic status (p = 0.00), parity (p = 0.02), birth spacing (p = 0.01) birth weight (p = 0.00) to be significantly associated with developmental delay and multivariable analysis showed all the factors to be significant predictors except gender, parity and birth spacing. Gestational duration, maternal age at delivery, mode of delivery was not found to be significantly associated with developmental delay. CONCLUSION: Developmental delay is considerably high in the study area. A larger study using appropriate tool and follow-up may elicit the burden and associated determinants.

Gap Analysis in Workforce and Infrastructure in the Subcenters for Upgradation to Health and Wellness Center in a Community Development Block of Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal.

CONTEXT: The government of India has recently decided to upgrade subcenters (SCs) to health and wellness centers (HWCs) for providing comprehensive quality services. AIMS: The present study was undertaken to determine workforce- and infrastructure-wise gaps in the SCs for upgradation to HWCs and assess knowledge of the auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) regarding services to be delivered through HWCs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Bhatar block of Purba Bardhaman district between August and October 2019. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Workforce and infrastructure availability was assessed using a checklist in 38 SCs and knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire among ANMs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data entry and analysis was done in Microsoft™ Excel™. RESULTS: No Subcentre had Community Health Officer and 23.7% of Subcentre were without second ANM. 28.9% of the ANMs had adequate knowledge about services to be delivered through HWCs. Infrastructurally, lack of staff residential facility (76.3%), water supply (34.2%), and inadequate civil construction (34.2%) were major barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate recruitment of HCWs, infrastructure upliftment, and proper training of HCWs in the SCs are the need of the hour.

Community Based Assessment of Unintentional Injuries in a Community Development Block of Purba Bardhaman District, West.

BACKGROUND: Injuries are a focus of public health practice because they pose a serious health threat and are preventable. Currently, injury accounts for 14% of all Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) losses for the world's entire population. In India, unintentional injuries within the home environment have not so far been recognized to the same extent as traffic and work-related injuries among all age groups. With this background, a community based epidemiological study was conducted with the aim to find out the prevalence and epidemiology of unintentional injuries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2018 - June 2019 in Bhatar block of Purba Bardhaman District. Cluster random sampling was applied to select required sample of 555 individuals from 24 villages. The study tools used were a predesigned and pretested schedule developed by the researchers with the help of Guidelines for conducting community surveys on injuries by World Health Organization (WHO) and a checklist for assessing household level injury hazard. The study had approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. Chi square test and multivariable logistic regression were performed using SPSS V16. RESULTS: Prevalence of unintentional injury was 8.8 % in the preceding three months. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that those who were below 18 years of age, severely vulnerable to unintentional injuries and belonged to nuclear families had significantly higher odds of developing unintentional injuries at home. CONCLUSION: Unintentional injury is prevalent in West Bengal. Dissemination of injury prevention information with special focus on household modification is an effective strategy to prevent unintentional injuries.

Contraceptive behavior and unmet need among the tribal married women aged 15-49 years: A cross-sectional study in a community development block of paschim Bardhaman District, West Bengal.

BACKGROUND: Contraceptive behavior and unmet need for family planning, particularly among the tribal women of reproductive age in India, still remains a public health concern. This needs to be explored in different geographical regions. OBJECTIVES: : This study aimed to ascertain the contraceptive behavior of tribal married women of 15-49 years and to assess the unmet need for family planning and its determinants. METHODS: : A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2019 to April 2020 in Barabani Block of Paschim Bardhaman District, West Bengal. A calculated sample of 530 study participants was selected from the study area by the simple random sampling. Required data on contraceptive behavior characteristics, unmet need, and correlates were collected by interviewing them with a predesigned schedule. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were done. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software v. 20. RESULTS: : All study participants were Hindu and belonged to Santhal ethnicity; 53.4% were illiterate; 51.7% had early marriage, and 52.4% had adolescent pregnancy. Only 41.1% women were found currently using any contraceptives, another 14.5% ever used and 44.4% never used any methods. Apprehension of side effects and spouse disapproval were reported as two common reasons for never using contraceptives. The age of the women appeared as a significant predictor of current contraceptive use. Overall, unmet need for family planning was 19.4% and age of the women, socioeconomic status, and type of the family were found as significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Issues contributing to unsatisfactory contraceptive behavior and high unmet need for family planning need to be addressed appropriately.

Status of Comprehensive Abortion Care Service in Paschim Bardhaman District, West Bengal - A Mixed-Method Study.

BACKGROUND: Delivering quality comprehensive abortion care (CAC) service, accessible and affordable to all care seekers, at every tier is essential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the infrastructural availability of the health facilities, describe beneficiary characteristics, and to explore constraints in CAC service provision from the providers' perspectives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted during December 2019 to February 2020 in Paschim Bardhaman District, West Bengal. All 10 public health facilities of the district providing CAC services were visited for infrastructural assessment. Record review of all care seekers from 2015 to 2018 was done to assess their characteristics. In-depth interview of the administrative heads of facilities and district level program officers was done to explore constraints faced in service provision. Quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS version 20, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. RESULTS: Physical infrastructure was adequate in only 40% of the facilities; however, drugs and contraceptives were universally available. About 49.5% of the care seekers had induced abortion; 63.5% underwent manual vacuum aspiration; 21.5% did not return for follow-up, and only 50% adopted postabortal contraception. Major issues explored were lack of trained manpower, logistics and physical infrastructure, and inadequate supervision and monitoring. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted gaps in preparedness of the health facilities for the provision of quality CAC services including some major constraints from the provider's perspectives.

Retraction Notice: Phytochemicals from Plants to Combat Cardiovascular Disease.

The article entitled "Phytochemicals from Plants to Combat Cardiovascular Disease", by Hannah R. Vasan-thi, Nitin ShriShri Mal, Dilip Kumar Das, published in Curr. Med. Chem. 2012; 19(14): 224251. https://www.eurekaselect.com/97287/article has been retracted on a complaint of plagiarism with a previously pub-lished article entitled "Resveratrol in cardiovascular health and disease" in the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences as Ann N Y Acad Sci . 2011 Jan;1215:22-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05843.x The authors were informed of this complaint and were requested to give justification on the matter, in their de-fence. However, no reply was received from them in this regard. Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused. The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php.

Sleep Quality and its various correlates: A community-based study among geriatric population in a community development block of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal.

BACKGROUND: In the elderly population, sleep problems are prevalent and have known to be associated with many factors. There are many adverse consequences of decreased sleep such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, accidents, impaired cognition, and poor quality of life. Correlates of poor sleep quality have not been well explored in Indian research. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to measure prevalence of poor sleep quality among elderly and its association with different factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during June-November 2018 in a randomly selected block of Purba Bardhaman district. Cluster random sampling was applied to select required sample of 180 elderly people (≥60 years) from 30 villages. Study tools used were Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 5-Item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and a pretested schedule for sociodemographic and other variables. The study had approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were performed using SPSS V16. RESULTS: Prevalence of poor sleep quality (GPSQI ≥5) was 68.89%. Median Global PSQI (GPSQI) score was 7.00 (4.00-11.00). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that marital status, vital events in past one month, anxiety status, and depression were significantly associated with sleep quality. Those who were unmarried/widowed, having vital events in past one month in the family, and severe anxiety and depression were having significantly higher odds of developing poor sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality is high among elderly and measures toward the significant correlates are thus emphasized.

The applicability of Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology system on reporting endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology specimens of pancreatic lesions in situations with limited availability of ancillary tests. Experience at a single laboratory.

INTRODUCTION: The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) system of reporting pancreatobiliary cytology is a standardised reporting nomenclature that uses a six-tiered scheme of diagnostic categories utilising routine microscopy and ancillary tests such as biochemical and molecular analysis of cyst fluids and immunochemistry. The objective of this study was to determine the applicability of the PSC system on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology samples reported at the cytopathology laboratory, Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital, in Kuwait with special emphasis on situations with limited availability of ancillary tests. METHODS: In total, 132 cases of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology samples from pancreatic lesions were categorised according to PSC system guidelines after examining the glass slides and reviewing the clinical, imaging and ancillary test findings. These review diagnoses were compared with the diagnoses rendered during initial reporting. Correlation with histopathology reports was done wherever available. RESULTS: In 23 (17.42%) of 132 cases, re-categorisation was necessary between initial and reviewed diagnoses. In 16 cases, re-categorisations were because of non-analogous categories between initial and reviewed diagnosis. In the remaining seven, they were due to identification of newer cytomorphological and imaging findings or because of issues arising from unavailability of sufficient material for ancillary investigations. CONCLUSION: All cases could be categorised using the PSC system with a moderate number of re-categorisations between initial and reviewed diagnoses. In certain circumstances, limited availability of ancillary tests, resulted in non-diagnostic categories whereas in other such circumstances, diagnostic categories could be assigned with certain conceptual modifications to the PSC guidelines.

Prevalence and pattern of childhood injuries in Siliguri City, West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Children are vulnerable to injuries, and childhood injury is a complex phenomenon precipitated by a set of factors. In India, the magnitude and nature of childhood injury are not clearly known owing to the absence of a proper injury surveillance system. However, in recent days few studies demonstrated a substantially high burden of childhood injury. OBJECTIVES: To find out the prevalence, pattern, and the factors associated with injury among children of 0-14 years in the Siliguri city of West Bengal. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 780 children aged 0-14 years residing in the Siliguri Municipal Corporation area selected through cluster sampling technique (30 clusters [wards] with a cluster size of 26). Relevant data were collected by interviewing the mothers of children as respondents and was analyzed using SPSS software, binary logistic regression was applied to test the association between injury and other risk factors. RESULTS: Of total 780 children, 165 had reported a total of 220 injury events with an overall period prevalence of 21.2% and a mean of 0.28 injury events per child. Majority of injuries were superficial in nature (53.2%); due to fall (56.4%), extremities were mostly involved (62.3%), and 12.8% cases were moderate-to-severe grade. Under-five children were most vulnerable. Injury was significantly related to socioeconomic status, presence of siblings, outdoor activities, and the presence of supervising person during travelling. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood injury is still highly prevalent in the area with its unique pattern and few preventable risk factors requiring a multifaceted comprehensive approach.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis among Under-Five Children in a Rural Community of Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal.

CONTEXT: Intestinal parasitosis (IP), a group of diseases caused by one or more species of protozoa and helminths, is still considered a neglected tropical disease and a public health concern in India. Poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions largely contribute to sustained transmission, primarily among children, adversely affecting health and development. The problem needs area-specific assessment and interventions. AIMS: The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of IP and its correlates among under-five children in a rural community of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Bhatar Block of Purba Bardhaman district. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Mothers/caregivers of 294 under-five children (selected through multistage sampling) were interviewed for background characteristics at the household level, and stool samples from each child were collected, transported, and examined for ova/parasite/cysts following standard guidelines. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis of the data obtained was done using SPSS (V20). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of IP was 17.0%. Majority of the intestinal parasites were protozoa (42, 84%), of which the most common was Giardia lamblia (24, 48.0%). Age of the child and practice of defecation showed a significant association with IP on logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Protozoa, mainly G. lamblia, contributes for majority of intestinal parasitic infections among the study population, and children belonging to the age group of 25-60 completed months and with open-field defecation practice have higher risk of acquiring them.

Behavioral and biological risk factors of noncommunicable diseases among tribal adults of rural siliguri in Darjeeling District, West Bengal: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) urges continuous survey of risk factors in different population groups. Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of behavioral and biological risk factors of NCDs, in rural tribal population. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2014 to May 2015, in rural Siliguri, among 172 tribal people aged 25-64 years selected by multistage cluster random sampling using WHO-STEPS instrument. Study participants were interviewed for sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors, and biological measurements were taken. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the determinants of risk factors. RESULTS: Among the study participants, the prevalence of current tobacco use and alcohol use were 69.8% and 40.7%, respectively; 96.5% consumed unhealthy diet and 2.9% were physically inactive. The prevalence of abdominal obesity and overweight were 26.2% and 12.2%, respectively. Odds of tobacco use were significantly raised among men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 47.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1, 203.9]) and increased age of the participants. Men showed higher odds of alcohol consumption (AOR: 13.4 [95% CI 4.6, 38.9]). Odds of abdominal obesity were higher among older participants, whereas lower odds were found among men (AOR: 95% CI 0.11 [0.0, 0.5]) compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the behavioral and biological risk factors of NCDs were quite high among tribal population of rural Siliguri except physical inactivity. Increasing awareness about NCDs through locally accepted and culturally appropriate strategies need to be implemented in the study area.

Health-related quality of life of hemophilics and its possible correlates: A perspective in health promotion and disability prevention.

BACKGROUND: Clinical evaluations are not sufficient to adequately characterize the morbidity associated with hemophilia. Quality of life (QoL) of hemophilics and associated factors is not well explored in Indian research. The present study aimed to measure the QoL in hemophilics and its association with socio-demographic characteristics and other characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during June-November 2018. Two hundred and one hemophilics (age ≥ 4 years) were interviewed with a pre-tested schedule for sociodemographic and other relevant variables. QoL was measured by Haemo-QoL questionnaire for different pediatric age groups and Haem-A-QoL questionnaire for adults and assigned health-related QoL scores. Score achieved in each dimension as well as total scores were transformed on scales ranging from 0 to 100, high values indicate high impairment of QoL. Hemophilic arthropathy was assessed using the World Federation of Hemophilia Joint Scores. One-way ANOVA, independent t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. RESULTS: Mean Haemo-QoL scores for 4-7 years, 8-12 years, 13-16 years, and >16 years were 43.92 ± 8.09, 37.37 ± 8.62, 32.79 ± 6.66, and 45.92 ± 6.30, respectively. Significant difference was noted for QoL scores across different age groups, grades of severity, educational, occupational categories, socioeconomic status classes, marital status, and presence or absence of target joint. Total QoL scores, as well as scores in some of the dimensions, showed a significant positive correlation with the World Federation of Hemophilia joint scores by Spearman correlation analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of the joint health status by regular physiotherapy is needed to improve the QoL of hemophilics.

Occurrence and predictors of abortion among women of the reproductive age group in a block of Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Despite being a sensitive and less explored issue, abortion is a major preventable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality affecting millions of women in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the occurrence, nature, and predictors of abortion among women in the reproductive age group in Naxalbari block of Darjeeling district. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Naxalbari block of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India, from May 2015 to April 2016, among 420 women aged 15-49 years selected from 30 villages by cluster sampling technique. A predesigned, pretested interview schedule validated in the local vernacular was used. Binary logistic regression was used for finding out predictors of abortion among ever-pregnant women. RESULTS: Lifetime occurrence of abortion was 33.6%. Among total 178 events of abortion, 51.7% were spontaneous and 48.3% induced. Majority of spontaneous abortions events were attended by a doctor (73.9%). About 59.3% of induced abortions were illegal, and unwanted pregnancy was major reason (62.4%) for induced abortion. Private facilities and over the counter drugs were preferred. Lower education, nuclear family, number of children <2, not having male child, domestic violence during pregnancy were significant predictors of abortion. CONCLUSIONS: Illegal abortions were highly prevalent in the area. Unwanted pregnancies hint toward unmet needs of family planning. Stigma and poor awareness were the root cause of not visiting a health facility in case of abortions. Building up of better infrastructure, better orientation of frontline workers, non-judgemental and confidential services will attract women to in government facilities.

Periorbital ecchymoses and breathlessness.

A 54-year-old man presented at our facility with a 3-month history of exertional breathlessness and purple blotches around his eyes. Examination revealed bilateral periorbital and perioral ecchymosis, purpuric spots along his waist, and waxy papules on his eyelids. In addition, the patient had macroglossia with nodular infiltration and irregular indentations at the lateral margin of his tongue. The patient also had a raised jugular venous pressure and prominent atrial and ventricular waves. Further examination revealed a fourth heart sound over the left ventricular apex, as well as bilateral basal rales. All other systems were normal except for mild hepatomegaly. Routine hematologic and biochemical lab work was unremarkable. X-rays of the spine and skull were normal, but a chest x-ray showed mild cardiomegaly. An electrocardiogram showed a QS complex from leads V1 to V4 (a pseudo-infarction pattern). An echocardiogram showed biatrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 48%, a speckled pattern on the myocardium, a thickened interatrial septum, and mild pericardial effusion. A color Doppler revealed mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation with a restrictive pattern of mitral valve flow. Serum protein electrophoresis was normal. WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS? HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

Depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital of North Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Detection of cancer and subsequent chemotherapy can lead to clinical depression in many cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to find out the extent of depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and determine the factors associated with depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Chemotherapy Day Care Centre of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital from May to June 2013. A total of 174 cancer patients were selected and interviewed after obtaining informed consent and Institutional Ethics Committee Clearance. Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to find out depression with a score of 6 and above indicating depression. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Logistic regression was used to see the relative importance of multiple contributing factors toward depression. RESULTS: Out of 174 cancer patients, 97 (55.7%) were found to be depressed. Depression was comparatively higher in patients ≥50 years; in males; those belonging to religion other than Hindus; who received higher education; had monthly family income ≥5000 rupees and were involved in moderate or heavy work. Nearly 70.6% of blood cancer patients; 64.3% of those who had been receiving chemotherapy for ≥6 months and 56.9% of those in their 4th or less cycle of chemotherapy were found to be depressed. CONCLUSION: The study revealed depression is substantially high among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in this area. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients need to be complemented by psychological support for the cancer patients.