Elder abuse and neglect is a problem that occurs across all settings and all populations. Elder abuse has many forms, such as abandonment, emotional or psychological abuse, financial or material exploitation, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. We conducted this research to determine the prevalence of various types of abuse and neglect and their associated factors among elderly patients attending the urban and rural geriatric clinics at a medical college hospital in Bangalore, India. A total of 200 elderly patients participated in the study. The overall prevalence of elder abuse or neglect was 32 (16%), comprised of: verbal abuse in 25 (12.5%); neglect in 22 (11%); financial abuse in 17 (8.5%); and physical abuse in 3 (1.5%). Hence, many elderly patients had experienced multiple forms of abuse. There was statistically significant association between elder abuse and total financial dependence, lack of social support, and depression among the elderly patients.

INTRODUCTIONNutrition plays a quintessential role with regard to maternal and child health. However, this aspect is inevitably interlinked to perceived notions and beliefs with regard to food to be consumed by pregnant and lactating women. Studies have also shown existence of practices and beliefs like denying pregnant and lactating women of known nutritious food items owing to their traditional food habits. [1][2][3] In India most food practices and traditions have stemmed from deeply rooted traditions and customs. These food practices can be attributed to malnutrition, which in turn is linked to poverty, food insecurity, unhygienic practices and traditional beliefs. 4 Beliefs are crucial in the acceptance, rejection and promotion of certain food items. These beliefs are the products of social interactions and faith which are entrenched in the minds of the community. Many of these food practices arise from the ignorance about the nutritive value of food. Most often certain cultural beliefs and practices concerning food items are due to ignorance. ABSTRACTBackground: Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly vulnerable are the rural women in a rural setting. A lactating mother"s nutritional requirement should meet needs of self and that of an infant. In most rural communities this situation is further complicated by food taboos, consequently either adding to or leading to additional negative balance of nutrients. Aims: To assess the food practices and beliefs during pregnancy and lactation among women residing in a rural area of Bangalore urban district. Methods: Study was conducted during the period of January to March 2014 among the women residing under the Sarjapur PHC, Bangalore. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in Depth Interviews (IDIs). Thematic frame work approach was used for data analysis. Results: A total of four FGDs and twelve IDIs were conducted. Good practices included consuming green leafy vegetables, rice, bread, jowar, meat, egg and fruits like apple and mosambi. The practices which may potentially harm the health included avoidance of food items like ragi, papaya, mango and guava during pregnancy and reduced water consumption during the post natal period. Beliefs like "casting an evil eye" or "colour of the baby" had an influence on the food given to antenatal mother. Conclusions: The study found numerous food items which are nutritious and safe and available locally either restricted or denied thus making women (pregnant and lactating) and infants vulnerable. There is need for health education programs in rural areas regarding nutrition which will in turn improve the maternal and child health.

Background: Nursing binds human society with a bond of care and affection. Nurses are often the first healthcare professional that patients meet. Quality of care for patients is strongly linked to the performance of the nursing staff. If the mental health status of these nurses is troubled, then they will not be able to give their full attention to this demanding task. Nowadays, all efforts to fight health workers’ illnesses are extremely important. This descriptive cross-sectional study will give us knowledge regarding the anxiety and depression status among nurses and give the nursing staff an opportunity to express their difficulty in professional life working in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Objective of this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital and to assess the correlation between various factors influencing the level of anxiety and depression among nurses.Methods: Nurses were selected by simple random sampling till the sample size was obtained. A standardised questionnaire was handed over to the participants to collect relevant data and was assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) and analysed using SPSS software.Results: The participants consist of 120 nurses. The study gives frequencies of nurses with anxiety as 48(40%) and depression as 43(35.8%). There does not exist any significant correlation of anxiety and depression with various factors influencing them.Conclusions: Anxiety and depression levels are increased in the younger and less experienced nurses. Thereafter, interventions can be planned to improve the quality of work-life of nurses that can improve patient care and in turn benefit the society.

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