Background:
Physical inactivity is one of the critical risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases. In Kerala, the life expectancy of doctors who are considered the gatekeepers of health was found to be 13 years lower than the general population.
Objective:
The objective was to identify the motivators and barriers for physical activity among doctors and nurses belonging to public and private health-care sectors in Ernakulam district.
Methodology:
Qualitative study was conducted using a grounded theory approach. A total of 30 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions were conducted among doctors and nurses, respectively. The audio-recorded data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed.
Results:
The main themes identified were motivators, barriers, and future considerations for physical activity. The factors motivating doctors were the fear of noncommunicable diseases and to stay fit, while the nurses were more concerned about their body image. The common barriers were gender, lack of time, laziness, bad climate, and safety issues. Overreliance on medication and prioritizing their patients' health over their own were additional barriers.
Conclusion:
Physical activity among doctors and nurses is severely compromised. Provision of a favorable environment and behavior change is needed to combat the silent epidemic of physical inactivity.
Background: As per Census 2011, nearly 104 million people in India are above the age of 60 years. While in Kerala, 12.6 % of the population is elderly. The government of India has launched various social security schemes and concessions for the elderly. Hence, objective of this research is to study the awareness & utilization of social security measures. It also aimed to understand the motivators & barriers for utilization of social security measures among the elderly.
Methodology: A qualitative study was carried out in 5 geriatric care centres in the 65th division of Kochi. 7 FGDs were conducted in each of the geriatric clubs and 7 In-depth interviews were conducted among the Anganwadi workers, medical officers, public health workers, and welfare officers. The data was translated, transcribed, Coded, thematically analysed and conclusions were drawn after data triangulation.
Results: The awareness & utilization of various social security measures were found to be poor among the elderly. This was attributed to the lack of awareness among the community level workers regarding same. Pensions, railway concessions, and vayomitram project were the most popular schemes. Financial security among the pensioners through the schemes was a major motivator. While, the lack of awareness regarding the schemes and delay in processing the applications were the barriers identified.
Conclusion: Proper channelization of knowledge is important for the awareness generation among elderly and community level workers. This can further lead to effective utilization of the benefits provided.
Background: Menstruation is associated with taboos and socio-cultural restrictions. The social and cultural significance of menstruation interacts with the physiological process to produce culturally determined norms and practices. This study was conducted among young females aged 15-35 years from urban slums of Kochi, India. The objective was to assess prevalence, factors, and patterns of restrictions faced by young females during menstruation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 young females in three urban slums of Kochi. A pre-formed pretested questionnaire was used. Data were analysed statistically by simple proportions.Results: Only 8.8% young females felt they had restrictions during menstruation but when asked in detail 88% had socio-religious restrictions. Source for restrictions was traditionally followed patterns 60.8%, patterns taught by elderly mainly mother or mother in law 11.2% and self-imposed restrictions 28%. Reasons for restriction are that 14.4% considered it was good and give rest to the body, 8% women think they are unclean and 57.6% women fear to disobey religious restrictions. 77.6% of Women felt these restrictions are necessary and 40.8% felt restrictions do not need change. Out of 22.4% who felt religious restrictions were unnecessary only 1.6% were affected by religious restrictions.Conclusions: Only a few (8.8%) felt they had restrictions and more than two-third had restrictions (88%) and felt these restrictions are necessary (77.6%). This paper explains restrictions practiced and the origin of such restrictions during menstruation. The key issues identified from the community will be an asset to combat restrictions.
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