Introduction: Natural rubber latex (NRL) is processed from Hevea brasiliensis trees. Allergic reactions to certain proteins in the latex manifest as immediate hypersensitivity reactions and allergic reactions to chemicals added to latex during processing manifest as allergic contact dermatitis. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing latex allergies. As little data is available from India, this study was directed toward identifying the prevalence of latex glove-related dermatoses among nurses and the factors leading to it. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among nurses in a private tertiary care hospital. Results: A total of 700 nurses were included in the study. Symptoms of latex allergy were present in 74 (10.6%) of study subjects, out of which 69 (9.9%) had features of contact dermatitis. Patch test was done in 50 subjects and was positive in 12 (24%); among them, patch test antigens were positive in 9 (18%) and a positive result to glove piece was seen in 3 subjects. Conclusions: Latex allergy in India is a significant problem; though lesser compared to western countries, its prevalence necessitates the development of pre-employment protocols to avoid workplace morbidity.

Background: Eating disorders are one of the most under-recognised psychiatric conditions which can lead to considerable morbidity. With their high workloads, academic pressure, and peer influence, medical students may be more likely to develop eating disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of eating disorders among medical students in a college in Kerala. It was also planned to find its association with body shape concerns, depression, anxiety and stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 472 undergraduate medical students and interns at a medical college in Kerala. Socio-demographic proforma, Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Body Shape Questionnaire-8C (vBSQ-8C), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21(DASS-21)-were administered after obtaining informed written consent. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-square test and Pearson correlation. Results: The prevalence of risk of eating disorders among medical students was 19.1%. Depression, anxiety and stress were significantly associated with the risk of eating disorders (p=0.034, p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the risk of eating disorders, body shape concerns and body mass index (p=0.001). Conclusion: A considerable risk of eating disorders was noted among medical students in Kerala. Body shape concerns and symptoms suggestive of depression, anxiety, and stress showed a significant association with the risk of eating disorders. Increased awareness and early identification can help institute timely interventions.

Background: Intimate partner violence is a global phenomenon with 30% of women having faced physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime. Rural women with poor access to health services and counselling, often suffer in silence. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy has a negative effect on maternal and foetal outcomes. The aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence among pregnant women availing antenatal care services in a rural area of South India in current pregnancy and in the past 12 months, and to study the various socio-demographic factors associated with intimate partner violence.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among antenatal women availing services at a rural maternity hospital, using a questionnaire based on NFHS-3, to document physical, emotional and sexual domains of intimate partner violence.Results: Among 150 pregnant women aged 18-29 years, the prevalence of any form of intimate partner violence was 30.7% in the past 12 months before pregnancy (physical 10.7%, sexual 2%, and emotional 26%), and 2.7%. in current pregnancy. Lower educational status of husband and wife, history of alcohol consumption, tobacco usage and unplanned pregnancy were all significantly associated with increased intimate partner violence.Conclusions: Routine antenatal care provides an opportunity to screen women for intimate partner violence, especially those with risk factors like lower level of education, unplanned pregnancy as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption by the husband, which were found to be significantly associated with intimate partner violence in our study.

Context:Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are influenced by factors acting at all stages of life. Healthy lifestyle practices among adolescents and youth are crucial in preventing CVDs in the later years. Many barriers prevent young people from practicing healthy lifestyles.Aims:The aim of this study is to identify barriers to healthy lifestyle among college-going students in Bengaluru Urban District.Settings and Design:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 722 students aged 15–25 years, in a degree college in Bengaluru Urban district.Subjects and Methods:A structured interview schedule with good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.887), consisting of 50 questions scored on a 5-point Likert scale with five domains (diet, physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and stress) was administered. The total score was classified into high-, moderate-, and low-barrier categories using percentiles. The barrier score for each domain and for each individual question was computed by multiplying the weight of the responses by their frequencies.Statistical Analysis Used:Barriers to healthy lifestyle and its association with sociodemographic variables were analyzed using inferential statistics such as t-test and ANOVA. Significant factors were entered into a multiple linear regression model.Results:The domain of stress emerged as the topmost barrier followed by diet. The main factors responsible for stress among college students were examinations (74.9%), long hours of the study (71.1%), and lack of time (69.6%).Conclusions:Barriers to healthy lifestyle are common among adolescents and youth. The topmost barriers identified were stress- and diet-related barriers.