Access and utilization of sanitation facilities in a Rural Area of Haryana, North India

Background

Ensuring universal access to sanitation in households is essential for public health.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to assess the availability of sanitary latrine at the household level and its use at the individual level in a rural area and factors associated with availability and use of sanitary latrine.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from December, 2016 to January 2017 (mention month and year) at the rural Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Ballabgarh, in district Faridabad, Haryana, North India. A total of 16,896 households were studied. House-to-house visits were made by trained health workers who conducted interviews regarding availability and pattern of use of sanitary latrine in the household. The health worker also observed the type of sanitation facility, its functional status, availability of water, and hand-washing facility.

Results

Individual household latrine (IHL) was present in 87.3% of the households. An improved sanitation facility was available in 84.8% of the households, while 15.2% of the households had unimproved or no sanitation facility. Hand-washing facility along with improved sanitation was present in 70.4% of the households. Nonavailability of latrine among socially disadvantaged communities (scheduled caste households) was significantly higher (19.4%) as compared to other castes (10.4%) (P < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of households below poverty line (28.9%) lacked IHL as compared to those above the poverty line (11.0%) (P < 0.001). Nearly 11% of the individuals reported open defecation.

Conclusion

The availability of sanitary latrines in the study area was high. Nonavailability of in-house sanitary latrine was higher among economically poor households and those belonging to socially disadvantaged communities.

Partnering for rotavirus vaccine introduction in India: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The pre-existing partner network created in India for the delivery of polio vaccines was initially used to eradicate polio and later on embedded in the health systems network to promote routine immunization and other health interventions efficiently. The experience from this network offered lessons for strengthening the health care systems and provided a well-established network that could be utilized for other vaccine initiatives. It has also been established that successful partnerships between a broad range of stakeholders provide support, strengthen the health system, and accelerate vaccine innovation, introduction, access, logistics, and communication support. However, beyond polio eradication, there have not been too many documented success stories of vaccine introduction, which could be replicated in other new vaccine introductions and allied health initiatives. The authors have reviewed the successful and time-bound introduction of rotavirus vaccine (RVV) in India in the present article.

METHODS

The review was conducted based on a partnership framework which analysed multiple factors-partnership prerequisites, partnership model, partnership process, and partnership performance, thereby providing a comprehensive insight into the successful utilization of partnership networks for rotavirus vaccine introduction under the Universal Immunization Program in India.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

The review also highlights the role of a lead agency in creating a fertile ground for lush, efficient, and effective partnerships amongst different stakeholders. The already existing RVV partnership framework reviewed by the authors can be successfully utilized for future new vaccine introductions.

Intravenous Iron sucrose and change in hemoglobin, ferritin, and oxidative stress markers among moderately anemic pregnant women attending a secondary care level Hospital in Northern India

Background

Intravenous iron is associated with oxidative stress, and very few studies have assessed change in oxidative stress markers post infusion.

Objectives

The study aimed to measure the change in levels of hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, and select oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP]) 4 weeks following the administration of intravenous iron sucrose (IVIS) among moderately anemic pregnant women who were attending a secondary-level health-care facility, Haryana, North India.

Methods

An observational study was conducted (May 2016 to Jan 2018) among pregnant women receiving intravenous iron sucrose i.e., IVIS (300 mg per dose) diluted in 300 mL of normal saline over 20-45 min and were followed up for a period of 4 weeks after the last dose of IVIS (end line). The study outcomes were measured in the levels of Hb, serum ferritin, MDA, SOD, and FRAP from the baseline to the end line.

Results

The mean (95% confidence interval) change in the Hb and serum ferritin level 4 weeks after the last dose of IVIS was an increase of 2.5 (2.1-3.0) g/dL (P < 0.001) and 63.0 (44.7-81.3) ng/mL (P < 0.001), respectively. There were no significant changes (baseline to end line) in mean (standard deviation [SD]) MDA level and mean (SD) FRAP level. The mean (SD) SOD level declined significantly (2.2 [0.4] U/mL to 1.6 [0.5] U/mL [P < 0.001]). No life-threatening adverse events were encountered during the study.

Conclusion

IVIS was well tolerated and effective in treating moderate anemia in pregnancy. Body iron store was replenished following IVIS administration. There was no increase in oxidative stress following IVIS therapy.

Metabolic risk factors and psychosocial problems independently explain poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms among adults in urban India

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine if metabolic risk factors are associated with poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea-like symptoms (OSA symptoms) independent of psychosocial problems and demographic and lifestyle factors in older Indian adults.

METHODOLOGY

We analyzed baseline data from adults (≥ 50 years) from a population-based cohort, the LoCARPoN study, in India. Variables were grouped as (a) demographic and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity; (b) psychosocial problems including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress; and (c) metabolic risk factors including glycated hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, body mass index, and hypertension. Variables were examined as predictors of poor sleep quality and OSA symptoms. Groups of variables were added stepwise to a logistic regression. Variance explained by nested models was quantified using McFadden's pseudo R2, and change was formally tested with the log-likelihood ratio test.

RESULTS

Among 7505 adults, the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 16.9% (95% CI: 16.0, 17.7), and OSA symptoms were present in 7.0% (95% CI: 6.4, 7.6). Psychosocial problems had a strong independent association with both poor sleep quality (pseudo R2 increased from 0.10 to 0.15, p < 0.001) and more OSA symptoms (pseudo R2 increased from 0.08 to 0.10, p < 0.001). Metabolic risk factors had a modest independent association with sleep quality (pseudo R2 increased from 0.14 to 0.15, p < 0.01), but a strong association with OSA symptoms (pseudo R2 increased from 0.08 to 0.10, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial and metabolic risk factors were independently associated with sleep quality and OSA symptoms. This fact implied that OSA symptoms may affect both mental health and physical health. Our findings have public health implications because the number and proportion of the elderly in India is increasing, while the prevalence of metabolic risk factors and psychosocial problems is high already. These facts have the potential to exacerbate not only the burden of sleep disorders and OSA symptoms but also associated cardiovascular and neurologic sequelae, further stretching the Indian health-care system.

Effect of Imatinib Mesylate on Growth in Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The outcomes of pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have improved with the use of imatinib mesylate (IM). Multiple reports of growth deceleration with IM have raised concerns, necessitating careful monitoring and evaluation in children with CML. We systematically searched the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and conferences-abstracts, reporting the effect of IM on growth among children with CML, and published in the English language from inception till March 2022. For observational studies, the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Pooled estimates were derived using a random-effects meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane Q statistic test of heterogeneity and I2 statistic. Of the 757 studies identified through electronic search, 15 (n=265) were included in the final analysis. Six studies (n=178) were included in the meta-analysis of the primary outcome. There was a significant deleterious effect of IM on height-standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.52 (95% CI: -0.76; -0.28) ( I2 =13%). The adverse effect of IM on height was significant among studies with a follow-up period <3 years [SMD: -0.66 (95% CI: -0.93, -0.40), I2 =0%, P =0.59] but not in studies with follow-up period ≥3 years [SMD: -0.26 (95% CI: -0.63, 0.11), I2 =0, P =0.44], indicating that the effect of IM on height is a short-term effect. The effect of IM on height was not dependent upon pubertal status at the initiation of therapy. Prospective studies with adequate sample size are required to confirm the findings of the effect of IM on height in children with CML.

Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 among COVID-19 Confirmed Cases and Correlates with Neutralizing Assay in a Subgroup of Patients in Delhi National Capital Region, India

Background: The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is the gold standard to detect the neutralizing capacity of serum antibodies. Neutralizing antibodies confer protection against further infection. The present study measured the antibody level against SARS-CoV-2 among laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and evaluated whether the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicates virus neutralizing capacity. Methods: One hundred COVID-19 confirmed cases were recruited. Their sociodemographic details and history of COVID-19 vaccination, contact with positive COVID-19 cases, and symptoms were ascertained using a self-developed semi-structured interview schedule. Serum samples of the participants were collected within three months from the date of the positive report of COVID-19. The presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies), receptor binding domain antibodies (anti-RBD), and neutralizing antibodies were measured. Findings: Almost all the participants had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgA, IgG and IgM) (99%) and anti-RBD IgG antibodies (97%). However, only 69% had neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Anti-RBD antibody levels were significantly higher among participants having neutralizing antibodies compared with those who did not. Interpretation: The present study highlights that the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, or the presence of anti-RBD antibodies does not necessarily imply the presence of neutralizing antibodies.

Burden of psychiatric morbidity among attendees of a secondary level hospital in Northern India: Implications for integration of mental health care at subdistrict level

BACKGROUND

There is little information available on the type, pattern, trend, and demographic differentials of psychiatric cases attending a subdistrict level facility in India. Our objectives were to describe the sociodemographic profile of the patients availing the psychiatric outpatient department services and document the diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is based on a retrospective analysis of routinely recorded administrative data collected during psychiatry consultations that took place between January 2010 and June 2014, at the subdistrict level hospital, Ballabgarh, Faridabad district, Haryana, Northern India. The data were abstracted in Microsoft Excel, scrutinized for duplicates, and cleaned in terms of the International Classification of Diseases 10^th Revision coding. Descriptive analysis was done for dependent variables and continuous variables were compared using independent t-test.

RESULTS

A total of 2806 people (new registrations) were provided psychiatric consultations between January 2010 and June 2014. The mean age of males was 33.7 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.9, 34.5) and of females was 35.6 years (95% CI, 34.9, 36.3). Neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders (F40-F48) comprised the major category of diagnoses with 661 cases (24%), followed by unspecified mental disorders (F99) with 528 cases (19%), mood (affective) disorders (F30-F39) with 448 cases (16%), and episodic and paroxysmal disorders (G40-G47) with 334 cases (12%).

CONCLUSIONS

We reported an increase in level and trend in the monthly attendance of patients who required psychiatric at a secondary care hospital in Northern India. We suggest that setting up of mental health units only at district hospital might not be a sufficient health system's approach as has been envisaged under the District Mental Health Program.

Comparing the Effects of Oral HIV Self-Testing With Those of Standard HIV Testing for Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The WHO recommends HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an innovative strategy and an additional testing approach to attain UNAIDS targets to end HIV by 2030. HIVST is a process whereby a person collects his or her own specimen (either oral fluid or blood), performs an HIV test, and interprets the result. It has been described as a discreet and convenient way to reach the hidden, unreached key populations (KPs) who do not know their HIV status or do not get tested. Among the KPs, men who have sex with men (MSM) is one such group that by far remains hidden due to feared stigma and discrimination associated both with their sexuality and HIV. Fear of pain and blood while HIV testing also deters MSM from getting tested. In this review, we assessed the effect of oral HIVST on the uptake and frequency of testing and risk behavior as compared to standard HIV testing.

For this review, we systematically searched various electronic databases for clinical trials comparing HIVST to standard HIV testing from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021. A meta-analysis of studies was conducted using a random-effects model for relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, and PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses were followed. The quality of the clinical trials was assessed using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool version 2.0 (RoB 2.0).

We identified eight studies comparing HIVST to standard HIV testing services (HTSs). The eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolled 5,297 participants, of which 5,212 were MSM and 85 were transgender (TG) women. Seven RCTs were conducted in high-income countries (HICs): four in the USA, two in Australia, and one in Hong Kong. One was conducted in a low-middle-income country (LMIC) in Myanmar.In all the studies, HIVST intervention was provided with oral HIVST kits, except for one study in which both blood-based and oral HIVST kits were used. Meta-analysis (five RCTs) showed that HIVST increased the uptake of HIV testing by 1.43 times compared to standard of care (SoC) (RR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.25, 1.64). Meta-analysis (four RCTs) found that HIVST increased the mean number of HIV tests by 2.34 during follow-up (mean difference = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.66, 3.02). Meta-analysis (four RCTs) showed that HIVST doubled the detection of new HIV infections among those tested (RR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.35, 3.28) and reported higher repeat testing as compared to the control arm (RR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.22, 3.42). A meta-analysis of three trials found no significant difference in risk behavior in respect of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) (odds ratio (OR) = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.67, 1.22) and multiple male partnership (RR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.83, 0.94).

Oral HIVST could increase the HIV testing and detection of new HIV infections among MSM who may not otherwise test, as compared to standard testing services alone. However, further research from low-middle-income countries is required for generalizability.

Low awareness but high acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV among men who have sex with men and transgender persons in Delhi, India

Background: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is part of India's HIV prevention policy. We aimed to determine awareness of and willingness-to-use PrEP among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender-persons (TG) in Delhi, India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at five purposively selected targeted-intervention projects in Delhi. Participants included self-identified MSM/TG aged ≥18 years, with negative/unknown HIV serostatus. A structured interview schedule, developed using formative research, was used. Primary outcomes were awareness of, and willingness-to-use PrEP. Socio-demographic and behaviour variables included age, living situation, education, anal-sex, condom-use and experiences of physical-violence. Determinants of outcome were identified in univariable logistic regression; variables associated at p < .25 were included in multivariable regression models.Results: Of 400 (224 MSM, 176 TG), mean ± SD age 25.7 ± 7.2 years, 14.5% (95% CI 11.0, 18.0) were aware of PrEP, while 63.3% (95% CI: 58.6, 68.1) reported willingness-to-use PrEP. PrEP-awareness was independently associated with formal-education (adjusted odds ratio; AOR = 1.20), professional occupation (AOR = 5.45) and condom-use (AOR = 3.07). Willingness-to-use PrEP was higher if participants had recent anal-sex (AOR = 2.29), had used condoms during anal-sex (AOR = 2.09), or recently experienced physical-violence (AOR = 3.65).Conclusions: PrEP awareness was low, but most were willing to use PrEP, implying that communication is key to PrEP awareness and uptake.

Sexual dysfunction and sexual concerns among persons with disability due to myelopathy: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

We have very little information about sexual activity and concerns of patients with myelopathy from India. The objectives of this study were to assess the sexual dysfunction and sexual concerns among patients with myelopathy due to spinal cord lesion (SCL).

Materials and Methods

This study was a single-center, cross-sectional, and hospital-based study among male and female patients in the age-group 18-50 years, with disability due to myelopathy due to SCL. The data were collected using a self-designed, pretested, and semi-structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview.

Results

Eighty participants were recruited in the study, of which 62 (77.5%) were men. The mean standard deviation (SD) age of the participants was 33.7 (8.6) years, and mean (SD) age at time of illness was 31.4 (8.6) years with median duration of 17 months. Among 62 males, psychogenic erection was impaired in 77.2%, reflex erection was impaired in 78.9%, and ejaculation was affected in 70.7%. Orgasm was absent or reduced in 66.1% males. Among 18 female participants, psychogenic genital arousal was reduced in 66.5%, reflex genital arousal was impaired in 55.5%, and orgasm was absent in 38.8% subjects. Sexual desire in these patients was unchanged in 41 (51.2%) and decreased or absent in 39 (48.8%). Sexual activity involvement was there in 46 (57.5%) and 34 (42.5%) had not involved in any kind of sexual activity after injury/illness. The main reasons of non-involvement in sexual activity were bladder and bowel accidents, spasticity, and difficulty in positioning.

Conclusion

Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation should address sexual function of affected individual to allow them highest level of function and quality of life.

Effectiveness of targeted intervention program under the national AIDS control program among Hijra and transgender population: Evidence from Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance, 2014-15

INTRODUCTION

The hijra and transgender (H/TG) population in India is vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. India had instituted a targeted intervention (TI) program to reduce this vulnerability. We aimed to measure the effectiveness of the TI program for H/TG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Integrated Behavioral and Biological Survey (IBBS) was carried out in 2014-15. H/TG data from IBBS was analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. Condom use during the last sexual intercourse, and the consistent condom use in the last one month were considered as indicators of program effectiveness. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method was used to assess the effectiveness.

RESULTS

We found that the participants who had received condoms from peer educator/outreach worker were 1.74 and 1.40 times more likely to use condoms in the last sexual intercourse (aOR: 1.74, CI: 1.35 - 2.26) and consistent condom use in the last one month (aOR: 1.40, CI: 1.12 - 1.74) respectively compared to the participants who did not receive the condom. The matched-samples estimate (i.e., average treatment effect on treated) for the condom use during the last sexual intercourse increased by 13.0%, i.e., 0.13 (CI; 0.08 - 0.18) and consistent condom use in the last one month increased by 5.0%, i.e., 0.05 (CI; 0.00 - 0.10) among those who had received condoms from the peer educator/outreach worker compared with those who had not received condom, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The TI program intervention for H/TG was effective in reducing HIV risk behavior as evidenced by increase in use of condom during last sexual intercourse, and consistent condom use in the last one month.

Treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding in infants with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review with meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding (dNAM) technique with conventional nasoalveolar moulding (cNAM) or non-presurgical intervention protocol in infants with unilateral (UCLP) or bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate. A bibliometric search by MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library, grey literature and manual method was conducted without language restriction until November 2023. Literature screening and data extraction were undertaken in Covidence. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and RoB-2. Pooled effect sizes were determined through random-effects statistical model using R-Software, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Among 775 retrieved articles, nine studies were included for qualitative synthesis (6-UCLP, 3-BCLP), with only three eligible UCLP studies for meta-analysis. In the UCLP group, very low certainty of evidence indicated no difference in alveolar cleft width (SMD, 0.13 mm; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.57; I2, 0%), soft tissue (lip) cleft gap, nasal width, nasal height, and columellar deviation angle changes between dNAM and cNAM. In the BCLP group, qualitative synthesis suggested similar changes in alveolar, lip, and nasal dimensions with dNAM and cNAM. In both cleft groups (UCLP, BCLP), reduced alveolar cleft width was observed in the dNAM group compared to the non-presurgical intervention protocol, along with fewer clinical visits and reduced chairside time for dNAM compared to cNAM. It can be concluded that the treatment outcomes with dNAM were comparable to cNAM in reducing malformation severity and were advantageous in terms of chairside time and clinical visit frequency. However, the overall quality of evidence is very low and standardization is needed for the virtual workflow regarding the alveolar movements and growth factor algorithms. Registration: PROSPERO-database (CRD42020186452).

Study protocol: IMPETUS: Implementing a uniform stroke care pathway in medical colleges of India: IMPETUS Stroke

Introduction:

In India, a national program for stroke (national programme for the control of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and stroke) and stroke management guidelines exist. Its successful implementation would need an organized system of stroke care in practice. However, many challenges exist including lack of awareness, prehospital notification systems, stroke ready hospitals, infrastructural weaknesses, and rehabilitation. We present here a protocol to investigate the feasibility and fidelity of implementing a uniform stroke care pathway in medical colleges of India.

Methods and Analysis:

This is a multicentric, prospective, multiphase, mixed-method, quasi-experimental implementation study intended to examine the changes in a select set of stroke care-related indicators over time within the sites exposed to the same implementation strategy. We shall conduct process evaluation of the implementation process as well as evaluate the effect of the implementation strategy using the interrupted time series design. During implementation phase, education and training about standard stroke care pathway will be provided to all stakeholders of implementing sites. Patient-level outcomes in the form of modified Rankin Scale score will be collected for all consecutive patients throughout the study. Process evaluation outcomes will be collected and reported in the form of various stroke care indicators. We will report level and trend changes in various indicators during the three study phases.

Discussion:

Acute stroke requires timely detection, management, and secondary prevention. Implementation of the uniform stroke care pathway is a unique opportunity to promote the requirements of homogenous stroke care in medical colleges of India.