Background: India ranks 4th in terms of size of the elderly population. An exceptional increase in geriatrics, nuclear families, changes in psychosocial values often compel this segment of society to live alone which increase vulnerability to mental health problems such as depression. Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression in elderly population residing in old age homes. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study, carried out at 10 randomly selected old age homes in Mysuru. The inhabitants who are willing to participate, above 50 years of age were included and the survey was conducted using MDI questionnaires, and scores were allotted and analyzed. Result: out of 187 subjects, 27.80% [n=52] of the subjects were found to be having depression according to the MDI scoring. Majority [n=27, 51.92%] were affected with mild depression followed by moderate [n=19, 36.53%] and severe depressive disorder [n=6, 11.53%]. Females [57.69%, n=30] were at higher risk of developing depression than males [n=22, 42.30%]. Sleep disturbance (p-value=0.000114), diet (p-value=0.0026217) was found to be statistically significant risk factor for depression in elderly population. Interpretation and Conclusion: the study shows that 27.80% of the inhabitants of old age homes were suffering from a psychiatric disorder. Hence, more schemes and awareness programs need to be conducted through various campaigns, by providing counseling aids, uniform health checkups, and strict regulations for the need for atleast one permanent HCP in old age homes must be carried out. Keywords: Depression, elderly population, prevalence, risk factors.

Awareness about the Hepatitis B is less addressed in the Indian settings even though hepatitis seems to be a serious public health problem. Objective to assess the Hepatitis B adult vaccination status among the patients of a medical college teaching hospital and to check the proportion of patientsaffected with Hepatitis B. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out over a period of six months at inpatients general medicine department. Patients of adult age group (18 -59years) of both genders were included.Patient interview was done using Twelve structured questions for assessing the awareness about hepatitis B and vaccination status. Out of 82 patients interviewed demographic details shows equal number males and females [50%] with an average age group of40yrs. The proportion of hepatitis B was found to be 3.68% with male predominance. Majority of patients were found to be not vaccinated (n=70, 85.36%) and even awareness about hepatitis B infection as also very minimal among them. Poor educational status (p-value=0.0425) shows statistically significant association withlower vaccination status scores. Implementation of proper public awareness program and foster proper screening campaigns can resolve the current scenario of deprived vaccination status in India toa greater extent.

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diverse illnesses that often show hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance via insulin shortage, insulin impairment or both (Sicree et al., 2006). These difficulties occur due to disruptions in regulation systems controlling the storage and movement of metabolic fuels, including carbohydrate, lipid and protein catabolism and anabolism, induced by poor insulin production, insulin activity or both (Shillitoe, 1988; Votey and Peters, 2004). With more than 62 million diabetics already diagnosed in India, the situation of a potential pandemic is approaching fast.