A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Prescription Error in a Pediatrics Outpatient Department at a Secondary-Level Community Hospital.

Background Medication errors are common, especially by new trainees in primary care settings. Our study aimed at reducing the rate of prescription error in the pediatric outpatient department (OPD) of a secondary healthcare center in suburban north India using a quality improvement methodology. Methods Based on a survey and focused group discussion (FGD) involving all stakeholders, the identified problems and difficulties faced during outpatient prescriptions, interventions, and outcome parameters were drafted. The primary outcome measure was the prescription error rate evaluated by a senior resident (SR) of pediatrics, and the secondary outcome measures included the frequency of antibiotic prescriptions and investigations. Intervention Two cycles of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) were conducted on accessible drug formularies and standard treatment protocols for common pediatric conditions. Results The mean baseline prescription error was 72.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 63.2-81.1). After the implementation of the first PDSA cycle, the mean error rate was 46.5% (95% CI: 36.6-56.5). There were eight consecutive points of prescription error below the control limit (63.2% and 81.1%) of the baseline. The PDSA-2 cycle showed the same shift to below the control limit (36.6% and 56.5%). The mean error rate found at the end of the PDSA-2 cycle was 22.5% (95% CI 15.7-29.5). There was no clinically significant difference in the number of investigations or antibiotics prescribed. Conclusion The application of standardized drug formularies and standard treatment protocols (STPs) can help reduce prescription errors, especially in a primary care setting. Expansion of such techniques to other centers could be particularly useful.

DFT and TDDFT exploration on electronic transitions and bonding aspect of DPA and PTDC ligated transition metal complexes.

CONTEXT: In this study, we have investigated the structure, reactivity, bonding, and electronic transitions of DPA and PDTC along with their Ni-Zn complexes using DFT/TD-DFT methods. The energy gap between the frontier orbitals was computed to understand the reactivity pattern of the ligands and metal complexes. From the energies of FMO's, the global reactivity descriptors such as electron affinity, ionization potential, hardness (η), softness (S), chemical potential (µ), electronegativity (χ), and electrophilicity index (ω) have been calculated. The complexes show a strong NLO properties due to easily polarization as indicated by the narrow HOMO-LUMO gap. The polarizability and hyperpolarizabilities of the complexes indicate that they are good candidates for NLO materials. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps identified electrophilic and nucleophilic sites on the surfaces of the complexes. TDDFT and NBO analyses provided insights into electronic transitions, bonding, and stabilizing interactions within the studied complexes. DPA and PDTC exhibited larger HOMO-LUMO gaps and more negative electrostatic potentials compared to their metal complexes suggesting the higher reactivity. Ligands (DPA and PDTC) had absorption spectra in the range of 250 nm to 285 nm while their complexes spanned 250 nm to 870 nm. These bands offer valuable information on electronic transitions, charge transfer and optical behavior. This work enhances our understanding of the electronic structure and optical properties of these complexes. METHODS: Gaussian16 program was used for the optimization of all the compounds. B3LYP functional in combination with basis sets, such as LanL2DZ for Zn, Ni and Cu while 6-311G** for other atoms like C, H, O, N, and S was used. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis is carried out to find out how the filled orbital of one sub-system interacts with the empty orbital of another sub-system. The ORCA software is used for computing spectral features along with the zeroth order regular approximation method (ZORA) to observe its relativistic effects. TD-DFT study is carried out to calculate the excitation energy by using B3LYP functional.

Metabolic Syndrome Among Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of metabolic abnormalities that include disturbed glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and arterial hypertension. Nutritional and lifestyle modifications have increased the risk of cardiometabolic disorders among adolescents. Studies conducted in various parts of India have shown a wide range of prevalence among adolescents aged 10-19 years. The various criteria for defining MetS have led to controversial diagnoses, providing inconsistent findings. Additionally, there is a paucity of national-level estimates on the prevalence of MetS in India. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the prevalence of MetS among adolescents. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies that reported the prevalence of MetS among adolescents in India. The search was performed using several databases, including PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, Google, and Google Scholar. Relevant data were extracted and assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) guidelines. To estimate the pooled prevalence and explore heterogeneity, a random effects model and I2 statistic were used. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on criteria for defining MetS, sex, study setting, and study site. Sensitivity analysis was performed, and publication bias was also explored. A sample size of 19044 adolescents from 16 studies was included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Mets among adolescents using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria was 3.4% (95% CI: 1.1-6.6%, I2=97.1%) and the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria were 5.0% (95% CI: 3.3-6.9%, I2=95.9). The subgroup analyses did not reveal the reasons for heterogeneity, but sensitivity analysis showed a substantial change in the pooled estimate. Our study findings show that the prevalence of MetS among Indian adolescents is higher compared to other countries posing a challenge to address the necessity of intervention among adolescents. Standardizing the definition of MetS is necessary to avoid inconsistency in the estimates. The study findings highlight the need to strengthen existing adolescent programs through the encouragement of increased physical activity and the adoption of nutritious well-balanced diets to mitigate the burden of MetS among adolescents in India.

Comparative Efficacy of Chemical Peeling Agents in the Treatment of Melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a complex skin disorder characterized by brown or dark patches, primarily affecting facial areas. Despite numerous treatment options, the effective management of melasma remains challenging. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by rigorously comparing the effectiveness of three prevalent chemical peeling agents, 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), 15% phenol, and 2% glycolic acid, in treating melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving patients who were clinically diagnosed with melasma. Participants were divided into three groups, each receiving one of the chemical peeling treatments. The primary measure of efficacy was the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, recorded before and after the treatment series. Side effects were also documented and analyzed. RESULTS: Preliminary findings suggest a significant reduction in MASI scores in the group treated with 15% TCA peel. The average MASI score reduction was 8.5 points for the TCA group, 6.0 points for the phenol group, and 5.2 points for the glycolic acid group. Side effects such as redness and mild irritation were noted but were least prevalent in the TCA group. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that 15% TCA peel is not only effective but also comparatively safer in treating melasma. It shows a more rapid and significant improvement in reducing melasma symptoms than 15% phenol and 2% glycolic acid peels. However, further research is warranted to validate these findings over a larger population.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension Among Adolescents in a Rural Community of North India.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hypertension exerts a substantial burden on the healthcare system in India. Recent literature suggests hypertension to be a rising health problem not only in adults but also in adolescents. The early diagnosis of hypertension in adolescents and timely interventions are key in reducing the burden of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality in later life. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adolescents residing in a rural community in north India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a community-based cross-sectional study done in Ballabgarh, Haryana. A computer-generated random sample of 600 adolescents was drawn through a sampling frame of adolescents (10-19 years) listed in the Health Management Information System. House visits were made and a semi-structured interview schedule was used. Blood pressure was measured using a digital blood pressure (BP) apparatus (OMRON digital BP monitor, three readings) with age-appropriate cuffs, and hypertension was defined using the American Academy of Pediatrics 2017/Indian Academy of Pediatrics 2022 criteria. Age-adjusted BMI was calculated using AnthroPlus software (Geneva, Switzerland: WHO). The prevalence of hypertension was reported with a 95% confidence interval. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to determine the association of hypertension with the associated factors. RESULTS: In this study, 550 adolescents participated, of which 284 (51.6%) were males. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 18.9% (95% CI: 15.8-22.4%), stage 1 hypertension 17.3% (95% CI: 14.3-20.7%), and stage 2 hypertension 1.6% (95% CI: 0.8-3.1%). The participants aged 15-19 years (adjusted OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.51-3.80) compared to adolescents aged 10-14 years, and those who were overweight/obese (adjusted OR: 3.93, 95% CI: 2.14-7.20) compared to those with normal weight had significantly greater odds; whereas the female sex had lesser odds (adjusted OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32-0.81) of having hypertension compared to male adolescents. CONCLUSION: Approximately one-fifth of the participants in this study had hypertension, highlighting the need for interventions including lifestyle modification and active case finding targeting adolescents.

A comparative assessment of antibacterial properties of neem oil coated sutures: An in vitro study.

Background: When it comes to surgical site infection (SSI), it has been shown that two-thirds of wound infections starts around the incision line and the number is even greater in the presence of sutures. Therefore, a number of compounds have been used to coat the suture materials which tend to decrease the SSI some of which include ciprofloxacin, Aloe vera, and chlorhexidine. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial properties of neem oil-coated sutures in anaerobic culture media when compared to triclosan-coated sutures and uncoated sutures. Materials and Methods: The phosphate-buffered saline solution containing the plaque samples of the patients was transferred evenly onto the sterile agar media. Equal segments of 100% neem oil coated (Group 1), 50% neem oil coated (Group 2), triclosan-coated (Group 3), and uncoated (Group 4) sutures were placed on the agar plate. These were then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The inhibition zone was calculated in mm by measuring of the zone of inhibition (ZOI) in terms of length, breadth, and area. Results: The results were calculated following the incubation. The mean length for 100% neem oil-coated suture was 2.61 mm ± 0.2 and for 50% neem oil-coated suture was 2.49 mm ± 0.24. The mean breadth for 100% neem oil-coated suture was 1.5 mm ± 0.41 and for 50% neem oil-coated suture the mean was 0.95 mm ± 0.58. The mean area for 100% neem oil-coated suture was 77 mm ± 32.9 and for 50% neem oil-coated suture was 16.8 mm ± 11.14. Triclosan and uncoated sutures did not show any ZOI. Conclusion: The 100% neem oil-coated sutures had the largest length, breadth, and area of ZOI in the anaerobic culture media, followed by 50% neem oil-coated sutures. Triclosan-coated and uncoated sutures did not show any ZOI. Therefore, neem oil-coated suture can be used in the overall healing and prevention of postoperative discomfort after oral surgical procedures.

Hypertension and its correlates among pregnant women consuming tobacco in India: Findings from the National Family health Survey-4.

Background: Hypertension (high blood pressure) during pregnancy has significant implications on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Tobacco use during pregnancy amplifies this burden and increases the risk of hypertensive disorders along with adverse birth outcomes. The current study aimed to evaluate the joint risk atpopulation-level of tobacco use and hypertension among pregnant women in India. Methodology: Data of 32,428 "currently pregnant" women aged 15-49 years was obtained from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) 2015-16to estimate bivariate (tobacco user vs. non-user) and binomial logistic regression analysis in order to get odds ratios of having hypertension. The analysis included socio-demographic variables such as the respondent's age, type of residence, wealth index, and education status. Results: Prevalence of hypertension among pregnant tobacco users (7.5%) was significantly higher than that of non-users (6.1%). The unadjusted odds of having hypertension were 1.17 (95% CI: 1.02-1.35) times among tobacco users than non-users and increased with age (p < 0.001) and in rural areas (p = 0.02) after adjusting for other covariates. However, it varied inversely with education status (p > 0.05; NS) and wealth quintile (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The present study identifies the higher co-existence of hypertension among tobacco-using pregnant women and highlights the need for tobacco control/cessation and hypertension prevention and management during pregnancy considering socio-demographic disparities.

Vaccination coverage and breakthrough infections of COVID-19 during the second wave among staff of selected medical institutions in India.

India experienced the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection from April 3 to June 10, 2021. During the second wave, Delta variant B.1617.2 emerged as the predominant strain, spiking cases from 12.5 million to 29.3 million (cumulative) by the end of the surge in India. Vaccines against COVID-19 are a potent tool to control and end the pandemic in addition to other control measures. India rolled out its vaccination programme on January 16, 2021, initially with two vaccines that were given emergency authorization-Covaxin (BBV152) and Covishield (ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19). Vaccination was initially started for the elderly (60+) and front-line workers and then gradually opened to different age groups. The second wave hit when vaccination was picking up pace in India. There were instances of vaccinated people (fully and partially) getting infected, and reinfections were also reported. We undertook a survey of staff (front line health care workers and supporting) of 15 medical colleges and research institutes across India to assess the vaccination coverage, incidence of breakthrough infections, and reinfections among them from June 2 to July 10, 2021. A total of 1876 staff participated, and 1484 forms were selected for analysis after removing duplicates and erroneous entries (n = 392). We found that among the respondents at the time of response, 17.6% were unvaccinated, 19.8% were partially vaccinated (received the first dose), and 62.5% were fully vaccinated (received both doses). Incidence of breakthrough infections was 8.7% among the 801 individuals (70/801) tested at least 14 days after the 2nd dose of vaccine. Eight participants reported reinfection in the overall infected group and reinfection incidence rate was 5.1%. Out of (N = 349) infected individuals 243 (69.6%) were unvaccinated and 106 (30.3%) were vaccinated. Our findings reveal the protective effect of vaccination and its role as an essential tool in the struggle against this pandemic.

Genome profiling of uropathogenic E. coli from strictly defined community-acquired UTI in paediatric patients: a multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a common bacterial infection. The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) poses a major challenge against the treatment of uropathogens. We aimed to characterize the E. coli isolates recovered from children with UTI for their resistance profile and circulating sequence types (ST). METHODS: Children (> 1.5-18 years of age) from different community health centres of India with symptoms of UTI were enrolled. Isolates causing significant bacteriuria were identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by the automated system, VITEK-2 (Biomeriux, Durhum, US). Nineteen E. coli isolates (15 ESBL positive and 4 ESBL negative) were sequenced in Oxford Nanopore platform followed by core-genome phylogeny, accessory genome cluster analysis, identification of sequence types, mobile genetic elements, genetic antimicrobial resistance markers. The correlation between detection of antimicrobial resistance genes with phenotypic resistance profiles was also investigated. RESULTS: Eleven percent of children had significant bacteriuria [male:female-1:1, > 50% were 11-18 years of age group]. E. coli was predominant (86%) followed by K. pneumoniae (11%). Susceptibility of E. coli was highest against fosfomycin (100%) followed by carbapenems (90.7%) and nitrofurantoin (88.8%). ST131 (15.8%) and ST167 (10.5%) found as high-risk clones with the presence of plasmid [IncFIB (63.1%), IncFIA (52.6%)], and composite transposon [Tn2680 (46.6%)] in many isolates. Few isolates coharboured multiple beta-lactamases including blaNDM-5 (33.3%), blaOXA-1 (53.3%), blaCTX-M-15 (60%) and blaTEM-4 (60%). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights horizontal transmission of resistance genes and plasmids in paediatric patients at community centers across the nation harbouring multidrug-resistant genes such as blaNDM-5 and blaCTX-M-15 associated with high-risk clones ST131 and ST167. The data is alarming and emphasizes the need for rapid identification of resistance markers to reduce the spread in community. To our knowledge, this is the first multicentric study targeting paediatric UTI patients from the community setting of India.

Coverage of a Population-Based Non-Communicable Disease Screening Program Using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling in Rural North India: A Mixed Methods Study.

AIM: We aimed to estimate the coverage of a population-based Non-communicable Disease (NCD) screening program using lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) and identify factors affecting its implementation in district Nuh of Haryana, India. METHOD: A mixed-methods study was conducted with an initial LQAS coverage survey, followed by in-depth interviews. Thirty lots (villages or towns) were sampled in the district, and 20 people aged ≥ 30 years were randomly sampled from each lot. Participants were asked about receiving services under the program. Weighted coverage estimates, which is the proportion of people who had received screening services, were estimated. Using a decision value of more than nine negative responses out of 20 persons, all 30 lots were classified as good or poor performing. In-depth interviews of healthcare providers of good performing lots and district-level health officials were conducted, and factors affecting program implementation were identified. FINDINGS: Six hundred participants were interviewed (mean age of 44.8 years, 57.2% women). The proportion of people who reported having undergone screening for diabetes or hypertension was 2.1%, and all lots performed poorly based on decision value. Key factors affecting the program were leadership, prioritization of NCD activities, ensuring human resource and material requirements, regular incentives, qualities of workers, and community engagement. CONCLUSION: The screening coverage under the population-based NCD screening program was low in district Nuh, Haryana. This needs to be improved by addressing the identified health system and community-related factors.

Sex disparity in childhood cancer in India: a multi-centre, individual patient data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sex disparity and its determinants in childhood cancer in India remain unexplored, with scarce information available through summary statistics of cancer registries. This study analysed the degree of sex bias in childhood cancer in India and its clinical and demographical associations. METHODS: In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study, we collected individual data of children (aged 0-19 years) with cancer extracted from the hospital-based records of three cancer centres in India between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2019, and two population-based cancer registries (PBCRs; Delhi [between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2014] and Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry [between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2017]). We extracted data on age, sex, and confirmed diagnosis of malignancy (according to the International Classification of Diseases-10 coding),and excluded participants if they were without a recorded diagnosis, had a benign diagnosis, had missing sex information, resided outside of India, or were a donor for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The primary outcome was the male-to-female incidence rate ratio (MF-IRR) in the two PBCRs and the male-to-female ratios (MFR) from the hospital-based and the HSCT data. For PBCR data, MF-IRR was estimated by dividing the MFR by the total population at risk. MFR was analysed for patients seeking treatment at the cancer centres and for those undergoing HSCT. Logistic regression analyses were done to explore the association of clinical and demographical variables with sex of the patients seeking treatment and those undergoing HSCT in hospital-based data and multivariable analyses were done to determine independent sociodemographic predictors of sex bias. Annual time trends of MFR and MF-IRR during the 15-year study period were ascertained by time series regression analyses. FINDINGS: We included 11 375 children from PBCRs in the study. 26 891 children from hospital-based records were screened, and data from 22 893 (85·1%) were included (including 514 who underwent HSCT). Residence details were missing for 257 (1·1%) of 22 893 patients from hospital-based records. The crude MFR of children at diagnosis was in favour of boys: 2·00 (95% CI 1·92-2·09) in the Delhi PBCR and 1·44 (1·32-1·57) in Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry. The MF-IRRs for cancer diagnosis were also skewed in favour of boys in both PBCRs (Delhi 1·69 [95% CI 1·61-1·76]; Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry 1·37 [1·26-1·49]). The MFR for children seeking treatment from hospital-based records was 2·06 (95% CI 2·00-2·12) in favour of boys. In subgroup analyses, the proportion of boys seeking treatment was higher in northern India than southern India (p<0·0001); in private centres than in centres providing subsidised treatment (p<0·0001); in patients with haematological malignancies than those with solid malignancies (p<0·0001); in those residing 100 km or further from the hospital than those within 100 km of a hospital (p<0·0001); and those living in rural areas than those living in urban areas (p=0·0006). The MFR of 514 children who underwent HSCT was 2·81 (95% CI 2·32-3·43) in favour of boys. Time trend analysis showed that MFR did not show any significant annual change in either the overall cohort or in any of the individual centres for hospital-based data; however, the analysis did show a declining MF-IRR in the Delhi PBCR from 2005 to 2014 (p=0·031). INTERPRETATION: The sex ratio for childhood cancer in India has a bias towards boys at the level of diagnosis, which is more pronounced in northern India and in situations demanding greater financial commitment. Addressing societal sex bias and enhancing affordable health care for girls should be pursued simultaneously in India. FUNDING: None. TRANSLATION: For the Hindi translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and socioeconomic status: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are an independent risk factor for obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the key drivers for the purchase and consumption of SSBs among children and adults; however, there is a lack of strong evidence. This study aims to determine the association between SES and consumption patterns of SSBs across populations. RESULTS: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINHAL databases were searched for relevant articles until 2022. Participants included children, adolescents, and adults who consumed different SSBs and were assessed based on their SES. The random-effects model was used to obtain the pooled odds ratio (OR). Twenty-one studies (152,070 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool, with the majority of the studies indicating medium to high quality. Eight ORs from four studies (34,454 participants) were considered for meta-analysis. Results showed those belonging to high SES had 48% lower odds of consuming the SSBs (OR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42-0.61; p = 0.017). The overall quality of evidence was ascertained using GRADE criteria, illustrating a moderate certainty of evidence between SSB consumption and SES. CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis suggests that SES influences the consumption pattern of SSBs, with high SES having lower odds of SSB consumption.

Predictors of adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications among Hypertensive (15-49 years) in India: A secondary data analysis of National Family Health Survey 4.

Background: Adherence to medications is one of the key determinants of therapeutic control of high blood pressure and is seen as a bottleneck in our fight against hypertension control. We have little scientific evidence from India that highlights the determinants of treatment adherence. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictor adherence to the currently prescribed antihypertensive medications. Material and Methods: We did a secondary data analysis of the National Family Health Survey, 2015-2016 datasets. As there were no direct variables to measure adherence, this was derived from the responses to the survey question: "currently taking a prescribed hypertensive medication to lower Blood Pressure" among those already diagnosed as hypertensives by the physician. The other sociodemographic and household-level variables were used as independent variables for analysis. Results: The level of awareness about their hypertensive status among the 15-49-year-olds who were subjected to blood pressure measurement was 9.34% (70,267/80,3081). Of these, 70,267 participants, 65878 with valid hypertensive individual data were included in the final analysis. Among them, 26.78% are currently adhering to antihypertensive medication. Female gender (adj OR; 95% CI: 1.17 [1.09-1.24]) and non-reserved caste ([OR] 1.24; 95% [CI]: 1.18-1.32) depicted better adherence to the current treatment. The hypertensives who preferred taking treatment from shops or at home or some other place in comparison to health facilities had a significant association with adherence (adj OR: 1.64; 95% CI: [1.43-1.88]). Conclusion: The current study reported low adherence to the current antihypertensive medication. Gender, higher age group, obesity, and place of taking the treatment were strongly associated with adherence to treatment.

Urban-rural disparities in blood pressure and lifestyle risk factors of hypertension among Indian individuals.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the urban-rural difference in prevalence of hypertension (HT) and to explore the disparities in lifestyle risk factors of HT among urban and rural individuals aged 15-49 years in India. Study Design: The cross-sectional data collected as a part of the fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) was analysed in this observational study. NFHS-4 was conducted between January 2015 and December 2016 amongst men aged 15-54 years and women aged 15-49 years. In order to maintain uniformity, age group of 15-49 years was considered. Descriptive analyses were performed for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Binary logistic regression was conducted to assess the predictors of HT in men and women in urban and rural settings. The presence of HT was considered as the outcome variable. Results: The overall age adjusted prevalence of HT was 17.2% and was greater in urban (18.3%) than in rural population (15.5%). The age adjusted prevalence was also higher in males (18.2%) as compared to females (16.1%). Age and wealth were associated with HT in both urban and rural population. Education and dietary habits played a role in all except rural men. Alcohol consumption, diabetic status and marital status were significantly associated with HT in both urban and rural women. Occupation was associated with HT only in urban women. Conclusions: The study has shown higher HT prevalence in urban areas despite higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors in rural settings. This calls for more robust screening and health education in the entire population, especially in rural areas.

Establishing nomogram of blood pressure for late adolescents in India: Secondary analysis of NFHS-4 data.

Background: Hypertension among adolescents is a public health problem, which is going to become more severe given the current obesity epidemic. There is a scarcity of information on the reference range value for blood pressure (BP) cut-off for adolescents. Aim: We aimed to establish BP distribution in adolescents aged 15-19 years by using the nationally representative National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) data. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the data of 15,936 boys and 1,04,132 girls aged 15-19 years in the NFHS-4 survey. We took the mean of systolic and diastolic BPs. Height for age z scores for each individual was calculated using the WHO Anthro plus. The sampling weight was taken as provided by the demographic and health surveys (DHS) website. Nomograms of systolic and diastolic BPs were made by calculating their 50th, 90th, and 95th percentiles for each age (in months), gender, and height percentile for age categories. Results: Both systolic and diastolic BPs increased with age and height centiles. The BP was higher in boys than girls. The average annual increase in systolic and diastolic BPs was 2.52 and 1.20 mmHg in boys and 0.50 and 0.46 mmHg in girls, respectively, when adjusted for height centiles. Conclusion: This study provides a BP nomogram that can be generalized to all the Indian population. Research is required for the diagnostic performance of this nomogram for the diagnosis of adolescent hypertension.

Hypertension as a silent epidemic among late adolescent girls, its associated demographic factors, and pregnancy outcome: A report from national family health survey (NFHS) IV data.

Background: Hypertension is predominantly considered to be a disease frequently occurring after the fifth decade of life, its occurrence among adolescents has not received much public health attention. Pathophysiological and epidemiological evidence suggests that essential hypertension initiate in childhood and often goes unnoticed unless explicitly observed for this age group. Aim: The current study estimates the prevalence of hypertension, its predictors, and pregnancy outcome among late adolescent girls (15-19 years). Material and Methods: The study used secondary data from the NFHS 4 from January 2015 to December 2016. The sample of 1,24,878 adolescent girls out of 6,99,686, national women's data was obtained through a stratified two-stage sample using a population proportionate to size sampling methodology. Descriptive statistical tests and inferential statistics were performed to find the relation of hypertension with the independent variables and Chi-square analysis to study association of hypertension during pregnancy and its adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: The prevalence of hypertension among the late adolescents was 16.4% [CI: 16.2-16.6] (n=20,532). On multivariable logistic regression (after adjusting for all the variables) only age [AOR: 1.09 (1.08-1.11)]; education [AOR: 1.09 (1.006 - 1.2)], and wealth index [AOR: 1.17 (1.11 - 1.24)] retained the significance with hypertension. A significant association was seen between hypertension status of the adolescents and adverse pregnancy outcomes (χ2 = 4.550, P = 0.033). Conclusion: Nearly 1/6th of late adolescents found to be hypertensive, significantly contribution to disease burden. Also, a significant association is seen between hypertension status of adolescents and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hence, it is imperative to make the National Programme inclusive for adolescents and have a focused approach to health promotion, prevention, and management of non-communicable diseases.

Prevalence and determinants of isolated systolic and isolated diastolic hypertension in India: Insights from the national family health survey (NFHS)- 4.

Background: Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH) and Isolated Diastolic Hypertension (IDH) are often the ignored forms of hypertension and are determinants of future cardiac and neurological events and contribute to mortality. However, the nationally representative estimates of both these forms of hypertension remain unknown from India. Aim: To estimate the ISH and IDH from a nationally representative survey of India. Material and Methods: The present study used data from 7,23,181 people (15-54 years), recorded during the fourth round (2015-2016) of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), India. The prevalence of ISH and IDH was calculated for state comparison, while multilevel logistic regression analysis was done to assess the correlates of both types of hypertension. Results: The prevalence of ISH and IDH was found to be 1.2% (95% CI 1.0-1.4) and 5.7% (95% CI 5.2-6.2), respectively. The prevalence of both ISH and IDH increased with age, with a more significant increase in systolic pressure towards the higher age. Northeastern states of India (Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh) had the highest prevalence of both forms of hypertension. On multilevel logistic regression, male gender, increasing age groups (highest odds ratio (OR) being in 45-49 year age group), alcohol, and diabetes positively predicted both ISH and IDH. Urban residence, literacy, and tobacco were positive predictors of IDH, whereas urban residence, smoking, and literacy negatively predicted ISH. Conclusion: ISH and IDH have a significant presence among the population of India. This data provides insights to formulate strategies at the primary and primordial prevention levels.

Diet and lifestyle risk factors associated with young adult hypertensives in India - Analysis of National Family Health Survey IV.

Background: Young adults with hypertension have a higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular diseases. Global evidence suggests a significant role of diet and lifestyle risk factors on hypertension among the young adult (aged 18-39 years) hypertensive population. Aim: The purpose of this study was to look for the association of diet and lifestyle risk factors with young adult hypertensives. Results: This study reports the prevalence of young adult hypertension based on a national representative sample based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) data and the association of behavioral risk factors with young adult hypertension. The survey adopted a two-stage stratified random sampling. The outcome variable was hypertension, whereas the exposure variables were various diet and lifestyle factors. The prevalence of young adult hypertension in India was 12.4% among men and 8.2% among women. Sikkim had the highest prevalence among both sexes. Lower prevalence was seen in the states of Delhi and Kerala. Marital status, body mass index, eating meat, alcohol intake, and taking coffee or tobacco 30 min before BP measurement were found to be associated factors that put both the sexes at risk of developing hypertension. The wealth index was concluded as a risk factor only in men while the level of education came out to be a risk factor only in females. Conclusion: This study is the first from India which gives a recent estimate of prevalence of young adult hypertension by state and individual level characteristics in addition to national level estimates for India.

Assessment of cardiovascular risk using WHO CVD risk prediction chart with respect to hypertension status among Indian population: A secondary analysis of National Family Health Survey (2015-16).

Background: Hypertension, is a crucial risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies assessing the risk of developing CVD among high-risk groups like hypertensives is limited. Aim: The purpose of this study was to find the distribution of CVD risk with respect to hypertension status among Indian adults. Material and Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of NFHS-4 survey data. The distribution of CVD risk among hypertensive participants using 2019 WHO CVD risk prediction charts was compared with normotensive participants among women aged 40-49 years and men in the age group of 40-54 years. Results: The proportion of hypertension was higher among women who consumed alcohol (31.5%) than those who did not (24.3%). The proportion of hypertensives increased with increasing BMI, with maximum proportion among obese women (37.3%). Among women, majority (95.7%) had low CVD risk (<5%) while 4.2% had 5% to <10% CVD risk, and only 0.1% had >10% risk. Among men, those with low CVD risk (<5%) was 65%, those with 5% to <10% CVD risk was 32.3%, 10% to <20% was 2.7%, and a meagre 0.03% had 20 to <30% risk. Conclusion: In the current study, prevalence of hypertension was seen to be increasing with age and was higher in urban residents than rural among both men and women. Both high blood pressure reading during the survey and self-reported hypertension was found to be higher among richest wealth index category. Although risk was higher among hypertensives, self-reported hypertensives who had their blood pressure controlled, had risk similar to normotensives indicating the importance of management of hypertension.

Association of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) and tobacco use among women of reproductive age group in India: A secondary data analysis from NFHS-4.

Introduction: Tobacco use in any form is known to exert several perinatal complications. Through this study, the authors aimed to study the association between tobacco use and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) among women (aged 15-49 years) in India. Methodology: We used data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015-2016) to study the association between tobacco use and HDP among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in India. Since the NFHS follows a complex multi-level sampling, sampling weights were used to study the univariate and multivariate associations between the independent and dependent variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) are reported along with 95% Confidence Intervals. Results: A sample of 1,07730 women was included in the analysis. HDP was more likely to be experienced by smokeless and smoking tobacco users (AOR 1.3, 95% CI (1.0-1.6) and AOR 2.7, 95% CI (2.0-3.7), respectively). Women with secondary (AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.7-0.8)) and higher education (AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.6-0.8)) were less likely to suffer from HDP as compared to those with no education. Women with daily (AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.5-0.8)), weekly (AOR 0.8, 95% CI (0.6-0.9)) or occasional AOR 0.7, 95% CI (0.6-0.9)) consumption of fruits were less likely to experience HDP as compared to women with no fruit intake. Conclusion: Healthy diet and lifestyle factors can contribute to reduce the risk of HDP across women. The antenatal check-ups in India should also comprehensively focus on screening and counseling of women against tobacco use.