Deep phenotyping and genomic data from a nationally representative study on dementia in India

The Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI-DAD) is a nationally representative in-depth study of cognitive aging and dementia. We present a publicly available dataset of harmonized cognitive measures of 4,096 adults 60 years of age and older in India, collected across 18 states and union territories. Blood samples were obtained to carry out whole blood and serum-based assays. Results are included in a venous blood specimen datafile that can be linked to the Harmonized LASI-DAD dataset. A global screening array of 960 LASI-DAD respondents is also publicly available for download, in addition to neuroimaging data on 137 LASI-DAD participants. Altogether, these datasets provide comprehensive information on older adults in India that allow researchers to further understand risk factors associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.Peer reviewe

‘Quality assessment of infection control measures in delivery points in a tribal district of Maharashtra’ - An observational study

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain alarmingly high in low-resource settings, with infections acquired during childbirth contributing significantly to this burden. Effective infection control measures at delivery points are crucial for mitigating these risks. This observational study aimed to assess the quality of infection control practices in delivery points in a tribal district of Maharashtra, India. Methods: A community-based study was conducted at delivery points across eight talukas in Palghar district. A total of 15 delivery points were selected using convenient sampling, representing three levels of facilities (L1, L2 and L3) which are healthcare facilities divided on the basis of the provision of services by Maternal and Newborn Health Toolkit. Data was collected using the validated LaQshya programme’s checklist through direct observation from June 1st to June 18th, 2021. Compliance with infection control protocols was scored based on predefined criteria. Results: The majority of L1 delivery points showed non-compliance in criteria such as surface microbiological surveillance and monitoring of infection control practices, 20–40% of Delivery points also showed non-compliance in the availability of personal protective equipment and waste management practices. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve infection control practices in delivery points, particularly in lower-level facilities. Strengthening adherence to established protocols, enhancing staff training, ensuring availability of essential supplies and implementing robust monitoring systems are imperative for reducing the burden of maternal and neonatal infections and improving healthcare outcomes in resource-constrained settings

BENEFICIARIES' PERSPECTIVE IN REDUCING CHILD DEATHS DUE TO MALNUTRITION IN TRIBAL DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

This study was an attempt to understand the perceptions of the beneciaries towards various services provided by Government for reducing the problem of child deaths due to malnutrition and the challenges faced. Three talukas from Palghar were chosen based on the child malnutrition status in those talukas. A descriptive cross sectional, community-based study was conducted. Data was collected through focus group discussions conducted in representative and homogeneous samples of the beneciaries, viz., adolescent girls, pregnant/lactating mothers, mothers with toddler/malnourished child, mother-in-law and husbands. It was found that the main challenges posed to the beneciaries were category specic. The major challenges were poverty, lower education levels, socio-cultural beliefs, practices and problems in having a stable source of income for livelihood which leads to constant migration. The power dynamics regarding decision making in every household rests with either the males or the elderly of the family thus leaving very little scope for women of the family to make any choices about their own health or nutrition. Hence, these decision-making power dynamics are yet another major reason for driving malnutrition across the life course.</jats:p

FRONTLINE HEALTH PROVIDER'S PERSPECTIVE IN REDUCING CHILD DEATHS DUE TO MALNUTRITION IN A TRIBAL DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background: Malnutrition is a complex problem with double burden of undernutrition and overweight. India is no exception to it but there is a higher level of malnutrition in tribal blocks and to curb this situation,various activities have been undertaken but the slow pace of decline in malnutrition is a concern.The role of frontline health workers is crucial in strengthening primary health care.They serve as the bridge between the formal government health-care system and the community.The present study helps to seek the perception of primary health care service providers and challenges faced by them in reducing child deaths due to malnutrition. Method: A descriptive cross sectional qualitative study was conducted during August 2019 - February 2020 in three talukas of a tribal district. Focus group discussions (FGD) for each service providers Auxiliary Nurse midwife (ANM), Anganwadi worker (AWW) and Accredited Social Health activist (ASHA) were conducted. All the FGDs were audio recorded and transcripts were prepared,a thematic analysis framework was used for doing the analysis. Results: Most of the service providers were aware regarding their roles and responsibilities in implementation of schemes/ services related to malnutrition. The important factors influencing their performance were superstitions, more reliance on health seeking from unqualified health care providers and faith healers, poor road connectivity, network issues,lack of refresher training,overburdening with work,poor incentives. Conclusion: Specific training programs to tackle malnutrition along with frequent refresher training of the service providers,better infrastructure and human resources will help in achieving the desired results in future in dealing with child malnutrition.</jats:p

Temporal Trends of Dog Bite Cases and their Correlation with Meteorological Factors in a Metropolitan City

Background: Dog bites are a major public health concern in India. Understanding the temporal trends of dog bites and their correlation with meteorological data will help develop effective strategies for prevention under one health program. Assessment of temporal trends of dog bite cases and their correlation with meteorological factors. Methodology: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted using the data of 2022 dog bite cases reported at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. The month-wise temporal trend was described, and its correlation was assessed with meteorological data retrieved from the regional meteorological center by using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Conclusion: Of the 3350 dog bite cases that attended the outpatient department, 2368 (70.7%) were below 40 years of age, 2733 (81.6%) were males, and 2621 (78.18%) had category III bites. We found a positive correlation between the number of dog bites and temperature (ρ = 0.650, P = 0.022) and average sun hours (ρ =0.804, P = 0.002). A negative correlation was found between rainfall (ρ = −0.845, P = 0.001), humidity (ρ = −0.730, P = 0.007), and rainy days (ρ = −0.804, P = 0.002). A similar correlation pattern was found for category III bites