Background:As more people are utilizing smartphones, nomophobia is also on the rise. Several Indian studies have revealed nomophobia among young adults. The severity of nomophobia and related behaviors is underrated and often go unnoticed in India.Methods:The sociodemographic characteristics, smartphone usage pattern, and perceived ill-health related to smartphone usage of the participants were obtained using a semistructured questionnaire. Twenty-item Nomophobia questionnaire was used to assess nomophobia. In-depth interviews were conducted among students with moderate and severe nomophobia scores.Results:Among the 774 participants, 23.5% had severe nomophobia scores. Older age, male gender, duration and frequency of smartphone usage, use for social networking, checking without reason, and checking smartphone after waking up in the morning were significantly associated with nomophobia. The in-depth interview showed attributes of addiction among the students, like dependency and compulsive behavior. Students also experienced anxiety and frustration when they had to part with their smartphones.Conclusion:A sizable minority of the students had signs of severe nomophobia, distinct patterns of usage, and misperceptions regarding health and their usage pattern.

Background and aims COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures to contain it have affected health care services globally. This study aims to assess the effect and urban-rural differences of COVID19 pandemic on diabetes care. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among persons with diabetes (PWDs) registered for care at a diabetes clinic of a tertiary care center in Southern India. We collected following information by telephonic interviews: physician consultations, access to diabetes medications and blood sugar tests, use of telemedicine services, out of pocket expenditure and psychological morbidity. Results A total of 350 PWDs were interviewed. Majority were male (78%) and from rural areas (79%). One fourth (24%) met any physician for diabetes care at least once during lockdown. PWDs from rural areas mainly consulted a physician in a private clinic (55%) compared to urban areas (26%). Two third (65%) availed medications from private medical shops. Almost half (46%) got their blood sugar tested during and majority of them (81%) reported unsatisfactory glycemic control. Only few (5%) was aware and three utilized telemedicine services. Almost all (99%) spent money (US $ 8.3) for diabetes care. One third (33%) had moderate or high psychological distress. Conclusions Majority of PWDs did not consult a physician during lockdown. Cost of care was high. Measures to improve utilisation of telemedicine services and peripheral health facilities are needed.

Background As a mitigation measure for COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown was implemented in India for a period of 2 months (24 March–31 May 2020). Disruption in antenatal care (ANC) provisions during lockdown is expected due to diversion of public health facilities on pandemic. Objective To assess the proportion of pregnant women who had not completed the ideal number of antenatal visits, availability of iron–folic acid (IFA) supplements and challenges in availing health services during the period of lockdown. Methods A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted among pregnant women in Puducherry, India. Information on obstetric characteristics and details regarding antenatal visits were collected through telephonic interviews. In-depth interviews were conducted to understand the perceived challenges in availing health services during the lockdown period. Results Out of 150 pregnant women, 62 [41.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 33.6–49.3] did not complete the ideal number of visits and 61 (40.7%, 95% CI 32.7–49.0) developed health problems. Out of 44 women who received medical care for health problems, 11 (25%) used teleconsultation. Of all the women, 13 (8.7%, 95% CI 4.9–14.0) had not taken the IFA supplements as prescribed by the health provider. Economic hardship, restricted mobility, lack of information about the health system changes and psychological stress due to the fear of COVID were the challenges in accessing care. Conclusions Two out of five pregnant women did not complete the ideal number of visits and developed health problems during the lockdown period.

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Background There is limited published literature on the impact of alcohol use among alcohol dependents and their family members. Objectives To find the factors associated with alcohol use and explore the impact of alcohol use on alcohol dependents and their family members. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 316 men aged above 18 years, and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among alcohol dependents and their family members. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used. Results The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 45.2 (15.1) years, and 276 of them (87.3%) were educated. The prevalence of alcohol use was found to be 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 32.8–43.4]. Older age [adjusted prevalence (APR) = 2.23 (95% CI = 1.17–4.27)], no formal education [APR = 1.20 (95% CI = 1.20–1.20)], rural residence [APR = 1.05 (95% CI = 1.05–1.05)], self-reported comorbidities [APR = 1.21 (95% CI = 1.21–1.21)], tobacco use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.98–2.97)] and individuals having a family history of alcohol use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.73–3.37)] were the factors associated with alcohol use. The family members of alcohol users suffer mainly mental, emotional and physical abuse. Abusive language used by the alcoholic father and family break-ups have an influence on children and in their schooling. Conclusions Prevalence of alcohol use in a low alcohol taxed region in India was high. The family members of alcohol users mainly suffer mental, emotional and physical abuse.

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ObjectivesWorld Health Organization (WHO) suggests intake of five servings (400 g) of fruits and vegetables (F&V) per day to ensure an adequate dietary fibre and to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. Risk factor survey of Non-Communicable Diseases (2007–08), reports that only 1% population in Tamil Nadu, South India consumed more than five servings a day. So we aimed to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education in improving the daily intake of fruit and vegetable servings and stage of behaviour change among college students.MethodsA pre-post intervention study was conducted among undergraduate students from two selected women’s colleges in urban Puducherry, South India during September–October 2019. The two English departments were randomly allocated into intervention group (IG), control group (CG) and 75 students in each group were chosen by systematic random sampling. IG received 30 min of nutrition education programme; which includes importance and minimum daily intake of fruits & vegetables, local availability, cost and awareness about myths and misconceptions. CG received pamphlets regarding healthy dietary intake. Knowledge regarding portion sizes, average daily servings of fruit & vegetable intake and stage of behaviour change were assessed at baseline and after one month of intervention.ResultsThere was a significant increase in knowledge regarding portion sizes (28– 64%) after intervention in IG (p<0.001) compared to CG (24– 40%). The knowledge regarding the required number of servings of fruits (27–56%) and vegetables (15–58%) also increased significantly (p<0.001) in the IG. Intake of fruits, vegetables and juices in the last 24 h were significantly increased in IG compared to CG (p<0.001). There was a significant increase (p=0.002) in contemplation and preparation stage (13–34%) in IG after intervention.ConclusionsA well designed nutrition education programme is an effective tool in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents. It enabled a significant increase in knowledge regarding portion sizes of F&V and daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

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