Background:Trends in morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are rising because of poor control status. Medication nonadherence is one of the most common and modifiable causes of inadequate control status.Objectives:To determine the prevalence of drug adherence among patients with NCD in rural Puducherry.Methods:A facility-based cross-sectional study was done among 260 patients with NCD receiving treatment from rural primary health center in Puducherry during February and March 2018. Information regarding sociodemographic profile and household was collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was done to assess the adherence. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to identify the factors associated with medication adherence.Results:Among the 260 participants, 42.7% belonged to elderly age group; 66.2% were females; 44% did not have any formal education; 70% were unemployed. The majority were suffering from hypertension (71.2%) followed by diabetes (56.2%). This study found that almost one-third (32.7%) of the study participants were not properly adherent to medications. Elderly [aPR 2.51 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70–3.70] and female participants (aPR 1.64 95% CI: 1.04–2.58) were found to have more chance being nonadherent to medications after adjusting for possible confounding variables.Conclusion:This study reported that almost one-third of the study participants were nonadherent to medications. Elderly age group and female gender were found to be the determinants of nonadherence. Corrective measures need to be started at patient level first by motivating and educating them regarding the importance of drug intake.

Background Anaemia is a global health problem and an important cause of morbidity in all age groups, especially among women and children. Various programmes have been implemented to combat anaemia in India and National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) is the latest programme to be implemented. Aim To ascertain the proportion of reproductive age women receiving iron supplementation under the NIPI and assess the compliance and factors hindering the implementation and compliance of the programme. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) during November 2017. The participants were interviewed at their household using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information on socio-demographic details, whether they were receiving iron supplements and compliance to the programme. Results Out of 302 study participants, only 138 (45.7%) were found to be receiving the supplements under the NIPI. The major source of iron supplementation was various health facilities (69.4%). Of those not receiving the tablets, 96.3% were non-pregnant non-lactating women. The proportion of study participants receiving iron supplementation through house visits by auxiliary nurse mid-wives (ANMs) was only 1.45%. Of the 138 women receiving supplementation, 85 (61%) were compliant with their medication. Compliance also tended to be higher among pregnant and lactating women. The most important reasons for non-compliance were adverse effects and forgetfulness. The presence of regular house visits by ANMs had a significant association with reception of tablets [prevalence ratio (PR)–1.43]. Pregnant women had a significant association with both reception (PR–2.19) and compliance (PR–1.8) with iron supplementation. Conclusion The current NIPI programme needs to be regularly evaluated to ensure its effective implementation. Importance should be given to non-pregnant non-lactating women to increase coverage among them.

ObjectivesPolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolic and reproductive disorders among women of reproductive age. In low income and developing countries like India, there are very high chances of developing PCOS due to marked variation between culture, ethnic groups, diet, lifestyle and genetic factors. This study aims to determine the burden of probable PCOS among college going students in Puducherry.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out among students aged 18 years and above in a Government College for Women located in urban Puducherry. A total of 610 students were selected through a cluster random sampling technique. A pretested validated proforma was administered after obtaining informed consent.Results25.1% (21.8–28.7) of women were having probable PCOS, 18.7% (15.8–22.0) had irregular menstrual history, 8.4% (6.4–10.8) had Hirsutism and 2% (1.8–3.3) had both the symptoms. Regarding food habits, 43.1% were vegetarians and were having probable PCOS and this association was found to be statistically significant. No significant association was found between prevalence of probable PCOS and factors such as higher age, parental income, higher BMI and physical inactivity.ConclusionsThe present study found a high prevalence of probable PCOS among college going students, especially among study respondents who were obese, physically inactive and vegetarians compared to the counterpart. Earlier detection and proper management of the symptoms can avoid some major co-morbidity in the future. Therefore, screening is an important part in the diagnosis and management of PCOS among adolescent girls.

In India, out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on health care services has been showing an increasing trend. The cost and willingness to pay determines the use of facility-based maternal health services. Hence, the current study was done to find the costs and determinants of OOP payments on childbirth care in India. We analyzed the most recent National Family Health Survey-4 data (NFHS-4) gathered from the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) program. Stratification and clustering in the sample design were accounted for by using the "svyset" command. Out of 43 507 women, 26 916 (61.9%) had incurred OOP expenditure during their most recent institutional delivery. The average OOP expenditure for delivery care was INR 5985 ($93.3) with median cost being INR 1000 ($15.6). About 80% of women who had OOP expenditure reported that they handled the financial situation by utilizing the money in their bank/savings account. Determinants of OOP expenses were the age of mother, education, religion, state of residence, number of antenatal visits place of delivery, and mode of delivery (P < .05). Out-of-pocket expenditure for accessing care is one of the key determinants of service utilization which, if not

A BSTRACT Background and Aim: Family support is one of the most crucial components of cancer care. The familial beliefs and myths associated with cancer can seriously affect the quality of life and treatment outcome of cancer patients. This study intends to explore the prevailing myths, beliefs, and attitude toward cancer among the family caregivers of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A community-based, exploratory, mixed-method study was conducted among family caregivers of cancer patients in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Content analysis method was used for in-depth interviews. Sociodemographic characteristics and attitude of the study participants were described using proportions. Results: A common myth about causation of cancer was that it was contagious or of infective origin. Disbelief in tobacco’s causation of cancer was found among the study participants. Family members’ support was viewed as an essential component for cancer patients. Majority of the participants in the quantitative survey showed favorable attitude toward cancer patients. The common misconception about cancer treatment was that surgery/biopsy can spread cancer and herbal products can cure cancer. Conclusion: Even though a majority of the participants showed favorable attitude toward their cancer patients, false beliefs and myths regarding causation and treatment of cancer are prevalent in the community.