scholarly journals Compliance with Statutory Tobacco Guidelines in and around Schools in Mangaluru, India: An Observational Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-13
Author(s):  
G Rajesh ◽  
Ravi Priyanka ◽  
Ashwini Rao ◽  
Shenoy Ramya ◽  
Pai BH Mithun

ABSTRACT Context Tobacco is the foremost cause of preventable death and disease in the world today, and India is the second largest consumer of tobacco products in the world. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) promulgated in 2003 by the Government of India, not only mandates ban on the sale of tobacco within a 100-yard radius around schools, but also provides guidelines for tobacco-free schools. Aim To determine if the provisions of the COTPA are being complied with, in Mangaluru, India. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 randomly selected schools in Mangaluru, India. Information was collected regarding sale of tobacco at vendor locations within 100-yard radius of these schools. An interview schedule was administered to the representative of the school, pertaining to the guidelines for tobacco-free schools. Statistical analysis used The data were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. The level of statistical significance was kept at p < 0.05. Results There were 48 shops located within 100-yard radius of the schools, out of which 46 (95.8%) sold single cigarettes but only one shop displayed surrogate advertisement. Among the 30 schools surveyed, only 3 (10%) displayed signages prohibiting smoking. Although the guidelines for tobacco-free schools explicitly state that all schools must have a copy of the COTPA, only 3 (10.0%) schools maintained a copy. Conclusion This study showed that there was a widespread violation of Section 6 of the COTPA 2003 in Mangaluru, India. How to cite this article Priyanka R, Rao A, Rajesh G, Ramya S, Mithun PBH. Compliance with Statutory Tobacco Guidelines in and around Schools in Mangaluru, India: An Observational Study. World J Dent 2017;8(1):10-13.

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-158
Author(s):  
Rajat Deb

The study has been motivated to assay the selective stakeholders’ perceptions on whether the government financial audit has been converted into forensic audit. Adopting a cross-sectional study design with survey strategy through a self-administered interview schedule with a 50-item inventory, data has been collected from randomly chosen 120 sample respondents having equal representations from two groups—current and retired government employees and businessmen of Tripura. The significant statistical results have concluded that corruption and accounting slacks have important impacts on the government audits, and the latter if used in an appropriate manner are likely to detect frauds and catalyse in bringing accounting reforms.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243410
Author(s):  
Md. Masud Rana ◽  
Md. Reazul Karim ◽  
Md. Abdul Wadood ◽  
Md. Mahbubul Kabir ◽  
Md. Mahidul Alam ◽  
...  

Background Until now, no vaccine or effective drug is available for the control, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19. Preventive measures are the only ways to be protected from the disease and knowledge of the people about the preventive measures is a vital matter. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the general people in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh regarding the COVID-19 preventive measures. Methodology This cross sectional study was conducted from March 10 to April 25, 2020. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire from 436 adult respondents selected by using a mixed sampling technique. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, and logistic regression model were utilized in this study. SPSS (IBM, Version 22) was used for data analysis. 95% confidence interval and p-value = 0.05 were accepted for statistical significance. Results Only 21.6% of the respondents had good knowledge of the COVID-19 preventive measures. The highest 67.2% of them knew that washing hands with soap could prevent the disease, but contrarily, the highest 72.5% did not know that avoidance of touching mouth, nose, and eyes without washing hands was a preventive measure. Only 28.4% and 36.9% of the respondents knew that maintaining physical distancing and avoiding mass gatherings were measures of prevention of COVID-19 respectively. The younger age (≤25 years), low family income (≤15,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), occupation others than business and service, and nuclear family had the lower odds of having no/less knowledge about the preventive measures. Conclusions The knowledge level of the general people regarding prevention of COVID-19 was alarmingly low in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh, health policy makers and donor agencies should consider the findings and take immediate steps for improving knowledge of the public about prevention of the disease.


Author(s):  
Jitendra Kumar Kummar ◽  
Kamlesh Jain ◽  
Nirmal Verma ◽  
Ashish Sinha ◽  
Dhiraj Bhawnani ◽  
...  

Background: Use of tobacco has been proven to be one of the leading causes of preventable premature deaths and diseases across the globe. The global adult tobacco survey (GATS) India report 2009-10 estimates 34.6% of India’s adult population use tobacco in some form or other. The government of India has taken various initiatives for tobacco control by enacting comprehensive tobacco control legislation (Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act {COTPA}, 2003). The objective of the study was to assess the level of compliance of section 4 of COTPA in public places of Raipur.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted in Raipur. The study was done around 480 public places for observing the compliance of section 4 of COTPA.Results: From the total 480 public places visited, 36.9% public places displayed “No Smoking” signage, out of 117 public places where “No Smoking” signage displayed only 11.3% were as per the COTPA specification. Only 12.3% of public places active smoking was observed during visit.Conclusions: This finding suggests a poor level of compliance of section 4 of COTPA in Raipur. Although the law has been drafted comprehensively, it is implemented only to certain extent.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e051821
Author(s):  
Lisa Bero ◽  
Rosa Lawrence ◽  
Louis Leslie ◽  
Kellia Chiu ◽  
Sally McDonald ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo compare results reporting and the presence of spin in COVID-19 study preprints with their finalised journal publications.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingInternational medical literature.ParticipantsPreprints and final journal publications of 67 interventional and observational studies of COVID-19 treatment or prevention from the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register published between 1 March 2020 and 30 October 2020.Main outcome measuresStudy characteristics and discrepancies in (1) results reporting (number of outcomes, outcome descriptor, measure, metric, assessment time point, data reported, reported statistical significance of result, type of statistical analysis, subgroup analyses (if any), whether outcome was identified as primary or secondary) and (2) spin (reporting practices that distort the interpretation of results so they are viewed more favourably).ResultsOf 67 included studies, 23 (34%) had no discrepancies in results reporting between preprints and journal publications. Fifteen (22%) studies had at least one outcome that was included in the journal publication, but not the preprint; eight (12%) had at least one outcome that was reported in the preprint only. For outcomes that were reported in both preprints and journals, common discrepancies were differences in numerical values and statistical significance, additional statistical tests and subgroup analyses and longer follow-up times for outcome assessment in journal publications.At least one instance of spin occurred in both preprints and journals in 23/67 (34%) studies, the preprint only in 5 (7%), and the journal publications only in 2 (3%). Spin was removed between the preprint and journal publication in 5/67 (7%) studies; but added in 1/67 (1%) study.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 preprints and their subsequent journal publications were largely similar in reporting of study characteristics, outcomes and spin. All COVID-19 studies published as preprints and journal publications should be critically evaluated for discrepancies and spin.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110251
Author(s):  
Álvaro Monterrosa-Castro ◽  
Angélica Monterrosa-Blanco ◽  
Andrea González-Sequeda

Background: Quarantine is a measure to control COVID-19 spread, resulting in an increased perception of loneliness. In turn, sleep disorders (SD) may be more frequently reported in uncertain circumstances. Objectives: To identify the association between loneliness and severe SD, in women quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in women, between 40 and 79 years and living in Colombia. The women were invited through social network to complete 5 digital instruments: de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Five-item Version, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Francis Religion Scale. Bivariate analysis and adjusted logistic regression between loneliness and SD were performed. Results: 1133 women participated, half of them under 50 years old. 43.1% had emotional loneliness, 39.9% social loneliness and 43.3% general loneliness. SD were identified in 6 out of 10 women, those with mild SD presented an OR of 1.84, 1.85, and 1.64, for emotional, social and general loneliness, respectively. Loneliness was associated twice with moderate SD, and more than twice with severe SD. Very severe SD reached OR:5.81 for emotional loneliness, OR:4.38 social loneliness and OR:4.02 general loneliness. In the presence of religiosity, fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, statistical significance was retained for associations, except intense SD with general loneliness. Conclusions: SD were significantly associated with loneliness in our study population. It is important to assess sleep quality and perception of loneliness in middle-aged women, especially during periods of quarantine due to a pandemic to avoid health implications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kessete Ayelgn ◽  
Tadesse Guadu ◽  
Atalay Getachew

Abstract Background Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. Objective To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Method A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1–9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5–13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5–8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Yue ◽  
Yang Luo ◽  
Chen Xu ◽  
Si Qin ◽  
Yanting Meng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The use of reproductive health (RH) services is important to promote RH. However, little is known about RH services in rural areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries. China is the most populous country in the world, and 40.4% of its population is rural. Our study determined the utilization of and factors associated with RH services in rural China. Methods A cross-sectional study of 978 20- to 39-year-old women was performed in four villages of four cities in Hunan Province. A researcher-created structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were entered into EpiData v3.0 and analysed using SPSS v18.0. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided P-value of less than 0.05. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the socio-demographic factors and the use of RH services by the sample population. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors that correlated with the use of RH services. Results The top three services used were antenatal examinations (90.2%), postpartum visits (73.0%) and free folic acid supplements (71.6%). Age, monthly household income, employment, spousal education level, and artificial abortion history were associated with RH service utilization (P < 0.05). The most desired RH service was cervical/breast cancer prevention services (58.9%). The most preferred method participants used to obtain information on RH services was the internet. Conclusions The utilization rate for RH services in rural China needs improvement. Future efforts should target high-risk populations of women by providing them with RH-related information and cultivating positive attitudes towards RH services.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Dr. Padma K Bhat ◽  
Dr. Sushma S G ◽  
Dr. Jayachandra M Y

Background: Tobacco use is so addictive among youth and is one of the global epidemics which require constant monitoring and timely appropriate action to prevent usage. School personnel play one of the main roles in taking appropriate action. Aim: To assess knowledge and attitude of tobacco use pattern among school personnel in Bangalore city. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months from May to October 2017. Stratified cluster sampling was done to include the government and English medium schools in Bangalore south. All the school personnel in the selected schools were eligible to participate. The data collection tool was GSPS questionnaire (WHO FCTC Tobacco Control). Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test was used to demonstrate cross tabulation with confidence intervals. Significance level of 0.05 was considered for statistical analyses Results : Majority of both Kannada and English medium school personnel did not use any forms of tobacco. Both the English and Kannada medium school personnel were aware of the addictive effect of tobacco, but majority of the Kannada medium personnel said second hand smoke is not harmful as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Tobacco use among school personnel was low. Most of the school personnel were informed about the addictive nature of tobacco.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (28) ◽  
pp. 2484-2488
Author(s):  
Umesh G ◽  
Asokan T.V. ◽  
Roselin V ◽  
Sri Santhanakrishnan V V

BACKGROUND Stigma experienced by caregivers of patients with mental illnesses remains unnoticed. This study was conducted to evaluate the stigma perceived by the care givers of patients with various mental illnesses and the factors associated with stigma. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among the care givers of patients with mental illnesses who accompanied the patients to the outpatient department (OPD) of Psychiatry in Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, from January 2017 to March 2017. A total of hundred care givers were included in the study. All care givers aged between 18 - 50 years of age in both sexes were included in the study. Care givers of substance abuse cases were excluded from the study. A total of hundred care givers with fifty care givers of neurosis patients and another fifty care givers of psychosis were included in the study. Family interview schedule (FIS) stigma scale was used to assess the stigma perceived by care givers. Data was entered in Microsoft excel and data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17. RESULTS Mean perceived stigma score was 12.27 ± 9.43. High, low and zero stigma was noted among 44 %, 36 % and 20 % of care givers, respectively. Also, it was found that care givers of psychosis patients had more stigma than the care givers of neurosis patients (P = 0.0008). Statistically significant association was found between patient’s duration of illness (P = 0.003), patient’s diagnosis (P = 0.000) and care givers burden (P = 0.000) with severity of stigma perceived by the care givers. CONCLUSIONS Proportion of stigma prevailing among the care givers is high and it depicts only the cases which were reported to the health care center, whereas a larger proportion of cases remains not seeking the health care. An early intervention by conducting routine assessments of the mental status of caregivers is necessary. KEYWORDS Stigma, Care Givers, Mental Illnesses, Family Interview Schedule


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 3241-3243
Author(s):  
Azhar Hussain ◽  
Mehwish Iftikhar ◽  
Amna Rizvi ◽  
Muhammad Latif ◽  
Muhammad Javed Ahmed ◽  
...  

Background: SARS-CoV-2 principally invades the respiratory system. ACE receptor are also abundant throughout the hepatobiliary system and their increased expression on hepatocyte make patients with NAFLD more vulnerable. Aim: To see outcomes of COVID positive diabetic patients suffering from Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Study design: Cross Sectional Study. Methodology: 150 diabetic and COVID PCR positive were recruited from COVID ward of Services Hospital in Lahore. Clinical parameters like BMI, SpO2, Hepatomegaly and lab parameters like HbA1C, AST ALT were noted in spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v.25. Statistical significance for difference in proportions is calculated using Pearson’s Chi-Squared test. P less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Around 84(56%) were males and 66(44%) females, smoked were 27(18%), mean age (years) was 59.7333 ±11.35023, mean BMI (kg/m²) was 30.1425±7.30673, 87(58%) patients had NAFLD, who experienced sever disease (53.2%; x^2=0.010) and more mortalities (60.2%;x^2=0.453) as compared to those who do not had condition. Conclusion: We concluded that NAFLD makes COVID-19 infected patients more fragile. Such patients experienced sever disease and more mortalities however need of mechanical ventilation remains almost equal between those who has NAFLD and those who didn’t had. Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, COVID-19, Diabetes, Mortality and Severity.


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