Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and chronic renal failure. HTN affects about 1 billion people globally; by 2025, up to 1.58 billion adults worldwide are likely to suffer from complications of HTN. This study was done to know the diet and physical activity patterns and HTN among the population of three districts of Western Rajasthan. Objectives: To study the dietary and physical activity patterns among the population of Western Rajasthan. and to compare key findings among three districts Pali, Jodhpur and Barmer so that lifestyle changes can be recommended. Methods: A case-control study was done among attendees of NCD clinics of tertiary-level centers in Pali, Barmer and Jodhpur. Hospital Controls were matched to age (± 5 years) and gender Considering the prevalence of HTN to be 20%*, the proportion of exposure in the general population as 0.2, odds ratio to be 2.2, power =80%, alpha=5% sample size is estimated to be 102 cases & 102 controls (from each district). Results: Overall being married (OR= 3.3), having diabetes Cardiac disease (OR= 2.6), excessive salt consumption (OR= 2.7), moderate physical exercise less than 30 minutes (OR=1.9), using oil other than vegetable oil(OR=1.8) , Age >?60 years (OR =1.4) were the key risk factors. It was found that high BMI (BMI>27), consumption of non-vegetable oils (12.7%) was highest in Jodhpur, lack of moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes (81%), lack of sports activity (92%) was highest in Pali, least number of days/week of fruits and vegetables consumption (~1.64 days) was seen in Barmer. Conclusions: Change in quantity of salt consumption and incorporation of moderate physical exercise for >30 minutes was most followed in control of HTN among the attendees of NCD Clinics from the multiple advise given.

Introduction: In India, even today regressive socio-cultural norms pertaining to menstruation continue to thrive in many parts. The government in Rajasthan has been distributing sanitary napkins to girls in the age group 10-19 years through the Education & ICDS department since 2018. This study assesses utilization and acceptance of the sanitary pads distributed frees of cost among adolescents and at a nominal rate to women and identifies the challenges in observing menstrual hygiene practices in semi arid areas. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 15-45 years in six urban wards and six sub- centre villages under the Rural Health and training Centre(RHTC) Gundoj. Keeping power of study at 80% adding the 10% non-response, 50% prevalence for hygienic menstrual practices, a sample size of 384 participants was taken, 192 each from rural and urban areas with 50% of the participants being school going girls. Results: Among school going participants 184 ( 95.8%) in urban areas and 169(88%) were utilizing the free sanitary pads distributed in schools, rest used locally purchased “red cloth”. Average level of hygiene practices was comparatively more among urban participants 173(90%) than rural women 77(40.1%) (p value<0.05).During menstruation performing religious activities, doing idol worship, eating and drinking water with family was taboo among 92% of both urban and rural respondents. Conclusion: Distribution of sanitary pads in schools is a successful intervention in Pali District. However, knowledge of healthy menstrual hygiene practices was low (23%) among rural women. Disposal of used pads and attitude towards social taboos need to be addressed in the rural areas of the district with better convergence between Education, ICDS and Health department for advocacy of healthy menstrual hygiene practices.